Cormier’s incredible career began at Northside High School in his native Lafayette, Louisiana. During this time, he brought home three state wrestling championships with a combined record of 101-9.

After a stint at Kansas’ Colby Community College, where he was a two-time NJCAA wrestling champion, Cormier transferred to Oklahoma State University, where he became an NCAA Division I All-American, 184-pound weight class.

After his graduation with a degree in sociology, Cormier’s accomplishments in freestyle wrestling are numerous. Among them are senior U.S. Championships every year from 2003 to 2008, gold medals at the 2003 Pan-American Games and the Golden Grand-Prix Ivan Yarygin, a bronze medal at the 2007 World Wrestling Championships, and fourth place at the 2004 Olympics.

After winning numerous championships in smaller pro organizations, Cormier made his UFC debut in 2013. In that match, he defeated former UFC Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir via unanimous decision. Two years later, he won the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship with a submission win over Anthony Johnson.

Cormier successfully defended the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship for three years before defeating UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic – a win that cemented his legacy in MMA history by making him the second two to hold UFC championships in two divisions. With another win over heavyweight Derrick Lewis, he became the first UFC double champion to defend both belts successfully.

He currently serves as a commentator for UFC.