After criticizing Jan Blachowicz, Daniel Cormier surrenders to the new champion: 'Inspiration for the new generation'

D. Cormier (left) praises J. Blachowicz (right). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The surprising victory of Jan Blachowicz about Dominick reyes, UFC 253, seems to have changed the opinion of Daniel Cormier about Polish. Previously, 'DC' had said that the slowness of the newest light heavyweight champion (93kg) would be the main factor in his downfall, but he redeemed himself by praising his achievement.

At the pre-UFC Ilha da Luta 6 press conference, which will be held this Saturday (17), in Abu Dhabi, the organization's former champion and current commentator praised Blachowicz, believes that he deserves to be respected and that his comeback should serve as an inspiration for a new generation of MMA fighters.

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“Blachowicz is a good fighter and his achievement is inspiring. He must motivate a whole new crop of fighters to let them know the top is not out of reach. We've already seen Blachowicz lose, but he continued to believe in himself and his team, and now, he's the UFC light heavyweight champion. There is no asterisk. Jones left the division, he won the belt and deserves to be respected. I'm excited to see what happens at light heavyweight because Jones and I have dominated it for a decade. Only we had the belt! We’ll see if he starts changing hands like a hot potato or if someone can hold on,” Cormier said.

'DC' also recalled the quick discussion he had with the same Blachowicz on social media and, despite understanding each other, he informed that he will continue to be sincere when giving his opinion.

“It's crazy, because if I say something, Blachowicz will respond. Suddenly I became an easy target. I retired and several fighters are attacking me. I praised Blachowicz for beating Reyes, I thought he was fantastic, but I also speak the truth and he didn't like it very much. Blachowicz wanted me to fight him, but I'm 41 years old and I just retired,” he concluded.

Daniel Cormier, 41 years old, last played in August 2020, when he was defeated by Stipe Miocic in the trilogy valid for the heavyweight belt (120,2kg). After the setback, 'DC' retired and focused on his career as a commentator, flirting with a possible move to WWE.

At 37, Jan Blachowicz knocked out the favorite Dominick reyes, in the second round, and became UFC light heavyweight champion, after a turbulent start in the organization. It is worth remembering that, in 2017, the Pole was almost cut due to a record of four defeats in six fights. However, 'Prince of Cieszyn' didn't give up, he persevered and reached the highest place in the category.