When two of the biggest names in mixed martial arts (MMA) come together, you can expect some intense action. But for Islam Makhachev and Daniel Cormier, their relationship is a unique blend of fierce competition and comedic camaraderie. The bond between the UFC lightweight champion, Makhachev, and the former two-division champion, Cormier, has been well-documented—especially their hilarious moments that fans just can’t get enough of.
The Birth of the Bromance: From Fighters to Friends
Makhachev and Cormier’s friendship began years ago, with Cormier serving as a mentor to Makhachev. As a longtime friend and training partner of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Cormier quickly saw Makhachev’s potential and helped him sharpen his skills inside the cage. While their professional relationship started with focus on training and technique, it didn’t take long before the two started showing off their chemistry in front of the cameras.
One of the first signs of their bromance came during interviews and commentary gigs. Fans started noticing the playful banter between the two, as Cormier, known for his charismatic personality, would tease Makhachev about his serious demeanor and lack of enthusiasm in public appearances. Makhachev, on the other hand, would often look puzzled or amused, responding with a dry sense of humor that only added to the hilarity.
Some of Their Funniest Moments:
The UFC 280 Post-Fight Interview: After Makhachev’s dominant victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280, Cormier, who was on commentary duty, couldn’t resist sharing his thoughts on Makhachev’s performance. In a lighthearted moment, Cormier complimented Makhachev’s technique but teased him for not showing enough emotion after such an impressive win. “Come on, smile a little! You’re the champion now!” Cormier joked, to which Makhachev responded with his typical stoic expression, earning laughs from the audience and fellow commentators.
Makhachev’s “Dance Moves”: Makhachev may be known for his incredible grappling and striking, but his dancing skills are another story. During one episode of Cormier’s DC & RC podcast, Makhachev was caught on camera attempting to show off some dance moves—an attempt that had Cormier bursting into laughter. The sight of Makhachev, who typically exudes an air of seriousness, trying to pull off a dance move was enough to have fans and commentators cracking up. Cormier didn’t hold back, jokingly saying, “Islam, you stick to fighting, okay?”
The Gift-Giving Incident: In another hilarious moment, Cormier presented Makhachev with a gift—one that completely caught Makhachev off guard. The gift was a UFC-branded hat, but it was the way Cormier presented it that had everyone in stitches. Cormier, with all the flair of a showman, hyped up the gift as though it was something incredibly extravagant, only for Makhachev to open it and look at him in bewilderment. Cormier couldn’t contain his laughter, playfully pointing out that Makhachev’s serious face made everything even funnier.
The “Serious Face” Challenge: One of the ongoing jokes between the two is Makhachev’s serious facial expression. Cormier often teases Makhachev for not smiling enough and challenges him to show some emotion. “Come on, give me a smile, Islam!” Cormier would joke, but Makhachev would remain as stoic as ever, only breaking into a slight grin every now and then. Their back-and-forth on this topic has become a fan favorite, as Makhachev’s deadpan responses contrast perfectly with Cormier’s infectious humor.
The Training Camp Pranks: Cormier and Makhachev’s camaraderie extends to their training sessions as well. Cormier has shared stories of pranking Makhachev in the gym, which includes harmless teasing or playing little tricks during sparring. While Makhachev’s focus on training doesn’t leave much room for distractions, Cormier’s lighthearted approach always seems to get a laugh. Cormier has even admitted to messing with Makhachev’s concentration just to see his reaction—a playful dynamic that shows the genuine bond between them.
Why Fans Love Their Bromance
What makes the relationship between Islam Makhachev and Daniel Cormier so entertaining isn’t just their hilarious moments, but the genuine friendship that underpins it all. Despite being one of the most serious and disciplined fighters in the UFC, Makhachev has allowed his personality to shine through thanks to Cormier’s infectious humor. Cormier, in turn, gets to show his playful side while mentoring Makhachev, and the result is a bromance that fans simply can’t get enough of.
Their chemistry isn’t just about making each other laugh; it’s about the respect they have for one another both inside and outside the cage. Cormier admires Makhachev’s work ethic and discipline, while Makhachev appreciates Cormier’s guidance and mentorship. This dynamic has led to a relationship that combines humor with respect, making them one of the most entertaining duos in MMA today.
Looking Ahead: More Laughs to Come
As Makhachev continues to dominate the UFC lightweight division and Cormier stays involved in commentary and analysis, fans can expect even more moments of their hilarious bromance. Whether it’s teasing Makhachev about his “serious face” or joking about his lack of dance moves, their interactions add an extra layer of entertainment to the MMA world.
One thing is for sure—Islam Makhachev and Daniel Cormier’s hilarious bromance is far from over, and fans are eagerly awaiting what their next funny moment will be. With a combination of top-tier fighting skills and comedy gold, these two are a dynamic duo that fans will continue to enjoy for years to come.
