Daniel Cormier Defending Nurmagomedov Family Gets Called Out for Downplaying Other MMA Fighters’ Achievement

Daniel Cormier is closely connected to Dagestani fighters through American Kickboxing Academy, where he trained alongside Khabib Nurmagomedov. Their relationship grew at AKA, with DC becoming a teammate and close friend. That connection brought Cormier closer to the former champion’s wider Dagestani training group.

Umar Nurmagomedov faced Song Yadong in the UFC Shanghai main event. Umar used his wrestling early and held a lead on the scorecards after the opening round. Yadong defended the Dagestan bantamweight’s grappling attempts before finding the finish with a right uppercut at 1:48 of round two, which left Umar unconscious.

Umar entered UFC Shanghai as the No. 3 bantamweight contender. A win over Yadong was positioned as another step toward securing a second UFC title opportunity after his previous UFC 311 loss to Merab Dvalishvili. Cormier has now highlighted the pressure surrounding ‘The Young Eagle’, given his ranking and expectations entering the bout.

It’s very difficult to operate at that elite level when you have to live up to the name that Khabib carries. We should also be giving credit to Umar for trying and living up to the name that he carries. It’s very difficult when you’re getting attacked by everybody. It’s very difficult to operate at that elite level when you have to live up to the name that Khabib carries, to be the guy who is seen as the next guy when you’re coming behind Khabib and Islam. That’s difficult.

Daniel Cormier via his YouTube channel

"It’s very difficult to operate at that elite level when you have to live up to the name that Khabib carries"

Daniel Cormier says Umar Nurmagomedov deserves credit for competing under the enormous expectations that come with the Nurmagomedov name.

“We should also be giving… pic.twitter.com/AVXNKkvjUi

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) August 29, 2026

Cormier’s comments carry added weight because Umar entered UFC Shanghai with expectations tied to his family’s legacy. Umar had spoken about representing Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s legacy whenever he entered the Octagon. He also wanted to continue following the path Abdulmanap established through his fighters.

Umar has also rejected the idea that his career was handed to him because he is Khabib’s cousin. ‘The Young Eagle’ acknowledged that this narrative exists but said he didn’t choose his family connection. He stressed that he pursued fighting because it was his own decision, rather than relying on the undefeated UFC legend’s name.

Cormier has consistently praised the Dagestani system and its wrestling foundation. He recalled seeing Khabib and Islam Makhachev enter the UFC and recognizing their style as a major challenge. Cormier also trained with Makhachev at AKA, where the UFC welterweight champion developed further under Khabib’s system.

However, Cormier has faced criticism over perceived bias toward Dagestani fighters because of his close ties to the group. He was questioned about his neutrality while commentating on Nurmagomedov and later faced similar criticism involving Makhachev. Despite the repeated accusations, DC has denied favoritism and defended his approach.

Daniel Cormier’s continued case for Khabib as the MMA GOAT has also drawn scrutiny. His close relationship with ‘The Eagle’ naturally draws attention when he discusses the Nurmagomedov family and its fighters. That context now surrounds his comments on Umar Nurmagomedov, who must rebuild after his UFC Shanghai loss.

Former UFC heavyweight criticizes Daniel Cormier for biased comments after Umar Nurmagomedov’s loss

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team developed an aura of dominance through Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s training system. Khabib retired 29-0, while Islam Makhachev later became the first two-division UFC champion from the same system. That success created major expectations for the next generation of Dagestani fighters.

Umar Nurmagomedov’s aura took a hit when Merab Dvalishvili handed him his first professional loss at UFC 311. ‘The Young Eagle’ quickly rebounded with decision wins over Mario Bautista and Deiveson Figueiredo. That two-fight winning streak was then snapped when Song Yadong knocked him out in round two at UFC Shanghai.

Daniel Cormier has been associated with Team Khabib for years through their time together at American Kickboxing Academy.

DC has said he uses his commentary to help audiences understand Dagestani fighters and their stories. His defense of Umar after UFC Shanghai drew attention from former UFC heavyweight Zac Pauga.

Why are we doing this? We should give credit to everyone who steps in the cage. Every has pressure and reasons they don’t want to lose. Umar lost a fight it happens why are we making some special concessions on how his loss is somehow special compared to every other loss.

Zac Pauga via X

Why are we doing this? We should give credit to everyone who steps in the cage. Every has pressure and reasons they don’t want to lose. Umar lost a fight it happens why are we making some special concessions on how his loss is somehow special compared to every other loss https://t.co/Jclwt1WHX1

— Zac Pauga (@ZacPauga) August 29, 2026

Pauga knows the value of winning after a difficult UFC run that produced one victory and three losses. He was stopped by Mohammed Usman and Bogdan Guskov, while beating Jordan Wright by decision.

That experience shaped his reaction to Daniel Cormier’s defense of Umar, as Zac Pauga argued every fighter faces pressure after a loss.

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