Daniel Cormier at a Glance
What is Daniel Cormier’s Net Worth and Salary?
Daniel Cormier’s net worth is estimated to be $6 million. He is a retired American mixed martial artist and former Olympic wrestler. Cormier is celebrated for his extraordinary achievements in the UFC. He stands out as one of the select few fighters in UFC history to hold titles in two different weight classes simultaneously. His remarkable career also includes being the first fighter to successfully defend titles in two separate divisions. Beyond his MMA career, Cormier has made a significant mark in international wrestling, representing the US World or Olympic Team six times, and earning a World bronze medal. Additionally, he has been a runner-up at the World Cup of Wrestling and secured gold and bronze medals at the Pan American Games, becoming a two-time Pan American champion. His athletic journey before the UFC includes successful stints in Strikeforce and King of the Cage, where he claimed heavyweight championships in both organizations. After retiring from the UFC, Cormier transitioned to a role as an analyst and commentator for the organization, bringing his wealth of experience and insight to the broadcast team.
Table of Contents
- What is Daniel Cormier’s Net Worth and Salary?
- UFC Earnings
- Early Life
- Career
- Health Issues
- Relationships
UFC Earnings
Daniel Cormier’s earnings from his UFC career reflect his success and popularity in the sport. A significant victory in July 2018, where he defeated Stipe Miocic at UFC 226 in Las Vegas, brought his record to 21-1. For this win, Cormier earned a flat rate of $500,000. The rematch on August 18, 2019, at UFC 241, saw Cormier lose to Miocic. Despite the loss, he earned $750,000, while Miocic earned $500,000. Both fighters likely received comparable amounts from their share of the Pay Per View revenue, further boosting their overall earnings. These figures highlight the financial rewards available to top-tier fighters in the UFC, with earnings varying based on fight outcomes, contract terms, and the revenue generated by each event.
Early Life
Daniel Ryan Cormier’s journey began on March 20, 1979, in Lafayette, Louisiana. Growing up with four siblings, he faced an early tragedy when his father was shot and killed on Thanksgiving Day when Daniel was only seven. This early loss undoubtedly shaped his character and resilience. During his high school years, Cormier discovered his passion for wrestling, where he excelled. He secured three Louisiana State Championships, with only two losses after the ninth grade, culminating in an impressive high school record of 101-9. His early success in wrestling laid the groundwork for a promising athletic career. After graduating, Cormier attended Colby Community College in Kansas, where he continued his wrestling journey, becoming a two-time junior college national champion. He then transferred to Oklahoma State University to compete in Division I wrestling. While he faced some setbacks, including six losses to Cael Sanderson, he proved to be a formidable competitor.
Career
After earning a sociology degree from Oklahoma State University, Daniel Cormier embarked on a career in Freestyle Wrestling. He showcased his talent on the international stage, finishing fourth in the 2004 Olympics. He participated in various prestigious events such as the Wrestling World Championships, the Pan American Games, and the Real Pro Wrestling League, consistently demonstrating his skill and determination. By 2008, Cormier shifted his focus to mixed martial arts, recognizing a new avenue to channel his athletic prowess. He began training as a kickboxer to hone his striking skills. Cormier achieved early success by winning his initial matches in Australia, setting the stage for his transition into MMA. In 2010, Daniel Cormier was recognized as a rising star in Strikeforce, where he defeated several notable fighters, including Jason Riley, Devin Cole, Jeff Monson, Antonio Silva, and Josh Barnett. This period solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor and paved the way for his entry into the UFC. His first UFC fight in 2013 was against Frank Mir. Cormier continued to amass victories against notable opponents such as Roy Nelson, Patrick Cummins, and Dan Henderson. By this point, his fame within the MMA world had grown significantly, and he capitalized on this by debuting new wrestling shoes and securing brand endorsement deals. In 2014, Cormier faced his first career defeat against Jon Jones, who retained the light heavyweight championship. However, after Jones was stripped of the title due to legal issues, Cormier was matched against Anthony Johnson for the vacant light heavyweight title. Despite being dropped by a powerful right hand early in the fight, he persevered, ultimately submitting Johnson and becoming the new light heavyweight champion. After defeating Alexander Gustafsson in 2015, Cormier signed an eight-fight contract with the UFC for an undisclosed amount. Over the following years, he defeated Anderson Silva but had to withdraw from several fights due to injuries, including a rematch against Jon Jones. In 2017, he finally faced Jones again but lost his light heavyweight championship after being knocked out by a head kick. However, when Jones was later flagged for potential anabolic steroid use, Cormier was reinstated as champion. He subsequently defended his title against Volkan Oezdemir and later won the heavyweight title by defeating Stipe Miocic. Cormier defended this second title against Derrick Lewis but lost against Miocic in a rematch in 2019. His second loss against Miocic in 2020 led to his retirement from the sport.
Steve Marcus/Getty Images
Following his retirement from MMA, Daniel Cormier has focused on coaching. He currently serves as the head wrestling coach at Gilroy High School in California, a position he took before his retirement, coaching students since 2018. This transition reflects Cormier’s commitment to mentoring and developing young athletes, bringing his extensive experience and knowledge to the next generation of wrestlers. His coaching role allows him to stay involved in the sport he loves while imparting valuable lessons to his students.
Health Issues
Throughout his career, Daniel Cormier faced health challenges, including kidney failure during his Olympic wrestling days, attributed to excessive weight cutting. Concerns were raised about his ability to make weight during his UFC career. These issues underscore the rigorous demands of professional combat sports, highlighting the importance of athlete health and well-being.
Relationships
Daniel Cormier has a number of children with various women. One of his children tragically passed away in a car accident in 2003. He welcomed a son with his then-fiancée Salina Deleon in 2011, who is now an amateur wrestler, with Cormier serving as his assistant coach. In 2012, they had a second child, and in 2017, they were married. These relationships highlight the personal side of Cormier, showing his role as a father and family man outside the demanding world of professional sports.
/**/