Daniel Cormier reveals true feelings of Team Khabib about Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev

Former champion Daniel Cormier talks about the new update on the ongoing Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria drama in the lightweight division.

Daniel Cormier reveals true feelings of Team Khabib about Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev

Daniel Cormier talks about Islam vs. Ilia Topuria (via ImagoX)

The tension between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria continues to escalate, igniting massive debate within the UFC lightweight division. The former featherweight champion’s desire to challenge for the lightweight title has met resistance from Makhachev and his team. As fans continue their speculations, former UFC double champion Daniel Cormier has weighed in on the situation with his experienced opinion. 

Recently, Makhachev’s mentor, the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, gave an interview where he completely shut down the Makhachev vs. Topuria fight. According to the ‘Eagle’, Makhachev has too much to lose and would risk his legacy against Topuria. Following the interview, Cormier made a YouTube channel and shared how serious these announcements from Nurmagomedov can be. 

Khabib is about as straight as shooter as you’re ever going to find. So when you hear him say things publicly, take it as fact. This isn’t him posturing. This isn’t these guys trying to raise the price on a fight or anything. This is a true emotion, a true feeling, because this is how these guys operate. This update should not feel good for people that support the idea of Ilia Topuria fighting [Makhachev] next. I’m just being honest…you might as well listen because they’re telling you the truth.

Daniel Cormier via his YouTube channel 
YouTube video

Cormier and Team Khabib share a deep bond built on respect, loyalty, and shared Dagestani-American wrestling roots. Their friendship was strengthened at American Kickboxing Academy, where Cormier mentored them and admired their discipline, humility, and dominant grappling prowess. As he mentioned, he is more than qualified to understand Team Khabib’s mentality about any given situation.

Makhachev is currently on a whopping 15-fight winning streak. He has dominant victories over UFC legends such as Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, etc. He is just one win away from beating Anderson Silva’s record of the longest winning streak. While he is willing to fight any lightweight, Topuria with no experience in the division doesn’t seem to fit his bill. 

This contradicts Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez’s previous comments on the pound-for-pound ace fighting anybody at any time without question. Makhachev has also found himself in the crosshairs of his critics, who are now mocking the champion. Nevertheless, no official announcements have been made, leaving fans in confusion and feeling anticipated for a potential statement soon.

UFC fighter predicts Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria dream fight 

Throughout this drama, Ilia Topuria has remained consistent with his intentions to fight for the lightweight title and nobody else. After the viral interview from Khabib Nurmagomedov, the Georgian-Spanish star made an X post to mock their team. This has further added heat to the ongoing rivalry between the teams, keeping fight fans on their toes. 

UFC fighter predicts the potential clash between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria
UFC fighter predicts the potential clash between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria (via X/Imago)

Irrespective of his debut, many lightweight fighters have already welcomed Topuria to the division due to past accolades. Recently, top 155-lbs star Mateusz Gamrot was asked about how a potential fight between Makhachev and Topuria would go. While responding, the fighter stressed the size difference between the fighters and was inclined towards the pound-for-pound ace. 

He was champion in the featherweight division, maybe this is fair, maybe not. This is politics in the UFC…Topuria is a small guy and Islam is really big guy and I don’t think that Topuria has chance. If you wanna fight Islam you have to be a big guy just like him. 

Mateusz Gamrot via MMA Junkie

Makhachev vs Topuria will be a battle showcasing two complete fighters with elite skills in all areas. Makhachev will bring suffocating wrestling, submission danger, and evolving striking, making him one of the most well-rounded lightweights in history. Topuria will be able to counter with explosive boxing, vicious power, and slick grappling, proving he’s dangerous everywhere.

Related: Ilia Topuria Net Worth, UFC Contract, Endorsements, and House