Daniel Cormier uses coronavirus pandemic downtime to raise funds for youth wrestling

Former UFC dual champion Daniel Cormier is using his downtime during the coronavirus pandemic to do some good for the next generation of amateur wrestlers.

Cormier (22-2 MMA, 12-2 UFC), a former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, already does more than his fair share for the wrestling community. He is the head coach at Gilroy High School in California, but that still doesn’t satisfy him in terms of giving back to the sport that played a massive role in his overall athletic success.

In collaboration with the customized celebrity video messaging service Taki, Cormier is donating money to Wrestling Prep, an organization that not only teaches the physical and mental craft of wrestling, but also provides recruiting and SAT preparation for those making the jump from high school to college.

“These online seminars that they are having are now starting to really explode,” Cormier told MMA Junkie Radio. “Last night the seminar had 745 kids – 745 kids online – learning not only technical skills, but also mastering things in the classroom. It’s a massive opportunity for these kids, and it’s great to be part of something positive.

“I’m just really happy that I can provide assistance for kids that aren’t on my team. It’s across the country, and (we) try to guide them in the right direction for all that stuff that’s going to come on really quick.”

Through the Taki app, Cormier is selling 10 different personalized messages per month at $100 each. Cormier said he’s received requests that range from birthday messages to motivational advice and more. All profits go to Wrestling Prep, and Cormier said slots have been filling up quickly.

“I do these 10 videos up every month, and people have been burning through them,” Cormier said. “It’s great not only in the sense that they’re willing to buy videos in this time where everything is so up in the air, but the fact that people still want to help people. By buying this video, it allows a kid to gain knowledge by Wrestling Prep.”

Cormier reiterated that he takes no personal profit out of the partnership, and he’s grateful to anyone who is willing to participate in a time of uncertainty during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I know it’s hard to part with $100 right now, but know that $100 is going to help someone,” Cormier said. “It’s not money in my pocket. I’m not getting $100. It will go to a kid that’s trying to further his education and just learn.”