Daniel Cormier takes weird shot at Russell Westbrook at UFC 288
Jokes about Russell Westbrook aren’t new, but former UFC champion Daniel Cormier dragged him out of nowhere on Saturday night.
During Gilbert Burns’ pre-fight walkout at UFC 288, Cormier, a current UFC broadcaster, gave his “Keys to Victory” for the Brazilian fighter against Belal Muhammad in a welterweight clash, and one of them was, “Don’t be Russell Westbrook.”
“Russell Westbrook, who I love, is one of the most talented guys in the NBA. As is Gilbert Burns [in the UFC.] Russ got to the NBA Finals once,” Cormier said on the UFC 288 telecast.
“He got back on the verge of it a couple of times, but he was never able to break through. This is Durinho’s [Gilbert Burns] chance to get a second opportunity at a championship, but you’ve got to separate yourself from the great Russell Westbrook and go and earn another title fight.”
One of Daniel Cormier’s keys for Gilbert Burns at UFC 288 was “don’t be Russell Westbrook.” UFC/Zuffa
There was normal advice like distance management and grappling that Cormier gave as well.
Advice that would go on fallen ears.
Saturday represented Burns’ shot at reclaiming glory, with the winner setting themselves up to be the next title contender once welterweight champion Leon Edwards faces Colby Covington.
But Burns let the opportunity slip away, dropping a five-round decision to Muhammad.
Burns, similar to Westbrook, is a freak athlete with an advanced array of skills as a performer.
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier laughs at the UFC 30th anniversary. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
But time is running out for both to reach the pinnacle.
Westbrook has battled fans and media over the years in response to a variety of insults about his poor play in big games, such as the infamous “Westbrick” comments.
The former MVP has made the playoffs 12 times in his career but hasn’t won the big one yet.
Russell Westbrook NBAE via Getty Images
In Burns’ lone title fight against Kamaru Usman, he nearly won the fight several times before eventually wilting under Usman’s pressure and losing by TKO.
Westbrook has had four conference finals appearances in his career, only making the NBA Finals once, a loss to LeBron James and the Miami Heat in 2012.
Source: New York Post
