Daniel Cormier has some interesting press conferences.
In his first press conference as champion there was unexpected drama. Cormier started discussing Ryan Bader, who he was originally slated to fight in New Orleans, and Bader was in the room. Bader started to respond to DC, and made his way to the table. Shenanigans ensued.
UFC officials stepped in between the two top-five ranked fighters, but Cormier was vocal with some choice words for the title hopeful.
The two had a Twitter exchange prior to UFC 187 where Bader accused Cormier of getting out of their proposed matchup. Cormier of course responded in tow. Cormier reaffirmed his position at the press conference, stating he asked for Bader because he wanted “the easiest fight in the division, I want Ryan Bader.”
There has been very little buzz about this potential matchup, but this post-fight press conference exchange could add a little spice to the potential title tilt. Bader is the only contender coming off a victory, and that would make him the next logical choice should Cormier defend the belt prior to Jones returning to action.
Will Cormier wait? Not according to the man himself.
At the press conference, Cormier said he is 36 years old and will not wait on Jones. As the champion, he has a point. Jones was stripped of the title. There is no logical reason that Cormier should wait on Jones to be reinstated off of an indefinite suspension. That should not be a concern of his.
Bader poses an interesting matchup for Cormier. On paper, he looks to be outmatched. Cormier is the better wrestler and has the better boxing. However, Bader has improved dramatically over the past two years. He has big power in his hands, and Cormier has been taken down inside the Octagon. He was taken down at UFC 187.
Cormier jokingly blamed the post-fight press conference shenanigans on UFC Vice President of Public Relations Dave Sholler. Sholler was the man in between him and Jones in their scuffle last year. Cormier suggested none of this would have happened if White were present.
Bader and Cormier seem to be on a collision course, and the UFC may bite while Jones is on the shelf. Cormier came out of the event without serious injury, and Bader is completely free. The heated exchanges will make for an interesting build for the fight.
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