Originally slated to headline an eventually cancelled November Strikeforce event, Daniel Cormier vs. Frank Mir didn’t happen due to an undisclosed injury suffered by the former UFC heavyweight champion.
But the 33-year-old Cormier is still keeping the dream alive and in an interview with FightHubTV, the Strikeforce Grand Prix champion said he has a date and venue already in mind: the April 20th UFC on Fox 7 event in San Jose, California.
“I would love for it to be on the FOX show here in San Jose. April 20th, fight Frank Mir, on FOX, have it be a free broadcast and that will help expose me and get more fans behind me who may not know me. That is what I want right now. That is the fight I have trained for, and would be excited to train for it again; Mir wants the fight, I think it would be a great fight. It’s like we are doing Joe Silva’s job for him.”
One of the obstacles standing in his way: a Saturday, January 12th date with Dion Staring, the co-main event of Strikeforce’s final show. While the Dutch fighter isn’t well-known, he will go into the fight on a six fight win streak and has 22 finishes in 28 career wins.
“I am not intimidated; it is something that I need to be very aware of. So intimidation no, I’m very aware of it. I am respectful of it. I respect every guy, anyone who enters the cage to fight, I respect them. As guys climb ladders and get into positions where they are in this sport, you have to respect what gets them there; for him, his kickboxing is something I am aware of and respect him for it.”
The undefeated Cormier (10-0) was last seen dominating Josh Barnett via unanimous decision in May to win the Grand Prix.
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