Daniel Cormier Hoping Jimi Manuwa Beats Alexander Gustafsson

There’s a lot on the line when Alexander Gustafsson and Jimi Manuwa square off at UFC Fight Night 37 on March 8 in London. With a win, Gustafsson will likely fight for the title in his next fight, but Daniel Cormier will be rooting against him.

“I’m the biggest Jimi Manuwa fan on the planet because I think if Jimi Manuwa can get this done I get to fight for the belt next,” Cormier recently told The Great MMA Debate Podcast.

“That’s been my dream for a really long time. I hope that it happens soon. Manuwa is a tough and dangerous opponent for Alexander Gustafsson. So right now I’m just a huge Jimi Manuwa fan,” added the undefeated Cormier. “If he can’t get it done then, you know what, I see what’s next.”

Cormier has nothing against Gustafsson, but the Swede stands in the 34-year-old’s path to a title fight.

“I have nothing against Alexander Gustafsson. I think Alexander Gustafsson is great,” said Cormier. “I admire Alexander Gustafsson. The only thing is Alexander Gustafsson is a huge road block in my journey to try and become the champion.”

If Gustafsson is victorious against Manuwa, Cormier wants his next opponent to be one that will move him toward that coveted top contender’s spot.

“Whatever the next fight is, I don’t’ care if it’s a title eliminator for the next guy, I just need a name that actually moves me into the number one contender spot after this fight,” he said.