Daniel Cormier Would Consider Move to 205 to Avoid Cain Velasquez
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Daniel Cormier Would Consider Move to 205 to Avoid Cain Velasquez
FastKnockout
10/20/11 2:58:02PM
Two-time Olympic wrestling team member and undefeated prospect Daniel Cormier vaulted himself into the upper-echelon of the heavyweight division in September after he demolished Brazilian giant Antonio Silva at the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. The shocking knockout victory extended Cormier's unblemished record to nine, creating talk that he may, in fact, fulfill a role as the next great heavyweight fighter. Fellow semifinalist Josh Barnett stands in his path of proving that theory for fans, but we won't find out until Cormier's hand heals, sometime in early 2012.
In the meantime, Cormier's teammate at American Kickboxing Academy, UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, prepares for his first title defense on the UFC's inaugural Fox card on November 12. As you would expect, a world-class wrestler like Cormier is one of Velasquez's primary training partners, making it inevitable that a question arise about Cormier and Velasquez ever fighting one another. Interestingly enough, Cormier told Yahoo!'s Dave Meltzer that it could happen if the money was right:
"It'll be a very difficult fight for us to do. It will have to be worth it to us financially. We share the same coaches and the same management team. We'd have to address this as a group, with [manager] Bob Cook, Javier. I don't want to be just a good fighter. I want to be the best in the world. I could be in line for a championship but if it came down to us, I'd much rather go to 205. That would eliminate a lot of things. We have a great thing going at AKA, to avoid a lot of negatives, to avoid people having to choose sides, I'd rather move to 205, maybe beat someone, and then face Jon Jones. I'd have to have that fight instead of Cain."
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In the meantime, Cormier's teammate at American Kickboxing Academy, UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, prepares for his first title defense on the UFC's inaugural Fox card on November 12. As you would expect, a world-class wrestler like Cormier is one of Velasquez's primary training partners, making it inevitable that a question arise about Cormier and Velasquez ever fighting one another. Interestingly enough, Cormier told Yahoo!'s Dave Meltzer that it could happen if the money was right:
"It'll be a very difficult fight for us to do. It will have to be worth it to us financially. We share the same coaches and the same management team. We'd have to address this as a group, with [manager] Bob Cook, Javier. I don't want to be just a good fighter. I want to be the best in the world. I could be in line for a championship but if it came down to us, I'd much rather go to 205. That would eliminate a lot of things. We have a great thing going at AKA, to avoid a lot of negatives, to avoid people having to choose sides, I'd rather move to 205, maybe beat someone, and then face Jon Jones. I'd have to have that fight instead of Cain."
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FastKnockout
10/20/11 3:06:21PM
I don't know how I feel about the thought of Cormier moving down. Speed and athleticism give him the edge in most of his fights, but that could disappear against guys his natural size. Basically the same issues Frankie Edgar might have if he chooses to move down to featherweight.
KungFuMaster
10/20/11 4:18:09PM
I am sure he will get signed by the ufc but he is getting ahead of himself here...Comier will not have to deal with that issue unless he wins a few consecutive fights while in the ufc. We are talking about maybe two years from now.
postman
10/20/11 4:25:48PM
Dumb move i know the goal is to be champ but winning fights is what makes money and there are so many more wins at hw for DC then there are at 205.
airkerma
10/20/11 5:21:08PM
Perhaps he should win a fight in the UFC before worrying about fighting the UFC HW champ.
Dberntson
10/20/11 5:51:02PM
He still has to beat Barnett if Im not mistaken. That's no guarantee. A loss to Barnett puts him a long ways out of the UFC title picture. A win, gets him into the UFC and in the middle of the line for a title shot. Lesnar/Allistar get the next shot - probably late spring. The next opening would be late summer early fall - which he would not be in the running for as a candidate. So best case scenario, he would need three dominate UFC wins before any title shot sometime mid/late 2013.
postman
10/20/11 6:53:02PM
Posted by Dberntson
He still has to beat Barnett if Im not mistaken. That's no guarantee. A loss to Barnett puts him a long ways out of the UFC title picture. A win, gets him into the UFC and in the middle of the line for a title shot. Lesnar/Allistar get the next shot - probably late spring. The next opening would be late summer early fall - which he would not be in the running for as a candidate. So best case scenario, he would need three dominate UFC wins before any title shot sometime mid/late 2013.
Oh i disagree he beats barney and he is getting the next shot after lesnar or overeem winner gets theirs. Who else would? Mir nog? Carwins on the shelf. Werdum would be behind daniel. He wins that fight and overeem lesnar or jds hass the belt i think he would be the last guy left and he just won a tough hw grand prix as a alternate.
KungFuMaster
10/20/11 9:59:50PM
Posted by postman
Posted by Dberntson
He still has to beat Barnett if Im not mistaken. That's no guarantee. A loss to Barnett puts him a long ways out of the UFC title picture. A win, gets him into the UFC and in the middle of the line for a title shot. Lesnar/Allistar get the next shot - probably late spring. The next opening would be late summer early fall - which he would not be in the running for as a candidate. So best case scenario, he would need three dominate UFC wins before any title shot sometime mid/late 2013.
Oh i disagree he beats barney and he is getting the next shot after lesnar or overeem winner gets theirs. Who else would? Mir nog? Carwins on the shelf. Werdum would be behind daniel. He wins that fight and overeem lesnar or jds hass the belt i think he would be the last guy left and he just won a tough hw grand prix as a alternate.
How significant is the Grand Prix title? Let us say Comier wins the Grand Prix - that only means he defeated two fighters. With Overeem exiting the GP tournament, the prestige in winning the tournament is somewhat diminished. An argument can be made for Mitrione getting the title shot if he beats Kongo which would bring Mitrione to an impeccable ufc record of 6 - 0. See where I am going? I feel Comier needs 2 wins against 2 solid ufc HWs before he should get the title shot.
prophecy033
10/20/11 10:11:09PM
I just wish these guys would suck it up and fight eachother. They all understand this is their career. Friends in other businesses compete with eachother then go out after work and have a beer. I understand the argument that they know eachothers secrets and whatnot but wouldn't that make you take your game to another level? Wouldn't pushing yourself to that level make for a better fight? I don't see what the big deal is actually
KungFuMaster
10/20/11 10:17:40PM
Posted by prophecy033
I just wish these guys would suck it up and fight eachother. They all understand this is their career. Friends in other businesses compete with eachother then go out after work and have a beer. I understand the argument that they know eachothers secrets and whatnot but wouldn't that make you take your game to another level? Wouldn't pushing yourself to that level make for a better fight? I don't see what the big deal is actually
I here you. I don't mind friends not wanting to fight friends but if a number one contender spot or a title is on the line, they should fight - otherwise, it creates a big mess. For any other bouts, I don't mind them avoiding each other. I wouldn't want to fight my friend if I did not have to...
quezocrema0032
10/20/11 11:59:20PM
The winner of the Grand prix (even this diminished Gp), would still be closing in on a title shot. With that being said D.C's comments aren't to out of place. I personally think the winner should fight the winner of Big nog vs Mir for next in line after Lesner /Reem
KungFuMaster
10/21/11 12:48:36AM
Posted by quezocrema0032
The winner of the Grand prix (even this diminished Gp), would still be closing in on a title shot. With that being said D.C's comments aren't to out of place. I personally think the winner should fight the winner of Big nog vs Mir for next in line after Lesner /Reem
Had Comier been there since the start of the tournament and won, I can see that you may have a point. As for Josh Barnett, if he wins, he will likely have to fight 2 top contenders before he receives his shot. Overeem is the Strike Force champion and did he get an immediate title shot? What makes Comier or Barnett anymore special than Overeem? If anything, they would be less special and would require more fights to earn their shots.
postman
10/21/11 9:50:30AM
Posted by KungFuMaster
Posted by quezocrema0032
The winner of the Grand prix (even this diminished Gp), would still be closing in on a title shot. With that being said D.C's comments aren't to out of place. I personally think the winner should fight the winner of Big nog vs Mir for next in line after Lesner /Reem
Had Comier been there since the start of the tournament and won, I can see that you may have a point. As for Josh Barnett, if he wins, he will likely have to fight 2 top contenders before he receives his shot. Overeem is the Strike Force champion and did he get an immediate title shot? What makes Comier or Barnett anymore special than Overeem? If anything, they would be less special and would require more fights to earn their shots.
All 3 of them have beat much better fighters then Meathead even if he beats Kongo. I like the winner of DC and Barney fighting the winner of Mir Nog
kingsmasher
10/21/11 10:42:30AM
I already said he is the only one who could test Jon Jones....Cormier wrestling is the best one to get inside and test Jones other than him nobody will...I already saw this move happen long ago cause I knew he was training with Cain 24/7...Hes the head wrestling coach at AKA....Id say those are pretty good credentials....He would beat Barnett but I bet the fight never happens...well in Strikeforce...
gartface
10/21/11 11:03:15AM
Posted by KungFuMaster
Had Comier been there since the start of the tournament and won, I can see that you may have a point. As for Josh Barnett, if he wins, he will likely have to fight 2 top contenders before he receives his shot. Overeem is the Strike Force champion and did he get an immediate title shot? What makes Comier or Barnett anymore special than Overeem? If anything, they would be less special and would require more fights to earn their shots.
He was originally in the tournament. He fought Jeff Monson as the alternate bout in case something happened to one of the main participants, and he filled his role. A win over Barnett would make it three wins in the tournament.
