Shaking his head before Bruce Buffer even had the chance to finish reading the scores, Daniel Cormier stood in the center of the Octagon with his left eye nearly shut, and seemed to know what was coming. It's a disappointment Cormier had felt a few times before in a combat sports career that, while often filled with great highs, had moments of heartbreak on a massive stage.
The 41-year-old from Cajun country is among the most genuine, engaging and smilingest people in mixed martial arts. Imagine what a satisfying career conclusion it would have been for Cormier and his fans if his final walk from the Octagon had been as a two-time heavyweight champion.