Daniel Cormier has added a personal and lighthearted touch in the build-up to what promises to be a monumental night for the Dagestani camp at UFC 311. The former double champion surprised lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and bantamweight title contender Umar Nurmagomedov by gifting them customized Straight Outta Compton T-shirts with a Team Khabib twist.
Instead of NWA’s Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, and Ice Cube, the shirts featured the faces of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev, and Umar. While handing out the T-shirts, Cormier humorously declared:
“This is the real NWA, ain’t no Eazy E, Dr Dre, and Ice Cube, it’s Khabib, Islam, and Umar.”
The gesture touched Umar, who beamed while announcing: “It’s gonna be in my museum. I’m gonna save this”.
Daniel Cormier gifts Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov “Straight Outta Dagestan” t-shirts
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 15, 2025
Fans embraced the moment in no time, flooding social media with praise for Cormier’s gesture.
One fan commented, “DC wholesome guy,” capturing the sentiment shared by many. “I love their friendship. DC is more like family at this point,” wrote another fan, highlighting the deep bond between Cormier and the Dagestani fighters.
I love their friendship DC is more like family at this point
— Dime (@divinedime777) January 15, 2025
The camaraderie was palpable in how the fighters reacted to DC’s gift. “You know Islam liked it when he whistles,” wrote one fan, referring to Makhachev’s delightful reaction.
Others couldn’t help but wish they got their hands on the T-shirt. They posted comments like, “I need this right now,” and, “Where can I get this @dc_mma”?
With this thoughtful gift, Cormier would have won the hearts of many more fans in Dagestan. They would love to have him visit the republic soon.
Cormier has never visited his Dagestani “family”
Cormier and the Dagestani camp go a long way back. He has often spoken about how he first met Khabib many years ago. At the time, the undefeated former lightweight champion couldn’t even speak English.
Cormier was still an active fighter back then, and they trained together at the American Kickboxing Academy. DC has been so close to the team that Khabib was furious when he acted friendly with Conor McGregor while interviewing him a few years ago.
Cormier did not take offense to Khabib’s comment because he understood where it came from. He even justified his friend later by saying that Khabib, on his part, ensures he does not become too friendly with Jon Jones because of the heavyweight champion’s feud with Cormier.
Daniel Cormier tells the story of when Khabib got mad at him for speaking with Conor McGregor in Abu Dhabi:
“Things have changed now. I don’t try to request McGregor for interviews…
Khabib’s not just a teammate, he’s family.”
@dc_mma #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/bEN7feicPE
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 6, 2024
Given the nature of their friendship, one would assume Cormier has been to Dagestan at least once. But as it turns out, Islam has been trying to get him there for about 10 years now without any success.
“We tried to invite DC for like the last 10 years. He always says, ‘I will come, I will come,’ and then he says, ‘My daughter has gymnastics, my son has something,’ and he never comes, you know,” Makhachev said recently.
Islam wants DJ to bring his kids to dagestan pic.twitter.com/JaJjZ1anjQ
— Dovy (@DovySimuMMA) January 7, 2025
Once, Islam had even offered to train Cormier’s son in wrestling.
“Send your son to Dagestan. If you want your son to have high-level wrestling, send him for 2-3 years and forget. Six months, one time you can call him,” Islam had said. DC declined the offer because he couldn’t imagine being away from his kid.
Islam Makhachev tells DC to send his son to Dagestan for 2-3 years and forget about him
“You’re out of your f*cking mind!” – @dc_mma
: Daniel Cormier pic.twitter.com/Rb3yXrjQNt
— BlockPicks (@BlockPicksGG) May 30, 2024
Going by how deep their bond is, it is just a matter of time before Cormier packs his bags to visit the fabled mountains of the republic, and his Dagestani “family”.