Volkan Oezdemir: ‘I feel blessed to be called out’ by Daniel Cormier

Volkan Oezdemir is thrilled to have been declared the next UFC light heavyweight title challenger by champ Daniel Cormier.

Volkan Oezdemir is closer than ever to fighting for the UFC light heavyweight title.

The rising 205-pound star came out on top in a recent poll current champion Daniel Cormier posted on social media that asked fans who they wanted to see fight for the belt next.

“DC” listened to the results and subsequently declared Oezdemir as his next title challenger. Of course, nothing is official, but when the desire of a particular matchup is mutual between the two involved fighters, that’s usually a good sign.

In a message sent to BloodyElbow.com Thursday evening, Oezdemir reacted to the news that Cormier was interested in fighting him.

“Since my debut into the UFC my goal was to climb the ranks in no time,” Oezdemir wrote. “I feel blessed to be called out by the champion while the number one contender didn’t respond to me.”

It isn’t clear when Cormier and Oezdemir could fight for the 205-pound title.

Despite losing the belt to arch rival Jon Jones by third-round knockout at UFC 214 in July, Cormier was reinstated as champion earlier this month after “Bones” failed a drug test.

Oezdemir made his debut in the Octagon only in February, but he already has a 3-0 record in the organization. An unknown fighter less than a year ago, Oezdemir has made a big splash in the division and is now a legitimate contender. Most recently, Oezdemir defeated Jimi Manuwa by knockout in under one minute. He also holds wins over Misha Cirkunov and Ovince Saint Preux.

Volkan Oezdemir is thrilled to have been declared the next UFC light heavyweight title challenger by champ Daniel Cormier.

Volkan Oezdemir is closer than ever to fighting for the UFC light heavyweight title.

The rising 205-pound star came out on top in a recent poll current champion Daniel Cormier posted on social media that asked fans who they wanted to see fight for the belt next.

“DC” listened to the results and subsequently declared Oezdemir as his next title challenger. Of course, nothing is official, but when the desire of a particular matchup is mutual between the two involved fighters, that’s usually a good sign.

In a message sent to BloodyElbow.com Thursday evening, Oezdemir reacted to the news that Cormier was interested in fighting him.

“Since my debut into the UFC my goal was to climb the ranks in no time,” Oezdemir wrote. “I feel blessed to be called out by the champion while the number one contender didn’t respond to me.”

It isn’t clear when Cormier and Oezdemir could fight for the 205-pound title.

Despite losing the belt to arch rival Jon Jones by third-round knockout at UFC 214 in July, Cormier was reinstated as champion earlier this month after “Bones” failed a drug test.

Oezdemir made his debut in the Octagon only in February, but he already has a 3-0 record in the organization. An unknown fighter less than a year ago, Oezdemir has made a big splash in the division and is now a legitimate contender. Most recently, Oezdemir defeated Jimi Manuwa by knockout in under one minute. He also holds wins over Misha Cirkunov and Ovince Saint Preux.