Cormier warns Topuria: “Khabib doesn’t hide. When you hear him say things publicly, take it at face value”

Ilia Topuria and Khabib Nurmagomedov recently exchanged words. The Spanish-Georgian wants to fight for the lightweight belt which is held by Islam Makhachev a fighter close to Khabib.

The Dagestani clan does not want to give Topuria the opportunity, who assures that his next fight will have the belt at stake. Daniel Cormier, former UFC champion and one of the most recognized faces, warned Topuria about what it is like to face Khabib.

Cormier warns that Topuria is “playing with fire.” In the latest statements made by the Spanish-Georgian, he warned Khabib through his social networks that he will take the belt from his disciple and assured that this is the reason why they do not want to face him. He wants to fight for the lightweight title, which is why he gave up his featherweight crown, but it seems that the Russian team has other plans.

The American trained with Khabib and Makhachev for several years, so he knows them well. “Khabib is the most direct shooter you’ll ever meet,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel. He knows the Dagestani clan and its surroundings well, so he advises Topuria on his moves. “He doesn’t hide. When you hear him say things publicly, take it as reality. He’s not one of those guys who tries to raise the price of the fight. This is pure emotion and a true feeling, because that’s how these guys operate,” he continued.

Islam’s next step

Makhachev has his eye on next month’s UFC 315. Belal Muhammad will defend his welterweight belt against Jack della Maddalena, and depending on the outcome, the Russian could move up a division. Islam is close friends with the Palestinian and doesn’t want to face him, but if he loses the title, he would storm the new division to pursue it. A plan that Topuria hasn’t liked at all, as he wants his title shot, despite the obstacles the Dagestani team is putting in his way.

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