White predicts Cormier will fight again after UFC 252 loss

UFC president Dana White doesn't believe Daniel Cormier's retirement will last after his loss to heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 252 on Saturday.

Cormier said before the trilogy fight that it would be his final walk to the Octagon, and "DC" confirmed afterward that he indeed plans to hang up his gloves.

White said last week he expected Cormier to fight at least once more regardless of the outcome against Miocic, and his view didn't change after seeing Saturday's main event unfold in Las Vegas.

"I just think Cormier, the way that that guy is and the competitor that he is, he says, 'I'm not going out like that,'" White said during the postfight press conference, according to MMA Fighting. "I don't know. That's my prediction."

White later admitted his stance may be tied to his personal preference regarding Cormier's next move. Cormier initially planned to retire in early 2019, but White has long said he doesn't believe "DC" should walk away from the sport.

"I think (me) saying he won't retire is me kinda hoping he doesn't retire," White said. "But whatever he wants to do, I'm happy for him. If he wants to fight, I'm happy for him. If he wants to retire, I'm really happy for him, too."

Cormier said in his postfight interview on Saturday that he wouldn't want to keep fighting without being involved in UFC title bouts. The 41-year-old, who's now lost two straight, also said he doesn't expect to receive another title shot anytime soon.

"DC" will retire as one of the greatest fighters ever. He's been the UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, and he became only the second person in the promotion's history to hold two titles simultaneously in 2018.