Matt Mitrione (photo via Spike / UFC)

By FCF Staff

The search continues for a heavyweight to fight rising star Daniel Cormier at Strikeforce’s November 3rd card, and according to UFC President Dana White, Matt Mitrione has removed himself from the possible opponent list.

White announced after yesterday’s UFC card in Nottingham that Mitrione reportedly turned down a bout with Cormier. Former UFC champ Frank Mir was forced to withdraw recently due to injury. According to a report from MMA Junkie, the outspoken White stated:

“It f—ing makes me sick. Listen, you don’t want big opportunities, I hear you. I get it, then. All I can say is, I guess he doesn’t want big opportunities. I get it. Duly noted.”

White went on to criticize Mitrione for wanting to fight “Rampage” Jackson, who the UFC President noted was a light-heavyweight, before citing the fact that Mitrione isn’t “getting any younger.”

During his tenure with Strikeforce, Cormier has quickly risen to become one of the world’s top heavyweights, by defeating notable opponents like Devin Cole, Jeff Monson, Antonion Silva and most recently Josh Barnett.

The upcoming November 3rd bout is expected to be the former Olympic wrestler’s last with Strikeforce, before he moves to the UFC.