Welcome to The Weekly Takedown, Sports Illustrated’s in-depth look at MMA. Every Thursday, this column will offer insight and information on the most noteworthy stories in the fight world.
Fast approaching 15 years ago, Scott Coker still recalls his first meeting with Daniel Cormier.
The articulate Cormier impressed Coker during their lunch. The meeting was set up by Bob Cook, who was Coker’s matchmaker at Strikeforce, and marked the start of Cormier’s iconic run in MMA.
“Bob Cook said to me, ‘Coker, this is going to be your next heavyweight champion,’” recalled Coker.