Khabib Nurmagomedov is considered one of, if not the, greatest lightweights in UFC history. However, Daniel Cormier thinks that Islam Makhachev is more “dangerous”.
During their careers, Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov trained at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA). A quality gym home to big names such as former two-time UFC champion Daniel Cormier.
The latter therefore rubbed shoulders a lot with the two Dagestani champions.
Khabib made three title defenses at lightweight, and hung up his gloves undefeated (29-0). Islam Makhachev has already defended his title twice, and has a record of 25-1.
Khabib has almost always largely dominated his opponents, and is considered one of the greatest. However, ‘DC’ thinks that Islam Makhachev has more qualities.
Islam Makhachev > Khabib?
“Dana White said that when he talked to Dustin Poirier after the Khabib fight, he told him he was freaking out because he never thought another man could do that to him,” said Cormier on his YouTube channel. “Because of his strength, his control and the way he manipulates you. I think Makhachev has a lot of these same types of qualities.
Daniel Cormier: “I feel [Islam Makhachev] is even more dangerous than Khabib [Nurmagomedov] was during his prime.”
🎥 YT / Daniel Cormier @dc_mma #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/Qopk2hPrZQ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 16, 2024
It’s very similar when he takes you down, but since he’s a better striker, I think he’s even more dangerous than Khabib was in his prime.”
Islam Makhachev won the title by submitting Charles Oliveira during UFC 280 in October 2022.
Subsequently, he beat former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski twice, including once with a huge knockout in the 1st round .
For his next belt defense, the Dagestani could face Dustin Poirier, who has just knocked out Benoît Saint Denis.
