Net Worth Ranker
What Is Daniel Cormier Net Worth?
Daniel Cormier, a retired American mixed martial artist, former Olympic wrestler, and now analyst and commentator, has accumulated a net worth of $6 million. This valuation reflects his successful career in both wrestling and mixed martial arts, augmented by his subsequent media engagements.
Early Life and Wrestling Career
Born on March 20, 1979, in Lafayette, Louisiana, Daniel Ryan Cormier faced early adversity when his father was tragically killed when Daniel was just seven years old. His athletic journey began in high school, where he excelled in wrestling, amassing a remarkable record of 101 wins and only 9 losses after the 9th grade. He secured three Louisiana State Championships, showcasing his early talent and dedication to the sport.
Cormier’s wrestling career continued at Colby Community College in Kansas, where he became a two-time junior college national champion. He then transferred to Oklahoma State University to compete at the Division I level. Despite his effectiveness, he faced challenges, including six losses to Cael Sanderson, which prevented him from achieving all-American status. After graduating from Oklahoma State University with a degree in sociology, Cormier transitioned to Freestyle Wrestling, demonstrating his commitment to the sport on an international stage. He achieved fourth place in the 2004 Olympics. Further appearances followed at events such as the Wrestling World Championships, the Pan American Games, and the Real Pro Wrestling League, adding to his extensive wrestling resume.
Mixed Martial Arts Career
In 2008, Cormier transitioned to mixed martial arts, training as a kickboxer to refine his striking skills. He quickly achieved success, winning his initial matches in Australia. By 2010, he had become a prominent figure in Strikeforce, securing victories against notable fighters such as Jason Riley, Devin Cole, Jeff Monson, Antonio Silva, and Josh Barnett. His entry into the UFC occurred in 2013 with a fight against Frank Mir. He followed up this debut with wins against Roy Nelson, Patrick Cummins, and Dan Henderson, solidifying his position as a leading figure in MMA.
A significant moment in Cormier’s career came with his fight against Jon Jones in 2014, which he lost. However, Jones was later stripped of the title, and Cormier faced Anthony Johnson for the vacant light heavyweight title. Despite an initial setback, Cormier secured a victory by submission, claiming the light heavyweight championship. He later defended the title against Alexander Gustafsson in 2015. Following this victory, Cormier signed an eight-fight contract with the UFC for an undisclosed fee, marking a major milestone in his earning potential.
Further into his UFC career, Cormier defeated Anderson Silva but faced setbacks due to injuries that forced him to withdraw from multiple fights, including a rematch with Jon Jones. The rematch eventually occurred in 2017, with Cormier losing the fight and his light heavyweight championship after a head kick knockout. However, Jones was subsequently flagged for anabolic steroid use, and Cormier was reinstated as the champion. Cormier then defended his title against Volkan Oezdemir. Later, he achieved another significant milestone by winning the heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 226 in July 2018, bringing his record to 21-1. For this victory, Cormier earned a flat rate of $500,000.
In a rematch against Stipe Miocic at UFC 241 on August 18, 2019, Cormier lost. He earned $750,000 for the fight, while Miocic earned $500,000. Both fighters likely received comparable amounts from Pay-Per-View revenue. Cormier faced Miocic for a second time in 2020 but lost, leading to his retirement from MMA.
UFC Earnings
Daniel Cormier’s UFC earnings provide insights into his financial successes within the organization. For his victory against Stipe Miocic at UFC 226 in July 2018, he received a flat rate of $500,000. In a subsequent rematch at UFC 241 on August 18, 2019, against Stipe Miocic, Cormier’s earnings totaled $750,000. While specific details on Pay-Per-View (PPV) revenue are not available, it is plausible that both Cormier and Miocic earned similar additional amounts based on their cut of the PPV proceeds. These figures underscore the substantial financial rewards associated with high-profile UFC fights, although the absence of precise PPV earnings data limits a comprehensive analysis of Cormier’s total income from these events.
Post-Retirement Career
After retiring from MMA, Daniel Cormier has transitioned to coaching, serving as the head wrestling coach at Gilroy High School in California since 2018. This role underscores his continued involvement in wrestling and dedication to mentoring young athletes.
Health Issues and Personal Life
Daniel Cormier once suffered kidney failure due to excessive weight cutting during his wrestling career. This health issue led to concerns about his ability to manage weight during his UFC career. Cormier has children from multiple relationships. Tragically, one of his children died in a car accident in 2003. In 2011, he and his then-fiancée, Salina Deleon, welcomed a son, who is now an amateur wrestler coached by Cormier. In 2012, they had a second child and married in 2017.
