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Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier make for one of the funniest duos in the UFC. In the heat of training before a big fight, humor can be lost in the shuffle but these two seem to be able to find the silver lining in stressful times.
Some of the most hilarious UFC interactions have come from Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov. The American Kickboxing Academy stars both bring a unique sense of humor each time fans witness them on camera. Even behind-the-scenes, these two teammates are known for their fun back-and-forth shenanigans.
During the epic rise of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier witnessed 'The Eagle' turn into a mainstream star. The unbeaten Russian has been involved in many high-profile fights, including a heated 1-fight rivalry with Conor McGregor. With the overwhelming pressures of the UFC's octagon, sometimes breaking the tension is the best way for fighters to prepare for competition.
Here are 5 of the most hilarious interactions between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier.
#5. Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier wrestling practice
In a video uploaded to YouTube in 2020, Khabib Nurmagomedov is seen grappling with Daniel Cormier. The grappling sequence turned humorous after 'The Eagle' attempted to tie Cormier up, but the former double champion wasn't having any of it. Daniel Cormier became one of the few fighters to successfully fend off Nurmagomedov's submission threats.
At the start of the video, the two former champions are seen grappling with each other. Khabib Nurmagomedov appeared to tie Cormier in a choke and 'DC' started to screech before 'The Eagle' was able to secure the submission. When Nurmagomedov starts to attack Cormier's arm, 'DC' repeats "No chance" several times before laughing off the tie-up.
During the grappling exchange, 'DC' teases Khabib Nurmagomedov and informs him that he has no chance of submitting the former heavyweight champion. Hilariously, Cormier ended up sweeping Khabib Nurmagomedov and getting into top position. After Cormier was on top he broke out in laughter screaming, "Uh-oh, uh-oh!"
Given how quickly 'DC' was able to transition to top control against Khabib Nurmagomedov, it no doubt stands out as one of the funnier moments between the pair.
#4. Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov UFC 254 banter
Prior to Khabib Nurmagomedov competing at UFC 254 against Justin Gaethje, Cormier ran into the champion and the two had a funny discussion. After drawing attention to Nurmagomedov's footwear, the former light heavyweight champion couldn't help but start laughing.
After clarifying that he only golfs in his retirement days, Daniel Cormier points out the shoes of Khabib Nurmagomedov. According to Cormier, 'The Eagle' was wearing expensive shoes and made fun of the Russian superstar for his new sense of style. After mentioning that Khabib Nurmagomedov used to only shop at discount stores like Ross, 'DC' couldn't hold back the laughter.
The mood prior to the UFC 254 fight with Gaethje was somber for 'The Eagle'. Since his father passed away from COVID-19 complications, Khabib Nurmagomedov was struggling with the loss of not only family but a lead coach. Despite the hardships, the former lightweight still partook in moments of hilarity with Daniel Cormier.
#3. Khabib Nurmagomedov drops by UFC Tonight in 2017
Prior to fighting Edson Barboza at UFC 219, Khabib Nurmagomedov stopped by the UFC Tonight crew to promote his upcoming fight. Even in 2017, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier were chummy to say the least. At the time, 'The Eagle' had yet to realize his now famous UFC accolades.
In a pre-fight interview with Kenny Florian and 'DC', Khabib Nurmagomedov was complimentary of Barboza's kickboxing, but acknowledged that he possessed more tools than the Brazilian.
The interview turned into a comedy special after Daniel Cormier explained that the Russian superstar would take part in a feature called 'Khabib's Hot Takes'. The purpose of the playful exercise is to have Nurmagomedov answer with a single word in response to a fighter's name being announced by Cormier.
The unbeaten legend was tasked with assigning a word to Nate Diaz. In response to the game, Khabib Nurmagomedov exclaimed 'marijuana' as the word that came to mind when thinking of the Stockton native. Even before big fights, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier could produce some hilarious moments.
#2. Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier laugh at Deron Winn's expense
During their time training at AKA, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Cormier laughed at Deron Winn's 2019 performance against Eric Spicely. Specifically, Nurmagomedov and Cormier died in laughter after reminiscing about Winn absorbing some nasty knees stuck inside the clinch against Spicely.
After getting Cormier's attention, Nurmagomedov jokes about how to eat knees effectively. In a moment of comedic gold, 'DC' pretended he was Deron Winn absorbing the knees and began to gingerly step away after taking the damage.
The two fighters are a humorous pair when it comes to entertainment. Since Nurmagomedov is often perceived as serious, the joking attitude of Daniel Cormier often brings out the Russian's comedic side. Now that both combatants are now retired as well, it appears they have more in common than they initially thought.
For Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov, the AKA gym is where moments of hilarity seem to arise. With a sport as emotionally charged as MMA, sometimes breaking the ice is an important part of being an elite fighter. After watching 'The Eagle' and Cormier laugh hysterically, the moment deserves an honorable mention without a doubt.
#1. Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier being harsh coaches
In his retirement days, Khabib Nurmagomedov has become an involved coach. During his time at AKA, 'The Eagle' had harsh words for anyone training at the gym. While speaking with coach Javier Mendes, Nurmagomedov was happy to dole out some tough love at his gym. After yelling at some teammates, 'DC' chuckled while the former lightweight champion did his thing.
Former 2-division champion Daniel Cormier was next to give out some tough love. Joining up with Khabib Nurmagomedov, 'DC' began to rail into his fellow teammates. Specifically, a video uploaded in 2021 shows Cormier attempting to push his fighters to go harder during a running drill.
During practice, Daniel Cormier didn't play favorites as the former champion singles out Usman Nurmagomedov, Khabib Nurmagomedov's cousin. The former double champion called Usman Nurmagomedov out for a lack of commitment during the warm-up exercises.
Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov are some of the funniest characters at AKA. With Islam Makhachev rising to the top at 155-pounds, it might only be a matter of time before this duo is helping a pupil prepare for an opportunity at gold. When Cormier and Nurmagomedov interact at AKA, the training might be funny, but it's also effective.
What's another funny moment between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier that deserves a spot on the list?
