Daniel Cormier Says He Will Retire After Stipe Miocic Trilogy at UFC 252

Rob Goldberg @TheRobGoldbergFeatured ColumnistJune 9, 2020

John Locher/Associated Press

Daniel Cormier confirmed he will retire after one more fight against Stipe Miocic:

ESPN MMA @espnmma
“I would not be goaded into fighting again after this. I’m going to ride off into the sunset.” @dc_mma told @arielhelwani his fight against Stipe Miocic on Aug. 15 will be the last of his career. https://t.co/UqFinxCjks

UFC President Dana White announced Tuesday that Cormier and Miocic will battle for a third time Aug. 15, via ESPN.

Cormier had won the UFC heavyweight title from Miocic with a knockout win in 2018, but the 2019 rematch was a different story as Miocic won by fourth-round TKO to win back his belt.

Miocic suffered eye damage during the bout, requiring surgery that has kept him out of the Octagon for nearly a year.

Cormier—who has a 22-2 career record with titles at multiple divisions—had been thinking about retirement for several years. The 41-year-old had initially said he wanted to retire in 2019 before turning 40.

He then said in September he wanted to fight one more time, but only against Miocic.

As the heavyweight champion remained on the sidelines, Cormier indicated he would take on Francis Ngannou for an interim title.

The veteran now has a chance at his dream matchup, avenging his only loss that didn't come against Jon Jones.

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Daniel Cormier @dc_mma
This one is for all the marbles. 1-1, both knockouts but great fights, I can’t wait to fight this dude again!! Now it’s time to work as hard as I ever trained. #weareaka #zinkinsportsmanagement #2xheavyweightchamp 2xlightheavyweightchamp https://t.co/BvyhectS4X