Daniel Cormier Speaks Out: Why Islam Makhachev Deserves More Recognition Despite Recent Setbacks

In the ever-evolving world of MMA, certain fighters seem to get all the spotlight while others, despite their incredible achievements, fly somewhat under the radar. According to UFC Hall of Famer and commentator Daniel Cormier, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev falls squarely into the second category.

DC recently made waves when he suggested that the MMA community needs to show more appreciation for Makhachev’s skills and accomplishments – and he might have a point.

The Champion’s Hidden Struggles

What makes this conversation particularly timely is the recent revelation from Makhachev’s head coach, Javier Mendez. In a surprising disclosure yesterday, Mendez shared that the dominant lightweight champion may have been dealing with significant challenges behind the scenes that fans weren’t aware of.

This revelation adds another layer to Makhachev’s already impressive resume. Fighting at the highest level while potentially compromised? That’s the mark of a true champion.

Why Cormier Believes Makhachev Deserves More Respect

Let’s face it – Islam Makhachev has been nothing short of dominant since claiming the lightweight title. Following in the footsteps of his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov was never going to be easy, yet Makhachev has carved out his own legacy with methodical precision.

Cormier, who trains at American Kickboxing Academy alongside Makhachev, has had a front-row seat to the champion’s development. What sets Makhachev apart, according to DC, is not just his technical brilliance but his mental fortitude – especially in the face of adversity.

Makhachev’s Resume Speaks Volumes

When we look at the numbers, it’s hard to argue with Cormier’s assessment:

Those numbers would be impressive for any fighter. For someone potentially competing at less than 100%, they’re extraordinary.

The Quiet Champion Phenomenon

I’ve always found it fascinating how certain fighters capture the public’s imagination while others – often equally talented – don’t receive the same adoration. Makhachev seems to fall into this category.

Despite his dominance, Makhachev doesn’t have the same mainstream appeal as some of his contemporaries. Is it his stoic demeanor? The shadow of Khabib? Or perhaps it’s simply that fans haven’t fully appreciated the technical brilliance he brings to the octagon.

Whatever the reason, Cormier believes it’s time for that to change.

What Mendez’s Revelation Means for Makhachev’s Future

The timing of Javier Mendez’s comments is particularly interesting. If Makhachev has indeed been competing at less than full capacity, what might we expect from him when he’s firing on all cylinders?

It’s a scary thought for the rest of the lightweight division, which has already struggled to find answers for Makhachev’s grappling-heavy approach.

For fans, this revelation should add another dimension to how we view his past performances and what might be possible in future contests.

The Bigger Picture: Recognition in Combat Sports

Cormier’s comments touch on a broader issue within combat sports – the disconnect between technical excellence and star power. Some of the most skilled practitioners don’t always receive recognition proportionate to their abilities.

You have to wonder if this is what motivates Cormier, himself a former two-division champion who sometimes lived in the shadow of more marketable stars, to speak out on Makhachev’s behalf.

In a sport where hype and personality often drive pay-per-view buys, technical wizards like Makhachev sometimes don’t get their due – at least not until years later when fans look back on their careers with the benefit of hindsight.

What’s Next for the Lightweight King?

With this new information coming to light, the MMA world will be watching Makhachev’s next moves with even greater interest. If he’s been competing at anything less than 100%, a fully healthy Makhachev could reset the ceiling on what we thought possible in the lightweight division.

As fans, maybe we should take Cormier’s advice and make sure we’re appreciating what we’re witnessing. Sometimes, greatness is happening right before our eyes – even if it’s wrapped in a quieter package than we’re used to.

Your Take: Is Makhachev Underappreciated?

Do you think Islam Makhachev gets the recognition he deserves? Or is Daniel Cormier right that we need to appreciate the lightweight champion more? Drop a comment below with your thoughts on one of the UFC’s most technically gifted champions.

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Source: UFC/AKA Press Conference