When it comes to mixed martial arts, Daniel Cormier is one of the most knowledgeable athletes in the sport. A former double champion in the UFC (light heavyweight and heavyweight), Cormier is not only an incredible competitor, he's a heck of an analyst and commentator. That's probably why Electronic Arts has tapped him to be a ratings adjustor for EA Sports UFC 4, the latest installment in the video game franchise.
Anyone familiar with EA's sports titles already knows the developer likes for its games to reflect their real life counterparts. Madden, for example, receives weekly updates that adjusts players' ratings based on their performances on the field in real life. EA will be doing the same with UFC 4, although not only a weekly basis.
It sounds like UFC 4 will be updated on a monthly basis after select pay per views. Cormier will work with EA, providing feedback on which fighters should go up and down based on their performances inside of the Octagon.
Fighters rankings will go up or down from month or month throughout the year, according to Cormier, who warned fighters: "If you're in the Octagon in the next couple of months, realize that your results will affect your in-game character. So you better put it down. You better represent in that octagon if ou want your rankings to be as high as most people want it to be."
In addition to his role as ratings adjustor, Cormier will also serve as the primary voice of EA Sports UFC 4. His work on the game, of course, is in addition to the work he's putting on in the gym as he prepares for his trilogy fight against heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic. The two will meet in the octagon for a third time at UFC 252 on August 15.
The rivalry is split at one a piece so far, with Cormier winning the belt from Miocic by first round knock out in 2018. After defending it against Derrick Lewis, Cormier and Miocic met for a rematch. The second fight went in Miocic's favor as he reclaimed the belt via TKO.
It's unclear what will be next for Cormier after the trilogy fight -- likely retirement -- but he seems to have some pretty nice gigs lined up post fight career. EA Sports UFC 4 is set to launch on August 14 for Xbox One and PS4.