Video: UFC 173's Daniel Cormier makes his pitch to Popeyes

LAS VEGAS – Before his first fight at light heavyweight earlier this year, Daniel Cormier had a run-in with an old friend: the fried chicken from Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.

When his fight against Rashad Evans at UFC 170 fell off, he thought he wasn’t getting a replacement fight. So the Louisiana native had a little binge on one of his favorites – only to find out the next morning he had a new fight for the card, and quickly had to work that Popeyes out of his system to make sure his drop to 205 pounds from heavyweight would stay on target.

This week, Cormier may have been a little more comfortable with the weight cut. But that didn’t stop his opponent, Dan Henderson, from putting temptation in front of him. Henderson had a few boxes of Popeyes delivered to Cormier while he was cutting weight, a little good-natured pre-fight prank.

Cormier didn’t take the bait, but it’s a reasonable certainty that on Sunday, he’ll be cleared to indulge for a while until his next training camp begins.

More than that, though, Cormier said he’d like to parlay his love of the brand into a sponsorship deal.

“You know I like chicken. I love Popeyes chicken – I can’t even deny it,” Cormier said. “I want to represent Popeyes chicken – it’s OK, guys. Come on – sponsor me. Hook me up. I love you. You love me. I’ve been your greatest customer for a long time.”

Cormier said he’d be hoping for a deal that includes money, naturally – but also his favorite chicken.

Before that can happen, though, Cormier (14-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) has to meet Henderson (30-11 MMA, 7-5 UFC) in the co-main vent of UFC 173, which takes place tonight at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FOX Sports 1 and UFC’ Fight Pass.

Check out the video above to hear Cormier’s pitch to Popeyes ahead of his fight with “Hendo.”

And for the latest on UFC 173, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.