Cormier (right) believes that only a defeat for Makhachev could bring Khabib (left) back. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Personal friend of Khabib Nurmagomedov and training partner at AKA (American kickboxing Academy), Daniel Cormier knows the UFC lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) like few others. Questioned by the reporter from 'ESPN', Ariel Helwani, about the Russian's possible return to MMA, DC admitted that a specific scenario could make the 'Eagle' rethink his decision to hang up his gloves.
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“You know what I think can make him fight again? Khabib is loyal to death. If he told his mother he's not going to fight anymore, he won't. But Khabib and many other people believe that Islam makhachev will join the conversation as soon as he finishes Drew dober. I believe this completely. If Islam makhachev he gets to the title fight – as we believe he will –, he becomes 'the guy', and someone defeats him, and then that guy starts to challenge Khabib, maybe he'll come back, because (Islam) is his brother”, said Cormier.
This way, for Daniel, the current scenario at the top of the category, which has big names for a likely title fight, doesn't matter. For the former UFC light heavyweight (up to 93kg) and heavyweight (up to 120,2kg) champion, only one setback from Makhachev could change the Russian legend's way of thinking.
“If a guy hits Islam when he's 'the guy,' maybe Khabib thinks, 'I need to get back at him. This is for my friend,” he finished.
Nurmagomedov made his retirement official after his triumph over Justin gaethje No. UFC 254. On that occasion, the Russian submitted the North American and unified the division title. Very emotional, still in the octagon, the 'Eagle' confirmed the information and used as an argument the death of his father, coach and mentor, Abdulmanap, who died in July 2020, as a result of Covid-19.
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