Khamzat Chimaev Gives UFC Legend Daniel Cormier Reality Check with Wild Public Encounter

UFC veteran Daniel Cormier shares the latest update after being toyed with by Khamzat Chimaev during a playful banter.


Khamzat Chimaev Gives UFC Legend Daniel Cormier Reality Check with Wild Public Encounter

Daniel Cormier joins the gym after Khamzat Chimaev manhandled him (via X)

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Daniel Cormier is undoubtedly one of the most respected veterans in the sport. Since his retirement from the brutal sport, the former champion has completely shifted his entire focus toward being a UFC analyst. However, during this long period, the veteran has completely stayed away from the gym, and Khamzat Chimaev recently reminded him of that.

Cormier, widely recognized for his friendly banter with UFC stars, recently shared an entertaining moment involving Khamzat Chimaev. During a playful encounter, the ‘Borz’ unexpectedly lifted DC off the ground, joyfully swinging him around to everyone’s surprise. 

When later confronted about the moment, Chimaev humorously claimed he found it “cute,” adding his charm to the amusing exchange. Following the incident, Cormier took control, posting determined gym photos, and signaled his renewed commitment towards regaining peak physical condition. 

After the way Khamzat lifted me I figured I needed to lift more

Daniel Cormier via Instagram 

Cormier often gets roasted by fellow fighters for his increasing weight, turning every casual conversation into a hilarious moment. Khabib Nurmagomedov loved joking about DC’s size, making light-hearted comments that fans find both funny and surprisingly relatable. Islam Makhachev, struggling to gain weight for his welterweight debut, has humorously claimed he needed DC’s diet plan to reach his goals.

Despite all the jokes and light-hearted banter, most fighters hold immense respect for Cormier and his legendary achievements. Regardless of his physique and shorter height, DC became one of the most dominant UFC light heavyweight champions ever. The Olympian consistently used his wrestling skills to control, overpower, and strategically manhandle top opponents inside the UFC cage.

According to UFC GOAT candidate Jon Jones, Cormier was his toughest opponent, and their battles created one of the fiercest rivalries. In 2022, Cormier was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, showing immense emotion and pride during the memorable ceremony. Nevertheless, fans are curious to witness Cormier’s next interaction with Khamzat Chimaev, now that he has joined the gym.

Former UFC champion predicts Khamzat Chimaev to win at UFC 319

Khamzat Chimaev is set to face Dricus Du Plessis this Saturday at UFC 319, with fans eagerly anticipating another dominant showcase. Chimaev has remained the fan favorite, largely due to his unbeaten UFC run and relentless performances that have left opponents helpless and overwhelmed.

The Chechen-born star is expected to implement his smothering wrestling game against the champion and neutralize striking opportunities with grappling control. However, there are concerns about the gas tank of Chimaev after the first two rounds of the fight.

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

Despite the hype, the South African champion remains completely unbothered, radiating confidence in his own strategic plan to counter Chimaev’s relentless aggression. Recently, former welterweight champion and Chimaev’s old rival, Kamaru Usman, talked about the fight and shared his prediction. 

Don’t forget DDP hasn’t really fought a wrestler since Derek Brunson. DDP does what he does best. DDP will not give up. That’s what we love about him. He will not give up. DDP will continue to try. If DDP continues to try and if Khamzat Chimaev hasn’t done his work with that cardio, then I see DDP definitely turning this one around. But for me, this is a very, very tough one…I think Khamzat Chimaev might actually go out there and get it done.

Kamaru Usman via Pound 4 Pound podcast 

During the UFC 319 press conference, Du Plessis was loudly booed by the Chicago crowd, showing clear favoritism toward the Chechen star. The tension reached its peak when both fighters had an intense faceoff, with Dana White forced to intervene and physically separate them.

Emotions are running high, and anticipation is massive, making it incredibly interesting to see who emerges victorious in Saturday’s highly anticipated showdown.

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