Daniel Cormier

By Michael Hatamoto

UFC heavyweight Daniel Cormier “probably” will earn a UFC light heavyweight championship title shot with a win against Roy Nelson at UFC 166 in October.

That’s assuming Cormier wins his next fight and UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones tops Alexander Gustafsson in their highly anticipated fight, according to UFC President Dana White.

White made the disclosure during a recent Google Hangout chat session, though until something is publicly announced, it’s hard to believe White’s statement.

Cormier is 34-years-old and it’s unknown how long he’ll keep fighting, so a UFC championship would truly help solidify his MMA legacy. In his UFC debut at UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez, Cormier was able to rag doll former heavyweight champion Frank Mir in an impressive showing.

I think it’s foolhardy to give Cormier a title shot at light heavyweight, especially since he’s never made the weight cut form heavyweight, but Cormier has said numerous times he won’t fight heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez.

Nelson should prove to be a great challenge for Cormier, as the former IFL heavyweight championship has good boxing, heavy hands, and has proven to be extremely durable. I also believe Cormier should have to win a fight at light heavyweight, despite the fact that he’s already beaten the likes of Jeff Monson, Antonio Silva, Josh Barnett, and Frank Mir during his young MMA career.

I believe Glover Teixeira, who was already promised a light heavyweight title shot, should remain the No. 1 contender – but the Brazilian fighter doesn’t want to sit and wait around for a championship fight.