Moving up a weight class to fight Stipe Miocic for the heavyweight title can be called a lot of things … I’m not sure “playing it safe” is one of them.
That’s because Miocic (18-2) has captured six straight wins, five of them by way of devastating knockout. So if Daniel Cormier wants to try to add a second title to keep his 205-pound strap company, he won’t be safe at any point during their 25-minute affair.
Alexander Gustafsson with the dissenting opinion.
“I’ve been a little bit frustrated because I was counting on the DC fight,” the Swedish striker told The MMA Hour. “Me and him fighting for the belt again, that was my plan, so I’m a little bit frustrated, a little bit disappointed. He knows I’m here and he knows I’m waiting for him. It feels like he’s just playing it safe, and he has everything to gain in that fight and nothing to lose.”
Except his ability to chew solid food.
Cormier (20-1, 1 NC) defeated Gustafsson (18-4) by way of close split decision at UFC 192 back in late 2015 but hasn’t been able to slug his way back to a title fight thanks to recurring injuries. That said, “The Mauler” is coming off back-to-back wins over Jimi Manuwa and Jan Blachowicz.
Cormier will battle Miocic at UFC 226 this summer, which means “The Mauler” can either keep himself on the sidelines, or take another fight in the interim and jeopardize his spot in line.
Which didn’t work out so well for this guy.