The lightweight division, always a hotbed of talent and drama, finds itself at a crossroads. With champion Islam Makhachev sidelined by injury, whispers of an interim title fight have begun to circulate. But not everyone’s on board with this idea. Enter Daniel Cormier, a former two-division champion and never one to shy away from speaking his mind. Cormier’s words carry the weight of experience and the sting of brutal honesty. What exactly did he say that caused such a stir?
Cormier is not mincing words about the idea of an interim lightweight title fight. This comes in the wake of champion Islam Makhachev’s hand injury. The situation has set the MMA world abuzz with speculation and debate. Fans and fighters alike are wondering what’s next for the division. But Cormier, in his typical straightforward style, is having none of it.
“You get hurt, at times. Islam Makhachev has been active… If he was to fight in October, it would’ve been three fights in a calendar year. There is no need for an interim championship. When in the world did we start to speak titles into existence?” said Cormier via Good Guy / Bad Guy Show.
Cormier bases his stance on Makhachev’s recent activity in the octagon. The champ has been far from idle, defending his title twice in seven months. However, the top contender, Arman Tsarukyan, has other ideas. He is open to an interim title fight while Makhachev recovers.
The former questioned who Tsarukyan would even fight for an interim title. Oliviera seems the obvious choice, but Tsaukyan recently beat him. Poirier and Gaethje are both coming off losses. It seems that Cormier has a valid point and hopes that Tsarukyan won’t throw away his shot for an interim belt.
Daniel Cormier Gives His Take On The Khabib Nurmagomedov-Conor McGregor Rivalry
Some rivalries in the UFC are legendary as they transcend the octagon and become part of MMA lore. One such rivalry that continues to captivate fans is between McGregor and Khabib. Even years after their infamous bout, the tension remains palpable. Now, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier has weighed in on this enduring feud.
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Daniel Cormier’s insights offer a unique perspective on whether these two titans could ever bury the hatchet. He is known for analyzing straightforwardly and not mincing words about the situation.
“He just hates Khabib. hates him… They are not letting it go. It’s deep-rooted, but it’s deep-rooted on both sides, honestly… [Khabib] doesn’t like this guy, bro. They don’t like each other. This is crazy. It really is. It’s deep. It’s very deep,” said Cormier via his YouTube channel.
Cormier didn’t completely rule out the possibility of a resolution. He suggested an intriguing scenario that might lead to some closure. He believed that if McGregor beat Michael Chandler and earned a championship fight against Islam Makhachev, this could finally settle it.
This hypothetical situation could potentially satisfy both parties. For Khabib, seeing his protege Makhachev defend the title might bring comfort. Meanwhile, McGregor could find redemption by facing his arch-nemesis’ student.
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