From: officialflagrant
Max Holloway shares a unique and multifaceted relationship with Daniel “DC” Cormier, characterized by a blend of genuine friendship, playful rivalry, and ongoing banter. Holloway often expresses his affection for Cormier while simultaneously engaging in lighthearted trash talk and competitive challenges.
ESPN Show Incident
Holloway revealed that Cormier approached him about a potential short idea for ESPN, where “people let me talk about my business” [02:09:09]. Holloway told Cormier he was “down” but needed to figure out a schedule due to his fighting career [02:13:13]. However, weeks and months passed in silence before Holloway saw the “RC DC show” launch, indicating Cormier proceeded without him [02:21:21]. Holloway jokingly called Cormier “the worst” and “lucky he’s the heavyweight champion” [02:22:30], asserting that without the title, Cormier is “nothing to me” [02:22:34].
Competitive Challenges
Holloway frequently challenges Cormier to a fight, often in the heavyweight division, stating that “if the money is right brother” [02:27:30] he would do it [02:27:28]. He jokingly suggests they could aim for a payout of “five mil” or higher [02:46:46]. Holloway asserts he could beat Cormier in a “hands” fight, as well as in “wrestling, the eating, whatever” [02:40:40]. He even threatens to take all of Cormier’s post-fighting jobs after his own retirement, including Cormier’s desire to be a garbage man in his town [02:22:25].
”Fraudulent” Background
Holloway humorously exposed Cormier’s remote studio setup, claiming DC would call him to show off his changing virtual backgrounds, such as a gym, a bookshelf, or his belts [02:41:40]. Max called him a “fraud” for this [02:16:19].
Wrestling Offer and Suspicions
Cormier invited Holloway to train wrestling with him, saying “let me know when it comes then” [02:54:53]. However, Holloway declined due to Cormier’s teammate, Islam Makhachev, who Max might want to fight one day [02:57:57]. Holloway suspected Cormier would “be a spy for Islam” [02:08:08] if they trained together [02:10:10].
Despite the back-and-forth, Holloway consistently affirms his love for Cormier, framing their rivalry as a form of playful competition [02:58:58].