Daniel Cormier's Wrestling Footage Sparks UFC Comeback Talk

Recent wrestling footage of Daniel Cormier training in the gym prompted social media users to call for the retired former UFC champion to return to competition. Cormier, 47, has been away from MMA since retiring in 2020, but the clips led some viewers to argue he could still compete with the UFC’s heavyweights.

Cormier's wrestling draws heavyweight claims

Cormier retired after losing to Stipe Miocic for the second time in August 2020. He had won UFC titles at heavyweight and light heavyweight, with victories over Miocic, Anthony Johnson, Dan Henderson, Alexander Gustafsson and Frank Mir among the key results of his career.

The footage drew praise for Cormier’s movement and wrestling, particularly his double-leg takedown. Some commenters said a return after several months of training could put him back in title contention. Others claimed he could trouble fighters across both heavyweight and light heavyweight.

One fan singled out a potential matchup with Ciryl Gane, suggesting Cormier’s wrestling would pose a major problem. Another described him as a top-five heavyweight, while a more cautious reaction argued that a couple of months of training would not be enough to put him among the division’s ranked fighters.

Those were fans’ opinions, not an indication that Cormier is preparing to resume his UFC career. The source of the footage and when it was recorded were not specified.

Cormier remains involved in MMA

Since retiring, Cormier has continued working as a UFC color commentator and making content for his YouTube channel. He has also worked behind the scenes with younger wrestlers, while keeping his own mat skills active.

Some commenters pointed instead to Real American Freestyle as a possible place for Cormier to compete. Retired MMA veterans have wrestled in the organization, but the footage did not announce a match or confirm that Cormier plans to join them.

No return to UFC competition or Real American Freestyle appearance was confirmed.