TLDR: Daniel Cormier addressed the "towel gate" controversy from UFC 210, blaming his former training partner Luke Rockhold for the weigh-in mishap. He highlighted the stress athletes face during weigh-ins and called for clearer guidelines to avoid such incidents in the future.
Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier has addressed the controversial UFC 210 incident known as "towel gate," where he was accused of using a towel to manipulate the scale during his weigh-in for the light heavyweight title fight against Anthony Johnson. Cormier, who ultimately weighed in at 206 pounds, explained that the blame for the situation lies with his former training partner Luke Rockhold.
During an appearance on a podcast, Cormier detailed how Rockhold had been involved in the confusion surrounding the weigh-in process. He noted that Rockhold, while trying to help, inadvertently contributed to the situation that led to the misunderstanding. Cormier emphasized that they were simply trying to get him to the right weight, but things spiraled out of control.
Cormier's comments shed light on the pressures athletes face during weigh-ins, particularly when a title is on the line. He expressed that the entire experience was stressful, and even the slightest miscalculation can lead to significant consequences. The "towel gate" incident sparked discussions about the integrity of weigh-ins in the sport, highlighting the need for clear guidelines and adherence to protocols.
The former champion admitted that the incident had a lasting impact on him and that it is a topic that continues to come up in discussions among fans and analysts alike. Cormier's reflection serves as a reminder of the challenges fighters encounter as they prepare for high-stakes matchups in the MMA world.
As the sport evolves, weigh-in regulations may also need to adapt to prevent similar situations from arising in the future. Cormier's candid remarks offer valuable insights into the complexities of fight preparation and the responsibilities that come with being a professional athlete in the highly scrutinized environment of the UFC.
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