Daniel Cormier

By FCF Staff

If Daniel Cormier reclaims the UFC’s heavyweight title tomorrow and hangs up the gloves, there’s no question his exit will be one of the greatest MMA has seen. But, the decorated fighter also believes that if he walks away on top, he will be remembered as one of the greatest, athletes ever.

For some time, Cormier said he would not fight beyond the age of 40. But, when injuries kept him sidelined, he decided to continue fighting.

Tomorrow at UFC 252, he will battle heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic in a rubber match. Leading up to the fight, Cormier has repeatedly said he is going to retire, after the bout.

At Thursday’s pre-fight presser, the former light-heavyweight and heavyweight champ was asked about whether he’ll be regarded as one of the all-time greats, if walks away on top. Cormier said this (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“In mixed martial arts, yes – but then it can put you right alongside the greatest sports athletes of all time,” Cormier said. “Michael Jordan won with the Bulls when they beat the Jazz. Unfortunately he came back; I won’t come back. Peyton Manning won a Super Bowl in his last season. It would put me in that type of sphere with the greatest athletes that have ever competed across any sport. So, when I win on Saturday, I will retire in that way.”

The 41-year-old Cormier (22-2) hasn’t fought since last August, when he was stopped by Miocic (19-3) in round four.