Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier are former teammates who are known to bring each other.
The old friends always play jokes and exchange playful insults.
However, it is clear that Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier have deep respect for each other.
The former UFC Lightweight Champion was really about his relationship with 'DC' four years ago.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Khabib Nurmagomedov has never tapped Daniel Cormier
Despite the size difference, Nurmagomedov and his heavyweight teammate struggled a lot.
The 29-0 Russian dominated every opponent he fought in MMA, but he could not impose his will on Cormier, who wore a considerable weight benefit in their sparring sessions.
“No, I never let him tap,” Nurmagomedov admitted during a fan Q&A in 2021.
“He is too big, he is like rock, you know, he is like a very big bear. He is very strong. People when they see him, they think as if he is short, thick weight, but when people are in contact with him, they understand that he is completely different.
“He is two division world champion, slightly heavyweight, heavyweight, StrikeForce Heavyweight Champion, double Olympian. He is very, very strong.
“I never subject him, but we struggle a lot. He teaches me many things, such as on the floor, how to struggle on the wall, like many things.”
Will Khabib Nurmagomedov ever make a comeback?
Nurmagomedov withdrew from MMA after choking Justin Gaethje on UFC 254 in October 2020.
A few years later he seems to be satisfied with retirement in the midst of constant calls for an MMA comeback.
Last October Nurmagomedov responded to rumors about his potential return to the UFC Octagon.
“There is no chance, none. Even 1 percent, minus minus [chance]”He said.
“If you need champions, I help my brothers to become champions … We have Islam [Makhachev] As champion we have Umar [Nurmagomedov] As the next competition we have Usman [Nurmagomedov] As a champion – we have many champions.
“You will never miss me, because in our team and our gym we make champions – you will always have champions, don't worry.”