Daniel Cormier is tired of being accused of bias just because he won’t “crap on” his friend Islam Makhachev ahead of his UFC 280 title showdown with Charles Oliveira.
On Saturday night, the UFC will bring fans one of the most stacked lineups in the history of the organization, headlined by a first-time meeting between ‘Do Bronx’ and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protege, Islam Makhachev. Everyone is breaking down and sharing their thoughts on the highly anticipated match-up, including former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier who just happens to be a close friend of Makhachev.
Speaking on ‘DC & RC‘ on ESPN, Cormier addressed the regular accusations of bias saying:
“This to me is the greatest fight the UFC can put on for the rest of the year because I believe it’s the most competitive fight the UFC can put on for the rest of the year. I do believe that ‘Do Bronx’ has the style and the ability to fight and beat Islam Makhachev. I’ve always said that, but it’s almost like people want me to go and crap on my friend.
“I’m not gonna crap on my friend to make people feel better. I believe and I am confident that he can win the fight and become the champion, but I do recognize that this is by far the most difficult challenge that Islam Makhachev has ever had.”
Those @CharlesDoBronxs numbers though?! 😳
📺 Watch Oliveira vs Makhachev at #UFC280 on BT Sport Box Office@visitabudhabi | @abudhabievents | #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/dLdAsMI7O8
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) October 18, 2022
Daniel Cormier Believes Oliveira’s Confidence Will Help Him Overcome Fighting in Enemy Territory
When Charles Oliveira steps into the Octagon in Abu Dhabi, he’ll do so in what could be considered enemy territory. 76% of the UAE’s population is Muslim, meaning many in attendance will likely be in the corner of Dagestani star Islam Makhachev, though Daniel Cormier does point out that Oliveira’s status as MMA royalty may swing a few fans in his direction at Etihad Arena on Saturday.
“[Charles Oliveira] is the most prolific finisher in UFC history, especially with submission. No one has done it more than Charles Oliveira. Charles Oliveira believes he is going to win this fight. Charles Oliveira feels like he is the favorite and I kind of hate this because we have keep going, ‘Regain his championship’ when he never should have lost his championship on the scale for 0.2 pounds, but he feels he’s going to regain his title this weekend in Abu Dhabi.
“To me, I think the greatest asset of Oliveira is the confidence to go there. To go fight in Abu Dhabi. To be in a place which is essentially Islam’s backyard. It’s a massive Muslim community. They’re supportive of the Russian fighters. They’re all of that religion, but they are treating Charles like a king.”
