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Arnold Schwarzenegger teases Daniel Cormier about belly after his UFC title win

Daniel Cormier celebrates in the post-fight press conference after winning the UFC light heavyweight title. (Getty)
Daniel Cormier celebrates in the post-fight press conference after winning the UFC light heavyweight title. (Getty)

LAS VEGAS - Arnold Schwarzenegger knows a thing or two about what it takes to become a champion. The seven-time Mr. Olympia, Austrian-born immigrant used his ridiculous size to muscle one of the most successful careers in Hollywood history.

And he governed a state in America for a little while, too – a pretty big one too from our recollection.

The Hollywood legend was on hand Saturday for UFC 187 to witness one of the best fight cards in recent memory, and to congratulate the various athletes on their performances.

The highlight of the night came when Schwarzenegger interrupted a backstage interview with newly minted light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier fresh off his third-round submission victory over Anthony Johnson.

Cormier has made it no secret he loves his post-fight Popeye's and his downhome Louisiana soul food. So, consequently, he carries a reputation for being a thicker-than-average light heavyweight. Schwarzenegger, being a vocal fan of the sport, showered "DC" with post-fight praise.

And right before he left, the iron-pumping icon couldn't resist getting in a little jab at Cormier's belly – figuratively, of course.

Jokes aside, Cormier, 36, looked more Popeye than Popeye's on Saturday as he was in prime physical condition on his way to capturing UFC gold. However, it wasn't without a bit of high drama in the desert after a first-round blast from Johnson put him on wobbly legs.

Post-fight, Cormier himself even managed to take a few moments to laugh at himself in the midst of all the chaos.

"In the moment I rolled, 'cause I'm kinda chubby, you know – so I roll when I fall. I look behind me and there's Anthony and he's coming."

"I wasn't completely out," said the champ, "but I did get stunned. That's the first time I've ever been knocked down in competition, in practice, anything."

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Ryan McKinnell is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports Cagewriter blog. Have a tip? Email him or