Viral Internet Meme Comes True as Daniel Cormier Actually Sends Kids ‘2-3 Years to Dagestan’

UFC legend Daniel Cormier sends young wrestlers that he coaches to Dagestan after meme with Islam Makhachev had gone viral.

Viral Internet Meme Comes True as Daniel Cormier Actually Sends Kids ‘2-3 Years to Dagestan’

Daniel Cormier heeded Islam Makhachev's advice (via MMA Fighting)

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Dagestan has become a global symbol of excellence in mixed martial arts, renowned for producing elite wrestlers who dominate the UFC. Champions like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, and Usman Nurmagomedov have showcased the effectiveness of this system. This has inspired admiration from veteran figures such as Daniel Cormier.

Since retiring from professional competition in 2022, Cormier has remained a central presence in the MMA world. He has taken on roles as a commentator, analyst, and mentor to the next generation of fighters. After his second appearance as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter, Cormier launched “The Academy Fight Club”, a program designed to develop athletes in wrestling and MMA fundamentals.

Cormier has long expressed respect for Dagestani fighters and their approach to combat sports. His bond with athletes like Khabib and Makhachev has deepened over the years through shared experiences in training and commentary. A lighthearted exchange with Makhachev about sending young wrestlers to Dagestan recently became reality, as Cormier eventually arranged for his students to train there.

We sent some kids to Dagestan. Islam said that, but he wasn’t joking — this was not a joke, this was him being serious. All eight of those kids that went, it benefited them. That experience culturally really did elevate them and open their eyes up to what level of training is and the level of competition that is out there for them.

Daniel Cormier via Red Corner MMA

Dagestani training programs are renowned for their intensity, focus, and structured discipline. Under Khabib and Islam’s guidance, athletes undergo rigorous routines that test both body and mind. Sessions emphasize humility, endurance, and teamwork over individual fame. Cormier’s decision to expose his young wrestlers to this environment reflects his belief in the effectiveness of these principles.

DC’s close friendship with Khabib Nurmagomedov began during their time together at the American Kickboxing Academy. Their relationship grew from mutual respect and shared values of discipline and humility. While some fans have accused Cormier of bias toward Dagestani fighters during broadcasts, his admiration for their technical skill and work ethic has remained consistent over the years.

By blending American wrestling traditions with Dagestani methodology, Daniel Cormier is shaping a new generation of versatile fighters. His commitment to mentorship and international collaboration highlights the evolving landscape of MMA training. Through initiatives like these, Cormier continues to influence the sport’s future, preparing athletes who embody discipline, respect, and global unity in competition.

Daniel Cormier uses legendary MMA coach as blueprint for coaching his son

Daniel Cormier has continued his deep involvement in wrestling beyond his professional career, this time through family. The former two-division champion is now coaching his son, Daniel Cormier II, passing down the lessons and discipline that once defined his own journey. However, he recently revealed his training comparisons to legendary coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.

Daniel Cormier commends Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov's coaching and fatherhood
Daniel Cormier commends Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s coaching and fatherhood (via Instagram, MMA Mania)

Abdulmanap’s reputation for balancing fatherhood with elite-level coaching has inspired many within the MMA community. His philosophy centered on discipline through love, blending toughness with deep moral grounding, which is an approach Cormier appears to model in his own coaching dynamic.

When I think about how Abdulmanap raised Khabib I think he had to make a choice and go, ‘I’m gonna make it hard for these dudes because I know it’ll change their lives.’ Thats where we as fathers today have to take the lessons that we learnt form our dads and apply them to our kids so that we can make sure that they dont become something we do not want the to be.

Daniel Cormier via Red Corner MMA

Abdulmanap’s influence continues to shape the identity of modern MMA, extending far beyond Dagestan. Khabib retired undefeated after vowing never to fight without his father in his corner, symbolizing the depth of their bond. That lasting connection between mentorship and family stands as a guiding example for figures like Cormier, who now hopes to carry forward the same spirit of leadership.

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