Daniel Cormier – Record, Titles, and Net Worth in 2025
From Olympic wrestling mats to the brightest lights of the UFC octagon, Daniel Cormier built a career that straddles two elite sports. Born on March 20, 1979, in Lafayette, Louisiana, he retired with a professional MMA record of 22–3–0 (1 NC), standing 5’11” tall and weighing 235 lbs. Today, he is one of the most recognizable voices in mixed martial arts, serving as a lead commentator and analyst for UFC broadcasts.
Few athletes have achieved what Cormier did: winning and defending both the UFC Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight titles, a feat no one had accomplished before him. His journey includes a heated rivalry with Jon Jones, an Olympic-level wrestling background, and a seamless transition into broadcasting. What follows is a comprehensive look at the man known as DC.
What Is Daniel Cormier’s Professional MMA Record and UFC Career?
22-3-0 (1 NC)
5’11” / 72.5″
Heavyweight & Light Heavyweight Champ
47 (March 20, 1979)
- Two-division UFC champion and Hall of Fame inductee.
- Only fighter to win UFC titles at heavyweight and light heavyweight while holding Olympic-level wrestling credentials.
- Rivalry with Jon Jones is one of the most significant in MMA history – their first fight ended in a No Contest.
- Transitioned seamlessly from active fighter to color commentator and YouTube personality.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Ryan Cormier |
| Nickname | DC |
| Team | American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Reach | 72 in (183 cm) |
| DOB | March 20, 1979 |
| Wins (KO) | 10 |
| Wins (SUB) | 5 |
| Losses | 3 |
| No Contest | 1 |
Cormier turned professional in 2009 with Strikeforce and entered the UFC in 2013, going undefeated at heavyweight early on. Seventeen of his 22 wins came by finish, including 10 by KO/TKO and 5 by submission, according to Tapology. He defeated notable opponents such as Soa Palelei, Jeff Monson, Antonio Silva, Josh Barnett, Frank Mir, Roy Nelson, Anthony Johnson, and Derrick Lewis.
He won the UFC Light Heavyweight title in 2015 after defeating Anthony Johnson and defended it three times. In 2018, he captured the UFC Heavyweight title by defeating Stipe Miocic and defended it once against Derrick Lewis. His key defeats came in 2019 (UFC 241) and 2020 (UFC 252), both to Miocic, after which he retired.
What Happened in Daniel Cormier vs. Jon Jones?
The First Fight at UFC 182
The rivalry began at UFC 182 in 2015, where Jon Jones won by unanimous decision. That fight set the stage for one of the most bitter feuds in MMA history, marked by personal animosity and intense verbal exchanges.
The Controversial Second Bout at UFC 214
At UFC 214 in 2017, Cormier defeated Jones via KO (head kick) in the third round to win the Light Heavyweight title. However, the result was later overturned to a No Contest by the California State Athletic Commission because Jones failed a drug test for turinabol. Cormier was reinstated as the champion following the overturn, as documented by Wikipedia.
The No Contest ruling means Cormier’s victory over Jones at UFC 214 is not officially counted as a win on his record. Some writers and fans argue that without the Jones controversy, Cormier would likely be considered the greatest fighter in MMA history.
Verbal Battles and Legacy Impact
Cormier has frequently called Jones “out of his mind” for claiming he could beat Cormier at heavyweight, a stance Cormier dismisses, according to ESPN. Their rivalry remains one of the most defining elements of Cormier’s career, shaping how fans and analysts assess his place in the sport.
Did Daniel Cormier Compete in the Olympics?
Wrestling Background
Cormier was a member of Team USA’s freestyle wrestling program from 2003, becoming the US senior national champion every year from 2003 to 2008. He won a Bronze Medal at the 2007 Wrestling World Championships (United World Wrestling/FILA), as recorded by Wikipedia (see above).
Olympic Bid and Bronze Medal
He locked up a spot on Team USA for the 2004 Athens Olympics but was beaten by rival Kale Sanderson in the final qualifying match, missing the Olympic team. He later won a bronze medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, as listed on Olympic.org.
College Career and Health Challenges
In college, he won back-to-back junior college national championships and finished his Dallas Cowboys wrestling career with 53 wins and 10 losses. During his wrestling days, Cormier suffered kidney failure while trying to cut to 211 lbs, leading some to doubt his ability to safely cut to 205 lbs for MMA.
Cormier’s wrestling pedigree was the foundation of his MMA success. His takedown defense and clinch work, honed over years of freestyle competition, allowed him to control fights against larger opponents at heavyweight.
Who Is Daniel Cormier’s Wife and Does He Have Children?
Marriage and Family
He is married to Kristen Cormier, who has been with him since his wrestling days. The couple has been together for many years and she has been a consistent presence throughout his fighting and commentary career.
Children
Cormier has a son named Daniel “DC” Cormier Jr. He often speaks about the joy his son brings him. He also had a daughter who tragically died in a car accident in 2003, a loss he has spoken about publicly.
