“No Lies Detected” – Fans Back Daniel Cormier’s Bold Claim About Current Light Heavyweight Roster

UFC legend and former double champion Daniel Cormier highlights to lack of wrestlers in the top 5 of the current UFC light heavyweight division.

“No Lies Detected” – Fans Back Daniel Cormier’s Bold Claim About Current Light Heavyweight Roster

Daniel Cormier talks about the lack of wrestlers in current light heavyweight division (via X, MMA Mania)

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Wrestling remains one of the most dependable paths to success in the modern UFC because it allows fighters to dictate pace, positioning, and scoring. While elite strikers deliver knockouts and visual excitement, wrestlers often operate with fewer vulnerabilities in fights. Former two-division champion Daniel Cormier recently highlighted the absence of this blueprint in today’s light heavyweight division.

The UFC light heavyweight title changed hands again at UFC 320 when Alex Pereira regained the championship with a knockout win over Magomed Ankalaev. Despite Ankalaev’s Dagestan roots, his UFC rise was driven by striking than wrestling dominance. Other leading contenders mirror that trend. Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree Jr. are both primarily recognized for aggressive striking and Muay Thai.

Cormier’s comments stem from one of the strongest wrestling résumés in UFC history. A two-time Olympian and former U.S. team captain, he built his success around relentless takedowns and clinch control. His title run included submission wins over Anthony Johnson and Derrick Lewis, shaping his belief that today’s light heavyweight division lacks comparable wrestling depth at the elite level.

If I was at my prime in light heavyweight right now, there’s no wrestlers. I’d be just feasting on everybody. There’s no wrestlers in light heavyweight. I’d fight probably Pereira because he’s the biggest star and you want to make the most money as a champion. When I was fighting, the top five was me, Jones, Ryan Bader, Phil Davis, Rashad Evans – there were so many wrestlers.

Daniel Cormier via Alienism

The credibility of Cormier’s assessment is strengthened by his close ties to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s camp. That team has become synonymous with elite grappling systems and disciplined fight management. Nurmagomedov’s undefeated UFC career demonstrated how wrestling-first strategies could dominate multiple stylistic matchups, and his sustained success continues to serve as a benchmark.

Recent title fights in other divisions have further reinforced wrestling’s impact. At UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev captured the middleweight belt by controlling Dricus Du Plessis across five rounds, earning 50–44 scores on all three cards. Islam Makhachev followed a similar formula at UFC 322. He pressured Jack Della Maddalena throughout five rounds to secure the welterweight title by unanimous decision.

At light heavyweight, the current top five remains defined mainly by striking specialists. The Prochazka versus Rountree Jr. matchup at UFC 320 reflected that dynamic, with limited grappling influence on the contest’s flow. Against that backdrop, Daniel Cormier’s remarks underscore a stylistic imbalance at 205 pounds. Compared to other divisions, wrestling remains underrepresented at the top of the class.

Fans react to Daniel Cormier’s concerns regarding the lack of wrestling in the light heavyweight division

Many fans focused on Alex Pereira’s striking dominance and devastating knockout power when reacting to Daniel Cormier’s comments. Pereira’s success at 205 pounds has been built on elite kickboxing and precise timing, making him one of the division’s most dangerous finishers. This led some fans to question how Cormier, even in his prime, would manage distance and survive against Poatan’s striking threat.

Daniel Cormier
Daniel Cormier (via MMA Fighting)

Other fans largely sided with Daniel Cormier, pointing to his historical dominance in the UFC and his decorated wrestling background. Supporters highlighted how consistently he imposed his will on elite opponents, controlling fights through takedowns and ground control. Many referenced his Olympic pedigree and championship reigns as evidence that his assessment of the division carries credibility.

The discussion also revived debate about wrestling-heavy styles that are often overlooked due to perceptions of boredom. While striking produces louder reactions and viral moments, many fans noted that grappling-centric approaches continue to deliver championships. In that light, Daniel Cormier’s career was referenced as proof that effectiveness often outweighs entertainment at the elite level.

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