Daniel Cormier Suffers Torn Cornea in UFC 252 Defeat to Stipe Miocic

Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger - Zuffa LLC

Former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, Daniel 'DC' Cormier found himself on the wrong side of a unanimous decision to Stipe Miocic last night in their title rubber-match, and after transportation to hospital, he was diagnosed with a torn cornea.

Cormier suffered a nasty inadvertent eye poke in the third round of his trilogy match with Miocic and detailed in his post-fight interview with UFC colour commentator, Joe Rogan - how he was unable to see out of his left eye beyond that round.

The American Kickboxing Academy staple had also accidentally poked Miocic in the opening round, resulting in a brief stop in action - with referee Marc Goddard sternly warning Cormier, "I need the hands closed."

ESPN reporter, Ariel Helwani had detailed how Cormier was informed he did not require surgery to repair the torn cornea, for the time being - but would be continually monitored to identify if surgery would be required later. The 41-year-old Lafayette native was discharged from hospital last night.

Despite a promising start in the opening frame from Cormier where the wrestling ace wobbled Miocic with a right hand before the klaxon - the Cleveland favourite managed to take control of the fight beyond the second round, controlling the Octagon, forcing Cormier to fight off the fence, and in the championship rounds - utilised a smothering clinch to retain the title with a 49-46 (x2), and 48-47 unanimous decision.

Speaking with the aforenoted, Rogan after the headliner - Cormier doubled-down on his plans to hang up his gloves following his twenty-sixth professional fight. "That'll be it for me," Cormier explained. "It's been a long run - I just fought my last fight for the heavyweight title."