The death of his daughter in 2003 is a deeply personal aspect of Cormier’s life. He has referenced the pain of that loss in interviews, noting how it shaped his perspective on family and career.
What Is Daniel Cormier’s Net Worth in 2025?
As of 2025–2026, his estimated net worth is approximately $15–$20 million, derived from his UFC career, pay-per-view bonuses, sponsorship deals, and commentary work. He earned a disclosed base pay of $1,000,000 for the UFC 214 fight that was later overturned. Estimates vary widely and exact figures are not publicly disclosed, but his earnings from fighting, broadcasting, and endorsements place him among the more financially successful retired fighters.
His height is 5’11” (180 cm) with a reach of 72.5″ (184 cm) and an orthodox stance, per CBS Sports. He runs a YouTube channel at @DC_MMA, posting training, vlogs, and commentary content.
What Is Daniel Cormier’s Role With the UFC Now?
Cormier serves as a lead color commentator and analyst for UFC broadcasts. He is one of the most recognizable voices in the organization, providing expert analysis during fight nights and pay-per-view events. He trained at American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) throughout his MMA career. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, cementing his status among the UFC Hall of Fame inductees.
How Did Daniel Cormier’s Career Progress Over Time?
- 2008 – Captured Olympic bronze medal (freestyle wrestling).
- 2009 – Professional MMA debut (Strikeforce).
- 2013 – Enters UFC; goes undefeated at heavyweight.
- 2015 – UFC Light Heavyweight Championship win against Anthony Johnson.
- 2018 – UFC Heavyweight Championship win against Stipe Miocic.
- 2018 – First fight vs Jon Jones – No Contest due to failed drug test by Jones.
- 2019 – Defeats Stipe Miocic to reclaim heavyweight title.
- 2020 – Final fight; lost to Stipe Miocic; announces retirement.
- 2022 – Inducted into UFC Hall of Fame.
- 2025 – Active as UFC color commentator and YouTube content creator.
What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Daniel Cormier?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Official record: 22-3-0 (1 NC) per UFC stats. | Net worth estimates vary widely ($15–$20 million range) – no verified public disclosure. |
| Two-division UFC champion. | Jon Jones rivalry: Status of first fight (NC) sometimes misreported as a loss or win. |
| 2008 Olympic bronze medalist. | Retirement status: Unlikely to fight again but not formally rescinded. |
| Married to Kristen Cormier, has children including son Daniel Cormier II. | Exact details of his daughter’s passing remain private. |
Why Is Daniel Cormier Considered a Pivotal Figure in MMA?
Daniel Cormier is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, achieving elite success in both wrestling and MMA. His legacy is defined by simultaneous dominance in two weight classes and a heated rivalry with Jon Jones. Post-fighting, he has become a leading voice in MMA broadcasting and media. He is known for his resilience, taking shots “like no one else,” and never quitting despite physical and professional losses, as noted in interviews and profiles.
His position among Heavyweight MMA champions is secure, and his influence continues through commentary and content creation.
Where Can You Verify Information About Daniel Cormier?
“22-3-0 (1 NC) – Height: 5’11” – Weight: 235 lbs – Reach: 72″”
“American former professional mixed martial artist, freestyle wrestler, and current color commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).”
– Wikipedia (see above)
“Birthdate 20/3/1979 – Team AKA – Nickname DC”
– ESPN (see above)
What Is the Full Picture of Daniel Cormier’s Legacy?
Daniel Cormier remains a pivotal figure in MMA history, bridging the gap between elite wrestling and professional fighting, and continuing to shape the sport through his post-fight commentary and analysis. His career encompasses championship success, personal tragedy, a legendary rivalry, and a second act as a media personality. He is, by any measure, one of the most accomplished and respected figures to ever compete in the UFC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Daniel Cormier’s nickname and what does it mean?
His nickname is “DC,” which stands for his initials: Daniel Cormier.
How tall is Daniel Cormier?
Daniel Cormier is 5’11” (180 cm) tall with a 72.5″ (184 cm) reach.
Did Daniel Cormier ever fight Stipe Miocic?
Yes, they fought three times. Cormier won their first fight in 2018 to win the heavyweight title, and Miocic won the rematch in 2019 and the trilogy in 2020.
What team did Daniel Cormier train with?
He trained at American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) throughout his MMA career.
Does Daniel Cormier have a YouTube channel?
Yes, he runs the channel @DC_MMA, posting training, vlogs, and commentary content.
How many title defenses did Daniel Cormier have?
He defended the Light Heavyweight title three times and the Heavyweight title once, for a total of four UFC title defenses.
What is Daniel Cormier’s fighting style?
He is an orthodox fighter with a strong wrestling base, known for exceptional takedown defense, clinch work, and power punching.
Where did Daniel Cormier grow up?
He was born in Lafayette, Louisiana, and later wrestled collegiately before joining the US national freestyle program.
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