Daniel Cormier’s prediction about Khabib Nurmagomedov had come true and the latter became a GOAT in UFC. It looks like this has given Cormier more confidence in predicting the outcome of other fighters- which he did during the latest DWCS match. For the uninitiated, when Nurmagomedov made his debut at UFC in 2012, the former heavyweight champion was his biggest supporter. DC had even assured Dana White that the Dagestani would be a huge asset for UFC. Thankfully, his prediction was right.

Years after Nurmagomedov’s dominance at UFC, DC has come up with another prediction and praise for a new fighter on the horizon. Cormier is known to praise fighters often but he never mentions other fighters in the same breath as Khabib Nu͏rma͏gomedov. However, when he saw the bout between Chr͏istien Savoie and Jacobe Smith, he could not help himself. Cormier had an epiphany that this bout seemed familiar and might have given him déjà vu reminding him of seeing Nurmagomedov fight inside the octagon.

This is when he praised Smith with even Dana White agreeing! During the contender series press conference, the boss was asked about the praise by the former HW champ and he explained that he trusted DC’s perception. White said, “Since Khabib, you know, when we didn’t know Khabib, and you know Cormier could not stop talking about Khabib, he’s like, “I’m telling you, when this guy bursts out on the scene, wait till this guy does this, and wait till this guy does that.” And that’s how he’s talking about Jacobe, and let’s see.”

The same was picked up by Home of Fight and they posted on Instagram writing, “Dana White tells us that tonight DWCS winner, Jacobe Smith, could be a next-generation Khabib Nurmagomedov after being told by Daniel Cormier how talented he is. Cormier told Dana White the same thing about Khabib before he joined the UFC.” Jacobe Smith was also asked about the praise that the UFC CEO and Cormier were showering on him. The 9-0 record holder said that it was ‘an honor’ and he mentioned how being near Khabib was almost ‘walking into a tornado’ because of the latter’s aura.

Smith ensured that the promotion’s top-tier individuals saw his prowess as he took C͏h͏r͏͏i͏sti͏en Sav͏oie͏ to hell defeating him via TKO in round 2. But how was this verdict of Smith being the next Khabib, received by the fans? Let’s take a look.

Fans are divided over Jacobe Smith being compared to Khabib Nurmagomedov

The Oklahoma State fighter has won the hearts and minds of the UFC CEO and Cormier with this fight. Smith made sure to make Dana White witness his amazing takedown skills so that a UFC deal was not far away from his grasp. He even got compared to the Dagestani Hall of Famer but the fans were divided on this verdict.

One follower dissected Khabib’s career and said, “That’s not that good of a compliment considering Khabib is very low on the all-time list cause he only fought a handful of good fighters and won the belt off Al Iaquinta.” Another follower criticized DC for comparing a legendary veteran and a new protegee-stating that he should be given a chance to build his legacy. They wrote, “Aw f**k now if this guy f*cks up and just loses people are gonna s*it on him why compare these young fighters to all-time greats let them build their name.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov has a record of 29 wins with no losses and he is considered one of the greatest MMA fighters. He was also inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. ‘The Eagle’ has fought against fighters like Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and even Conor McGregor who are all deadly opponents. Yet a fan decided to criticize him and his opponents in the comments. They said, “ And just like Khabib all his wins are over fighters with terrible records.”  Poirier has a record of 30 wins and Gaethje also has 25 wins so Nurmagomedov has proved himself against pretty good fighters, wouldn’t you agree?

On the other hand, while one fan was criticizing Khabib, another was chastising Cormier. He accused the former UFC fighter of comparing Sean O’Malley and McGregor and pitching the former as the next McGregor. The follower wrote, “ He tried to make Sean O’Malley the next Conor.” ‘Suga’ admired the ‘Notorious’ so it was not a far-off mark when DC might have compared them. However, O’Malley was stumped when McGregor dragged him into the PED accusation while Ryan Garcia was being questioned for alleged PED use.

Another follower hilariously said, “DC told Dana White that Khabib will be the next Khabib before joining the UFC?” while one fan pointed out ‘The Eagle’s’ legendary record and wrote, “KHABIB IS GOAT.” Another follower sarcastically insinuated that no one could be Khabib and wrote, “He (Jacobe) wishes.”

We do not know whether Smith could be the next Khabib but we did see and hear the dedication the DWCS winner has for his craft. He mentioned in the presser, “I’ve just been fighting for this my whole life, ever since I graduated from Oklahoma State. It just seemed like a long journey, and we’re finally at the end of it. Now it’s time to put on a show and do the work. I’ve been fighting my whole life for this, and now I’m ready to change my family’s lives.”

Regardless of what people are debating right now, the welterweight division might have gained another amazing fighter. What is your take on Jacobe Smith?