Despite the friendship, Cormier promises to be impartial when analyzing the fight between Khabib and Gaethje at UFC 254

D. Cormier says he is prepared to comment on K. Nurmagomedov's fight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Daniel Cormier He changed his life as a fighter for good as an MMA analyst, but anyone who thinks his job has gotten easier is mistaken. The former light heavyweight (93kg) and heavyweight (120,2kg) champion is currently signed to ESPN American and will have the mission to comment on the great fight between his friend and training partner, Khabib Nurmagomedov e Justin gaethje, valid by UFC 254, which takes place this Saturday (24), in Abu Dhabi.

At the pre-event press conference, 'DC' knows that the company's decision may be criticized, due to the strong connection it has with the lightweight champion (70,3kg), but it guaranteed that it will be impartial. Cormier also defended himself by explaining that he has analyzed fights by other AKA members (American kickboxing Academy) and that he would only be upset if the Russian fought against a declared enemy, which Gaethje is not.

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“I've always said I wouldn't like to comment on my teammates' fights, but as I'm in a new phase of my life, I need to do that. This is my job. Many are questioning whether I can be impartial, but I've already analyzed Makhachev and Winn's fights and I feel like I did a good job. I think I can do the same with Khabib. It will be difficult, because he has been at AKA for eight years and I have followed his growth since the beginning, but I have work to do on Saturday. I admit that I wouldn't be able to analyze if Khabib fought against certain athletes, but I have so much respect for Gaethje that I would have no problem commenting on his victory. I like him. Against McGregor it would be difficult, because of everything that happened between them”, said Cormier.

The former champion, who had already praised the Russian's title challenger, has no doubt that he is the biggest threat to his friend's reign and cited his strengths.

“I believe Gaethje is the toughest fight for Khabib. For a long time, we thought Ferguson would be the opponent who would give him the most problems, if any at all, but Gaethje beat him very well. This is the most dangerous opponent for Khabib. With his wrestling experience and the power he possesses, he is a threat, but there is something that stands out even more: his confidence. Gaethje believes he will win. There is no doubt in his mind. It’s this mentality that gives him a good chance”, he concluded.

At 31, Justin gaethje became interim lightweight champion and won the right to fight for the linear belt against Khabib Nurmagomedov, by knocking out Tony Ferguson, in May 2020. The North American debuted for the company in 2017, his five victories there were by knockout and earned him a performance or fight of the night bonus.