Daniel Cormier says 'mental fatigue' is behind Ilia Topuria's plans to face Charles of the Bronx

Daniel Cormier is one of the main commentators for the UFC. (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram)

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Daniel Cormier reacted in an interesting way to Ilia Topuria 's public challenge to Charles Oliveira . According to the former UFC light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) and heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) champion, the Georgian/Spanish fighter's desire to test himself in the higher weight class is a result of mental exhaustion after knocking out Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway in succession.

BU ADAMIN BİTİREMEYECEĞİ BİRİ YOK!

Ilia Topuria , daha önce hiç nakavt olmayan Max Holloway 'i bitirerek şampiyonluk ünvanını korudu! pic.twitter.com/VBlWMTW20q

— S Sport Plus (@ssportplustr) October 26, 2024

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During a chat with fellow former fighter Ben Askren on the American show Funky And the Champ, DC commented on the situation experienced by the champion.

“When you beat the best, especially the two that have dominated the division for so long, there can be a little bit of fatigue. It’s not like muscle fatigue; it’s mental fatigue. Now (he) went from fighting two established veteran stars, to now having to fight a guy who’s on the rise, a guy who is who he was just a few fights ago,” Cormier said.

There are possible opponents for Ilia Topuria at bantamweight

Despite Ilia Topuria 's apparent desire to move up a weight class, it's possible to identify some potential opponents for the fighter in the near future. Besides a possible rematch with Alexander Volkanovski , there are names like Diego Lopes , who is coming off a victory against Brian Ortega , and Movsar Evlovev , who defeated Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 and is undefeated, just like the champion.

Movsar Evloev dominates Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 and maintains his undefeated record. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFCNews

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