Daniel Cormier, former UFC ‘champ-champ’ and Hall of Famer recently made his first appearance on the JRE (Joe Rogan Experience) podcast! The episode revealed interesting insights into the mind of a legend of the sport for the fans. The conversation also covered topics ranging from fighting, the dominance of Dagestani fighters, and weight-cutting in MMA.

When discussing fighters not fighting at their natural weight, Rogan inquired whether Cormier thinks the UFC should adopt the weight divisions from boxing. However, the former champion revealed a stunning take on why the UFC weight classes lead to a better product for the fans and the fighters. And his comments highlight why being a UFC champion holds more prestige than many boxing titles!

Daniel Cormier shuts down the idea of more weight classes in the UFC

In a recent conversation on the JRE MMA Show #150, Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier discussed the possibility of adding more weight classes in mixed martial arts (MMA). Rogan raised the question of whether it’s feasible to have fighters compete at their natural weights without any weight cutting.

However, Cormier expressed concerns about this idea. Noting that having more weight classes might lead to a scenario akin to boxing. He emphasized, “You see, one of the problems with that is, if there are more belts, then it kinda becomes boxing a little bit. And it could be a little watered down.

Cormier also highlighted the existing confidence in the UFC champion’s status as the best fighter in the world between certain weight brackets, such as 135 to 155 to 160 pounds. He stated, “Right now you’re pretty sure that the UFC champion is the best fighter in the world. Anywhere between 135 to 155 to 160, you know those guys that weigh that much naturally, the guy in the UFC is the best fighter in the world.”

The discussion also delved into the practice of weight cutting, particularly among lightweights who often cut from 185 pounds to make the 155-pound limit! Cormier revealed, “I’m talking lightweights, they cut from 185 lbs, to get to 155. So you know you’re getting the best fighter of all men, around those weights, in that weight class.”

Cormier’s remarks underscore the complexity of finding the right balance in weight classes, to ensure that champions are genuinely the best fighters in their respective categories. Overall, Cormier’s perspective highlights the delicate balance between providing more options for fighters and maintaining the integrity of determining the best fighter within the MMA landscape.

And in light of his comments about finding the best UFC fighter at a certain weight, Cormier also spoke about why his long-time rival, Jon Jones, does not deserve the title of ‘undisputed UFC heavyweight champion’!

Cormier thinks Jon Jones should relinquish undisputed heavyweight title 

In a recent episode of The MMA Hour, Daniel Cormier voiced his belief that Tom Aspinall should be recognized as the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. Aspinall secured the interim heavyweight title after defeating Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. Originally, the event was slated to feature a title clash between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, but Jones’ pectoral injury led to Aspinall’s interim title bout.

Cormier argued that, given Jones’ extended recovery timeline, the UFC should have him vacate the title, making Aspinall the undisputed champion. Cormier also acknowledged Jones as the undisputed champ for defeating Ciryl Gane but emphasized, “ …if he’s only going to fight Stipe, and that’s not for another, what, eight months, seven months? I think you put Tom Aspinall as the champ and I don’t think anyone would bat an eyelid.”

Read More: Daniel Cormier Almost Pulled Out a Trick From Mike Tyson’s Book in a Desperate Attempt Against Jon Jones, Ex-UFC Champ Confesses to Joe Rogan

Tom Aspinall has also shared Cormier’s viewpoint, asserting that Jones should be stripped of the title due to his injury, suggesting he’ll gladly face Miocic while Jones recovers. However, the UFC appears unenthusiastic in pursuing this path, only indicating Jones will defend the title against Miocic in 2024. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of managing interim titles, recovery timelines, and the determination of undisputed champions in the ever-evolving landscape of the UFC heavyweight division.

Do you think the UFC should include more weight classes for the fighters? Or is Daniel Cormier right in his assessment that the UFC is a better product without them? Why or Why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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