Daniel "DC" Cormier is not the most physically appealing champion in the UFC. The light heavyweight belt holder looks downright portly compared to some of the ripped champions he's faced - and defeated. Today, Cormier will weigh in ahead of his title fight vs. Alexander Gustafsson, a lithe challenger, and he'll fail the eye test in comparison.
Counting him out based on looks would be a mistake.
Daniel Cormier Denies Winning A Title Has "Changed Him"
Even Jon Jones, the former light heavyweight champion who handed Cormier his only loss in January, has commented on Cormier's appearance.
"I do respect that he's able to use his frame so successfully, being a short guy and thicker guy. When you look at him, his body type doesn't scream athlete. But he's been able to do some amazing things, both in the sport of wrestling and his MMA career. I think he can be somewhat of an inspiration for people who are built like him."
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Mixed martial arts has been dominated by fighters who excel at Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but Cormier's game is based on superior wrestling. He's been one of the top wrestlers in the world since college, and his bulky frame is ideal for wearing out opponents on the mat. He also used to campaign at heavyweight, but moved down a division to avoid having to take on close friend Cain Velasquez, who was the champ until earlier this year.
Cormier said that weight cutting used to be a major issue for him, but as he's gotten more mature as a fighter, it's less of a big deal.
"Because of the people I have around me, I'm more knowledgeable about how to actually make weight. Now I know that making weight is not limited to just the day or the week of the weigh-ins. Making weight starts a month, two months in advance, you have to prep your body for the harshness of the weight cut," Cormier said.
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