Darren Till Calls Out Daniel Cormier Over Commentary Bias: 'He’s Just A Company Man'

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Darren Till claimed that UFC commentator Daniel Cormier shows consistent bias whenever calling fights involving athletes connected to his American Kickboxing Academy teammates.

The former UFC welterweight title challenger did not hold back his thoughts on the Hall of Fame fighter.

Till joined a growing chorus of active and veteran mixed martial artists who have taken issue with the broadcast booth analysis.

The Liverpool native insisted that the issue is not personal animosity, but rather a pattern of favoritism he sees on the air.

"It’s not that I don’t like him. I just see right through his bulls---," Till said during his appearance on the show.

"I wouldn’t say it to his face, mind you, because he’s a f------ animal of a fighter, but you can just see through his bulls---."

"Any guy who’s got the second name ‘Magomedov,’ he’s just always biased."

"He’s just a company man."

"He doesn’t say what he should really say on his mind."

"I can smell that bulls--- from over this corner of the world."

"F--- off with your bulls---, mate. I’ve got no time for that whatsoever."

A PATTERN OF CONTROVERSY

Till’s strong words arrived right after another high-profile UFC fighter targeted Cormier for his cageside analysis.

Former light heavyweight title challenger Dominick Reyes publicly took aim at Cormier following his bout at UFC 333.

Reyes scored a knockout victory over Azamat Murzakanov at the event.

Despite the highlight finish inside the Octagon, Reyes voiced intense displeasure with Cormier's broadcast coverage.

Reyes went so far as to award Cormier an "F-plus" grade for his commentary performance during the bout.

That public rebuke opened the door for Till to re-enter the debate with his own grievances.

Till pointed to what he sees as an undeniable conflict of interest during live UFC broadcasts.

THE SHANGHAI INCIDENT

This is far from the first time that Till has taken issue with Cormier’s actions behind the microphone.

The British striker had previously ripped into the commentator back in September.

That previous dispute was sparked by dramatic events that unfolded at UFC Shanghai.

During that event, Umar Nurmagomedov suffered a knockout loss to Song Yadong.

Following the knockout, Umar's brother Usman Nurmagomedov leaped over the Octagon cage.

Cormier stepped up to defend Usman’s actions after the incident occurred.

Till was infuriated by Cormier's defense of the cage jump, viewing it as blatant protection of his friends.

For Till, that defense was proof that Cormier cannot separate his personal loyalties from his professional responsibilities.

THE AKA CONNECTION

At the heart of the critique lies Cormier's long-standing connection to the American Kickboxing Academy.

Located in San Jose, California, the famous gym has produced several world champions over the decades.

Cormier himself is one of the most decorated fighters to emerge from the facility.

He captured both the UFC light heavyweight championship and the UFC heavyweight championship during his legendary career.

During his time at AKA, Cormier developed a very close bond with former lightweight king Khabib Nurmagomedov.

The two former champions spent years training together, sparring, and building an enduring friendship.

That brotherhood naturally extended to Khabib’s cousins and extended team members, including Umar and Usman Nurmagomedov.

Critics argue that these deep personal loyalties make it difficult for Cormier to remain neutral when calling bouts involving Dagestani fighters.

Till specifically referenced fighters carrying the "Magomedov" surname as receiving preferential treatment on the microphone.

RESPECT FOR FIGHTING PROWESS

Despite the harsh critique of his broadcasting work, Till made sure to acknowledge Cormier's elite fighting pedigree.

Cormier is widely recognized as one of the most dangerous mixed martial artists in combat sports history.

Till admitted openly that he would not voice these criticisms directly to Cormier’s face.

He noted that the former two-division champion remains a physical powerhouse who commands genuine fear.

Yet Till was unwilling to let Cormier's hall-of-fame credentials shield his commentary from scrutiny.

In Till’s eyes, calling Cormier a "company man" accurately captures his reluctance to speak full truth on air.

Till argued that Cormier often suppresses what he genuinely thinks in order to protect preferred fighters and promote official narratives.