Daniel Cormier is questioning the current lack of U.S. representation at the highest level of MMA.
Currently, the UFC has two undisputed champions from the United States, both in the women’s divisions, with Mackenzie Dern reigning at strawweight and Kayla Harrison holding the bantamweight title.
However, there are no American champions in the men’s divisions, though Justin Gaethje stands as an exception after capturing the interim lightweight title for the second time with a unanimous decision victory over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 last month.
Daniel Cormier Points To Growing Crisis In American MMA
During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier was asked to weigh in on the widely perceived slump of the UFC heavyweight division.
“DC” brushed aside concerns about the heavyweight division, saying it remains in good shape, but he did raise alarm over what he sees as a more troubling trend with the shortage of American talent competing at the very top of the UFC.
The bigger problem is the Americans because not only do we not have an American in the top 10 at heavyweight, we don’t have an American in the top 10 pound for pound in any weight.”
However, the MMA legend emphasized plans to develop the next generation of American prospects with a wrestling-heavy foundation, aiming to mold more well-rounded fighters for the future and restore U.S. dominance in the sport.
Justin Gaethje now is the interim champion. It’s the only belt we have on American males. But we’re going to fix that, we’ll start training some wrestlers.”
