The Last Dance - Daniel Cormier

Sometimes God brings people together because He wants them to grow in friendship with one another. Friendship is part of God’s glorious plan for your life and mine. God brought such a friend into my life a few years ago, and I want to honor him and share with you what a blessing this man has been in my life.

I was introduced to UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier by our mutual friend, Olympic Silver Medalist Jamill Kelly. Like many of you, I knew of Daniel Cormier and of his wrestling at Oklahoma St University, his qualifications as an Olympian, and his MMA accomplishments. He enjoys quite the reputation as a result of his success. Perhaps some of you are familiar with Daniel as DC, Double Champ, or “King of the Grind.” Maybe you know him as the baddest man on the planet or the two-time Heavyweight Champion (as he will prove once again this Saturday at UFC 252).

Certainly all of these titles are part of who he is, but if that’s all you know of Daniel Cormier, you are missing out. Over the last few years, I have had the privilege of getting to know Daniel Cormier as a personal friend.

While Daniel is a dominating force in the octagon, when you get to know the man behind all the belts, titles, accomplishments, and fame, you find a true leader who is dedicated to his family and loves them dearly. Daniel is one of those natural-born leaders that people instinctively follow. He is also a family man. He loves his mom and cherishes the memories of his late father. He is always looking out for his brothers, his sister, his cousins, his nieces, and his nephews. And it may come as a surprise, but he’s also the nicest guy in the room.

I have personally benefited from Daniel’s generosity on numerous occasions. He has graciously invited me into his personal life, introduced me to his wife Salina and their children, and even asked me to officiate their wedding. 

While I would appreciate just having Daniel as a friend, he has given me even more for which to be thankful. Daniel allowed me to see his hall of fame career up close and personal. He has invited me to meet him several times in various cities and historic venues for his main event fights, including:

UFC 200 - Las Vegas, NV

UFC 210 - Buffalo, NY

UFC 214 - Anaheim, CA

UFC 220 - Boston, MA

UFC 226 - Las Vegas, NV

UFC 230 - New York, NY

UFC 241 - Anaheim, CA 

I am grateful for Daniel’s friendship, generosity, and the opportunities he has afforded me. As he closes out his career as a UFC fighter this weekend, I want to publicly thank him for who he is and what his friendship means to me.

Daniel,

May this victory on Saturday be an epic ending to your legacy.  

You have endured considerable tests, trials, and tribulations in your life, but you have persevered and overcome them time and time again. Your positive response to those trying times and difficult experiences have helped shape you into the man that you are today. You are a role model and I am SO proud of your personal growth and development. 

Enjoy retirement! 

DaVon Alexander

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 (HCSB)