Daniel Cormier has repeatedly said that his rubber match with Stipe Miocic will be the final fight of his storied career. But, while the former champ-champ would rather have fans in attendance to witness the historic fight, if the bout has to take place behind closed doors, so be it.

Cormier just wants to face Miocic one more time

Since Cormier lost the heavyweight title to Miocic last August, the legendary fighter has said the only bout that will get him back into the Octagon, is a rubber match with the champ. The 41-year-old Cormier has also repeatedly said that it will be the final fight of his career.

Before the coronavirus pandemic began, the expectation was that Miocic – Cormier III would take place this summer. But, due to the virus, the UFC’s upcoming schedule is up in the air, and Cormier has said that the bout needs to take place before winter, as he plans to retire in 2020.

As it stands right now, it looks like the UFC’s upcoming events will take place without fans in attendance. So, while talking about that during a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Cormier said the following.

“For me, it’s about me and Miocic. I love the crowd, that explosion that I got when I knocked him out in Las Vegas. I’ve had a life, a career of big moments, and I would love to have that last moment, but I would much rather have a chance to fight and compete.”

“Vince Carter spent 20 years in the NBA, and everywhere he went was going to be the last time he was there,” Cormier said. “Because the NBA season is pretty much done even if they do get to play, his team won’t be in the playoffs.

Vince Carter never got that last chance. Even before we went under quarantine, they put Vince into a game, and Vince shot a three-pointer as time was about to run out, and that’s going to be the last time he scored a basket in the NBA.

I see him play that last game, and as it wrapped up he gets a standing ovation and got to go out on his own. But, if he got to play in an empty arena and play his last games, that would probably still matter as much to him, much better than not getting to play the last game.

So I’d rather fight the last fight, rather than having to wait and (it becomes) so long.”

Not surprising

It would be hard to see Cormier’s last bout take place without a crown in attendance. After all, we’re talking about one of the greatest fighters of all time. 

But, if you’ve followed Cormier over the years, the fact he just wants another shot at the belt shouldn’t come as a surprise. Cormier is a fierce competitor as he noted; he could have walked away last summer after losing his rematch with Miocic, with his storied legacy intact. 

Ultimately, Cormier doesn’t want to hang up the gloves, without completing his series with Miocic. Can he close the book on his fighting career, with the heavyweight title wrapped around his waist?

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