Podcast Summary
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Daniel Cormier DISAPPOINTED Alex Pereira vs. Jon Jones fight WON'T HAPPEN: "That's EASY MONEY!"
Date: December 19, 2025
Overview
In this episode, Daniel Cormier dives deep into recent developments in the MMA world, focusing on the missed opportunity of a high-profile Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira fight, particularly for a special UFC event at the White House. Cormier discusses potential UFC matchmaking, the importance of American fighters for major cards, and touches on the rapidly changing landscape of MMA champions. He also updates fans on fighter Tom Aspinall’s injury and gives a heartfelt update on Cain Velasquez’s parole situation.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Disappointment Over Pereira vs. Jones Not Happening
[02:25] – [05:30]
- Cormier expresses clear disappointment that Alex Pereira is not fighting at the upcoming White House UFC event, especially since a potential megafight was on the table against Jon Jones.
- Quote:
“It’s discouraging because Pereira obviously is one of the biggest stars in the UFC, but also because when he fights… you know there’s going to be fireworks.” – Daniel Cormier [03:10]
- Quote:
- He highlights that both fighters had shown mutual interest, making it a missed "easy money" opportunity for the promotion and fans.
2. White House Card – Building a Historic Event
[05:31] – [07:55]
- Cormier discusses the magnitude of hosting a UFC card at the White House, envisioning Jones vs. Pereira as the ideal American hero vs. international star narrative, especially with the event tied to Independence Day.
- He speculates on what the UFC might do to build the card’s significance if both Jon Jones and Pereira are absent—potentially stacking it with multiple title fights and former champions, as seen at previous milestone events like UFC 300.
- Contemplates the need for an American headliner to maintain the theme and scale of the event.
3. The Conor McGregor Factor
[07:56] – [09:30]
- Cormier candidly admits the UFC will push hard for Conor McGregor to return on the White House card, likely in a fight against Michael Chandler.
- Quote:
“If you want the biggest fight card in history, he has to be fighting… If you want it to surpass 300 and 200 and 100, you have to have him fight.” – Daniel Cormier [08:40]
- Quote:
- Notes that even with McGregor, the card also needs a top American star “perceived to be the favorite”, especially in a championship fight.
4. Discussion on Jones's Weight Class & Optimal Matchup
[13:48] – [15:40]
- Cormier suggests that Jon Jones is at his best when fighting at light heavyweight (205 lbs), not heavyweight, due to the discipline required for weight cutting.
- Quote:
“He was never as good as when he was fighting at 205. I know we haven’t seen him fight at heavyweight much, but he was better at 205 because he had to be so disciplined.” – Daniel Cormier [13:54]
- Quote:
- Proposes that Pereira and Jones should fight at 205 lbs for the optimal matchup, expressing doubts about Pereira being big enough for heavyweight and Jones’s sharpness at the heavier weight.
5. Tom Aspinall’s Injury Update
[16:00] – [17:10]
- Cormier shares recent updates about interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall, who is now scheduled for surgery due to an eye injury from his last fight against Ciryl Gane.
- Quote:
“He just told me he’s still struggling with his eyes, man… now he’s having surgery for it. That is bad. That is really, really bad.” – Daniel Cormier [16:45]
- Quote:
6. Reflection on the UFC’s Changing Landscape
[17:11] – [18:10]
- Observes how quickly MMA changes, noting that many UFC champions from the beginning of the year no longer hold their belts.
- Quote:
“It’s unbelievable that every champion that was at the beginning of the year, the belt is not in that person’s hands anymore…” – Daniel Cormier [17:52]
- Quote:
- Hints that while Pereira is out today, the MMA landscape changes so rapidly that he could be “on tomorrow”.
7. Cain Velasquez Parole Update
[18:11] – [19:10]
- Ends with heartfelt support for Cain Velasquez, whose parole date was moved to February. Cormier encourages listeners to keep Velasquez in their thoughts as he approaches possible release.
- Quote:
“Let’s pray that the champ gets to come home and start his life anew. In the time that he was home, Cain Velasquez was not a danger to anyone. He was doing nothing more than coaching and trying to help the next wave of fighters…” – Daniel Cormier [18:30]
- Quote:
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
“It’s discouraging because Pereira obviously is one of the biggest stars in the UFC, but also because when he fights... you know there’s going to be fireworks.”
– Daniel Cormier [03:10] -
“Doing Jones versus Pereira, that’s low hanging fruit. You already got two guys that say we want to do that. Put them out there.”
– Daniel Cormier [06:23] -
“If you want the biggest fight card in history, he has to be fighting… If you want it to surpass 300 and 200 and 100, you have to have him fight.”
– Daniel Cormier [08:40] (on Conor McGregor) -
“He was never as good as when he was fighting at 205. I know we haven’t seen him fight at heavyweight much, but he was better at 205 because he had to be so disciplined.”
– Daniel Cormier [13:54] (on Jon Jones) -
“Let’s pray that the champ gets to come home and start his life anew… Cain Velasquez was not a danger to anyone.”
– Daniel Cormier [18:30]
Important Timestamps
- 02:25 – Daniel Cormier’s introduction and disappointment over Pereira vs. Jones
- 05:50 – Discussion on White House UFC event and card-building speculation
- 08:00 – McGregor's potential role and necessity for a ‘biggest card ever’
- 13:48 – Cormier's take: Jones should fight at 205, not heavyweight
- 16:00 – Tom Aspinall injury and surgery update
- 17:52 – Reflection on changing champions in 2025
- 18:11 – Cain Velasquez parole date and Cormier’s message of hope
In Summary
This episode captures Daniel Cormier’s authentic reaction to the latest UFC news, providing fans with behind-the-scenes insight, thoughtful analysis about what builds a blockbuster fight card, and candid takes on fighter dynamics and UFC promotional strategies. The episode closes on a human note with a personal update and support for Cain Velasquez, illustrating Cormier’s care for MMA beyond just what happens in the Octagon.