Daniel Cormier theorized that Khabib Nurmagomedov is aware of the danger in front of his protege, Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev is set to take on the uncrowned lightweight champion and current top contender Charles Oliveira in the headlining bout of UFC 280 on Oct. 22 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Oliveira goes into the fight as an underdog despite having more championship experience.
Ahead of the clash, Khabib backed Makhachev to dominate Oliveira without much trouble.
Daniel Cormier reacts to Khabib saying Islam Makhachev will ‘roll over’ Charles Oliveira
In a recent video uploaded on his YouTube channel, Daniel Cormier gave his take on Khabib’s recent comments.
“Khabib said he expects Islam to roll through him, saying, ‘I think Islam is more skilled than Charles.’ Secondly, his experience as an amateur fighter. Also, he believes that Islam is at his peak because Islam isn’t 23, 26, or 27, he’s 30, turns 31 the week after the fight. It’s the best time for any athletes. It’s a state where your mental and physical approach should be in synergy.”
Cormier says Khabib understands the danger
He highlighted the part about Oliveira’s threat that stood out to him from the statements.
“This is the key in the quote, because I saw all the titles and it said Khabib expects to run through him. Of course, there are some potential dangers that we’re working on where Islam needs to be very careful. Other than that, I believe Islam should roll over him.”
“But I have to go back to that quote and tell you why that part was so important to me because I know intimately how dangerous the team knows that Charles ‘do Bronx’ is. Even though you expect something from your guy but you also gotta be very cognizant of what’s in front of you. That’s where Khabib is saying I understand the dangers.”
Oliveira will get the chance to reclaim the title he lost in his last outing at UFC 274 when he missed weight by half a pound.
