Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier is set to be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame alongside NFL legend Drew Brees and Olympic gold medalist Kevin Jackson.
Daniel Cormier is set to enhance his prestigious career with another Hall of Fame induction. He is familiar with such accolades, having already been inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in the past. Now, he is ready to join the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame class of 2024, fraternizing with icons of sport such as NFL legend and Super Bowl champion Drew Brees and Kevin Jackson, a gold medal-winning Olympic wrestler and former UFC fighter.
Elaborating on the Louisiana connection, it’s worth noting that both Cormier and Jackson have represented their nation at the Olympics. The duo is set to be the first amateur wrestlers to be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Jackson wears two hats here, as he also served as Cormier’s coach during the Olympian’s appearances in the games in 2004 and 2008.
Cormier’s illustrious career is adorned with numerous championships and honors, awards he collected while competing at the highest level in both wrestling and professional fighting. After his stint in the Olympics, Cormier transitioned to the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), where he enjoyed instant success. Not content with just winning the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix, Cormier then moved to the UFC where he remained undefeated until his bout with Jon Jones in 2015. Cormier brushed off this defeat and bounced back to claim the UFC light heavyweight title in the following match.
Cormier’s glowing history in MMA continued when he ascended to the heavyweight class and secured an emphatic victory over Stipe Miocic to claim the UFC heavyweight champion title. This significant achievement made Cormier part of a select group of double champions who have held titles in two divisions simultaneously. After announcing his retirement in 2020, Cormier has continued to be an integral part of the UFC fraternity, lending his expertise as a main color commentator on UFC broadcasts. Now, in 2024, Cormier will cement his status as a sporting icon, joining the luminaries in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.