UFC icon who’s trained with Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev says one is much better than the other

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are both MMA legends. However, according to their former teammate, one of them has the edge over the other.

Tonight, ‘The Eagle’ will cheer on his friend, who defends the lightweight world championship against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.

Daniel Cormier says Khabib Nurmagomedov would’ve beaten Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev has cemented his status as the greatest pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, with the gifted grappler excited to do what he does best this evening at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

But despite everything he’s achieved, in the eyes of Daniel Cormier, who has trained with both the reigning 155-pound King and Khabib Nurmagomedov, he isn’t as good as the former ruler of the lightweight division.

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During a UFC 330 preview show, the American explained: “Honestly, I’ve seen those guys spar, and it was always so fun. Sparring is different, but I’m telling you, Khabib was something different. He fought Justin Gaethje, walked him down and beat him up. Dustin Poirier had him in a guillotine—I never for one second thought he would tap. He had something different that you can’t teach. I don’t know who would’ve beaten him. Khabib Nurmagomedov would still be the UFC lightweight champion today if he stayed in fighting. That is how good he was.”

Daniel Cormier predicts Islam Makhachev vs Ian Machado Garry

While a fantasy fight between Nurmagomedov and Makhachev would be nothing short of fantastic, there’s a very real blockbuster showdown for fans to look forward to this evening.

In a matter of hours, the superstar will have to overcome the very real threat that Machado Garry poses. And despite his friendship with the current champion, Cormier isn’t ruling out an upset.

In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, the former mixed martial artist said: “It’s a hard fight for Ian Machado Garry. It’s a hard fight for Islam Makhachev. I believe that this fight will be determined by what happens in the beginning of the fight. If Garry is able to stay upright for the first round, it could be a long night for Islam. But if Islam is able to secure takedowns early, or get close to Ian Machado Garry, I believe that then the fight will start to sway in his side.”

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