After battling through three training camps and two title fights in the past year, UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier likely won't return until 2018. 

Sources close to Cormier told FloCombat the 205-pound champ will shift his focus toward his duties as a Fox Sports analyst and UFC commentator for the remainder of 2017. 

This news becomes relevant in light of the recent report from Swedish outlet Kimura.se, which stated Cormier would defend his title against top contender Volkan Oezdemir December 30 at UFC 219. While that fight may very well be next for Cormier, sources indicate Cormier has no plans to return to action this year, thus ruling out UFC 219 as the landing spot for the matchup. 

Cormier fought and defeated Anthony Johnson at UFC 210 in April to defend his light heavyweight strap. He then followed up that showing with a no-contest against Jon Jones at UFC 214 in July. 

There, Cormier originally suffered a TKO defeat, but following a failed drug test from Jones, the title returned to DC and the bout was ruled a no-contest.  

Up next for Cormier is a high-profile commentary gig at November 4's UFC 217 card at New York's historic Madison Square Garden. 

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