Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier is known for keeping a close eye on the rising stars in the wrestling world. As a two-time Olympian and current high-school wrestling coach, Cormier has a deep connection to the sport he loves. It turns out that he unknowingly crossed paths with a future American gold medalist, Amit Elor, several years ago while training at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose.
Cormier shared a backstory about how Amit Elor used to train with Carolyn Wester, a wrestling coach from Wrestling Prep, who would bring her to the gym. Despite not recognizing her at the time, Cormier now realizes that he has pictures of Elor with the team during their training sessions.
Amit Elor’s hard work paid off when she secured a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics, dominating her opponents with an impressive scoreline. At just 20 years old, she became the youngest American to win a gold medal in wrestling, breaking a record previously held by Henry Cejudo.
Cormier recalled a conversation with Elor’s coach, who confidently predicted her success at the Olympics. Elor’s performance at the games validated her coach’s belief in her abilities.
Elor’s victory was a significant achievement for the U.S. women’s wrestling team, as she joined her teammates in bringing home multiple medals from the games.
Looking ahead, Elor aims to continue her wrestling career with eyes set on the 2028 Olympics in California. However, Cormier sees a potential future for her in MMA, given her diverse skill set in judo and jiu-jitsu.
Cormier emphasized the importance of Elor staying focused on wrestling for now, as he believes she has the potential to make a significant impact on the sport.
As Elor’s journey unfolds, Cormier envisions her transitioning to MMA after fulfilling her Olympic dreams, where he believes she will excel and make a mark in the sport.
Cormier’s advice to Elor is to prioritize her wrestling career before considering a move to MMA, highlighting the unique opportunity of chasing Olympic glory.
The path ahead for Amit Elor is filled with potential across multiple Olympic cycles, and Cormier remains supportive of her journey towards achieving greatness in both wrestling and potentially in MMA.
Ultimately, Cormier believes that Elor has the talent and drive to succeed in whatever path she chooses, whether it be in wrestling or in the world of mixed martial arts.