Usman Nurmagomedov (right) throws a punch at Paul Hughes during a PFL bout last year. [Getty Images]
Usman Nurmagomedov (right) throws a punch at Paul Hughes during a PFL bout last year. [Getty Images]

Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier has rebuffed claims that Usman Nurmagomedov would easily dismantle the top fighters in the UFC lightweight division, saying such predictions are easy to make but far harder to prove inside the cage.

Nurmagomedov, who remains undefeated, is currently the most sought-after free agent in MMA. He successfully defended his lightweight title in his final fight under his PFL contract, finishing Archie Colgan.

Holding a perfect 22-0 professional record, he is the brother of UFC bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov and a cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. He is widely regarded as one of the best fighters competing outside the UFC.

Nurmagomedov's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently said that if Nurmagomedov were to join the UFC, he would overwhelm high-profile fighters including Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway.

Cormier addressed Abdelaziz's comments on his YouTube channel, praising Nurmagomedov as an exceptionally talented fighter with championship pedigree. He drew a line, however, at the suggestion that Nurmagomedov would steamroll every elite fighter the UFC has to offer.

"I train with Usman and I genuinely care about him," Cormier said through media outlet BJPenn. "But knowing the kind of fighters Max Holloway, Ilia Topuria, Paddy Pimblett and Charles Oliveira are, I can't get behind a claim that one-sided." He added that it is easy to say things without having proven them in actual competition.

Holloway also responded to Abdelaziz's remarks. Speaking on a Kick livestream, he shrugged off the claims with expletives, saying Abdelaziz does not truly understand the sport.

Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov's camp has received offers from multiple organizations. An announcement on his next destination is expected soon.


yjc@heraldcorp.com