The Daniel Cormier Show - BEST OF DANIEL CORMIER: Every 2025 Islam Makhachev interview with DC

Champ, fight week—how you feeling? I’ve got you on Sunday with something hot and fresh, so don’t duck me on that.

Feel good. Cutting weight, drinking water. Family’s growing, I want a big one. My dad’s still working the farm and talking tomatoes, and my mom won’t watch the fights. She waits outside until she hears the neighbors cheer.

You set camp in Las Vegas this time. How was it, and did the team keep it together?

Hard camp. The UFC PI had everything we needed—training, treatment, recovery. We picked Vegas because a few of our guys were on the card, and the support was great.

You’ve got Arman again. First time was short notice for him. Do you expect a different fight, and will he try to wrestle you?

He’s more experienced now. His style hasn’t changed much—pressure, strike, then shoot. That’s why he’s a top contender. We both lean on wrestling, and that’s what shapes this division.

People say this is your toughest test. You buying that?

You never know until the cage closes. I trained for a grind. Sometimes the one you expect to be hard ends fast. I’m ready for either.

Your win over Dustin changed some minds. What did you take from that one?

It boosted my confidence on the feet. Dustin defended well early, but I stayed patient and finished late. I respect everyone now and don’t overlook anyone.

You’re stacking streaks and defenses. Do you think about records or passing Khabib, or is it just keep the belt and move on?

I’m not chasing numbers. I want to hold the belt for many years. That’s the goal, not comparing myself to Khabib.

Round two with me and you because now you’re chasing a second belt against Jack Della Maddalena. You’ve been throwing playful shots at me in the media. Are you surprised you’re such a big favorite?

I don’t look at odds. And if I ever go up to one eighty five, it’s only if you help me eat. Seeing you still work in the gym makes people want to work.

Volkanovski helped Jack prepare. Does a guest like that change much?

One or two looks won’t remake your game. Habits matter. If wrestling defense is the key, you have to live it, not sprinkle it in.

Can Jack stop your takedowns, and if he does, will you stand for twenty five minutes?

He might stuff some, but not all. I’ll chain attempts and keep coming. And yes, I’ll strike all night if needed. I’ve shown that with Dustin and Volk.

If you win the welterweight title, what does it mean for your legacy? And for the record, I took my second belt in Madison Square Garden.

Second belts are about legacy. Vegas or New York, it’s the same for me. Then it’s back to defending. I want to be one of the best to come out of AKA.

We argue about rankings in the gym. Khabib’s unbeaten mark is tough to touch. Also, stop telling people I was late to practice.

Khabib never lost, that sets the standard. We joke about weight, but he still grapples all the time. And you were late sometimes.

Give me your final read on Jack. Size, scrambles, and how you see it going. Win, and I’ll bring those pastries.

He’s about my height and scrambles well. I hope it’s smooth, but I’m ready for a grind. Win first, snacks after.

Thinking back to when you walked into AKA with those two shirts, could you see any of this coming? I miss the room, the talks, the grind with the team.

Back then I never imagined my photo on the wall. Thanks to God and the team, I’ve got belts and memories. I still remember that bike room like yesterday.

Islam fights for the welterweight title this weekend, chasing two-division greatness. Thanks for rolling through, brother. Until next time, like, subscribe, and tell your friends. Peace.