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Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier reflect on iconic UFC careers in touching moment

Originally posted on HITC | By Donagh Corby | Last updated Nov 11, 2025 12:02 PM ET

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier recently caught up in a video, looking back on their legendary UFC journeys.

Cormier, a former double champion, and Nurmagomedov, the undefeated lightweight great, have stayed close since retiring. These days they are often seen together coaching or trading jokes during broadcasts.

This time, it was ‘DC’ who travelled to New York to train with Nurmagomedov’s team. Islam Makhachev will face Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 on Saturday night, hoping to claim his second title. During the visit, ‘The Eagle’ explained why he values Cormier’s input during training.

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier share light-hearted moment during training

Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

During a recent training session, a video surfaced online of Nurmagomedov asking Cormier what he considered the best year of his career. When Cormier answered 2018, the Russian legend pointed out that it was also his peak year.

“2018. I beat Volkan [Oezdemir], then I beat Stipe [Miocic] and I beat Derrick Lewis in Madison Square Garden,” DC said.

Nurmagomedov followed up by stating that it was also his best year, as he secured the championship and then overcame Conor McGregor in what was described as the biggest fight of all time.

The two began debating over who had the better year. After Cormier claimed it was him due to becoming a double champion, he shifted the conversation to a memory from Abu Dhabi instead of continuing the argument.

At UFC 254 in 2020, Nurmagomedov retired, symbolically placing his gloves on the mat. Following this, he gave an emotional interview with Jon Anik

Never a dull moment when Khabib and Daniel Cormier are together

Khabib asks Daniel Cormier what year was the best in his career. DC says 2018, being the double champ. Khabib follows, saying 2018 was his best year too, as he became champion, defended his title, and had the… pic.twitter.com/9XpxrKMrNS
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 11, 2025