Last month, Daniel Cormier challenged Stipe Miocic for the heavyweight title at UFC 252. It was a trilogy bout between the two and one that would ultimately serve as the final fight of Cormier’s illustrious career. But heading into it, not everything went according to plan for the former two-division UFC champion.

In an interview with Yahoo Sports recently, Cormier revealed that during his training camp in preparation for Miocic, he contracted COVID-19.

“The ring didn’t tell me I had COVID,” Cormier saidd. “But the ring told me that something wasn’t right, and I used the information to make a decision to go see the doctor. I found out then that I had COVID.”

“The ring” Cormier is referring to is the Oura Health ring, a smart ring that tracks specific health data. Cormier was wearing one in the lead up to UFC 252 and credits it with alerting him to the potential for having contracted the virus. Cormier also was aware of an increased risk for exposure to COVID-19 as a teammate of his had tested positive at the beginning of July.

Ultimately, Cormier was able to manage his illness and compete at UFC 252. However, ultimately things did not go his way as Cormier lost a unanimous decision to Miocic. But despite having contracted COVID-19 in the middle of his training camp, Cormier is not making any excuses for the outcome against Miocic.

“This is not an excuse at all,” Cormier added. “Miocic won the fight and he fought beautifully. This is a thank you almost to Oura for allowing me to get to the fight. I might have just kept pushing and not known I had it. But I was able to take care of myself properly and then get back into training and compete for the heavyweight championship of the world.”

Cormier’s comments came on the heels of an announcement that the UFC is partnering with Oura Health to offer rings to all of their fighters. However, Cormier will no longer have the need of one as he officially retired from MMA in August.

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VIDEO STEW

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Hooker likes the sound of that.

Starting to get excited for this one.

Good advice.

Also, Poirier is still at ATT training so there is still some hope for the fight.

Learning from mistakes.

Super Sage is engaged.

Friends forever now.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Miguel Baeza (9-0) vs. Jeremiah Wells (8-2-1); UFC Vegas 11, Sep. 19.

Fabian Edwards (9-0) vs Costello van Steenis (12-2); Bellator, Sep. 26.

Will Fleury (7-3) vs. Kent Kauppinen (12-5); Bellator, Sep. 26.

Pietro Penini (9-1-1, 1 NC) vs. Mike Shipman (13-3); Bellator, Sep. 26.

Kywan Gracie Behring (1-0) vs. Constantin Gnusariev (3-0-1); Bellator 247, Oct. 1.

James Gallagher (10-1) vs. Cal Ellenor (8-2); Bellator Milan, Oct. 3.

Ismail Naurdiev (20-4) vs. Amiran Gogoladze (11-1); EMC 6, Oct. 31.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.

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EXIT POLL

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