We’ll by no means see anyone extra dominant than Nurmagomedov

Daniel Cormier factors out the principle distinction between Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Each Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) and Nurmagomedov have notched three title defenses as light-weight champion – the division’s file within the UFC. With Nurmagomedov in his nook, Makhachev retained his light-weight title by submitting Dustin Poirier in Saturday’s UFC 302 major occasion.

Nurmagomedov’s (29-0 MMA, 13-0 UFC) title defenses came to visit Conor McGregor, Poirier, and Justin Gaethje earlier than he determined to hold up his gloves. Cormier mentioned their performances towards frequent opponent Poirier.

“I don’t know that it’s honest to check them, particularly based mostly on the frequent opponent, as a result of I imagine Dustin Poirier was higher as a result of he had the chance to combat Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Cormier mentioned on his ESPN present “Good Man/Unhealthy Man” with Chael Sonnen.

“He had felt that power in grappling – a bit of little bit of a recognition of what he can be dealing with when he acquired within the octagon. I used to be one of many those who mentioned early, and I mentioned I believe Islam Makhachev is extra harmful than Khabib due to his putting. However as I mirror on this, as a man that’s been in there with each, I don’t know if we’ll ever see anybody as dominant as Khabib.”

Cormier explains that Makhachev’s willingness to face on the ft places him in additional dangerous conditions than Nurmagomedov, who had one particular, however unstoppable method of successful fights.

“I’m not saying that Islam was dropping the combat on Saturday,” Cormier mentioned. “There have been occasions, although, the place it appeared aggressive. How usually did you see Khabib Nurmagomedov not look outwardly dominant? That’s the place I believe you make the distinction. We don’t know what would’ve occurred if Khabib stayed for some time, however … historical past tells us he’d in all probability nonetheless be holding onto that championship proper now with about eight or 9 title defenses and nonetheless sort of dominating the way in which that he did.

“So once I watch them, I believe the dominance is completely different as a result of Islam will stand with you greater than Khabib was prepared to. However it was in the concept you knew precisely what Khabib Nurmagomedov was going to do to you and no person may cease it. With Islam, positive, you’ve acquired extra issues to fret about – you’ve acquired to fret concerning the putting. However with Khabib, he actually would inform you, ‘I’m going to take you down and maul you and beat you up,’ and nobody may cease it. I don’t know that we’ll ever see anyone extra dominant than him.”