Khabib Nurmagomedov challenges UFC legend for a fight: "You’re a little guy"

UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov is never one to back down from a challenge—even when it’s aimed at a fellow legend. The undefeated Dagestani fighter, renowned for his suffocating grappling and 29-0 record, recently reignited a fiery yet playful rivalry with a UFC Hall of Famer. During a resurfaced clip, Khabib clashed with the larger-than-life star over a hypothetical showdown, tossing jabs like “You’re a little guy” into the mix.

While their banter stayed lighthearted, the exchange underscores the competitive fire that defines MMA’s greatest. What sparked the spat, and could this fantasy bout ever materialize? Let’s unpack the drama.

Khabib Nurmagomedov's playful war of words

The tension traces back to a heated yet jovial debate between Khabib and former two-division champion Daniel Cormier. On camera, Cormier—a heavyweight and light heavyweight titan—boasted about his ability to dismantle the lightweight kingpin.

“I’ll kill you guys, like it’s just crazy,” Cormier quipped, dismissing Khabib’s legendary skill set.

Not one to stay silent, Khabib Nurmagomedov shot back:

“You said you kill me—when?” Cormier doubled down, declaring, “Anytime I want,” which prompted an instant challenge from the Dagestani. “Okay, let’s go now,” Khabib fired, smirking. Cormier, towering over his friend, brushed it off with a laugh: “Brother, anytime I want, I kill you. But it’s okay. You’re a little guy.”

More than trash talk: A bond forged in the gym

Despite the fiery exchange, the duo’s bond runs deep. As longtime training partners at the American Kickboxing Academy, their rivalry is rooted in mutual respect. Khabib even credits Cormier as a mentor, once revealing to him the real reason he infamously leaped the cage after defeating Conor McGregor in 2018. Their playful jabs mask a camaraderie built through years of sparring and shared triumphs.

Fantasy Matchup: Could it ever happen?

While a Cormier-Khabib fight remains pure fantasy (Cormier retired in 2020, and Khabib in 2021), the debate highlights MMA’s timeless “what if” allure. Cormier’s size and Olympic-level wrestling pedigree contrast starkly with Khabib Nurmagomedov ’s relentless pressure and sambo mastery. Fans have long speculated: Could Cormier’s power overwhelm Khabib’s technique, or would “The Eagle” ground the heavyweight legend?

Legacy over lip service

Both men have since moved on—Cormier to commentary, Khabib to coaching—but their verbal sparring reminds fans why their careers captivated audiences. Khabib’s dominance in the lightweight division and Cormier’s dual-title legacy remain untouchable, cementing their places among MMA’s pantheon of greats.

Khabib Nurmagomedov ’s challenge to Cormier—a blend of jest and pride—captures the essence of combat sports: relentless confidence and respect masked as rivalry. While their hypothetical clash lives only in debates, their real-life legacies continue to inspire. As Cormier might say, “It’s okay”—because in the end, both legends have already won.