Daniel Cormier Confronts Khamzat Chimaev About Wild Public Encounter

Khamzat Chimaev gets confronted by former two-weight champion Daniel Cormier after a viral and hilarious moment ahead of UFC 319.

Daniel Cormier Confronts Khamzat Chimaev About Wild Public Encounter

Daniel Cormier asks Khamzat Chimaev about their viral encounter (via Imago)

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Daniel Cormier is one of the most respected legends who has become an analyst and commentator for the sport. Apart from his commentating on big pay-per-views, DC also interviews fighters on his official YouTube channel to give fans exclusive insights. Recently, he sat together with top middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev in an in-depth conversation ahead of the highly anticipated UFC 319.

Cormier is well known for being a fun veteran around and often engages in playful wrestling exchanges with other UFC superstars. During his latest encounter with Chimaev, the ‘Borz’ lifted him up and spun him around after securing a successful underhook. DC was shocked, unable to control his laughter, and genuinely surprised by Chimaev’s incredible strength in the middleweight division.

During their interview ahead of the fight, Cormier confronted Chimaev and mentioned, “You can’t pick me up and spin me around. I’m a grown man, Khamzat.” In response, the Chechen hilariously mentioned that it was his love for the former UFC double champion. Chimaev expressed that it looked cute, and fans were pleased to see him laugh, unlike most of his interviews.

Chimaev was once known for his cold-blooded killer personality, relentlessly dominating anybody who dared step inside the cage. Over the years, this demeanor shifted significantly after the birth of his son, softening his approach outside of competition. Now, he openly shows more emotions to fans while adding depth to his public persona.

Cormier shares a similar friendly relationship with former light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and often engages in playful wrestling whenever they meet. Similarly to Chimaev, Pereira also hilariously attempts to lift DC up, showcasing their mutual affection and lighthearted camaraderie.

This interaction also made DC feel like he needed lift weights more often and stay in shape. After all, the MMA community always trolls Cormier for being overweight after retirement. Nevertheless, this was certainly a fun and memorable interaction for the Chechen fighter before he switches into his intense fight mode this Saturday.

Khamzat Chimaev gets threatened ahead of UFC 319

Khamzat Chimaev is undoubtedly one of the most popular and entertaining fighters on the current UFC roster. He earned this upcoming title opportunity by remaining undefeated and defeating elite opponents such as Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker impressively.

Throughout his UFC career, he has dominated most fights, consistently overwhelming opponents with relentless wrestling pressure and suffocating top control. Veteran fighters like Li Jingliang, Kevin Holland, and others stood absolutely no chance against ‘Borz.’

Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319
Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 (via X)

Ahead of the upcoming title fight with Dricus Du Plessis, Chimaev is the betting favorite to win the title bout. During a recent run-in against each other, Chimaev and DDP shook hands, but the Chechen looked incredibly larger than the champion. In a recent interview, Du Plessis addressed that moment and shared his unfazed mindset ahead of the fight. 

I mean, maybe it was the angle. I haven’t seen the video, but I can promise you, you’ll see, you’ll see. I stood in front of him. He is definitely not taller than me. Maybe a little; maybe like, half an inch. Yeah, you’ll see. And the other thing… That’s not what wins fights. But yeah, I saw him, he is definitely not bigger than me. 

Dricus Du Plessis via Helen Yee Sports

Du Plessis remains completely unbothered about being the betting underdog against Chimaev, embracing the challenge with unwavering determination and focus. He feels highly motivated to endure Chimaev’s early wrestling storm, fully confident in his own exceptional durability and defensive grappling abilities.

Du Plessis believes his superior cardio will become a decisive factor if the fight extends into later rounds, potentially breaking Chimaev’s pace. Recently, the two shared an intense face-off during the UFC 319 press conference, forcing Dana White to intervene before tensions escalated. During the face-offs, Chimaev and DDP looked the same size compared to the earlier footage.

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