When it comes to MMA legends, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, and Daniel Cormier (DC) are three of the sport’s most iconic figures. These men are known not only for their dominance in the cage but also for their strong bond and, surprisingly, their hilarious interactions outside of it. Whether it’s playful banter, comedic timing, or lighthearted moments during training, their friendships have provided fans with plenty of laughs over the years. Let’s take a look at some of the funniest and most memorable moments shared by this trio.
Khabib’s Prank on DC:
Khabib is well known for his serious demeanor inside the cage, but outside of it, he has a great sense of humor—especially when it comes to teasing his friends. One of the most hilarious moments occurred during a backstage moment at a UFC event, where Khabib decided to prank DC. The scene unfolded when Khabib, alongside Islam, pretended to be completely serious while DC was speaking to the media. As DC was having a conversation with reporters, Khabib and Islam stood nearby, doing exaggerated “serious” gestures, imitating DC’s mannerisms in a way that caught everyone’s attention.
At one point, Khabib walked up to DC, acting as if he wanted to spar, only to break into laughter moments later. The confusion on DC’s face when he realized it was all a joke was priceless. This moment showed just how much fun Khabib and Islam have with their friend DC, even in the most unexpected situations.
Islam and DC’s Dance-Off Challenge:
Fans got a glimpse of the playful chemistry between Islam and DC during an appearance on the DC & RC podcast. The two were discussing their training sessions, when Islam casually mentioned that he had picked up some dance moves from his time in the gym. DC, who is known for his lighthearted personality, immediately challenged Islam to show off his moves. What followed was a hilarious “dance-off” where Islam, in his typically stoic fashion, awkwardly attempted a few dance moves while DC enthusiastically cheered him on.
The sight of the usually serious Islam trying to bust a move was enough to leave everyone in stitches. DC couldn’t stop laughing, making fun of Islam for his “unimpressive” dancing skills. While Islam’s moves might not have been award-winning, it was the laughter and camaraderie between the two that made this moment unforgettable.
Khabib’s Attempts at Humor with Islam:
Khabib has always been the one to keep things serious, but every now and then, he lets his guard down with his close friends. A standout example was when Khabib and Islam were together in a training camp, and Khabib tried to make jokes at Islam’s expense. Khabib is known for his deadpan delivery, so when he cracks a joke, it takes a minute to realize that he’s actually being humorous.
In one hilarious interaction, Khabib playfully called Islam out for his eating habits, joking that he eats like a “child” sometimes. Islam, who’s typically quiet and reserved, took the teasing with a smile, even though Khabib’s straight-faced delivery made it hard for others to tell if he was serious or joking. Their playful back-and-forth made for a perfect moment of humor that showed just how close they truly are.
DC’s “Serious Face” Challenge to Islam:
One of the ongoing comedic dynamics between DC and Islam is DC’s obsession with trying to get Islam to smile or show some emotion. Islam, known for his serious demeanor and stoic expression, rarely cracks a smile, especially when cameras are rolling. DC, being the fun-loving guy that he is, decided to challenge Islam on this by constantly urging him to lighten up and smile more.
The running joke became a staple in their interactions. Every time DC would make a joke, he’d eagerly turn to Islam, waiting for him to break his serious face. While Islam’s expression remained unchanged, the hilarious persistence from DC became a source of entertainment for everyone around them. Fans began to appreciate the chemistry between the two—DC’s infectious energy versus Islam’s calm and collected nature.
Khabib and DC’s Trash Talk:
While Khabib and DC may be friends, their playful trash talk often provides some of the funniest moments in their interactions. A memorable instance happened when Khabib and DC were in the gym, and Khabib—who is known for his dominant wrestling style—joked about how easy it would be to beat DC in a grappling session. DC, ever the competitor, immediately fired back with playful insults, claiming that Khabib couldn’t handle him on the mat.
The two went back and forth, with each trying to out-trash talk the other, while Islam looked on with a bemused expression. In typical Khabib fashion, he stayed calm and just let DC dig himself into a deeper hole with every retort. It was clear to everyone that their bond was built on mutual respect, but that didn’t stop them from teasing each other like brothers.
The “Serious Face” Turned Funny:
Perhaps one of the most iconic moments in the trio’s hilarious interactions occurred during a UFC media event. Khabib, DC, and Islam were all sitting together, with DC and Khabib playfully jabbing each other while Islam remained silent. The two would crack jokes, and Islam’s serious face never budged. Khabib even poked fun at how Islam “never smiles,” prompting a hilarious response from DC, who said, “Islam, you need to smile more, man, you look like you’re about to break someone’s neck!”
The tension of the moment was broken when Islam finally cracked a subtle smile—only to have DC immediately shout, “There it is!” causing everyone around them to erupt in laughter. This rare moment of Islam showing emotion was the highlight of the exchange and perfectly summed up their unique friendship.
Why Fans Love Their Bond
What makes the bond between Khabib, Islam, and DC so entertaining is the perfect blend of humor, respect, and genuine friendship. Khabib’s serious demeanor contrasts perfectly with DC’s exuberant personality, while Islam adds a calm and composed energy to the mix. These moments of humor and lighthearted teasing reveal the deep trust and affection they have for one another, making their interactions relatable and beloved by fans.
Their camaraderie provides a refreshing contrast to the often intense, high-pressure world of MMA. Despite their status as elite fighters, Khabib, Islam, and DC show that even the fiercest athletes can have fun and enjoy life outside the octagon.
Conclusion: The Bromance That Fans Can’t Get Enough Of
Whether they’re cracking jokes, pranking each other, or just laughing together after a tough training session, Khabib, Islam, and DC’s interactions are some of the funniest and most heartwarming moments in the world of MMA. Their bromance proves that while they may be serious competitors inside the octagon, outside of it, they’re just like any other group of friends—full of fun, laughter, and unforgettable moments that fans can’t stop talking about.
