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Islam Makhachev roasts Daniel Cormier with four word reaction to UFC legend’s greatest highlights

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Donagh Corby | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 1:15 PM ET

Islam Makhachev and Daniel Cormier went back-and-forth on social media as their hilarious mock feud continues.

The legendary duo have had an ongoing friendly rivalry dating back to their days training together at the American Kickboxing Academy. Cormier used to make fun of Makhachev for not yet winning gold back when he had two belts, but that has evolved into the Russian mocking his former teammate’s weight.

Cormier was never shredded during his fighting career, but Makhachev regularly makes fun of his post-retirement physique. And they went at it again last night on social media making fun of one another on their Instagram stories.

Islam Makhachev and Daniel Cormier go back-and-forth

After watching a highlights package of Daniel Cormier on Instagram, Islam Makhachev shared the video to his story. He added a hilarious caption making fun of the former heavyweight and light-heavyweight champion.

He tagged Cormier and wrote “Before it becomes fat”, to which Cormier replied: “Hey man, you’re going up in weight class so you’re gonna have a little more fat than you used to. You better be careful. Stay humble. Lol.”

Makhachev and Cormier are former teammates who trained together for years on their paths towards UFC gold.

Daniel Cormier once slapped Islam Makhachev during hilarious argument

It’s not the only time the pair have gotten into it, with the former heavyweight champion once even having to get physical with his compatriot. Back when Khabib Nurmagomedov was kicked off a flight last year, the incident became a massive talking point, which Makhachev and Cormier discussed.

After Cormier asked about why Nurmagomedov had been removed, Makhachev instead turned it on the former two-weight UFC champion “I understand if they kick you out from this emergency exit, because you are so big,” he joked.

The UFC Hall of Famer slapped the Dagestani on the hand, before warning him: “Don’t do that. Don’t be disrespectful.” Rather than apologizing for his remark, Makhachev instead chose to try and provide a valid explanation.

Makhachev replied: “You’re a little bit big; you can’t move too much.” Stunned by what he was hearing, Cormier protested: “All you’ve got to do is pull the lever.”

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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