Daniel Cormier's Coach 'Wouldn't Be Surprised' If UFC Star Had 2-3 More Fights

Javier Mendez believes UFC fans will get a few more opportunities to see Daniel Cormier in the Octagon before the heavyweight champion calls it quits.

UFC President Dana White told reporters last Sunday that Cormier could have "two or three more fights" before his retirement.

Speaking with MMA Fighting's Shaun Al-Shatti, Mendez, Cormier's coach, said White could make that a reality: 

"If Dana had his way, there'd be three left. And you know what, Dana has a pretty good way of persuading people. I like Dana, so I don't know—we may see two or three [more fights]. I don't know, I think so. I think Dana has a way of making things good for DC and making it right, so yeah, possibly. I wouldn't be surprised."

Cormier has said he envisions retiring on March 20, 2019, which will be his 40th birthday.

He made that proclamation before he defeated Stipe Miocic at UFC 226 to become the champion in both the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions. In his first heavyweight title defense, Cormier submitted Derrick Lewis in the second round at UFC 230 in November.

Considering he continues to fight at a high level, Cormier might have second thoughts about walking away from MMA in March.

He has already laid the groundwork for a bout with Brock Lesnar, who becomes eligible to fight Jan. 8.

A third bout with Jon Jones could be on the horizon as well after Jones returned in victorious fashion at UFC 232 last week. Jones called out Cormier during his post-fight interview.

Cormier would likely leave a lot of money on the table if he were to stick to his retirement date, since he'd only have time to properly train for one more bout.

As Cormier's coach, Mendez knows the fighter better than most. His assessment seems to make the most sense given all of the factors involved.