Austin O’Connor Embraces the Pressure of Being Daniel Cormier’s Protege: ‘I Welcome It’

Austin O’Connor, a two-time NCAA wrestling champion, is set to make his MMA debut with the help of UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier. Despite his success in wrestling, O’Connor always felt that MMA was his true calling after college.

O’Connor, now 26, made the decision to transition to MMA due to the challenges he faced in wrestling, particularly with weight classes and the difficulty of making U.S. teams. With the support and guidance of his coaches at the University of North Carolina, O’Connor connected with Cormier, who has since become his mentor, coach, and manager.

Teaming up with Cormier has provided O’Connor with the opportunity to train at the American Kickboxing Academy alongside top fighters like Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov. Cormier’s guidance has made O’Connor’s transition into MMA smoother than expected for a debut fighter.

Excited for his first fight on the Fury FC 91 main card, O’Connor is grateful for Cormier’s involvement in his career. He acknowledges the pressure that comes with being a two-time NCAA champion and having a legend like Cormier in his corner but is confident in his ability to perform under the spotlight.

As O’Connor prepares to step into the cage, he remains focused on taking things day-by-day and embracing the attention that comes with his debut. With Cormier by his side, O’Connor is ready to make his mark in the world of MMA and showcase his skills on a larger stage.