Steven Seagal to train Daniel Cormier

Steven Seagal is of course the striking and somewhat boyishly handsome looking action film star, musician, philanthropist, environmentalist, animal rights activist, producer, writer, guitarist, reserve deputy sheriff, and 7th-dan black belt in Aikido. Called by many “The Father of the Front Kick” in mixed martial arts, Seagal has held off on accepting an 8th degree in Aikido, a testament to his remarkable character.

“Fritão” as he is affectionately known among his Brazilian students like Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida, has now expanded his circle of apprentices. Daniel Cormier spoke with Ariel Helwani ahead of his fight Saturday night with UFC light heavyweight Jon Jones at UFC 182, and revealed he will receive some last minute coaching from the master.

I received a text message on our plans that got backed up — I was supposed to train with Master Seagal tonight, said Cormier as transcribed by Jeremy Brand for MMASucka. But his flight got changed because the private plane he was flying on had got moved to tomorrow. So he will be in tomorrow and he said he’s got some stuff he wants to show me, that he believes will work against Jon Jones.

He wants to be here to support me in my cause.

Cormier revealed that he has already trained with O’Sensei Seagal previously.

I did once at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel,” said DC. “I went to his hotel room and he showed me some holds that were pretty effective. I can honestly say that I’ve used them.

This was July, two years ago.

Cormier hinted at why GM Seagal is offering his sage advice.

I don’t know where this stems from, but I’ve heard stories that Jon Jones was very disrespectful to the Master at some point,” said DC. “So he’s willing to help me.

The enmity goes back to an incident in 2011, before Jones fought Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, at UFC 135. Jones threw a number of front kicks at Rampage.

“Him and I did talk about that,” said Seagal after the fight. “But he hasn’t learned it yet.”

In fact, days before the fight, Seagal offered Jones the opportunity to hear some last-minute advice in the dressing room. Imprudently, Jones declined.

“He was wondering if he could come and talk to me backstage before the fight, just give me some words of encouragement,” said Jones at the post-fight press conference. “I didn’t think that would be a good idea. My training staff works very hard on me. I’m their prodigy. I wouldn’t want to disrespect them by welcoming someone else’s master into our room, into our house, into our family.”

Now Jones will pay the price for his decision. It is clear now why the late money is pouring onto Cormier – Fritão is coming to town.

(31:17 mark)