MMA Fighting's Luke Thomas spoke with Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix alternate-turned-finalist Daniel Cormier in advance of his May 19th bout with Josh Barnett. Cormier KO'd Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva at Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov in September of last year. He injured his hand in that bout and the final against Barnett has been waiting on his recovery.

Cormier talked about the difference in his style and ability in wrestling and Josh Barnett's catch wrestling style. Thomas also got Cormier to open up about his failure to win and Olympic gold medal in wrestling. An effort that failed when his kidneys gave out during a grueling weight cut. Cormier tells Thomas that had he won the medal, he likely would never have competed in professional MMA. Cormier also talks about the American Kickboxing Academy gym after the departures of trainer Dave Camarillo and UFC welterweight Josh Koscheck.

Video is after the jump...

More SBN coverage of Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier