Daniel Cormier believes Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy reaches far beyond championship belts and highlight-reel finishes.

Speaking on the WEIGHING IN podcast, the former UFC double champion explained that while most fans focus on Khabib’s undefeated record, they overlook the deeper impact he has had on Dagestan and Russian MMA as a whole:

Khabib deserves more credit for what he did for that team and in that area…
I don’t think people give him enough credit for what he means to that region of fighting.

I think he deserves more credit for what he did in that region.
He really has changed the course of an entire country. A region of a country. For doing what he did.

Khabib’s rise as lightweight champion placed Dagestan firmly on the global MMA map, but his influence only grew after his retirement in 2020 following his submission win over Justin Gaethje.
Rather than stepping away, he transitioned into a mentor and architect for the next wave of champions.

Fighters such as Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, and Usman Nurmagomedov have all emerged under his guidance, continuing the dominance associated with his name.

Beyond coaching, Khabib has invested heavily in infrastructure. He operates multiple gyms and development programs and has funded training facilities across the region, including a center in his hometown of Sildi, built with earnings from his blockbuster fight with Conor McGregor.

Daniel Cormier says Khabib has changed the course of an entire country through fighting 🫡🇷🇺

“Khabib deserves more credit for what he did for that team and in that area. I don’t think people give him enough credit for what he means to that region of fighting. He really has… pic.twitter.com/PzVqmjRIBq

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 28, 2025

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