What is Daniel Cormier's Net Worth and Salary?
Daniel Cormier is a retired American mixed martial artist and former Olympic wrestler with a net worth of $6 million. He holds the distinction of being the second fighter in UFC history to simultaneously hold titles in two weight classes and the first to defend titles in two separate divisions. Outside the UFC, Cormier has been a key figure in international wrestling, earning a World bronze medal and achieving notable successes in the World Cup of Wrestling and Pan American Games. Before joining the UFC, Cormier was a heavyweight champion in both Strikeforce and King of the Cage. Post-retirement, he transitioned to roles as an analyst and commentator for the UFC.
UFC Earnings
In July 2018, Cormier defeated Stipe Miocic at UFC 226 in Las Vegas, improving his record to 21–1 and earning $500,000. In a 2019 rematch at UFC 241, Cormier lost to Miocic but earned $750,000, while Miocic earned $500,000. Both fighters likely received similar cuts from the Pay Per View revenue.
Early Life
Daniel Ryan Cormier was born on March 20, 1979, in Lafayette, Louisiana. Raised with four siblings, he experienced early tragedy when his father was shot and killed on Thanksgiving Day when Daniel was just seven. During high school, Cormier became a dedicated wrestler, winning three Louisiana State Championships and losing only twice after the 9th grade, ending his high school career with a 101-9 record.
Daniel attended Colby Community College in Kansas after high school, becoming a two-time junior college national champion before transferring to Oklahoma State University for Division I wrestling. Despite losing to Cael Sanderson six times, he made a significant impact in collegiate wrestling.
Career
Daniel Cormier earned a degree in sociology from Oklahoma State University before delving into Freestyle Wrestling, placing fourth in the 2004 Olympics. He also competed in the Wrestling World Championships, the Pan American Games, and the Real Pro Wrestling League. By 2008, Cormier transitioned to mixed martial arts, training as a kickboxer, and winning his initial matches in Australia.
In 2010, Cormier gained prominence at Strikeforce, defeating fighters such as Jason Riley, Devin Cole, Jeff Monson, Antonio Silva, and Josh Barnett.
Cormier's first UFC fight took place in 2013 against Frank Mir. Victories followed against Roy Nelson, Patrick Cummins, and Dan Henderson, making him one of MMA's most recognized figures. By 2014, he had endorsement deals and debuted a new type of wrestling shoe.
Cormier suffered a loss to Jon Jones in 2014. After Jones faced felony charges, Cormier was set to fight Anthony Johnson for the vacant light heavyweight title. Despite being initially dropped by Johnson, Cormier won via submission to become the new champion.
After defeating Alexander Gustafsson in 2015, Cormier signed an eight-fight contract with the UFC. Injuries forced him to pull out of several fights, including a rematch with Jon Jones. He eventually faced Jones in 2017 but lost his light heavyweight title following a head kick knockout. Jones was later flagged for steroid use, and Cormier was reinstated as champion.
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Cormier defended his title against fighters like Volkan Oezdemir and later won the heavyweight title by defeating Stipe Miocic. He then defended the title against Derrick Lewis but lost it in a rematch with Miocic in 2019. Following another loss to Miocic in 2020, Cormier announced his retirement.
Post-retirement, Cormier has focused on coaching wrestling. He currently serves as the head wrestling coach at Gilroy High School in California, a position he has held since 2018.
Health Issues
During his time as an Olympic wrestler, Daniel Cormier suffered kidney failure due to excessive weight cutting, raising concerns about his ability to make weight during his UFC career.
Relationships
Daniel Cormier has several children with different women. Tragically, one child passed away in a car accident in 2003. In 2011, Cormier and his then-fiancée Salina Deleon had a son, who is now an amateur wrestler with Daniel as his assistant coach. In 2012, the couple welcomed a second child, and they married in 2017.
