Cormier on Bernett: A lot of his big wins are back before 2005

"No knock on Josh, but everybody that fought in that era is starting to slow down," Cormier said. "He was in the battles just as they were. So I think it's going to take a guy to bring it out of him, to show him that it is mileage, and time is starting to catch up to him. Maybe after the fight, people will say, 'He's slowing down. He's not what he used to be.' But guys don't slow down on their own. Somebody has to actually show them that the time has come, where it's starting to catch up, all the battles and all the wars."

"[Barnett] beat all those guys, but a lot of those big wins are back before 2005, so it's not like all these wins are recent," he said. "A lot of those wins are way back in the day, so Josh is a completely different fighter than he was.Back in the day, if a guy had a leg lock, he could be a world champion," Cormier said. "Well, the game's changed now, and it's advanced. All that stuff doesn't really pertain to me."

A Familiar story

And here is the video interview where he tells he wants dirty bloody battle with Barnett.

UFC 146 HEAVYWEIGHTS PREDICT STRIKEFORCE HEAVYWEIGHT GRAND PRIX FINAL WINNER

Junior dos Santos, reigning UFC heavyweight champion, said: “They are both great fighters and this is a fight that could end very quickly for each guy. But Cormier is more explosive and has the better chances to end this early. It could be very exciting, but I think Cormier wins.”
         
Frank Mir, two-time UFC heavyweight champion, said: “I think Cormier takes this. I can’t see Barnett getting him to the ground, his wrestling is too strong. And on the feet I think Cormier has the power to end things. But with two top heavyweights, anything can happen. That’s why this division is so exciting - anyone who is world class can beat anyone else with one punch. You can’t say that about the lighter weight classes and that’s why heavyweight fights are so cool to watch.”

Cain Velasquez, former UFC heavyweight champion said: “I pick Daniel Cormier. Number one, because I train with him but also because he’s so hungry in this sport, I don’t think he will be denied. He was really raw when he came into our gym the first time a couple of years ago but he picked up everything a lot faster than most. He has dangerous strikes and I can’t see Josh getting him to the ground. Daniel’s wrestling is too good; I think he takes this fight and makes a statement about his future in the division.”

Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva, who reached the Grand Prix semi-final stage before losing to Cormier, also picked his old rival for the win, saying: “I think Cormier will win this fight and be the Grand Prix Champion. I was very surprised by him in our fight. I think he is too strong, too powerful in this fight. He punches very hard and his wrestling is very good. I think he will win inside the distance unless Josh Barnett gets this to the ground quickly.”

Source.

Cormier on Barnett: I'm better wrestler, faster and mush more athletic

Daniel Cormier Confident in Facing Josh Barnett