1. A Story of Friendship, History, and the Odd Roast
Islam Makhachev and Daniel Cormier have long shared a bond formed inside the walls of the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA). It was there that Cormier used to tease Makhachev for not yet winning gold, even as Cormier himself held two UFC titles. That playful mentorship has matured into a teasing friendship that now includes some social-media jabs. Makhachev set it off again recently with a hilariously captioned highlight video: “Before it becomes fat.” (Bloody Elbow).
2. The Burn That Keeps on Giving
Cormier’s response? Equal parts wit and self-awareness:
“Hey man, you’re going up in weight class, so you’re gonna have a little more fat than you used to. You’d better be careful. Stay humble. Lol.”
Their exchange, both affectionate and sharp, illustrates their camaraderie: the kind grounded in mutual ribbing and respect.
3. When Digital Jokes Become Real Highlights
Makhachev’s caption accompanied an Instagram highlight reel of Cormier’s iconic performances across both heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions. The quip worked because it cut through legend-level polish, offering fans a candid, humorous peek into what happens when elite athletes become old friends who know how to poke fun.
4. A Bond Beyond the Cage
The duo’s relationship dates back to when Makhachev was Khabib’s student and DC was the veteran vet guiding newcomers. Their dynamic evolved from mentorship to mutual mocking. When Cormier playfully slapped Makhachev’s hand after one such banter during a heated discussion, it spoke volumes about how deeply comfortable they are with each other.
(Bloody Elbow)
5. Stats, Legacy & Punchlines
To understand the punch that made the joke land so perfectly, consider Makhachev’s achievements:
- UFC Lightweight Champion with four consecutive title defenses.
- Longest lightweight division win streak in UFC history (14 straight wins).
- Known for elite precision: highest significant-strike accuracy (59.5%), stellar takedown defense (~90.9%), and among the best fighters pound-for-pound from 2023 to 2025.
Meanwhile, Cormier stands out not just as a two-division UFC champion but also as a hilarious, candid commentator and analyst. The contrast plays out in every digital roast.
6. Commentary: Respect Wrapped in Roast
This exchange isn’t about animosity; it’s about depth. Makhachev’s “Before it becomes fat” quip is a wink, not a knife. It’s a sign of how close they are that weight jokes land more like a nudge than a strike. In an era where social media drama can quickly turn sour, their veteran-level banter remains refreshingly good-natured.
A Quick Comparison Table
| Figure | Legacy Highlights |
| Islam Makhachev | Lightweight champ; record setter in wins and efficiency; 14-fight win streak, 4 title defenses |
| Daniel Cormier | Hall of Famer, two-division champ; pivoted successfully to announcer/commentator role |
Final Thoughts
In just four words, Islam Makhachev managed to encapsulate decades of friendship, competition, and mutual admiration with a pinch of humor. The MMA community thrives on moments like this, brief, raw, and real. Their banter reminds fans that behind every highlight reel is humanity: quirks, jabs, and, most importantly, deep-rooted respect.
