A worrying trend has caught the attention of UFC legend Daniel Cormier, and he's determined to address it head-on. In a bold move, Cormier plans to share his expertise to tackle a 'big problem' currently facing the UFC. But here's where it gets controversial...
The UFC, known for its diverse roster, has historically been dominated by American fighters. However, at present, the promotion's champion roster is lacking in American representation. With only two American champions, Kayla Harrison and Mackenzie Dern, and an interim lightweight title held by Justin Gaethje, the situation is dire.
And this is the part most people miss: the UFC's heavyweight division, once a stronghold for American fighters, is now in a state of flux. Cormier, in an interview with Sports Illustrated, highlighted the issue, stating, "It's not dead because Tom Aspinall is an absolute stud. Ciryl Gane proved there's competition, but the division needs an American presence."
Cormier's plan? To focus on developing American talent, specifically wrestlers. He believes this is the key to restoring American dominance in the UFC. "We don't have an American in the top 10 pound-for-pound, so we'll fix that. We'll start training wrestlers," he asserted.
Cormier's expertise is already being passed down to the next generation, as he trains wrestling at Gilroy High School in California. But will this be enough to turn the tide?
While Justin Gaethje offers a glimmer of hope for a quick American champion, many fans are skeptical of his chances against Ilia Topuria. Some believe the UFC's next American champion could come from outside the promotion, with Gable Steveson, a 2-0 professional MMA fighter, making waves in the regional scene. With Jon Jones as his coach, Steveson could be fast-tracked to a UFC title shot.
So, what do you think? Is Cormier's plan a solid strategy to revive American dominance in the UFC? Or are there other factors at play that could shape the future of the promotion? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a discussion!
