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Daniel Cormier: 'I need a little bit of a break'

UFC light-heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier says he's taking a break from MMA.

By Lewis Mckeever

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Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Daniel Cormier, at 36-years-old, is one of the most active fighters on the UFC roster. In 2015, "DC" has took on the division's finest in Jon Jones, Anthony Johnson and Alexander Gustafsson.

The reigning light-heavyweight champion last fought at UFC 192 where he defeated "The Mauler" in a pulsating 5-round battle, and now he's in need of a break.

The AKA standout spoke to Kenny Florian and Jon Anik on their podcast yesterday.

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The sober play-by-play of Cormier vs. Gustafsson

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Cormier and Gustafsson engaged in one of the more strategically exciting fights of the year. What round was really up for debate for the UFC 192 headliner in Houston, TX?

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"I have no idea (when Jones will be back); all I know is that I'm taking a break. In 2015, I fought Jones, I fought ‘Rumble' Johnson, and I fought Alexander Gustafsson. I fought the toughest guys the division has to offer - all in 10 months, at 36 years old. I need a little bit of a break. I fought seven times in two years in the UFC. I need some time to sit back and spend with my family. ... I want to take a break, and I think I've earned it."

Cormier also went 5 hard rounds with Jon Jones but lost a unanimous decision. Jones, who recently pleaded guilty to a hit-and-run and escaped jail-time, could return to the Octagon soon.

The former pound for pound #1 was stripped of his light-heavyweight title and suspended indefinitely after he collided with another vehicle being driven by a pregnant woman in April. In his absence, Cormier seized the vacant 205 lbs. championship when he submitted "Rumble" at UFC 187.

UFC president Dana White confirmed that "Bones" would be granted with an immediate title shot upon his return, so it's anticipated that the JacksonWink fighter will engage in a rematch with Cormier in the near future.

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