History-seeking UFC superstar Daniel Cormier is an admirer of rising Australian heavyweight Tai Tuivasa, but not his infamous shoey celebration.
World No.9 ranked Tuivasa has drank from someone else's shoe outside the octagon, after winning each of his last two fights in Perth and Chicago.
The crowd in Chicago were both amused and appalled by the Australian custom, which Cormier cheerfully described as "disgusting."
Light heavyweight champion Cormier, who challenges heavyweight title holder Stipe Miocic in UFC 226 in Las Vegas next weekend, is familiar with Tuivasa, who has earned a high ranking after winning his first three UFC bouts.
"A great guy, an infectious attitude," is how Cormier described 25-year-old Sydneysider Tuivasa.
'A horrible tradition of drinking beer out of someone's shoe in the crowd.
"It's gross and unsanitary, the shoey."
Cormier, who is striving to become the first man in UFC history to simultaneously hold the light heavyweight and heavyweight titles, does however like what he sees of Tuivasa inside the octagon.
"He's a big strong kid, I think he's an amazing fighter," Cormier said.
"He reached out to train at AKA and hopefully we can work something out and he can be in there and work with myself and (former UFC heavyweight champion) Cain Velasquez."
At 39, American Cormier believes time will probably count against him having a UFC fight in Australia, where he had two XMMA bouts in 2010.
He had first-round wins in Sydney over two Australians, Soa Palelei and future heavyweight boxing star Lucas Browne.
"It was fantastic but I don't know if the timing will work out for me to fight in (the UFC in) Australia before my career goes," Cormier said.
Former United States Olympic wrestling representative Cormier attributed his longevity in combat sports to his love of competition.
"I compete at everything," he said.
"It's what I've done since I was 15 years old, so when I think of a life without it, it's very difficult."
