Daniel Cormier could get immediate UFC light-heavyweight title shot

If Daniel Cormier goes through with a potential move down to light heavyweight, his debut fight could be for a UFC title.

Even before his win over former heavyweight champ Frank Mir this past weekend at UFC on FOX 7, Cormier said he, his management team and UFC officials would soon decide whether he remains in the division or drops a weight class to fight at 205 pounds.

On Thursday UFC President Dana White provided a potential incentive for the Strikeforce heavyweight prix winner to shed the weight.

“I actually prefer him at 205 (pounds),” White said. “This heavyweight division isn’t like other heavyweight divisions. And in saying that, he beat Josh Barnett. That’s a big deal. I just don’t think he has the punching power at heavyweight that he has at 205.

“He could drop to 205 and get a shot at the title, in my opinion. (On) Day One. Look at the guys he’s beat at heavyweight.”

In addition to Mir and Barnett, two perennial Top 10 heavyweights, Cormier has picked up wins over upcoming UFC title challenger Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva, veteran grappler Jeff Monson, and strikers Dion Staring and Soa Palelei.

Cormier (12-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) recently spoke to MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) about a near-tragic weight cut during his Olympic wrestling days. However, he planned to discuss the possibility of dropping a weight class in detail this week.

“Big fights – big fights are what I’m interested in,” he said. “Whether it be at heavyweight or whether it be at 205, it doesn’t matter. I’m going to get with my team this week, and we’re going to make a decision.”

Cormier’s potential opponent should be determined this weekend. On Saturday, current 205-pound champion Jon Jones (17-1 MMA, 11-1 UFC) meets challenger Chael Sonnen (27-12-1 MMA, 6-5 UFC) in UFC 159's pay-per-view main event.

For more on UFC 159, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.