Daniel Cormier Picks: Who Would Win the Dream Fight Between Khabib and Islam?

Daniel Cormier’s Verdict Daniel Cormier, former UFC champion and MMA Hall of Famer, is a revered figure among fight fans and experts alike. During the UFC 330 weigh-in event, Cormier was asked to judge a fantasy showdown between two top fighters from the same camp – Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. Having trained and worked closely with both at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Cormier didn’t hesitate to give a clear answer: Khabib is the fighter who stood above all others, possessing rare qualities that are hard to put into words.

The Advantages of Khabib Nurmagomedov Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired from professional fighting in 2020 after a legendary career, is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. Cormier emphasizes that the difference between Khabib and Islam isn’t just about stats or fighting styles, but about what he calls the “intangibles” – invisible yet decisive traits like determination, mental control, and the ability to dictate the pace of the fight.

Cormier highlights Khabib’s last fight against Justin Gaethje, where Khabib showcased complete dominance and control. He described how Khabib relentlessly pushed forward, controlled the fight, and came close to breaking Gaethje’s neck with incredible jiu-jitsu maneuvers. For Cormier, that fight represents the peak of Khabib’s ability to command the moment and demonstrate his uncompromising character.

Islam Makhachev and His Rising Career Islam Makhachev, Khabib’s close protégé, continues to make waves in the UFC lightweight division with impressive technical skills and a flourishing career. Makhachev is known for a balanced fighting style that combines excellent grappling with steadily improving striking. He is considered one of the leading contenders poised to claim the lightweight title in the near future.

Still, Daniel Cormier points out that Makhachev hasn’t yet reached the intensity and power that Khabib displayed—qualities that, according to him, went beyond what could be taught at the academy. Cormier notes that Khabib brought a rare blend of talent, character, and champion’s mentality that often eludes younger, technically skilled fighters.

What This Means for UFC Fans Cormier’s statement resonates strongly with UFC fans, especially given that Khabib retired relatively young and at the peak of his powers. Islam Makhachev is striving to continue Khabib’s legacy and conquer the lightweight throne, but the gap between the two remains clear to many experts.

This means Khabib’s legacy continues to set an incredibly high bar that’s hard to approach—not just in achievements but also mentally and tactically. Future lightweight battles will keep fans captivated, who will be watching Makhachev closely, hoping he can carry on Khabib’s path and bring the title home to the same team and academy.

In conclusion, despite Islam Makhachev’s impressive progress, Daniel Cormier is confident that Khabib Nurmagomedov would still be dominating the sport and holding the championship belt if he were still fighting. It’s a story of legacy, respect, and extraordinary abilities rarely seen since Khabib’s reign—a living reminder that Khabib remains the highest standard in the lightweight division.