The narrative involving Daniel Cormier and Jailton Almeida is ongoing, characterized by lighthearted exchanges between the two figures. This dynamic gained considerable traction at UFC 321, highlighted by a video released by Tom Aspinall’s production team. The video captured Cormier’s off-the-cuff remark suggesting Almeida’s fighting capabilities were lacking.
The dynamic between these two personalities has extended to the subsequent pay-per-view event. Cormier made observations concerning Almeida during the UFC 322 weigh-in broadcast. When questioned about potential opponents from the current UFC roster, the former UFC two-division titleholder responded. An excerpt from the weigh-in show was shared on the X account @mma_orbit, quoting Cormier as saying,
“Jailton [Almeida]. Our engagement would essentially revolve around wrestling, without a doubt. In a wrestling-focused contest, I believe I possess a reasonable chance against him. Jailton and I, engaging in a wrestling match within the confines of the octagon, offers a degree of assurance. It’s quite secure… Envision both of us simply executing takedowns. It’s safe. I could potentially provide commentary for the following bout. I could genuinely compete against Jailton and then transition into commentating on the subsequent match.”
Daniel Cormier weighs in on the stakes for Islam Makhachev at UFC 322
Assuming the role of analyst for the weekend’s headline event, Daniel Cormier emphasized the considerable stakes confronting Islam Makhachev on Saturday. As of November 15th, Makhachev aims to achieve a distinctive accomplishment. The competitor from Dagestan aspires to join the distinguished ranks of fighters who have held titles in two separate weight classes throughout the history of the UFC.
To achieve this aspiration, the former UFC lightweight titleholder intends to vie for the welterweight championship. Makhachev is slated to compete against reigning titleholder Jack Della Maddalena in the culminating contest of UFC 322. Former training partner of Makhachev, Daniel Cormier, discussed the JDM fight during a conversation with MMA Junkie Radio, with Cormier remarking,
“Generally, the weight of expectations rests upon the reigning champion, correct? The individual with the most to potentially forfeit is typically the champion. That perspective would represent the simplest rationale. The pressure is indeed on Islam. Islam Makhachev holds the distinction of being recognized as the top pound-for-pound fighter globally. There’s an expectation of his triumph in what promises to be a highly challenging encounter. This will undoubtedly be the most rigorous test of his career, yet observers still anticipate his successful execution.”
“This pressure is amplified by the fact that you’re the individual who vacated your belt to pursue another. So, pressure is on Islam because going into the fight this weekend, everybody knows he gave up the belt. So in their minds, they still view him as a champion. You go lose to Jack, now for the first time in a really long time, you’re not the champion in any way, shape or form.”
