Daniel Cormier delivered a scathing response to recent criticism from Nate Diaz, directly comparing their fighting careers and calling the former UFC lightweight title challenger "average." The former two-division UFC champion addressed Diaz's comments in a YouTube video after the 40-year-old criticized MMA analysts during an appearance on Theo Von's This Past Weekend podcast.
Diaz had specifically targeted Cormier among other analysts during the podcast appearance, which also saw him discuss turning down a UFC return and criticizing several fighters, including Von's friend Dustin Poirier. The comments prompted Cormier to break his previous stance of not comparing their careers.
Cormier Counts Diaz's Losses in Heated Response
The former UFC champion addressed Diaz's 20-13 MMA record in his video response, contrasting it with his own championship pedigree. Cormier, who held titles at both light heavyweight and heavyweight, emphasized the stark difference in their career trajectories.
"It's hard for me to fathom losing to 13 people in the sport that you chose and when I lost those fights, I was in my mid to late 30s and two dudes were able to get me," Cormier said. "You lost to 13 people, you were losing fights in your 20s. You were in your absolute athletic prime in a sport that you chose and you got beat multiple times by all these people. That to me is crazy."
Cormier suggested there is an "ocean" between what they've achieved in their respective careers, despite Diaz's financial success in recent years.
Former Champion Questions Diaz's Legacy
The retired champion argued that Diaz's stock only climbed significantly after his fight with Conor McGregor, calling into question the foundation of his popularity. Cormier made clear he wasn't interested in comparing bank accounts between two wealthy fighters, but rather their accomplishments inside the cage.
"Somebody got to check him," Cormier continued. "At this point, he might need a handler because guess what? There's a chance he goes and gets beat by Mike Perry. I was there when they had to throw the towel in for Josh Thomson. Reality is you're average. You've always been. But, you've made a lot of money, that's good. But, you're average."
Cormier clarified multiple times during his response that he doesn't dislike Diaz personally, but felt compelled to address the criticism after previously choosing not to engage. The former champion referenced Diaz's 2013 stoppage loss to Josh Thomson as an example of his career struggles.
