Daniel Cormier Doesn’t Hold Back After Nate Diaz Mocked UFC Legend’s Emotions

UFC legend Daniel Cormier breaks his silence and brutally replies to Nate Diaz's recent assessment of his UFC career.

Daniel Cormier Doesn’t Hold Back After Nate Diaz Mocked UFC Legend’s Emotions

Daniel Cormier clowns Nate Diaz (via MMA Mania)

In Short
  • Daniel Cormier responded to Nate Diaz's comments about his career, emphasizing Diaz's losses.
  • Cormier criticized Diaz's fighting record, labeling it as average despite Diaz's financial success.
  • Tensions between Cormier and Diaz have escalated since UFC 279, following Cormier's fight analysis.

Daniel Cormier is widely regarded as one of the greatest champions in UFC history, having achieved the rare feat of holding two divisional titles simultaneously. Since retiring, he has transitioned into a commentator role while remaining very active online, regularly discussing the current MMA landscape. Recently, the UFC legend issued a direct response to Nate Diaz to attract major attention.

Diaz is a longtime UFC veteran known for his personality as much as his performances. Representing Stockton, he built a “gangster” persona rooted in constant pressure and defiance. He is widely recognized for trash-talking opponents during build-ups and even mid-fight, notably during his rivalry with Conor McGregor. Diaz also popularized the “Stockton slap,” an open-hand strike used to disrupt opponents.

Diaz is now set to return to MMA under the Most Valuable Promotions banner, marking a new phase in his career. He has also increased podcast appearances, most recently on This Past Weekend, hosted by comedian Theo Von, where he took shots at Cormier. Diaz claimed he earned more than Cormier despite never becoming an undisputed champion, setting up the former double champion’s response.

It’s hard for me to fathom losing to 13 people in the sport that you chose and when I lost those fights, I was in my mid to late 30s and two dudes were able to get me, you lost to 13 people, you were losing fights in your 20s. You were in your absolute athletic prime in a sport that you chose and you got beat multiple times by all these people… That to me is crazy. I said yesterday it’s impossible. Somebody corrected me they, they said, ‘No, it’s not impossible. You can lose that many times.’

Daniel Cormier via his YouTube channel

Cormier is typically known for his calm demeanor and measured analysis, often laughing off criticism in most situations and public exchanges. However, he took a more direct approach here, pointing to a pattern from Diaz of calling out fighters with stronger credentials. Cormier maintained that while the Stockton native has earned significant money, his record still reflects that of an average fighter at best.

Tensions between the two UFC veterans have been building for years, tracing back to Diaz’s final UFC appearance at UFC 279. Following the bout, DC analyzed the fight and suggested Diaz could have finished Tony Ferguson with more urgency. That assessment did not sit well with Diaz and prompted an expletive-filled rant directed at the former champion, further escalating tensions between the two.

However, while Nate Diaz’s recent comments may have been demeaning, there is little doubt about Daniel Cormier’s standing in the sport, given his Olympic background and dominant UFC legacy. The recent rant also revealed a side of the former double champion rarely seen since his retirement, highlighting a more confrontational edge to his otherwise composed public persona.

Former UFC champion praises Daniel Cormier’s athleticism

Daniel Cormier has long been recognized for his athleticism despite competing in heavier weight classes throughout his career. A former Olympian and two-division UFC champion, he represented the United States in freestyle wrestling at the 2004 Olympics and also served as captain of the national team. His physical capabilities often stood out even among top-level heavyweights and light heavyweights.

Daniel Cormier thanks his childhood bully
Daniel Cormier thanks his childhood bully (via X)

For a significant part of his career, Cormier trained at American Kickboxing Academy alongside fellow champions like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Luke Rockhold. The gym played a key role in shaping his skill set and competitive edge at the highest level. Rockhold recently praised Cormier’s athleticism, sharing an anecdote that highlighted his unusual agility for a heavyweight.

The anecdote further reinforces Daniel Cormier’s legacy, which has since been recognized with induction into the UFC Hall of Fame. His career remains defined not only by championship success but also by rare athletic traits that set him apart from his peers. Moments like these continue to highlight the physical abilities that played a crucial role in his rise to the top of the sport and double championship status.

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