Overview
- Cormier, speaking Jan. 1 in a Q&A, said the current light heavyweight division has “no wrestlers” and that he would have “feasted” in his prime; he remains retired and was not announcing a return.
- He identified reigning champion Alex Pereira as the matchup he would pursue in that scenario, citing the Brazilian’s star power and earning potential.
- He contrasted today’s contenders with his era’s wrestling core, naming Jon Jones, Ryan Bader, Phil Davis and Rashad Evans as examples of the depth he faced.
- He said he would choose light heavyweight over heavyweight if competing now because stylistic trends at 205 pounds favor elite grapplers.
- In a separate UFC 322 weigh‑in show appearance, he called Jailton Almeida a “very safe” hypothetical heavyweight opponent due to a wrestling-heavy matchup.