A routine fight week interview turned into comedy gold when UFC superstar Islam Makhachev gatecrashed Daniel Cormier’s media segment, telling the former champion to “be professional”.
Makhachev, who takes on Jack Della Maddalena in Sunday’s hyped UFC 322 blockbuster at Madison Square Garden, was in no mood to wait around for his turn to be interviewed on Thursday morning.
Proving that his timing is as good out of the Octagon as it is in it, the Dagestani destroyer barged in on Cormier’s chat with Fox Sports Australia.
Australia’s own Jack Della Maddalena puts his welterweight title on the line against Pound for Pound great and former lightweight champ Islam Makhachev in a blockbuster night of fights, live from New York City. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
“I think you might be being booted off,” said half-amused presenter Niko Pajarillo as the fighter loomed over them.
Cormier, who is a former teammate and mentor to Makhachev, smiled at the intrusion.
“You cannot do [media interviews] three times a day,” Makhachev told Cormier as the pair switched positions.
“Be professional, man. Be professional.
“I forgive you.”
Makhachev then explained that DC had already held him up during another media interview earlier in the day.
“He was late,” he said.
“Two times. That’s why. Now he wants to take my place.”
As the interview went on, Cormier could be heard talking off-camera to somebody else. Makhachev wasn’t having a bar of it.
“DC! DC!” he yelled.
“Quiet! I make interview. Please, quiet.”
Discussion soon turned to Sunday’s blockbuster showdown with Della Maddalena, who many believe to be the best boxer in the entire sport.
Makhachev says he isn’t overly worried about JDM’s hands, insisting that he has the firepower to take down the Aussie no matter where the fight goes.
“Many people believe this is striker vs wrestler,” he said.
“But, no. I am the best fighter in the world. I have all the skills. I can strike with anyone.
“Why I’m wrestling in the fights is because I know my wrestling is better than everybody in this sport.
“I can strike with him, I can wrestle with him. That’s why I’m the best fighter in the world.”
‘Della’ has made it clear that he plans to avenge his countryman Alexander Volkanovski, who lost both times he fought Makhachev.
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When the topic was brought up, Makhachev revealed that two can play at that game.
“He can try, man. But I also have a guy from Dagestan who Jack beat. Ramazan Emeev,” he said.
“If he wants to give back from Volk, I will give back from Ramazan.”
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