Daniel Cormier has had some time to reflect on his UFC 252 loss to Stipe Miocic. And now, he’s released his first statement since the fight, which saw Miocic move to 2-1 in the pair’s career series.
The fight is expected to be Cormier’s last (even if Dana White believes otherwise), bringing to an end a career that included a Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix title win, and championships at light heavyweight and heavyweight in the UFC.
“Thank you all for the love and support. Not what I wanted or expected but it is what it is,” Cormier wrote on his official Instagram account. “Congrats to [Stipe Miocic] on a fantastic fight, was an honor and pleasure to share the octagon with you for 50 minutes. Boy did we give ‘em a show everytime. To my team: I love you all to death, you’ve made so many sacrifices. I hope I made you guys proud. Salina and the kids: thank you for being my motivation. To all the fans: I love you so much. You guys push me to try and be great.”
Cormier also addressed UFC and promotion president Dana White, adding “I have loved every minute. Thank you for giving me the opportunity. Been a helluva ride, huh?”
Cormier (22-3, 1NC) lost a unanimous decision to rival Miocic at UFC 252, in a fight where both men had opportunities to finish the other. He was also the recipient of a nasty eye poke, something that has plagued the trilogy between the pair (Miocic himself was impacted earlier in the series).
A report by ESPN’s Ariel Helwani revealed that Cormier suffered a torn cornea, although for now doctors have elected to forgo surgery to see how the eye heals.
