Daniel Cormier, the former two-time UFC champion, has explained why he can no longer interview Conor McGregor. Khabib has a role to play in this story…
Conor McGregor is a controversial personality. The Irishman is far from having his tongue in his pocket, and MMA fans know that. When he was at his prime in the octagon, 'The Notorious' was also at his prime in the press conference. Her trash-talk allowed him to become the biggest star in UFC and MMA history. At the height of his popularity, he had an iconic rivalry with one Khabib Nurmagomedov, the lightweight champion at the time. Things went far between the two men, who fought for their honor at UFC 229 in October 2018. It was ultimately Khabib who submitted Conor before sparking a general brawl between the clans of the two fighters.
Daniel Cormier can no longer interview Conor McGregor
Daniel Cormier, a former two-time UFC champion, has formed a friendly relationship with Khabib Nurmagomedov and his entourage, including reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. In an episode of his podcast 3 Rounds on his YouTube channel, Daniel Cormier explained that his proximity to Khabib no longer allowed him to approach Conor McGregor:
“I’m not trying to ask (Conor) McGregor for interviews. I don't think I would get it, but I'm just saying it's not a request I'm making. It’s part of these guys’ journey. Because honestly, Khabib isn't just a teammate. It's a family. And they are like that with everyone and they think that if someone is in conflict, especially to the level where (Jon) Jones and I were in conflict, they are very strict in which side they choose. »
“As Americans, in our culture, we don't always play by the same rules. If our friend is in conflict with someone, as Americans, we see no need to fall into line. I met Conor McGregor back then. He attended a few fights and we were always cordial to each other. I don't know Conor very well. Khabib and Conor were cordial at first. But it got so nasty that there was this massive build-up to the fight, the way the fight ended, everything. »
“Khabib is the best”
“I saw Conor McGregor in Abu Dhabi, maybe when he was fighting Dustin Poirier. We shook hands, we talked a little, we were very friendly. Khabib exclaimed: “Brother, I don’t understand this!” “If I see Conor with his wife, I shake her hand, because that's what you're supposed to do. But my brother… At first I contradicted him a little, but when you see the position he has taken towards all the people you are in conflict with, why not take the same position? »
Daniel Cormier continued: “And it’s quite refreshing because most people aren’t like that.” They just aren't, especially us as Americans. So watching that wasn't crazy for me. Man, Khabib is the best. He has to be one of the most genuine human beings I have ever met. »
Khabib Nurmagomedov has explained that he can never be friends with current UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. The reason? His history with Daniel Cormier.
What do you think of this situation?
