Daniel Cormier explains why it’s ‘unfair’ to compare Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s UFC accolades

Daniel Cormier: No one will be as dominant as Khabib

In a recent episode of Good guy/bad guy with Chael Sonnen, Cormier weighed in on the Makhachev/Nurmagomedov comparisons.

“When you look at that comparison, the dominance,” Cormier said of Makhachev and Nurmagomedov. “28-1 in their UFC career, 17 finishes, that’s absurd. I don’t know if it’s fair to compare them, especially based on a common opponent, because I think Dustin Poirier was better because he had the opportunity to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov. He felt that strength, that struggle, and a bit of recognition of what he would face when he stepped into the Octagon. I was one of those who said early on, “I think Islam Makhachev is more dangerous than Khabib” because of his strikes. But come to think of it, I don’t know if we’ll ever see someone as dominant as Khabib…

“How often have you seen Khabib Nurmagomedov not look dominant in appearance? » Cormier continued. “That’s where I think you make the difference.” We don’t know what would have happened if Khabib had stayed for a while, but history tells us that he would still retain the championship as of now. With about 8 or 9 title defenses, and still sort of dominating like he did. Domination is different. Islam will be on your side more than Khabib wanted, but the idea was that you knew what Khabib was going to do to you and there was nothing you could do to stop him.

Nurmagomedov retired with a 29-0 record in MMA, including wins over Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje and Poirier. He retired in 2020 after the victory over Gaethje and the tragic death of his father, Abdulmanap.

Makhachev is undefeated since a knockout loss to Adriano Martins at UFC 192. He has won 14 straight fights and moved into the UFC’s pound-for-pound No. 1 spot.

Cormier believes that Nurmagomedov and Makhachev have some similarities in their career trajectories, but that the debate stops when one considers Nurmagomedov’s dominance in the cage.