May 23, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Daniel Cormier (blue gloves) is tended to in-between rounds against Anthony Johnson (not pictured) during their light heavyweight championship bout during UFC 187 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Cormier won via third round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

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UFC News: Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Pure Friendship Makes Daniel Cormier Contemplate His Allegiances

Daniel Cormier had to see inside him whether his values really aligned with how Khabib Nurmagomedov treated him!

The sport of MMA isn’t just about punches, chokes, and kicks. It is about discipline and loyalty, too. Back in the early days of their friendship, Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov were just two wrestlers at American Kickboxing Academy. They shared the mats, trading techniques, and building a bond that went beyond training partners.

Nurmagomedov was the quiet, determined guy from Dagestan, while DC was the loud, cheerful former Olympian. They pushed each other through grueling sessions, celebrated victories together, and formed a brotherhood that would shape both their careers.

But at one point, Daniel Cormier had to see inside him whether his values really aligned with how Khabib Nurmagomedov treated him. And he questioned his own loyalty towards the Dagesatani mauler.

Also Read: UFC commentator Jon Anik shares funny Instagram story for buddy Daniel Cormier

What Did Daniel Cormier Say About This?

Cormier once found himself in an awkward spot after being friendly with Conor McGregor in Abu Dhabi. He shook his hand and in his own terms were kind of ‘Chummy.’ However, Khabib Nurmagomedov didn’t like this on account of his intense rivalry with McGregor.

‘The Eagle’s’ reaction spoke volumes. His straightforward message to DC wasn’t just about a handshake. It was about principles. And in his mind, Daniel Cormier had broken the unsaid laws.

“We [Cormier and McGregor] were shaking hands, talking a little bit, and very kind of chumy. And Khabib was like, ‘Brother, I don’t understand this! If I see Conor with his wife, I’ll shake his hand because that’s what you’re supposed to do. But brother…And I initially kind of fought it, but look at the stance he’s taken in regards to everyone you deal with, why wouldn’t you take that same stance?”

Khabib Nurmagomedov wasn’t angry, just disappointed. The Dagestani warrior made it clear that some lines shouldn’t be crossed, even for politeness’s sake. He even declined any association with Jon Jones, despite having no personal problem with him, just because he and Daniel Cormier shared some history.

The whole situation shows just how deep loyalty runs in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s world. He’s not the type to hold grudges without reason, and this was about respect and staying true to your friends. For him, the beef with McGregor wasn’t just about fighting – it went deeper than any octagon could contain. Cormier was caught between his friendly nature and his close bond with Nurmagomedov, and he had to do some serious soul-searching!

(Image Credit: Joe Camporeale – Imagn Images)

Conor McGregor

Daniel Cormier

Khabib Nurmagomedov

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!