Coach Javier Mendez: Daniel Cormier is “at a crossroads” in his fighting career

On July 29, in the main event of the stacked UFC 214, then UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier attempted to defend his title against his fiercest rival in former champion Jon Jones. Though Cormier put forth a valiant effort, he was ultimately flattened by a Jones head-kick in the third, and polished off by a hellacious strafing of ground strikes in the subsequent moments.

Given the stakes of this fight, it came as no surprise when Cormier broke down in tears post-fight. And though he gave a positive update on Instagram the following evening, it was clear that his road to recovery would probably be a long one. There was even some doubt as to whether he’d fight again.

While Cormier’s fighting future is still far from certain, his coach Javier Mendez recently assured Starsport that he’s doing ok.

“I’ve been in contact with him every day, he’s fine,” Mendez said.

“He’s at crossroads like every great fighter, you know? Do they continue (or not)? But I’ve got a funny feeling we haven’t seen the end of Daniel, not in the fight world.”

Mendez then elaborated that while it’s possible that Cormier chooses to hang up the gloves, he will continue to coach at American Kickboxing Academy, and to work as an MMA analyst on Fox Sports.

“He’s still going to be commentating and he’s still going to involved as a coach at AKA. He’s the greatest wrestling coach that I’ve ever experienced.”

“So he’s going to be in my life until I’m done. So I haven’t seen the last Daniel.”

“But as a fighter, that’s on Daniel. But I think the world hasn’t seen the last of him either.”

Do you think Daniel Cormier will ever fight again? If he does, who would you like to see him fight?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 8/14/2017.