Oklahoma State University Athletics
Daniel Cormier Inducted into Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame
June 21, 2024 | Cowboy Wrestling
NATCHITOCHES, La. – Former Oklahoma State wrestler and UFC standout Daniel Cormier was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame this weekend as part of the Class of 2024.
Cormier was a key piece of the Cowboy lineup in 2000 and 2001, compiling a 52-10 career record with 36 bonus-point wins. Qualifying for the NCAA Championships twice, Cormier's final campaign saw him become an All-American as the national runner-up at 184 pounds. Oklahoma State also celebrated Big 12 team titles in both of Cormier's seasons as he reached back-to-back finals at the conference meet.
Following his collegiate career, Cormier found even more success on the freestyle circuit, representing the United States on the World level every year from 2003 to 2008. A two-time Olympic qualifier, he placed fourth in 2004 and was expected to medal four years later but ultimately dropped out just before the tournament due to illness. Cormier's six-year run included four appearances at the World Championships as well, which was highlighted by a bronze medal in 2007.
A native of Lafayette, La., Cormier was a three-time state champion for Northside High School. He then went 61-0 while capturing two NJCAA titles at Colby Community College before finally arriving in Stillwater.
Cormier transitioned to mixed martial arts in 2009 and began his career in Strikeforce. He won his first 11 bouts, becoming the King of the Cage heavyweight champion and winning the 2012 Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. After joining the UFC, Cormier became just the second UFC fighter to hold two divisional titles simultaneously and first to have title defenses in two divisions. Cormier posted a 22-3 record with one no-contest throughout his career, ranking him third all-time in light heavyweight wins and tied for 10th in heavyweight.
Currently serving as a combat sports analyst for ESPN, Cormier is also a member of the UFC Hall of Fame, National Junior College Athletic Association Hall of Fame and Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame. The 2024 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class contains eight other inductees, such as fellow Olympic wrestler Kevin Jackson and longtime New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees.
Cormier was a key piece of the Cowboy lineup in 2000 and 2001, compiling a 52-10 career record with 36 bonus-point wins. Qualifying for the NCAA Championships twice, Cormier's final campaign saw him become an All-American as the national runner-up at 184 pounds. Oklahoma State also celebrated Big 12 team titles in both of Cormier's seasons as he reached back-to-back finals at the conference meet.
Following his collegiate career, Cormier found even more success on the freestyle circuit, representing the United States on the World level every year from 2003 to 2008. A two-time Olympic qualifier, he placed fourth in 2004 and was expected to medal four years later but ultimately dropped out just before the tournament due to illness. Cormier's six-year run included four appearances at the World Championships as well, which was highlighted by a bronze medal in 2007.
A native of Lafayette, La., Cormier was a three-time state champion for Northside High School. He then went 61-0 while capturing two NJCAA titles at Colby Community College before finally arriving in Stillwater.
Cormier transitioned to mixed martial arts in 2009 and began his career in Strikeforce. He won his first 11 bouts, becoming the King of the Cage heavyweight champion and winning the 2012 Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. After joining the UFC, Cormier became just the second UFC fighter to hold two divisional titles simultaneously and first to have title defenses in two divisions. Cormier posted a 22-3 record with one no-contest throughout his career, ranking him third all-time in light heavyweight wins and tied for 10th in heavyweight.
Currently serving as a combat sports analyst for ESPN, Cormier is also a member of the UFC Hall of Fame, National Junior College Athletic Association Hall of Fame and Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame. The 2024 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class contains eight other inductees, such as fellow Olympic wrestler Kevin Jackson and longtime New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees.
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