“Bro is always bullying DC” - MMA X in splits as Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev troll Daniel Cormier over antiquated championship belt 

The camaraderie within the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) stars like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, and Daniel Cormier, is as entertaining as it is competitive. Known for their brotherly bond, the trio often engages in lighthearted banter, and an old backstage moment following Islam Makhachev's submission victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 had fans in stitches.

While posing for a photo, Nurmagomedov couldn’t resist teasing Cormier about the new UFC championship belts. The playful jab was a nod to Cormier retiring before the introduction of the updated championship design. Nurmagomedov said:

"Eyes down brother. He has only old belts. It's okay brother, maybe next time."

Check out the video below:

Several fans took to X to react to the friendly banter and wrote:

"Bro is always bullying DC."

"Khabib gots jokes for days as per usual lol."

"Their relationship is hilarious. Like brothers always bashing each other."

"This hilarious trio needs their own TV show. Make it happen @ufc!"

"DC, Khabib & Islam need to start their own podcast called Smesh Talk."

Check out some of the fan reactions below:

Fans reacts to hilarious interaction between Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov. [Screenshots courtesy: @espnmma on X and Instagram]

This isn’t the first time Nurmagomedov has poked fun at Cormier. In the past, 'The Eagle' showed respect by averting his eyes around Cormier, acknowledging his status as a double champion.

Check out the video below:

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Michael Johnson talks about Khabib Nurmagomedov's overwhelming power

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s dominance remains a vivid memory for his former opponents. UFC veteran Michael Johnson recently reflected on his fight against the Dagestani at UFC 205. Despite taking the bout on two weeks’ notice, Johnson displayed resilience but ultimately succumbed to Nurmagomedov’s relentless pressure.

During the fight, 'The Eagle' closed every counterattacking avenue by pressuring Johnson, and forcing him to tap out via kimura in the third round. Speaking in a recent appearance on the Overdogs Podcast with Mike Perry, Johnson described feeling immobilized under Nurmagomedov's overwhelming strength. He said:

"I fought him on two weeks' notice, nobody even talks about that. [Nurmagomedov] was telling me to give up] I was like f*ck you! Hitting him with the backhand, I'm still in it like I can't move, but I'm still in it... He's good, he's strong. He felt like a middleweight, I felt like I couldn't move."

Check out Michael Johnson's comments below (55:56):