Cormier in 'very early' talks with WWE for commentary role

Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier says he's had preliminary discussions with WWE about doing commentary and eventually making in-ring appearances.

"We've been talking," Cormier told Sports Illustrated's Justin Barrasso. "We've spoken to some of the people over there in very, very early conversations. WWE is a company I've watched and loved my entire life."

Cormier retired in August after a unanimous decision loss to heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic at UFC 252.

"DC" currently serves as a color commentator for the MMA promotion and would look to extend his services to a new company.

The 41-year-old said he would like to call the action in WWE for six months before transitioning to participating in matches.

"After those six months, what if I'm sitting next to Michael Cole, and Roman (Reigns) comes over and smacks the microphone out of my hand?" Cormier said. "But I'm an announcer. Will I hit him back? Then you're asking if this will happen or not.

"That's what I want, that slow build, the type of story you want to see, and your heart feels like it's going to explode while you're waiting for it. Give me the slow build, let it simmer."

Cormier is a life-long fan of pro wrestling; he attended WrestleMania 31 in 2015 in Santa Clara, California and watched his favorite wrestler at the time, Seth Rollins, win the heavyweight title.

Cormier, who held UFC titles at heavyweight and light heavyweight, was expected to face former UFC and WWE champion Brock Lesnar in an MMA bout after a win over Miocic in 2018, but the fight never came to fruition.

Cormier retired with a 22-3 record and is considered one of the best mixed martial artists of all time. He holds notable wins over Miocic, Anthony Johnson (twice), Alexander Gustafsson, Anderson Silva, and Dan Henderson.