Daniel Cormier recently reflected on the high-profile Brock Lesnar fight that never materialized. The two were linked to a massive heavyweight title clash that could have drawn a lot of attention.
Cormier had just knocked out Stipe Miocic to become a simultaneous two-division UFC champion. After the fight, Lesnar entered the octagon and shoved ‘DC’, sparking major buzz. Both men then cut pro wrestling style promos, adding more fuel to the speculation.
A fight with Lesnar would have been very lucrative for Cormier. Lesnar, a former WWE champion, was a proven pay-per-view attraction. He helped the UFC break records and could have brought major mainstream interest.
During a recent appearance on Club Shay Shay, Cormier revealed that the fight was close to happening. However, WWE shut down the plans by re-signing Lesnar to a new deal.
Cormier believed Lesnar saw the benefits of returning to WWE, especially considering the schedule he had. WWE offered a high reward with a controlled outcome and less physical risk than if he fought in the UFC.
“The WWE got him, the WWE took him back. That was my golden goose, man. We had that moment in the [octagon], I pushed him, he pushed me,” Cormier said. “[WWE] were paying Brock $6-7 million a year, maybe [$10 million].”
Cormier remains confident in his chances if the fight had taken place. He believed he matched up well against Lesnar based off of his performance against his teammate Cain Velasquez.
“It was one of the safest fights I could have had,” Cormier said. “He would have to take me down to win the fight…I’m gonna make it so hard for him to get that takedown that by the time he gets it, he’s exhausted.”
What Happened When Brock Lesnar Confronted Daniel Cormier in the Octagon?
Cormier and Lesnar shared a heated moment at UFC 226. The WWE superstar appeared in the crowd and was mentioned on the broadcast, which sparked rumors.
After Cormier defeated Miocic to capture the heavyweight championship, he called out Lesnar and invited him into the octagon. Lesnar smiled as he entered, then shoved ‘DC’, and the mood instantly changed.
Cormier fired back with a warning to Lesnar about what could await him should they fought.
“Push me now, you go to sleep later.”
Lesnar, never known for his promo work in WWE, unleashed a tirade on the heavyweight division.
“I walked into this building and watched the heavyweight disasters from the beginning,” Lesnar said. “[Francis] Ngannou is a [expletive], Miocic a [expletive]. ‘DC’, I’m coming for you [expletive].”
UFC Changed Plans for Cormier After Lesnar Fight Fell Through
Once it became clear that Lesnar would not fight, the UFC changed their plans and moved on. Cormier faced Derrick Lewis at UFC 230, which took place at Madison Square Garden. The headliner marked ‘DC’s first title defense at heavyweight.
Cormier dominated Lewis from the opening bell. He used his world-class wrestling to neutralize Lewis’ dangerous striking.
In the 2nd round, Cormier found an opening and secured a submission win via rear-naked choke.
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