“Certain people are going, ‘I don’t want to; I don’t need this wrestling to feel like I’m listening to a podcast,’” Daniel Cormier said regarding the criticism he received for his NCAA coverage. The 45-year-old has never been the one to hold back—whether inside the octagon, on the wrestling mat, or behind the commentary desk. When he transitioned to the broadcast booth, he brought something different. Passion, personality, and a touch of humor. Yet, not everyone appreciated his style. 

Cormier saw things differently, believing that excitement and enjoyment should never come at the expense of authenticity. However, after growing frustration with his way of doing things, he decided to walk away. But sometimes, even when you step away, the right moment pulls you back in. And for Cormier, that moment is now. Just in time for Gable Steveson’s final NCAA championship run.

As a former two-division UFC champion and Olympic-level wrestler, DC knows the sport inside and out. FloWrestling made it official, announcing on X, “@dc_mma will be back on the mic this year for NCAAs and has a message for the haters!” Cormier himself didn’t shy away from admitting why he initially walked away, reflecting on his decision with brutal honesty. “I kind of felt like a b***h afterwards,” he admitted. “I was like, man, I’m such a little b***h running into a corner and crying because I’m quitting because a few dudes are saying something negative. Man, f**k them.” He realized he had let the critics get the best of him, something entirely out of character for a man who had spent his life fighting both literally and figuratively.

Now, Cormier is returning with a renewed sense of purpose. For him, it’s not just about calling matches—it’s about growing the sport. “So in order to put the sport in front of more people, you have to make it interesting,” he explained. “And if that’s what I can do, if my media profile can help to bring more eyes to wrestling, that’s what I’m going to do.” With his experience and unapologetic energy, Cormier isn’t just back—he’s on a mission to make NCAA wrestling bigger than ever.

Once Cormier joined the ESPN broadcast booth, much of the focus was on it but he ended up receiving harsh criticism for his performance throughout the night. And that didn’t sit well with him. But then again, this isn’t the first time that he let the criticism for his commentary get under his skin. Speaking about it multiple times, DC has said how the negative feedback takes a toll on him. In fact, there have been times where his friend, Joe Rogan, has asked him not to read the comments nor listen to the peanut gallery. However, seems like all that was in vain.

Back in March 2024, Cormier had officially called it quits on NCAA commentary, making his frustration crystal clear on X. “Guys, I’m out. This will be my last time doing the NCAA tournament. Continue to do things the same way and stay wrestling that hasn’t changed since the 40s.” It wasn’t just a knee-jerk reaction. Cormier was genuinely frustrated by the resistance to change in the sport he loved. But he was proud of one thing.

After the dust had settled, Cormier did reflect on how the decision to quit might have been impulsive but he did not withdraw his resignation. What’s the proud bit, you may ask? Well, he posted the screenshot of the past metrics from the wrestling tournament on his X profile, claiming that he got people talking about it. He wrote, “Love me or hate me, we sure did get some people talking wrestling and ultimately that’s what I am here to do! The NCAA wrestling tournament is just the best! Off to UFC 300!”

And well, that’s how that saga unfolded. Now that we know what was Cormier’s take on this, let’s hear another one of his take.

Daniel Cormier’s take on Gable Steveson’s path

Gable Steveson had found himself at a career crossroads. One that few athletes ever face. Fresh off his historic Olympic gold medal in the 125kg division, the wrestling phenom shocked the sports world by signing a contract with WWE instead of pursuing a traditional freestyle wrestling or MMA path. The move sparked an endless debate among fans and analysts, and Daniel Cormier was one of the loudest voices weighing in on the decision.

For Cormier, the choice was clear. Steveson should follow the path carved out by Brock Lesnar. “If I’m Gable Steveson, I’m going to the WWE first. I’m taking the Brock Lesnar approach,” Cormier explained at the time. His reasoning was simple. Well, WWE wasn’t just a job. It was a platform to become a household name. Steveson could establish himself as a larger-than-life figure, build his star power, and when the time was right transition to the UFC, where he’d be an immediate draw.

“I’m getting built into a monster over there, and then I’m coming to the UFC, where immediately I’m at the top of the cards and immediately, I’m getting pay-per-view money,” Cormier added, emphasizing how Steveson’s potential crossover appeal could fast-track him into superstardom. Unlike most fighters who have to climb the ranks, Steveson could bring an already-established fanbase, making him a must-watch attraction from day one. “I’m the man, and I bring that fan base with me,” Cormier stated confidently.

Ultimately, Steveson’s path has been anything but linear. His WWE run didn’t mirror a meteoric rise, and his wrestling future remains in flux. But Cormier’s perspective still held weight. Steveson has the potential to be a generational star, but the right moves at the right time will define his legacy.