SAN JOSE, Calif. (KLFY) – Acadiana has produced and continues to produce many world class athletes.

Lafayette’s own Daniel Cormier is one of them.

He originally made a name for himself in wrestling but transitioned over to the world of mixed martial arts where he has rejuvenated his career.

Cormier is preparing for a huge fight in Anaheim, California at the end of July.

It’s been a rocky relationship, to say the least between Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones.

Cormier has a 19-1 MMA record. His only loss came to Jones back in January 2015.

Then he was scheduled to get a rematch in July of last year. But Jones flunked a drug test and the fight was canceled.

On July 29, 2017, Cormier will finally get another crack at taking down Jones, and he says he will be ready!

“To peak at the right time but not too early. You know, that’s the focus. Last time we fought, I think three weeks before the fight, was just Superman, but I kind of burned out a little bit. I did too much. Now I feel we have a perfect amount of what we need to win this fight,” Cormier explained.

“DC” as he is referred to is very proud to be from Lafayette. He currently lives and trains in San Jose, California, but has not forgotten his hometown, and how it’s helped mold him into a UFC Champ.

“I cannot imagine being born and raised in any other place other than Lafayette. I love that town. I hope I get to spend more time there as my career slows down. It’s a great place, a lot of love, very welcoming. And the food, oh my goodness the food,” Cormier said.

Cormier was a three-time state champion wrestler at Northside High, and was an All-American at Oklahoma State, before eventually becoming an Olympic Wrestler.

He explains the reason Acadiana continues to produce so many world-class athletes in a variety of sports.

“Just athletic man. So many kids are athletic. You know what’s the crazy thing? For every ‘me’, there were twenty guys more gifted, more athletic. It’s just in you, it’s just something about us and sports. We did everything from the Acadian Bandits football to American Legion Baseball. You know, we did everything, so.  Sports are just in us,” Cormier said.

A high achiever this MMA superstar says the book on his career has not been fully written.

“For what I expect of myself, I don’t believe the story is written yet. I still think we have some work to do,” Cormier said.

Cormier vs. Jones 2 will go down in Anaheim, California on Saturday, July 29, 2017.

It will be available on pay per view.