Zuffa LLC and Usman Nurmagomedov's IG page

Daniel Cormier thinks Usman Nurmagomedov can live up to the hype, but he feels the undefeated star’s manager has made some bold claims that he doesn’t exactly agree with.

Nurmagomedov has become the most highly sought after free agent in MMA. He recently won the last fight on his PFL contract, retaining the promotion’s lightweight title after stopping the previously unbeaten Archie Colgan. Nurmagomedov’s team has said numerous offers have been received, and the titleholder will be making a decision soon.

Meanwhile, Ali Abdelaziz, who represents Nurmagomedov, has claimed his fighter would run through the likes of Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway. Cormier responded to the Dominance MMA manager’s comments on his YouTube channel, and he finds it hard to believe (h/t Bloody Elbow).

“This dude might be a little bit out there. I think Usman Nurmagomedov is special… I know he has championship level experience… The UFC guys are just better.

“Easier said than done, I train with the guy, I really care about the guy but to go out there and be really far left about who those guys are, because I know who Max Holloway is, I know who Ilia Topuria is, I know who Paddy Pimblett is, I know who Charles Oliveira is, I know who they are as fighters.

“I know who they are. To think they would just be completely dominated and outclassed is just absolutely crazy, and I will tell Ali that to his face,” Cormier continued.

Holloway also replied to Abdelaziz’s claim when asked about it during a live stream on Kick. “Blessed’ used an expletive to say he doesn’t think the longtime manager knows anything about fighting.

Another notable name who would disagree with Abdelaziz is Chael Sonnen. The Fight Wing UFC Hall of Famer had a YouTube video of his own where he was skeptical of Nurmagomedov’s ability to be dominant against elite 155-pounders.

How much success do you think Usman Nurmagomedov would have under the UFC banner? Would he live up to the hype, or do you see him struggling? Sound off in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM