UFC Could be About to Get New Blood
The UFC has been the cream of the crop. From Anderson Silva to Georges St. Pierre and now Jon Jones. The top pound-for-pound fighters in the world have made the UFC their home. The biggest names in the sport are responsible for the UFC being top MMA promotion in the world.
There could be another name added to the above list in the very near future. Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix winner Daniel Cormier is scheduled to join the UFC after he takes on Frank Mir. This is the first-ever cross-promotional fight in UFC history. It takes place this November.
Cormier has won 10-straight fights to open his professional career. A win over a former UFC Heavyweight champion would immediately elevate him to the top. This will make him a legitimate contender in his new home.
Cormier is Currently Ranked 5th in the World
Currently ranked fifth among all heavyweights by Sherdog, Cormier is a former Olympic wrestler. He has spent the past decade competing in freestyle events around the world. Cormier opened his MMA career with eight-straight wins. He was then added as a replacement to the Strikeforce Heavyweight GP tournament.
The fighter ended up beating both Antonio Silva and Josh Barnett to win the thing altogether. At 33-years old, Cormier is a little late to the game but he has all of the weapons to succeed. Succeeding at the highest level is not easy.
A win over Mir would open the door for Cormier to step right in to the spotlight in the UFC Heavyweight division. Only if his teammate Cain Valasquez doesn’t win the title belt before then.
Strikeforce Would be Losing a Lot
Cormier won’t fight Valasquez is he wins the UFC Heavyweight championship before he gets his shot. Considering the alternative, UFC fans should be hoping that is exactly what happened.
The Strikeforce champion has already confirmed his willingness to cut weight and challenge the UFC Light Heavyweight champion.
If Valasquez does win the title before then look out. Considering what Jones has done to the rest of his division already some new blood could be the best thing for the sport.
Cormier was very direct in his comments about those that have passed on the chance to fight Jones. He made it clear he would love the opportunity.
What Happens Could Snowball Across MMA
Next in line to fight Cormier is the UFC veteran Mir. He holds the records for most fights, most wins, and most finishes in the UFC Heavyweight division. He lasted just two rounds against Junior Dos Santos before getting knocked out. Mir is still a very lethal fighter that can surprise even the best fighters.
For as talented as Mir is, don’t expect Cormier to give him much of an opportunity to score the upset. The former Olympian has already built a reputation as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Now Cormier is set to become the next big thing in the UFC.
For all of the latest UFC odds, make sure to check out the best sports betting sites.