UFC champion Daniel Cormier pays tribute to AKA coaches with framed UFC titles

A humble champion is the best champion, which is why Daniel Cormier’s recent gesture towards his coaches at American Kickboxing Academy is so darn classy.

In effort to pay tribute to head coach Javier Mendez and popular mixed martial arts (MMA) trainer Bob Cook, the UFC light heavyweight champion presented both men with framed title belts from his previous reign as the 205-pound king.

“Today I was able to give @akajav and @crazybobcook title belts framed with a photo of every fight from my first title reign,” Cormier wrote via Instagram. “That reign has ended and hopefully we are able to start another one with Volkan. I wouldn't be anywhere without these two men. They have been there since day 1. I can't thank you guys enough.”

Remember, Cormier lost to Jon Jones via knockout back at UFC 214, but was awarded his light heavyweight title back after “Bones” tested positive for a banned substance. Prior to UFC 214, “DC” racked off title defenses over knockout artist Anthony Johnson and divisional staple Alexander Gustafsson en route to climbing the pound-for-pound rankings.

Moving forward, Cormier is expected to begin his second title reign atop the UFC’s 205-pound class with a title defense against knockout machine Volkan Oezdemir sometime early next year. After that, a rematch with Gustafsson would most likely be in the books, especially if “Mauler” is willing to wait.