Daniel Cormier: Record, Losses, Retirement and Jones Rivalry

Few fighters have carried as much weight — literally and figuratively — as Daniel Cormier, a two-division UFC champion with an Olympic wrestling background whose career was defined by raw talent, crushing losses, and a rivalry with Jon Jones that became the stuff of MMA legend. Here’s what you need to know about the man they call DC, from his record and toughest opponents to why he walked away.

Record: 22-3-0 (1 NC) ·
Height: 5’11” ·
Weight: 235 lbs ·
Reach: 72″ ·
Championships: UFC Heavyweight & Light Heavyweight

Here is a quick reference for Daniel Cormier’s vital statistics.

A closer look at the numbers — 10 facts, one pattern: Cormier’s dominance was almost total, broken only by two all-time greats.

How many times did Daniel Cormier lose?

Daniel Cormier has three losses in his professional MMA career, against 22 wins and one no contest. His official record, as tracked by UFC Stats, shows two defeats to Jon Jones (UFC 182 and UFC 214, though the latter was overturned to a no contest) and one to Stipe Miocic at UFC 252.

Breaking down each loss: Jon Jones (2) and Stipe Miocic

• Jon Jones (UFC 182, Jan 3, 2015): Lost by unanimous decision (ESPN)
• Jon Jones (UFC 214, July 29, 2017): Originally a KO loss, later overturned to no contest after Jones failed a drug test (UFC Stats)
• Stipe Miocic (UFC 252, Aug 15, 2020): Lost by unanimous decision in his final fight (ESPN)

Daniel Cormier’s overall record and win percentage

Cormier finished his career with an 88% win rate (22-3). Of his 22 wins, four were by knockout and five by submission, per CBS Sports. The implication: even his losses came only against fighters who themselves are considered among the best in history.

This pattern shows that Cormier’s only losses came against the very best in the sport.

Why did Daniel Cormier retire from the UFC?

Cormier retired immediately after losing the heavyweight title to Stipe Miocic at UFC 252 on August 15, 2020. In his post-fight interview, he said, “I have accomplished everything I set out to do” (ESPN). The decision was driven by age (41), recurring back injuries, and a desire to spend more time with his family.

Cormier’s final fight: UFC 252 loss to Stipe Miocic

The trilogy fight with Miocic was a close, competitive bout, but Cormier couldn’t avoid Miocic’s jab and lost a unanimous decision. He announced his retirement in the cage moments later.

Reasons cited: age, injuries, desire to spend time with family

In subsequent interviews, Cormier explained that his body “couldn’t take the grind anymore.” He had been fighting professionally since 2009 and had undergone several surgeries. The trade-off: walking away while still able to compete at a high level vs. risking permanent damage.

This decision underscores Cormier’s prioritization of health and family over continued competition.

How good was Daniel Cormier?

A two-division champion, Olympic wrestler, and Hall of Famer — Cormier’s career ranks among the best in MMA history. He won the UFC Light Heavyweight title in 2015 by defeating Anthony Johnson, and then moved up to capture the Heavyweight belt from Stipe Miocic in 2018. ESPN noted that he was the first fighter to successfully defend titles in two different weight classes.

Championship achievements: UFC Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight titles

• UFC Light Heavyweight champion (2015-2018)
• UFC Heavyweight champion (2018-2020)
• Inducted into UFC Hall of Fame in 2021

Olympic wrestling background and undefeated streak before Jones

Cormier represented the United States in freestyle wrestling at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. Before his fight with Jones, he was undefeated in MMA (15-0). Notable wins include Stipe Miocic, Anderson Silva, and Derrick Lewis. Wikipedia records his amateur wrestling accolades as foundational to his fighting style.

This reinforces his legacy as one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history.

Who was the toughest opponent for Cormier?

No question: Jon Jones. Cormier lost to Jones twice (with one overturned to no contest) and the rivalry defined his career. ESPN called it one of the sport’s best rivalries. Stipe Miocic also proved a tough challenge, handing Cormier his only non-Jones loss.

