Islam Makhachev’s training camp ahead of his UFC welterweight title defense against Ian Machado Garry is entering its final stages, but the atmosphere inside American Kickboxing Academy remains as relaxed as ever.
A behind-the-scenes video from AKA captured a humorous exchange between Makhachev and UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier. As the reigning welterweight champion prepared to eat, Cormier jokingly claimed the food was “not halal,” leaving Makhachev laughing before the pair continued their conversation.
The clip quickly circulated across social media, giving fans a rare glimpse into the chemistry shared by two of AKA’s most recognizable figures.
Check out the post below:
Daniel Cormier continues to play key role in Islam Makhachev’s championship journey
Daniel Cormier has remained one of Islam Makhachev’s closest mentors since retiring from competition. The former two-division UFC champion has spent years training alongside the Dagestani standout at AKA, frequently cornering him on fight nights and helping guide him through multiple championship camps.
Their latest interaction comes just days before Makhachev returns to defend his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry. After vacating the lightweight championship to pursue a second belt, Makhachev captured the 170-pound title with a dominant victory over Jack Della Maddalena.
He now faces one of the division’s fastest-rising contenders in Garry, who earned his opportunity after climbing through the welterweight rankings with a string of impressive performances.
While preparations for a championship fight are typically intense, moments like this highlight the culture that has long defined AKA. The gym has produced multiple UFC champions, and maintaining a positive atmosphere has been a consistent part of its approach during fight camps.
With fight week approaching, Makhachev appears focused while still enjoying the process. Cormier’s light-hearted joke offered fans a rare look behind the scenes, showing that even during preparations for one of the biggest fights of the year, the UFC champion and his longtime teammate can still share a laugh.
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