I don't think he's out of line at all making that statement about Cain. It's something that all AKA fighters discuss - avoiding fighting their teammates. Seeing Daniel Cormier at 205 would be weird though.
cowcatcher
10/21/11 11:06:45AM
If the drop in weight isn't safe(and losing all that water and then rehydrating would be hell on his kidneys) then he shouldn't make it. Personal safety should come before team allegiances in an individual sport. Could he give Bones a tough fight? Probably. Should he do it at the risk of his health? No way.
As far as where he is in the HW title picture goes, he's close-ish to a shot not only because of his wins, but because the field isn't overly crowded with contenders, especially guys that haven't had their shot at the title yet. A lot of the big names have already fought each other, so a new contender is something that makes sense when it comes to selling tickets and keeping the division fresh. They don't need trilogies to determine every title holder in every weight class.
As far as where he is in the HW title picture goes, he's close-ish to a shot not only because of his wins, but because the field isn't overly crowded with contenders, especially guys that haven't had their shot at the title yet. A lot of the big names have already fought each other, so a new contender is something that makes sense when it comes to selling tickets and keeping the division fresh. They don't need trilogies to determine every title holder in every weight class.
kingsmasher
10/21/11 11:30:36AM
Posted by FastKnockout
I don't know how I feel about the thought of Cormier moving down. Speed and athleticism give him the edge in most of his fights, but that could disappear against guys his natural size. Basically the same issues Frankie Edgar might have if he chooses to move down to featherweight.
Frankie will still rule if he moves down...His boxing skills would have Aldo in a stuper....Aldo is fast but hed be worried about takedowns and they dont call it the sweet science for nothing....
In all honesty I would bet Aldo hasnt faced anyone with half the boxing technique that Edgar has...With boxing is a science and Frankie is excellent at countering and head movement...Thats why its a science good boxers find the slightest nuance a fighter reacts to and makes adjustments...I just dont think Aldo has had the coaching and skill set to beat an actual good boxer...
KungFuMaster
10/21/11 11:49:28AM
Posted by postman
Posted by KungFuMaster
Posted by quezocrema0032
The winner of the Grand prix (even this diminished Gp), would still be closing in on a title shot. With that being said D.C's comments aren't to out of place. I personally think the winner should fight the winner of Big nog vs Mir for next in line after Lesner /Reem
Had Comier been there since the start of the tournament and won, I can see that you may have a point. As for Josh Barnett, if he wins, he will likely have to fight 2 top contenders before he receives his shot. Overeem is the Strike Force champion and did he get an immediate title shot? What makes Comier or Barnett anymore special than Overeem? If anything, they would be less special and would require more fights to earn their shots.
I like the winner of DC and Barney fighting the winner of Mir Nog
That is a good possibility but because the talent pool is limited in the HW division and many fighters are toe to toe ( in the sense of contendership ), I can see many different possible scenarios. You have Mitrione and Brwone closing in on a title shot. You have Mir closing in on a 3 win fight streak if he beats Nog. You have Comier coming from another org who will be undefeated if he defeats Barnett. You have Barnett who I think ( if he wins the GP ) will want an immediate title shot.
After a bit of analysis, I would place Comier, Mitrione, and Brwone in one slot. If Comier wins the GP, I would pit him against either Mitrione or Browne (Assuming both go undefeated ) and then against a top contender - which in this weak division could be anyone but preferably a fighter with a 2 fight win streak.
Damn, this HW division is a mess.
kingsmasher
10/21/11 12:01:17PM
Posted by KungFuMaster
Posted by postman
Posted by KungFuMaster
Posted by quezocrema0032
The winner of the Grand prix (even this diminished Gp), would still be closing in on a title shot. With that being said D.C's comments aren't to out of place. I personally think the winner should fight the winner of Big nog vs Mir for next in line after Lesner /Reem
Had Comier been there since the start of the tournament and won, I can see that you may have a point. As for Josh Barnett, if he wins, he will likely have to fight 2 top contenders before he receives his shot. Overeem is the Strike Force champion and did he get an immediate title shot? What makes Comier or Barnett anymore special than Overeem? If anything, they would be less special and would require more fights to earn their shots.
I like the winner of DC and Barney fighting the winner of Mir Nog
That is a good possibility but because the talent pool is limited in the HW division and many fighters are toe to toe ( in the sense of contendership ), I can see many different possible scenarios. You have Mitrione and Brwone closing in on a title shot. You have Mir closing in on a 3 win fight streak if he beats Nog. You have Comier coming from another org who will be undefeated if he defeats Barnett. You have Barnett who I think ( if he wins the GP ) will want an immediate title shot.
