UFC legends Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier shared a touching exchange during a training session in New York as they reminisced about the peaks of their illustrious careers.
The longtime teammates and friends, now coaches, reunited ahead of UFC 322, where Islam Makhachev — Nurmagomedov’s protégé — will attempt to capture a second UFC title.
In a lighthearted moment captured on video, Nurmagomedov asked Cormier which year was the best of his career. “2018,” Cormier replied, recalling his victories over Volkan Oezdemir, Stipe Miocic, and Derrick Lewis. Nurmagomedov smiled, noting it was also his best year — the year he won the lightweight belt and defeated Conor McGregor in one of the biggest fights in UFC history.
When Nurmagomedov asked who was the better fighter, Cormier joked that being a “double champ” gave him the edge. He then brought up a poignant memory from UFC 254, when Khabib retired after beating Justin Gaethje. “Your last words in the octagon were, ‘DC, I love you brother,’” Cormier said.
Khabib playfully denied it, laughing as the pair continued to tease each other — a reminder of the deep respect and bond forged between two of the UFC’s greatest champions.
