Daniel Cormier is used to making a mockery out of his opponents rather than being embarrassed himself, but on one occasion, he was left somewhat red-faced by what had happened to him in the cage.
In an astonishing career, ‘DC’ proved his talent beyond doubt, winning UFC world titles in two weight divisions.
Anthony Johnson sent Daniel Cormier flying across the octagon
Throughout his career, Daniel Cormier never shied away from putting on a show, developing a reputation for lifting his rivals into the air before slamming them onto the canvas.
However, when he fought Anthony Johnson for the first time back in 2015 at UFC 187, the esteemed wrestler found himself on the floor.
‘Rumble’, who tragically passed away in 2022, was one of the most likeable and dangerous fighters the sport has ever seen, with dynamite in his hands.
And when Cormier took one of his famous shots right on the chin, he was sent spiralling across the cage.
WOW: Demetrious Johnson and Ben Askren agree about who won their trade between UFC and ONE
During an appearance on the Pivot Podcast, the legend chuckled: “I was fighting Anthony Johnson for the belt. Twenty seconds into the fight, he hit me, I flew all the way across the octagon. Fell on my stomach. I got up very fast and hoped nobody saw it.”
Laughing away, the host replied: “We saw it.”
Knowing full well that was the case, with a big grin on his face, Cormier exclaimed: “Everybody saw it.”
In the end, the Hall of Famer managed to work his way back into the contest and secured a third-round rear naked choke, to claim a victory over a truly great opponent.
Daniel Cormier opens up about heart-wrenching message Jon Jones sent him
While the rivalry with Johnson was always respectful, Cormier had a lot more animosity towards Jon Jones.
The pair of legends absolutely despised one another, with the fighters even going as far as brawling in the lobby of the MGM Grand.
In the end, ‘Bones’ managed to win both fights and consequently claimed the bragging rights.
However, the hatred between the two-weight champions has subsided, with Cormier revealing that his nemesis offered him support when he needed it most.
Sheesh: The dispute that might have resulted in Islam Makhachev suffering his only defeat