When UFC legend recalled changing his attitude toward Conor McGregor because of Khabib Nurmagomedov: "He's family”

A UFC legend once explained how Khabib Nurmagomedov was a factor in changing his attitude toward Conor McGregor. Nurmagomedov and McGregor's rivalry is still arguably the biggest and most personal in the promotion's history.

UFC legend Daniel Cormier witnessed first hand how increasingly personal the rivalry became as he was teammates with Nurmagomedov at American Kickboxing Academy (AKA).

On the other hand, Cormier was also splitting time as an active competitor and commentator, so he was honest during the buildup to the fight. In addition, he will also be interacting with the fighters the fight weeks that follow, considering his role on the broadcast.

In a past video uploaded to his YouTube, Cormier shared his thoughts on the rivalry and noted that Nurmagomedov had always conducted himself to a high standard.

'DC' recalled 'The Eagle' taking offense to him being cordial with McGregor despite what transpired in their rivalry and admitted that the Dagestani was right. He said:

"People close to me were like, 'No, Daniel, [Nurmagomedov's] right... Look at the stance he has taken in regards to you and everybody you deal with. Why in the world would you not take that same stance'. So things have changed now. I do this, I don't try to request McGregor for interviews... This is like, par for the course for these dudes because honestly, Khabib is not just a teammate, he's family. And they're like that with everyone."

Check out Daniel Cormier's comments below (6:15):

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Daniel Cormier says he values Khabib Nurmagomedov's friendship more after Conor McGregor feud

Daniel Cormier also values Khabib Nurmagomedov's friendship more after his bitter, personal feud with Conor McGregor.

In the aforementioned video, Cormier used his rivalry with Jon Jones as an example and mentioned that he gained more appreciation for Nurmagomedov and his Dagestani teammates because of how they react when friends are in conflict. He said:

"They feel like if someone's in conflict, especially at the level that Jones and I were in conflict, they're very stern in the side that they pick. And it's kind of refreshing, because most people aren't like that guys, especially us as Americans. So watching that wasn't crazy for me... Khabib is the man, he's got to be one of the most genuine humans I've ever met and I don't know if there's anything I wouldn't do for this dude."

Check out the official UFC 229 promo below: