Daniel Cormier responds to Chael Sonnen's 'punk' comments: This guy paraded around with a fake UFC belt

Chael Sonnen recently declared that only a "punk" would walk around claiming to be the light heavyweight champion if they earned the belt without ever beating former division kingpin, Jon Jones.

"If you accept the title when you didn't beat him, you're a punk," Sonnen said on his podcast. "I would never put a belt around my waist knowing the guy five feet away from me is the true owner of it."

That's the label that will apparently be bestowed upon either Daniel Cormier or Anthony Johnson, as the two men will battle for the vacant title at UFC 187 on May 23, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada, after "Bones" was stripped of his crown for his recent transgressions.

More on that here.

Cormier, however, finds it odd that of all people, Sonnen made the comment. Especially when you consider that "The American Gangster" walked around with a fake title while making the promotional rounds for his rematch against Anderson Silva.

His words on The MMA Hour (via MMA Fighting)

"I think he would (wear the belt) in a heartbeat. That's the thing about Chael, that's what you have to realize when you get to know him. A lot of times he's just talking. He would have taken this opportunity very quickly. Just like he did to fight Jon when he had come off a loss to Anderson Silva in the second fight. He will always take those opportunities. That's just him talking. Put the belt next to Chael Sonnen and see. Today, he'll wear the belt, even though he doesn't fight anymore. You can go ‘Chael, here you go.' This is a guy who paraded around with a fake belt after getting submitted by Anderson. He said ‘this is my belt,' even though Anderson submitted him. You've got to think of who you're talking to. Remember the source."

Interestingly enough, Sonnen also got himself a shot at the light heavyweight title against Jones after his previous fight saw him come up short in his bid to dethrone "The Spider."

Ultimately, Chael came up short against "Bones," losing via first-round technical knockout. That's a fate "DC" looks to avoid, as he aims to make the most of his second opportunity to capture UFC gold.

Even if he's already being counted out.