Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – “C&R - Nate 'BTN' Diaz, 51 Mill, Kyler, Cove's Cash”
Date: November 6, 2025
Hosts: Steve Covino & Rich Davis (Covino & Rich), with Dan Beyer, Danny G, and guests
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts, Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Episode Overview
This episode of “The Dan Patrick Show” (featuring Covino & Rich as hosts) is a mix of high-energy sports talk and humor, centered on breaking news in combat sports (specifically, the latest shake-up in the Jake Paul fight), massive World Series ratings, NFL injury and trade updates, and the resolution of a long-running personal baseball bet between the hosts. The show also features lively banter and listener call-ins, making for a rapid-fire, engaging listen for fans of sports, pop culture, and the personalities behind the mics.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Jake Paul Fight Drama: “Nate ‘BTN’ Diaz Steps In”
- Main Headline: Nate Diaz is reportedly stepping in for Gervonta “Tank” Davis to fight Jake Paul on November 14th.
- Background: Gervonta Davis was dropped from the fight due to legal troubles and allegations of domestic violence. This left Jake Paul scrambling for a new opponent.
- Replacement Rumors: Other names considered were Francis Ngannou, Ryan Garcia, Rolly Romero, and Edgar Berlanga, but Nate Diaz was selected.
- Hosts Debate the Match-up:
- Steve Covino’s Perspective: Supports Diaz stepping in, citing his “badass” UFC legacy, heart, and the value he brings even if he’s past his prime. Frames the fight as “better than nothing” for fight fans and casual viewers alike.
- Rich Davis’s Take: Mocks the decision, calling Diaz the “Kevin Federline of MMA” (08:09), and dismisses the rematch as irrelevant, uninspired, and a “payday grab.” Argues the first fight was lackluster.
- Dan Beyer’s Input: Coins “BTN” – Better Than Nothing, which becomes the running tagline for the fight (08:28).
Notable Quotes:
- Rich Davis:
“Everything you mentioned is better than Nate Diaz, who no one cares about. What do you mean anymore?” (06:40) - Steve Covino:
“You mean UFC legend, badass, younger brother of Nick Diaz… it’s a rematch, by the way. Hello.” (06:59)
“I’ll watch any fight. I love legitimate fights more, but… if it brings casual fans to boxing, I’m all for it.” (05:17) - Dan Beyer:
“‘BTN’ – Better than nothing.” (08:28) - Rich Davis, recurring:
“Nate Diaz vs. Jake Paul—better than nothing. Wow, you’re really selling it.” (08:12)
Timestamps:
- [04:11] – Fight news intro, Tank Davis controversy
- [05:17–09:31] – Heavy debate on Nate Diaz’s draw and legacy, “better than nothing” refrain begins
- [11:11] – Arguments about relevance, drawing power, UFC legacy
2. Listener Reactions & Fan Calls: Mixed Feelings and Humor
- Most callers acknowledge Diaz’s toughness, but even fans struggle to sell the hype for the rematch.
- Caller “Pete in Vegas”: Defends Diaz’s fighting heart—“That’s what he does” (20:33).
- Caller “Mike in Fresno”: Notes Diaz “always brings it” but says “it is a payday for him” (38:12).
- Multiple jokes about “Kevin Federline of MMA,” and how the fight is a “sandwich when you wanted steak”—good, but not inspiring.
Timestamps:
- [20:23–24:43] – Callers chime in on Nate Diaz/Jake Paul
- [38:00–39:03] – More on Diaz’s draw and payday
- [37:06] – Callers switch to World Series chat
3. World Series Ratings: “51 Million, Baseball’s Back!”
- Stat of the Day: Game 7 of the 2025 World Series (Dodgers vs. Blue Jays) averaged 51 million viewers across the US, Canada, and Japan, the most-watched in 34 years ([17:19]).
- Hosts’ Reaction:
- Covino: “It was a great season and a perfect ending… not surprised.” (18:24)
- Rich: Credits both teams for the ratings, highlighting the Blue Jays’ “gritty, heart filled” run (23:23).
