“So Disrespectful” – UFC Fans Unite to Defend Daniel Cormier Falling for TikTok Trend

UFC legend Daniel Cormier defends himself after being questioned about athleticism during his prime and career by a UFC interviewer.


“So Disrespectful” – UFC Fans Unite to Defend Daniel Cormier Falling for TikTok Trend

Daniel Cormier replies to questions about his athleticism (via FOX Sports, X)

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Former UFC two-division champion Daniel Cormier has long been regarded as one of the most accomplished athletes to step into the Octagon. Over the years, his legacy has been defined by a combination of elite wrestling and championship success. Since his retirement in 2020, he has evolved into one of the sport’s most respected analysts and ambassadors.

Before entering the UFC, he was a standout collegiate wrestler and a member of the U.S. Olympic wrestling team. Cormier made his UFC debut by securing a unanimous decision win against Frank Mir in 2013. In the promotion, he captured both the light heavyweight title in 2015 and the heavyweight title in 2018, which made him the second in UFC history to hold belts in two divisions simultaneously.

His victories over top names such as Stipe Miocic, Anthony Johnson, and Alexander Gustafsson helped solidify his standing among the sport’s elite. Recently, Cormier became the subject of a viral moment after being asked whether he ever wished he were more athletic. However, the former champion defended his athletic abilities and reflected on his physical prowess, reminding the interviewer of his prime.

Have you seen my career? Come on, that’s so disrespectful. In my prime, I had athleticism to spare; I could pass some of my athletic ability to more people on the UFC roster. Basketball, Soccer, I have just unlocked the fact that I am still a very good soccer player. I can hit a baseball, I went to the Olympics. There is a lot of things that I did.

Daniel Cormier via UFC

Throughout his career and post-retirement transition into commentary, Cormier has remained deeply involved in promoting the sport. His analysis work with the UFC broadcast team and mentorship of young fighters underscore his continued influence on the next generation. His career achievements have also earned him a place in the UFC Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greats.

In the later stages of his career, Cormier faced Miocic in a trilogy that defined both fighters’ legacies. After winning their first encounter, Cormier lost the rematch at UFC 241 and again in their third meeting at UFC 252 in 2020, which ultimately marked his final fight before retirement. Despite the defeats, his performances during this stretch demonstrated his commitment to competition at the highest level.

While Daniel Cormier has long been known for his playful nature and willingness to take part in jokes and pranks, the recent question about his athleticism has drawn criticism for being disrespectful to his career accomplishments. Despite the humor surrounding the exchange, many view it as a reminder that even the sport’s most decorated athletes are not immune to misplaced remarks about their physical attributes.

Fans react to Daniel Cormier’s athleticism being questioned

A recent UFC interview featuring Daniel Cormier and featherweight fighter Youssef Zalal has gone viral after both were asked whether they ever wished they were athletic. The unexpected question caught viewers’ attention as Zalal appeared stunned, while Cormier responded confidently and defended his athletic ability. The clip quickly went viral, sparking a wave of reactions from fans.

Daniel Cormier
Daniel Cormier (via UFC)

Many fans criticized the interviewer for what they saw as a disrespectful question toward Cormier, considering his decorated athletic background and career accomplishments. While Daniel Cormier is known for his sense of humor and his frequent involvement in playful segments or pranks, fans argued that the comment crossed a line and failed to acknowledge his credentials as a former Olympic wrestler.

The moment has since evolved into a broader discussion about how humor is used in MMA interviews and how even lighthearted questions can come across as dismissive toward fighters’ legacies. Fans noted that while Daniel Cormier often embraces jokes at his expense, this particular exchange struck a different tone, prompting many to call for more respect toward one of the sport’s most accomplished figures.

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