Daniel Cormier Nabs Permanent Co-Host Job For Fox Sports’ ‘UFC Tonight’
Daniel Cormier is replacing fighters left and right that some may wonder if anyone will harbour ill feelings towards the former two-time Olympian. First, he was tapped to replace Alexander Gustaffson as number one contender to reigning light heavyweight champion Jon Jones now he is being subbed in for Chael Sonnen as the permanent co-host of FOX Sport's mixed martial art themed show, "UFC Tonight."
This no longer comes as a surprise since Cormier has been filling in the past few episodes and has appeared numerous times as a guest. The American fighter can also boast of some experience in broadcasting prior to his stint in the UFC when he got involved in hosting a wrestling coach's show in his native town of Stillwater, Oklahoma. Nowadays, he is also a permanent fixture for pre and post-game analysis for fight nights and other main events. Cormier relayed his excitement for the new endeavour.
"I love being a part of UFC on FOX family and extending my mixed martial arts career," Cormier said per FOX Sports. "The TV analyst role is exciting, fun and actually improves my fighting skills, because I see the action so differently now. "
The undefeated mixed martial arts fighter is adding the distinction of analyst to his ever-growing resume. While his focus is to snag away the title from reigning champion Jones in their fight slated for January, Cormier is also taking seriously his appointment as permanent co-host, as is the mother station. He will join main host and former UFC lightweight contender Kenny Florian along with other analysts such as Karyn Bryant and Ariel Helwani on the show. The opening came when another controversial UFC personality in Chael Sonnen was let go due to the results of his failed drug test.
Steve Becker, FOX Sports Coordinating Officer already expressed his thoughts on the addition of Cormier and relayed his enthusiasm in adding an insightful voice to the program, describing the fighter as a "natural talent." The show's host, Florian also described the many attributes that the unbeaten mixed martial arts player can bring to the table ranging from his expertise to his humour to his personality that will mix well with the people on the desk.
While Cormier added a new responsibility to his wide range of ventures, he is still focused on the upcoming bout with Jones which early on has already generated a lot of buzz due to a commotion during a photo shoot in August that earned fines for both fighters. The number one contender will try to topple one of the biggest names in the sport next year at Las Vegas at UFC 182.