Edmonton — UFC colour commentator Daniel Cormier knows a thing or two about being a double-champ in the UFC.
“DC” won both light heavyweight and heavyweight gold in the company during his fighting career, becoming one of the few fighters to hold two titles in the UFC simultaneously. Now retired, Cormier has a unique perspective and insight into what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of MMA— and he’ll get to witness Rose Namajunas attempt to follow in his footsteps, with another step in that journey coming Saturday.
Namajunas is already a two-time champ at strawweight (and who can forget Cormer’s “Thug Rose! Thug Rose!” call when she won the belt). It’s flyweight gold she now chases, and a big win against Erin Blanchfield at UFC Edmonton could put her second in line for the title.
First should be Manon Fiorot, believes Cormier. The French flyweight holds wins over both Namajunas and Blanchfield.
“I think that Manon Fiorot needs to fight for the belt next, I think she’s earned that, she’s beaten everybody. She deserves a championship opportunity,” Cormier told Cageside Press during a Commentator Q&A at the Edmonton Expo Centre on Friday.
But, he added, a win “will put Rose on a short list of people fighting for the belt.”
“Look, she’s talented. But honestly I always say, winning a UFC championship, just one, is damn near impossible. So to have the ability to win more than one, it’s crazy. But Rose is that type of athlete that could potentially do that. But I think what’s most exciting is that we have these fighters in this division, and it just continues to get better and better.”
Cormier was also asked about the return of old rival Jon Jones, who will face Stipe Miocic in New York City atop UFC 309 next month.
“I actually spoke to Stipe last week a little bit. He’s in great spirits, big, strong, heavy as he’s been in a long time. And I think that Jon Jones seems as motivated as he’s been in a while. I think that it’s the type of fight that we all as fans of the sport love to see, and I truly believe that this is much more competitive than people think it is.”
Cormier estimated he’s spent between 60 and 90 minutes in the cage fighting Miocic and Jones through three fights with Stipe, and two with Jon Jones. “They both have very unique skill sets, very special, and it’s going to be a good fight,” he suggested. “And it’s deserving of headlining Madison Square Garden.”
Watch the full UFC Edmonton Commentator Q&A above.
