Daniel Cormier, a respected UFC legend turned commentator and analyst, recently had a surprising encounter with rising middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev during a pre-fight interview for UFC 319. Known for his engaging presence, Cormier was caught off guard when Chimaev displayed immense strength by lifting and spinning him around, showcasing the kind of power that has made the Chechen a feared competitor in the division.
This unexpected playful moment took place just days before Chimaev’s highly anticipated title bout, highlighting a lighter side of the often intense world of MMA. Cormier’s reaction was one of genuine shock mixed with amusement, emphasizing the remarkable physicality of Chimaev that fans have been talking about.
Lighthearted Exchange Reveals Chimaev’s Changing Public Persona
During their conversation, Cormier expressed his surprise directly, stating,
You can’t pick me up and spin me around. I’m a grown man, Khamzat.
Chimaev responded with humor, explaining his actions as a sign of affection:
I’m showing you love bro.
— Khamzat Chimaev
This interaction contrasts with Chimaev’s earlier reputation as a cold and ruthless fighter inside the cage. Since becoming a father, his demeanor off the mat has softened considerably, allowing fans to see more of his personality beyond his fighting prowess. The playful moment not only entertained fans but also signaled greater emotional openness.
Cormier, known for his approachable nature, shares similar friendly relationships with other fighters like former light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, often engaging in friendly wrestling exchanges that reflect mutual respect and camaraderie.
Chimaev’s Dominance and Upcoming Title Fight Expectations
Khamzat Chimaev has risen rapidly in the UFC, earning a title shot by maintaining an undefeated record and decisively defeating top contenders such as Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker. His relentless wrestling style and dominant top control have overwhelmed many opponents, including veterans like Li Jingliang and Kevin Holland, establishing him as one of the sport’s most exciting figures.
Ahead of UFC 319, Chimaev is the clear favorite to win the title against current champion Dricus Du Plessis. The two recently had a tense face-off at the event’s press conference, requiring intervention from UFC President Dana White to prevent the situation from escalating. Despite the charged atmosphere, Chimaev and Du Plessis appeared evenly matched in size during the face-off, contradicting earlier footage where Chimaev looked notably larger.
Champion Dricus Du Plessis Maintains Confidence Despite Chimaev’s Size
In response to observers commenting on Chimaev’s size advantage, Du Plessis downplayed the difference, telling Helen Yee Sports:
I mean, maybe it was the angle. I haven’t seen the video, but I can promise you, you’ll see, you’ll see. I stood in front of him. He is definitely not taller than me. Maybe a little; maybe like, half an inch. Yeah, you’ll see. And the other thing… That’s not what wins fights. But yeah, I saw him, he is definitely not bigger than me.
— Dricus Du Plessis
Du Plessis remains unshaken by his underdog status, focusing on enduring Chimaev’s expected early pressure. He believes his exceptional cardio and grappling defense will be key factors if the fight extends to later rounds, confident his endurance can offset Chimaev’s relentless pace. Both fighters appear motivated for a high-stakes contest, adding to the anticipation surrounding UFC 319.
Impact of the Playful Encounter and What to Expect Next
The playful lift and spin incident not only showcased Chimaev’s raw power but also served as a reminder of the competitive spirit and camaraderie within MMA. For Cormier, the experience was a prompt to maintain his fitness, as the MMA community often jests about his post-retirement weight. For Chimaev, the lighthearted moment was a brief reprieve before returning to intense fight preparation.
The upcoming showdown at UFC 319 will test Chimaev’s wrestling dominance against Du Plessis’s durability and cardio, with fans eager to see if Chimaev’s strength and aggression can secure the championship. This encounter between Cormier and Chimaev adds depth to the narrative, illustrating the physical and emotional dimensions behind the sport’s high-profile matchups.