When two of the most respected names in MMA — Daniel Cormier and Islam Makhachev — sit down together, it’s more than just an interview. It’s a deep dive into the heart of championship mentality, brotherhood, Dagestani discipline, and the evolution of greatness inside and outside the Octagon.

Over the years, their conversations — from UFC Embedded to ESPN’s DC & RC podcast — have given fans some of the most genuine, insightful, and memorable moments in MMA media. Here’s a look at the best highlights from their interviews — from heartfelt mentorship to bold future plans.

 “I’m Still the Same Islam” – Humility at the Top

One of the most shared quotes came when DC asked how it feels to be the UFC Lightweight Champion:

Islam: “I’m still the same. I just have the belt now. The work doesn’t stop.”

This quote instantly resonated with fans. No ego. No fame-chasing. Just discipline. A reminder that championship status doesn’t change character — especially when you’re raised on mountains, wrestling mats, and values.

The Absence of Khabib – And the Legacy He Left

In several interviews, Daniel gently brought up the absence of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam’s brother-in-arms and former coach, who stepped away from the sport after his father’s passing.

Islam: “Khabib did everything for me. Now it’s my turn to carry this. He gave me the map. I just follow it.”

Cormier called it “passing the torch in the purest form.” No drama. Just loyalty and legacy.

 Legacy > Money – “I Don’t Just Want Fights”

On DC & RC, Cormier once asked:

DC: “Would you take a big-money fight over a legacy fight?”

Islam’s answer was crystal clear:

Islam: “I want legacy. If I just wanted money, I could talk trash. But I want people to remember me like Khabib — not for talking, but for dominating.”

A champion who picks legacy over headlines? That’s rare. That’s Makhachev.

 “Go Up to 170?” – The Weight Class Tease

During their most recent sit-down, Cormier couldn’t help but push:

DC: “You cleaned out 155. Time to go up?”

Islam (grinning): “Maybe. If Leon wants it, we can do it.”

The crowd lit up. The internet exploded. Makhachev at 170 lbs? Now that’s something the MMA world wants to see.

 The Dagestan Work Ethic

Time and time again, these interviews circled back to one core idea: hard work, always.

Islam: “We don’t grow up soft. We train outside. We wrestle every day. It’s normal for us.”

DC: “That’s why you’re built different. You were raised in it.”

These conversations always highlighted how deeply embedded discipline and humility are in Islam’s DNA — something even DC, a two-division UFC champ himself, constantly praises.

BONUS MOMENT: DC Trying to Out-Wrestle Islam

One hilarious moment from a UFC Embedded clip featured DC jokingly trying to coach Islam mid-drill.

DC (laughing): “I taught you that takedown!”

Islam: “You taught me how to lose weight, not how to wrestle.”

Even in playful banter, their brotherhood shines through — rooted in mutual respect and a shared grind at American Kickboxing Academy (AKA).

Final Thoughts: More Than Just Interviews

What makes every DC-Islam interview so special isn’t just the questions or the answers — it’s the genuine connection between two fighters from different generations who understand the fight game on a level most never will.

From talks about legacy, loyalty, and growth, to inside jokes and coaching flashbacks, these interviews are more than media moments — they’re modern-day martial arts history.