It's even funnier when you hear the Sisko's initial description of the defiant.
It's a warship, nothing more, nothing less.
And also
No families, no science labs, no luxuries of any kind...
Meanwhile it's almost as big as the OG Enterprise which did in fact have a regulation size bowling alley inside.
So all that space, basically just for engines and guns on the Defiant.
Are you threatening me?!