Daniel Cormier, the UFC legend and former two-division champion, has returned to his wrestling roots as a coach at Gilroy High School in Northern California. The 47-year-old MMA icon, who retired from UFC in 2020, now dedicates his time to mentoring young athletes in the sport that launched his career.
How did Daniel Cormier get involved with Gilroy High School?
Cormier first moved to Gilroy in 2013 while training at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose. The city’s affordable real estate and small-town charm drew him in, though he initially knew little about its wrestling legacy. Now, he coaches at the same high school where wrestling has been a powerhouse since the 1970s.
The program was founded in 1969 by city councilman Charlie Morales, who used wrestling to keep at-risk youth off the streets. Cormier, who grew up in a tough neighborhood in Lafayette, Louisiana, sees parallels between his own journey and the Gilroy wrestlers’. Wrestling, he says, 'finds you in the inner city, and it also finds you in towns like Gilroy.'
Why is Gilroy significant to Daniel Cormier?
Gilroy’s wrestling history runs deep. The high school won its first state and national titles in 1977, and Cormier admires the community’s hardworking spirit. 'It’s a city built on hard work,' he says. 'People are proud of where they’re from.'
Cormier’s connection to Gilroy goes beyond wrestling. He jokes about the city’s garlic fame—home to the world’s longest garlic braid and garlic-flavored ice cream—but his real passion is coaching. When he’s not commentating on UFC fights or filming *The Ultimate Fighter*, he’s on the mat, teaching discipline and direction.
What’s next for Daniel Cormier’s coaching career?
Cormier’s transition from UFC champion to high school coach reflects his commitment to giving back. He sees wrestling as a universal sport, accessible to everyone regardless of background. 'It’s a sport that is available to everyone,' he says.
As Gilroy’s wrestling program continues to thrive, Cormier’s influence ensures its legacy endures. His story—from Olympic wrestler to UFC legend to mentor—proves that greatness can be passed on.