Daniel Cormier Hints at Ian Machado Garry’s Role in “My Boy” Islam Makhachev’s January Fight Dilemma
Daniel Cormier has always been quick to defend reigning UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev and other members of Team Khabib, mainly due to Cormier’s long-standing friendship with the camp and Khabib Nurmagomedov himself.
In the past few weeks, Makhachev has faced major backlash after he decided not to fight top contender Carlos Prates in January. The two-division UFC champion told fans his next fight will be one of the last, and since Prates has lost to Ian Machado Garry, whom Makhachev beat at UFC 330, the Brazilian knockout artist must win one more fight before challenging him.
Makhachev verbally agreed to fight “The Nightmare,” as per Dana White. However, later, when he changed his plans, the matchmakers decided to book Prates vs. Michael Morales at UFC 336 for the interim 170-pound gold.
Daniel Cormier’s Take On Why Islam Makhachev Backed Out Of UFC 336 Carlos Prates bout
Daniel Cormier opined on his podcast that Islam Makhachev decided not to fight in January 2027 after his tough August fight against Ian Machado Garry.
Although Makhachev cruised to a unanimous decision victory in his title fight against “The Future,” the bout was not a one-sided affair. He dropped the Irishman in the second round but also absorbed heavy damage in the clinch, which left his face battered. Makhachev rarely comes out of the octagon looking beaten up, but against Garry, that was not the case.
“DC” believes Islam Makhachev knows how dangerous a fighter like Carlos Prates could be, which may also have forced him to change his mind. Cormier added that not every champion will have the same mindset as Merab Dvalishvili, who was game to defend his belt four times a year.
According to “DC,” most champions share the same mindset as Makhachev and prefer to fight only when the odds are in their favor, and they have had enough time to rest, recover, and assess their next opponent.
Here’s what Cormier said:
“You guys know I love Islam. That’s my boy. Known him for a real long time. I am also aware that he fought in August, and he did not want to fight in Jan., at least in my opinion, because the fight was hard. The Ian Garry fight was hard. That was the hardest fight he’s had in a long time. So it’s hard. When it’s hard, you take time.”
He added:
“Yes, Carlos Prates is frustrated. But on the other hand, you have a champion, a long-reigning champion who recognises the danger of who he’s going to fight, one, and two, the dangers of what’s at stake every time he does fight… I am giving you an inside perspective of a champion’s mindset. You can, down the line, and you will find more champs that are not Merab Dvalishvili, fighting every single weekend. That’s the truth.”
Check out Daniel Cormier’s comments about Islam Makhachev below: