Darren Till accuses Daniel Cormier of biased UFC commentary favouring Caucasus fighters

Darren Till has accused Daniel Cormier of showing systematic bias in his UFC commentary work, telling journalist Ariel Helwani that the former two-division champion consistently favours fighters from the Caucasus region.

Till was pointed in his criticism but stopped short of making it personal. “It’s not that I don’t like him; I just see right through his bullsht,” the former title challenger said. “Any guy who’s got the second name Magomedov, he’s just always biased. He’s a company man… I can smell that bullsht from over this corner of the world. I’ve got no time for that whatsoever.”

Despite the directness of his comments in the media, Till acknowledged he would not deliver the same message face-to-face. “I wouldn’t say it to his face, mind you, because he’s a f*cking animal of a fighter,” he added.

The remarks carry some context. Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov — arguably the most prominent fighter to emerge from the Caucasus region in UFC history — developed a close friendship while training together at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California. Critics have previously questioned whether that relationship colours Cormier’s analysis when fighters connected to that camp or region are involved.

Cormier, a former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, has been one of the promotion’s most prominent broadcast voices since transitioning away from active competition. His commentary style has drawn both praise for its technical insight and, from some quarters, scrutiny over perceived loyalties.

Till has not indicated whether his comments were prompted by a specific broadcast moment or represent a longer-held view.