- Dodgers’ “intangibles”—the ability to “just know how to win.”
Timestamps:
- [17:17–24:43] – Baseball’s resurgence, World Series analysis, audience stats
4. NFL Quick Hits and Injury Updates
- Major notes:
- Kyler Murray’s foot injury lands him on IR. Dan Beyer and hosts speculate if it’s a “cover-up” or real (35:34).
- Jimmy Butler out for the NBA Warriors/Spurs game. Other sports injury roundups.
- Brock Purdy’s status; 49ers face key divisional game.
- Discussion:
- Jokes and Skepticism—Covino likens the team’s message to “when I was getting a divorce… not telling the real story” (35:39).
Timestamps:
- [33:48–37:05] – NFL/NBA injury and roster updates, hosts riff on official statements
5. The Covino & Rich Baseball Bet: “Cove’s Cash”
- Storyline: End of a season-long bet—who’d finish with a better record, Yankees (Covino) or Mets (Rich).
- Terms: Original $1,000 wager, escalated by Rich mid-season to $100 per win difference. Yankees won by 11 games, so $2,100 is owed.
- On-Air Negotiation: Covino offers a deal—$2,000 plus an Ohtani rookie card from Rich (gifted by Danny G), forgoing $1,100 to be generous (48:47). Rich accepts, joking about giving away a sentimental collector’s card.
Timestamps:
- [46:15–51:34] – Bet origin, season recap, negotiation, and resolution
6. Lighter Segments & Show Humor
- Who Can Do “The Worm” (dance move) at Fox Sports:
- After Freddie Freeman impresses with the Worm, hosts theorize who at Fox could replicate it, with various playful nominations (32:16).
- Running Gags:
- Rich’s negativity (“Negative Norberto”), jab at Nate Diaz’s relevance
- Callbacks to “Kevin Federline of MMA” (08:09, 13:26)
- “Better Than Nothing” repeated as a slogan for the fight, donuts, and mediocre options (08:28).
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On Nate Diaz Stepping In:
- Rich Davis (08:09): “To me, he’s like the Kevin Federline of MMA… someone that was relevant 10, 20 years ago, and no one really cares anymore.”
- Steve Covino (13:13): “I think you’re talking about a well-respected, fan favorite of the UFC. Honestly, I feel like you missed the boat on his popularity… or you hit the head.”
- Dan Beyer (08:28): “‘BTN—better than nothing.’”
- On World Series Ratings:
- Rich Davis (17:19): “Average 51 million viewers… the most watched baseball game in 34 years since Game 7 of the 1991 World Series.”
- On Covino & Rich’s Bet Resolution:
- Steve Covino (48:55): “Just give me $2,000. That was the original bet… Okay, and throw in that Shohei Ohtani rookie card you got.”
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 04:11 – Jake Paul fight update; Tank Davis controversy
- 05:17–09:31 – Nate Diaz debate, “better than nothing” mantra
- 11:11–14:45 – Relevance of Diaz, UFC legacy vs. spectacle fights
- 17:17–18:24 – World Series record viewership revealed/discussed
- 20:23–24:43; 38:00–39:03 – Listener calls on fight and World Series
- 33:48–37:05 – NFL/NBA news and speculation
- 46:15–51:34 – Yankees vs. Mets bet resolution
Conclusion
This episode is classic Covino & Rich: irreverent, full of sports arguments, playful digs, and thoughtful (if occasionally heated) debate about the current state of sports and entertainment. The hosts’ knack for blending legit sports insight with banter makes it a lively recap of the week’s biggest headlines. The “Nate Diaz stepping in” boxing news is the throughline, with “better than nothing” as the resigned but realistic fan refrain—a vibe that characterizes much of this episode’s attitude toward spectacle in today’s sports landscape. The massive World Series numbers and personal bet drama add fun layers for listeners craving both big sports news and behind-the-scenes host stories.
