The UFC is set to put on one of its strongest cards of the year this Saturday. It includes the first-time encounter between Oliveira and Islam Makhachev. Everyone is discussing and giving their opinions on the highly anticipated bout, including Makhachev’s close friend and former two-division UFC champion, Daniel Cormier.
Cormier was officially confirmed as part of the commentary team couple days ago. Joe Rogan typically doesn’t travel outside of the US and will be replaced by UFC vet Paul Felder. This makes the commentary team Anik, Felder, Cormier to the chagrin of Oliveira fans around the globe.
DC was previously repeatedly slammed for his biased takes on American Kickboxing Academy athletes.
Cormier addressed the many claims of prejudice during an appearance on ESPN’s “DC & RC,” saying:
“I’m not gonna crap on my friend to make people feel better. I believe and I am confident that he can win the fight and become the champion, but I do recognize that this is by far the most difficult challenge that Islam Makhachev has ever had.”
Charles Oliveira will enter the Octagon in Abu Dhabi in a place that can be seen as hostile. Although Daniel Cormier does point out that Oliveira’s status as MMA royalty may swing a few fans in his direction at Etihad Arena on Saturday, Daniel Cormier notes that given that 76% of the population of the UAE is Muslim, many spectators will probably be rooting for Dagestani star Islam Makhachev.
“[Charles Oliveira] is the most prolific finisher in UFC history, especially with submission. No one has done it more than Charles Oliveira. Charles Oliveira believes he is going to win this fight.”
“ Charles Oliveira feels like he is the favorite and I kind of hate this because we have keep going, ‘Regain his championship’ when he never should have lost his championship on the scale for 0.2 pounds, but he feels he’s going to regain his title this weekend in Abu Dhabi.”