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Daniel Cormier Believes Next Fight Should be No. 1 Contender Fight… or a UFC Title Shot

Daniel Cormier has to decide whether or not to undergo surgery on his knee (MMA Weekly)

Daniel Cormier, one fight into his light heavyweight tenure, wants a No. 1 contender’s match for his next fight. If that’s not available, fine, he’ll take a title shot.

After having defeated Patrick Cummins, who subbed in for an injured Rashad Evans at UFC 170 last weekend, Cormier believes that his undefeated run at heavyweight coupled with his success in his 205-pound debut puts him near the top of the heap of the light heavyweight division.

Cormier told UFC Tonight that he realizes that if Alexander Gustafsson defeats Jimi Manuwa in a couple weeks in London that the UFC wants him to step into the next shot for the UFC light heavyweight championship, especially if Jon Jones is successful in defending the belt against Glover Teixeira in April.

If that is the case and Gustafsson wins his fight, Cormier would like to fight the winner of the Phil Davis vs. Anthony Johnson, which is slated for the UFC 172 undercard in support of Jones vs. Teixeira.

If, however, Gustafsson loses to Manuwa, Cormier believes his stellar record at heavyweight and his recent victory over Cummins leap frogs him over Manuwa in the title hunt, and he believes that scenario should propel him into a title shot for his next bout.

After dismantling Cummins in a mere 1:19, Cormier also said he’s ready and willing to jump in if Jones, Teixeira, or any other top light heavyweight has to drop out of their April 26 bout due to injury.

“I’ll just always stay on call, waiting, keep training and being prepared. If they need me, I’ll step in, whether it be that Glover [Teixeira] gets hurt and fight for the champion, Phil [Davis] gets hurt, fight Anthony Johnson. It doesn’t matter.”

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