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Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Daniel Cormier Vows to Quit NCAA Wrestling Commentary Over Criticism

Originally posted on Sherdog.com | By Sayan Nag | Last updated 3/25/24

Daniel Cormier says he won’t be returning to NCAA wrestling commentary after criticism received during his latest stint.

Cormier is a former NCAA All-American wrestler from Oklahoma State University and a two-time member of the U.S. Olympic wrestling squad. After switching to MMA and becoming a two-division UFC champ, “DC” was invited to continue calling fights for the NCAA wrestling championship. Despite his vast experience in combat sports and commentating, Cormier’s commentary has drawn mixed reviews. While some saw Cormier’s energetic style as the way forward, others criticized him for not being technical enough.

Cormier has decided to step away from NCAA commentary after his latest gig over online backlash.

“You guys have it. I am out sorry to ruin your experience! You know I don’t ask to do this. Very important people ask me to do it. Anyhow carry on my friend, I am out. Back to the minor leagues for me.

“Guys [I’m] out. This will be my last time doing the NCAA tournament,” he added. “Continue to do things the same way and stay wrestling that hasn’t changed since the 40’s. I told the general public to watch a guy told me he’d rather tear his eyes out than watch. So enjoy. I’ll finish tonight and I’m out!”

You guys have it. I am out sorry to ruin your experience! You know I don’t ask to do this. Very important people ask me to do it. Anyhow carry on my friend I am out. Back to the minor leagues for me— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) March 24, 2024

Guys im out. This will be my last time doing the NcAA tournament. Continue to do things the same way and stay wrestling that hasn’t changed since the 40’s. I told the general public to watch a guy told me he’d rather tear his eyes out than watch. So enjoy. I’ll finish tonight… https://t.co/QP3tAMcdzN— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) March 24, 2024

Cormier’s comments came in response to a tweet from former collegiate wrestler and current assistant coach Mason Beckman, who has since received his share of criticism online.

“Didn’t realize my opinion would create such a firestorm,” Beckman wrote in response. “All I’ll say is this: I don’t think being entertaining has to come at the expense of knowing the rules and athletes, and/or being unbiased. One man’s opinion - admittedly from the sideline. Take it for what it’s worth.”

Didn’t realize my opinion would create such a firestorm. All I’ll say is this: I don’t think being entertaining has to come at the expense of knowing the rules and athletes, and/or being unbiased. One man’s opinion - admittedly from the sideline. Take it for what it’s worth.— Mason Beckman (@beck_diggity) March 24, 2024

Cormier’s commentary in the UFC has also been slammed by fans and fighters on several occasions in the past. When asked why he doesn’t consider quitting the UFC gig, Cormier wrote: “I get paid a lot there lol.”