After a bit of analysis, I would place Comier, Mitrione, and Brwone in one slot. If Comier wins the GP, I would pit him against either Mitrione or Browne (Assuming both go undefeated ) and then against a top contender - which in this weak division could be anyone but preferably a fighter with a 2 fight win streak.
Damn, this HW division is a mess.
To me Mitrione doesnt stand a chance against Browne or Cormier...hes fun to watch and I like Matt but hes really not very good...Cormier would definitely wrestle him down...
KungFuMaster
10/21/11 12:12:35PM
Posted by kingsmasher
Posted by KungFuMaster
Posted by postman
Posted by KungFuMaster
Posted by quezocrema0032
The winner of the Grand prix (even this diminished Gp), would still be closing in on a title shot. With that being said D.C's comments aren't to out of place. I personally think the winner should fight the winner of Big nog vs Mir for next in line after Lesner /Reem
Had Comier been there since the start of the tournament and won, I can see that you may have a point. As for Josh Barnett, if he wins, he will likely have to fight 2 top contenders before he receives his shot. Overeem is the Strike Force champion and did he get an immediate title shot? What makes Comier or Barnett anymore special than Overeem? If anything, they would be less special and would require more fights to earn their shots.
I like the winner of DC and Barney fighting the winner of Mir Nog
That is a good possibility but because the talent pool is limited in the HW division and many fighters are toe to toe ( in the sense of contendership ), I can see many different possible scenarios. You have Mitrione and Brwone closing in on a title shot. You have Mir closing in on a 3 win fight streak if he beats Nog. You have Comier coming from another org who will be undefeated if he defeats Barnett. You have Barnett who I think ( if he wins the GP ) will want an immediate title shot.
After a bit of analysis, I would place Comier, Mitrione, and Brwone in one slot. If Comier wins the GP, I would pit him against either Mitrione or Browne (Assuming both go undefeated ) and then against a top contender - which in this weak division could be anyone but preferably a fighter with a 2 fight win streak.
Damn, this HW division is a mess.
To me Mitrione doesnt stand a chance against Browne or Cormier...hes fun to watch and I like Matt but hes really not very good...Cormier would definitely wrestle him down...
I hear you but that is not the point. Mitrione will be on an outstanding ufc win streak if he defeats Kongo which would give him rights to a contention fight. Whether he is to lose against a top contender does not mean his opportunity should be denied.
icantthinkofanything
10/21/11 12:34:09PM
I used to think Cormier at 205 would be good, but didnt feel like DC was as dynamic as Cain, more like a big Koscheck, and someone who may not win a belt, especially with talent like Cain, Jones, and Silva around.
his hands looked good vs Big foot, but breaking a hand is not good for his future, and Bigfoot is far from the level of Cain.
The HW division is nothing without the top 5, meaning that being top 6-11 is pretty easy with no competition. that is why Mitrione is up at the top, when he has only beat low-middle tier HW's.
DC's speed and wrestling is great for the bigger guys, like Edgar, and Couture have demonstrated in their careers, and that is unexpected usually, because big people get an advantage fighting smaller people.
Daniel's record, if he beats Barnett would put him in line for the belt, but DW would not grant a title shot for beating Barnett, because Barnett, like Fedor, hasn't fought in the USA big show, for a long time until recently.
Lesnar -Overeem could get the next shot, but I would not mind seeing the Reem or Lesnar and all other contenders near the top, get another fight in- before getting a title shot,
setting up Mir , Nog, DC, Barnett Kongo and Mitrione as likely opponents for a number 1 contender bout. The HW'S should have to prove themselves, so the best guy gets the title shot next.
his hands looked good vs Big foot, but breaking a hand is not good for his future, and Bigfoot is far from the level of Cain.
The HW division is nothing without the top 5, meaning that being top 6-11 is pretty easy with no competition. that is why Mitrione is up at the top, when he has only beat low-middle tier HW's.
DC's speed and wrestling is great for the bigger guys, like Edgar, and Couture have demonstrated in their careers, and that is unexpected usually, because big people get an advantage fighting smaller people.
Daniel's record, if he beats Barnett would put him in line for the belt, but DW would not grant a title shot for beating Barnett, because Barnett, like Fedor, hasn't fought in the USA big show, for a long time until recently.
Lesnar -Overeem could get the next shot, but I would not mind seeing the Reem or Lesnar and all other contenders near the top, get another fight in- before getting a title shot,
setting up Mir , Nog, DC, Barnett Kongo and Mitrione as likely opponents for a number 1 contender bout. The HW'S should have to prove themselves, so the best guy gets the title shot next.
kingsmasher
10/24/11 1:12:55PM
Mitrione isnt getting a title shot soon IMO for at least three more fights...He just hasnt beaten anyone at all...3 contenders starts now...He will prolly lose to Kongo...