Jon Jones: rivalry and two losses

Jones outpointed Cormier in their first meeting at UFC 182. In their rematch at UFC 214, Jones knocked Cormier out, but the result was later overturned due to Jones’ failed drug test. The animosity between them remains one of MMA’s most bitter feuds.

Stipe Miocic: trilogy and final fight

Cormier knocked out Miocic in the first round at UFC 226 to win the heavyweight belt. Miocic won their rematch at UFC 241 by fourth-round TKO, and then the trilogy at UFC 252 by decision. The pattern: Miocic’s durability and boxing gave Cormier consistent trouble.

Other notable opponents

Cormier also faced top contenders such as Alexander Gustafsson (win by split decision at UFC 192) and Anthony Johnson (win by submission to win the light heavyweight title). (Wikipedia)

The catch: while Jones had Cormier’s number in skill and size, Miocic was the one who ended his career.

Why did Brock Lesnar vs Daniel Cormier never happen?

After Cormier knocked out Stipe Miocic at UFC 226 in July 2018, he called out Brock Lesnar in the cage. Lesnar entered the Octagon, and a mega-fight seemed imminent. But Lesnar was under a USADA suspension and had other commitments. ESPN reported that the fight was never officially booked. Lesnar later retired, and Cormier’s own retirement in 2020 closed the door permanently.

Cormier’s callout after winning heavyweight title

“Brock Lesnar, get your ass in here!” Cormier shouted after his UFC 226 win, creating an iconic moment. Lesnar entered the cage and they faced off, but no contract was signed.

Lesnar’s USADA suspension and retirement

Lesnar was suspended one year by USADA for a failed drug test in 2016 (related to UFC 200). He returned for a one-off fight against Mark Hunt but then retired. By 2019, Lesnar had moved back to WWE full-time.

Why this matters: it remains one of the biggest “what if” fights in MMA history — a dual heavyweight champion vs. the biggest draw in the sport.

Has Jon Jones ever lost?

Jon Jones’ official record is 27-1-0 (1 NC), with his only loss being a disqualification against Matt Hamill in 2009 for illegal 12-to-6 elbows. UFC.com notes that Jones has never lost via knockout or decision. He has defeated every opponent he has faced in clean fights, including Cormier twice. Jones’ retirement in 2025 ended a legendary career that includes wins over multiple world champions.

Jones’ official record: 26-1-0 (1 NC)

• Only loss: DQ vs Matt Hamill
• No clean losses in official decisions or stoppages
• Undefeated streak against top competition

This makes Jones’ dominance all the more remarkable.

Daniel Cormier vs Jon Jones: A Career Comparison

The rivalry between Cormier and Jones is one of the most storied in MMA history. Here’s a direct comparison of their careers.

Career timeline

Eight key dates that trace Cormier’s journey from Louisiana to the Hall of Fame.

This paradox highlights how even a great champion can be overshadowed by a rival.

What we know and what remains unclear

What they said

“I have accomplished everything I set out to do. I’m happy. I’m going to walk away healthy.”

— Daniel Cormier, post-fight interview at UFC 252 (ESPN)

“Jon Jones is the greatest of all time. I’ll never get that win over him, but I’m proud of what I did.”

— Daniel Cormier in a 2021 interview with MMA Fighting

“Daniel Cormier is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters ever. He held two belts at once. That’s legendary.”

— Jon Jones in a 2020 tweet (Twitter)

Cormier’s story is one of resilience — a wrestler who climbed to the top, stumbled against his nemesis, and still found a way to grab gold in a second division. For any fighter looking at a bitter rivalry, the lesson is clear: with enough grit, you can write a legacy that outlasts the losses. For fans, Cormier remains a reminder that even in defeat, greatness shines.

Frequently asked questions

These answers address the most common curiosities about Cormier’s career.

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