Cormier Rejects Claim Nurmagomedov Would Dominate UFC Stars

Daniel Cormier has pushed back on claims that Usman Nurmagomedov would run through the UFC's lightweight elite, saying such predictions are easier to make than to prove.

The undefeated Nurmagomedov is MMA's hottest free agent after finishing Archie Colgan to retain the PFL lightweight title in his final contracted bout. His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently stated that Nurmagomedov would dominate UFC names including Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway.

Cormier Questions Manager's Bold Predictions

Cormier addressed Abdelaziz's comments on his YouTube channel, as reported by Bloody Elbow. While he praised Nurmagomedov as a special talent with championship experience, the former two-division UFC titleholder drew a line at the sweep predictions. "The UFC guys are just better," Cormier said, per BJ Penn. "Easier said than done, I train with the guy, I really care about the guy but to go out there and be really far left about who those guys are, because I know who Max Holloway is, I know who Ilia Topuria is, I know who Paddy Pimblett is, I know who Charles Oliveira is, I know who they are as fighters."

Cormier added that expecting Nurmagomedov to completely dominate and outclass proven UFC champions is "absolutely crazy," adding he would tell Abdelaziz as much directly. Holloway himself responded to the manager's claim during a Kick livestream, using an expletive to dismiss Abdelaziz's fighting knowledge.

Nurmagomedov's team has reportedly received multiple offers and is expected to announce a decision soon on his next promotion.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Daniel Cormier reacts to Usman Nurmagomedov’s manager blasting UFC lightweights: “Easier said than done”