UFC Legend Daniel Cormier Shuts Down Defending Olympic Champion David Taylor’s Plea To Join MMA
Former Penn State wrestler David Taylor has made headlines in the combat sports world as he expressed his desire to transition from wrestling to MMA. The defending Olympic champion has caught the attention of many, including UFC legend Daniel Cormier, with his recent statements. However, it seems that Taylor’s plea to join MMA has been shut down by none other than DC himself.
“MMA is something that’s very interesting to me,” said Taylor, expressing his interest in the sport. After a successful wrestling career, including a gold medal win at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Taylor is now considering a career shift to MMA. His statement has sparked intrigue within the combat sports community, with many wondering if the magic man can replicate his success in a new discipline.
But before Taylor can make any moves towards the octagon, he will have to focus on defending his Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. As he prepares for this potential second gold medal, the wrestling community is buzzing with excitement at the prospect of Taylor joining MMA. However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm.
UFC legend Daniel Cormier, a former two-division champion, has shut down Taylor’s plea to join MMA. In an interview with ESPN, Cormier stated, “I love that these Olympic champions are now looking at MMA, but there has to be a process. Just because you’re an Olympic champion doesn’t mean you can come in and beat the best wrestlers and the best fighters in the world.”
Cormier’s statement may come as a surprise to many, considering he himself made a successful transition from wrestling to MMA. But DC has a valid point. MMA is a different ball game, and simply being an Olympic champion does not guarantee success in the octagon. Taylor will have to put in the work and dedication to learn new skills and adapt to a different style of fighting.
Cormier’s words may seem discouraging, but they also carry a valuable message. Aspiring MMA fighters, especially those with an accomplished background in another combat sport, should not underestimate the challenges that come with transitioning to MMA. It takes time, effort, and the right mindset to make a successful career shift.
Another UFC legend, Georges St-Pierre, echoed Cormier’s sentiments. The former welterweight and middleweight champion recently stated, “I think it’s a very difficult transition. You have to start from the bottom in MMA, and a lot of people don’t understand that. They think they can transfer their skills from one martial art to another, but it’s not that simple.”
St-Pierre makes a valid point. MMA is a complex sport that requires a well-rounded skill set. Wrestlers may have an advantage in terms of takedowns and ground control, but they still need to learn striking and submissions to succeed in MMA. It takes time to hone these skills and become a complete mixed martial artist.
Despite the challenges, Taylor’s desire to enter the world of MMA is commendable. It takes a lot of courage to step out of one’s comfort zone and try something new. But as Cormier and St-Pierre have pointed out, it requires patience and a willingness to start from the bottom.
For now, Taylor’s focus must remain on the 2024 Paris Olympics. He has the opportunity to become a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a feat that few have accomplished. Once he achieves this, he can consider his options for a potential MMA career. Until then, he should continue to train hard and learn from the best in the wrestling world.
In conclusion, David Taylor’s plea to join MMA has been met with mixed reactions from the combat sports community. While many are excited at the prospect of seeing the magic man in the octagon, UFC legends Daniel Cormier and Georges St-Pierre have reminded us that the transition from wrestling to MMA is not an easy one. It takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn new skills. As Taylor prepares for a potential second Olympic gold, we can only wait and see if he has what it takes to make a successful transition to MMA.
