The world of MMA was rocked by some thrilling matchups recently, and UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier has shared his thoughts on two significant fights that took place in the lightweight and bantamweight divisions. Islam Makhachev’s dominant submission victory over Renato Moicano and Merab Dvalishvili’s impressive win over Umar Nurmagomedov were among the most talked-about moments in the MMA community, and Cormier had plenty to say about these fighters’ performances.
Makhachev’s Submission Victory: A Show of Dominance
Islam Makhachev, the UFC Lightweight Champion, faced off against the tough Brazilian fighter Renato Moicano in a highly anticipated matchup. Makhachev, who has been on a tear since his rise to the top, continued to showcase his grappling mastery when he submitted Moicano with a relentless display of pressure and technique.
Cormier, who is known for his own grappling pedigree and wrestling background, was full of praise for Makhachev’s performance. “Islam is a special talent,” Cormier said. “His grappling, his control, his ability to wear down opponents is elite. What we saw in this fight was Makhachev showing just how far he’s come. Moicano is no slouch, but Makhachev made him look like he didn’t belong in there. His submission game is as good as it gets.”
Makhachev’s ability to neutralize his opponents with his grappling and ground control has been a hallmark of his career, and this fight was no different. He methodically broke Moicano down and eventually locked in a submission that forced his opponent to tap. Cormier noted that Makhachev’s calm demeanor in the cage and his ability to adapt to his opponents’ strengths is what makes him such a dangerous fighter. “He doesn’t get rattled. He stays focused, and that’s why he’s one of the best in the game right now.”
For Makhachev, this victory further solidified his position as one of the most dominant fighters in the lightweight division and a top contender for future bouts against other elite fighters in the division.
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov: A Bantamweight Showdown
In another exciting bout, Merab Dvalishvili faced off against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov, a fighter who was expected to bring another layer of Russian wrestling dominance to the bantamweight division. However, it was Dvalishvili who came out on top in a closely contested battle, handing Nurmagomedov his first career loss.
Cormier was impressed by Dvalishvili’s performance and shared his thoughts on the fight: “Merab is a problem for anyone in the bantamweight division. His pressure is relentless, and his ability to dictate the pace of the fight is unmatched. He outworked Umar from the start and showed that his style is difficult for anyone to deal with.”
Dvalishvili’s win was a result of his non-stop pressure, excellent wrestling, and cardio. He was able to wear down Nurmagomedov, a fighter who had been touted as the next big thing in the bantamweight division. Cormier acknowledged that while Nurmagomedov had a solid game plan going in, Dvalishvili’s intensity and conditioning were too much for him. “Umar was doing well in spots, but Merab just wore him out. His pace is ridiculous. He can go for five rounds like that, and that’s why he’s a tough matchup for anyone.”
What This Means for Makhachev and Dvalishvili’s Futures
For Makhachev, the win over Moicano was another statement victory in his path to becoming the undisputed lightweight champion. His grappling dominance and submission skills are unmatched in the division, and with his unbeaten streak continuing, it’s clear that Makhachev has firmly cemented himself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC. Cormier believes Makhachev’s reign as champion is just beginning. “Islam is poised to dominate this division for a long time. His skills are well-rounded, and he knows how to finish fights. He’s the real deal.”
As for Merab Dvalishvili, his victory over Umar Nurmagomedov positions him as a serious contender in the bantamweight division. With his ability to outpace and outwork his opponents, Dvalishvili is quickly becoming a nightmare matchup for any fighter looking to hold onto the bantamweight title. Cormier sees Dvalishvili as a potential future title contender: “Merab is a tough, tough fighter. His conditioning, his wrestling, his ability to smother opponents — these are all things that will make him a force in the division. He’s knocking on the door of a title shot.”
Daniel Cormier’s Take on the Future of the Divisions
Cormier also reflected on how these performances might impact the future of the lightweight and bantamweight divisions. With fighters like Makhachev and Dvalishvili continuing to rise through the ranks, the competition at the top of these weight classes is only going to get more intense.
In the lightweight division, Cormier highlighted the growing excitement surrounding Makhachev’s potential matchups with other top contenders such as Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Beneil Dariush. “There are some exciting fights for Islam coming up,” Cormier said. “The lightweight division is stacked, and it’s going to be interesting to see how he handles those challenges. But I’m confident that his style will continue to dominate.”
Similarly, in the bantamweight division, Cormier sees Dvalishvili as a fighter who will continue to make waves and potentially challenge for a title shot in the near future. “Merab is going to be a problem for anyone who holds that bantamweight title,” Cormier added. “Whether it’s Aljamain Sterling or someone else, they’re going to have a tough time with him.”
Conclusion: Dominant Performances from Makhachev and Dvalishvili
Islam Makhachev’s submission victory over Renato Moicano and Merab Dvalishvili’s dominant win over Umar Nurmagomedov were two of the most exciting fights in recent memory, and both fighters have cemented their places as top contenders in their respective divisions. Daniel Cormier’s analysis highlighted just how special these performances were, particularly for Makhachev and Dvalishvili, who are poised to make significant impacts in the UFC.
For Makhachev, his continued dominance in the lightweight division solidifies his place as one of the best fighters in the world. And for Dvalishvili, his relentless style and hard work put him in prime position for a title shot at bantamweight.
As the UFC landscape continues to evolve, these two fighters are certainly ones to watch in the coming years. Their performances serve as a reminder that the future of MMA is in great hands, with fighters like Makhachev and Dvalishvili leading the charge.