TSL had the pleasure to follow the life of UFC Light Heavyweight Daniel Cormier a few days ago in San Jose, California. Training for UFC 170, Cormier is a rising star that won the widely touted King of Kings Strikeforce Grand Prix Heavyweight tournament. He is undefeated with a 13-0 professional record and has fought the biggest names on his ascent to the top. Now ready to tackle the challenge of a new lighter weight class, Cormier is excited to continue dominating.
Driven: Daniel Cormier, Part 1
We profile Cormier in an exclusive, two-part video series beginning today called DRIVEN: Daniel Cormier, and we hope that you receive a deeper glimpse into what it takes for high level Power Sports athletes to stay motivated. Venturing to San Jose to the American Kickboxing Academy, home to Cormiers training camp, we followed Cormiers training and nutritional progress en route to UFC 170. During that time he was preparing for a matchup against Rashad Evans, which had title implications for the winner. However, since we wrapped taping Evans is out with a training related injury and the opponent has now changed to UFC debutant Patrick Cummins.
We also interview the founder of the American Kickboxing Academy and head trainer of its professional fighters, Javier Mendez. Since 1985 Mendez has been creating champions in kickboxing, boxing and mixed martial arts and with his partner, Bob Cook, AKA has molded Cormier into an undefeated top contender. AKA Striking coach, Rudy Cruz discusses Cormiers stand-up progression and how the team strategies for each opponent. Recovery coach, Jose Garcia takes us into a therapeutic massage session with Cormier whose rigorous training requires his body to go through constant maintenance.
Driven will both enlighten and educate those uninitiated to the world of mixed martial arts and one of its rising stars who embodies the passion and purpose of a life that is driven.
