Daniel Cormier: Who Would Win in the Fantasy Fight Between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev?

Khabib Nurmagomedov – A Lightweight Legend

Khabib Nurmagomedov is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential fighters in UFC lightweight history. Throughout his career, which ended in 2020, he left an unforgettable mark on the world of MMA with a perfect winning streak and an unprecedented title defense record. Khabib was known for his unique fighting style, based primarily on complete control in the cage, elite grappling skills, and relentless chokes that made him unbeatable. He was not only a technical fighter but also a mental force who could break his opponents’ spirit long before the fight ended.

Islam Makhachev – The Heir and Rising Star

Six years after Khabib’s retirement, his student and close friend Islam Makhachev continues to expand the legacy left behind. Makhachev broke the record for most lightweight title defenses and extended his success into the welterweight division, where he claimed another championship. This transformation has made him one of the top fighters in the world today, ranked among the best across all weight classes. Like Khabib, Makhachev specializes in grappling and fight control but also shows impressive offensive skills that allow him to dominate the octagon at the highest level.

Daniel Cormier on the Fantasy Matchup

Daniel Cormier, former two-division UFC champion and former coach to both Khabib and Makhachev at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), recently addressed one of MMA’s most intriguing questions – who would win in a fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev? Having closely followed their training and sparring sessions, Cormier explained that Khabib had something unique that’s hard to teach or replicate.

“I’ve seen them train together, and it was always fascinating,” Cormier said. “But Khabib had that something extra, something you don’t see every day. He just knew how to control the fight, how to pressure his opponent and win without putting himself at risk.”

Cormier also recalled famous Khabib fights, like his win over Justin Gaethje, where Khabib imposed his will and turned the fight in his favor, as well as the moment Dustin Poirier nearly caught him in a guillotine choke, only for Khabib to reverse the situation and win. According to Cormier, Khabib was an indomitable fighter, and whether he would still be champion if he hadn’t retired is a rhetorical question.

Islam Makhachev’s Future in the UFC

Now, Islam Makhachev faces another major challenge in his career as he prepares to defend his welterweight title in the main event of UFC 331 in Philadelphia against Sean Strickland. A victory in this fight would not only solidify his status as champion but also grant him the record for the longest winning streak in UFC history – a feat that would cement his position as the legitimate heir to Khabib Nurmagomedov.

The upcoming fight continues to generate huge interest among MMA fans worldwide, many of whom still dream of a fantasy matchup between Khabib and Islam. However, as Cormier explains, Khabib Nurmagomedov is a unique and unforgettable figure whose influence on the sport endures despite his retirement. Makhachev’s future looks bright, and if he can maintain his title defenses and break records, he will go down as one of the greatest fighters of all time.