Daniel Cormier Show - Islam Makhachev, Khamzat Chimaev, Alex Pereira & DC's Top-5 Interviews of 2025

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Daniel Cormier Show – Islam Makhachev, Khamzat Chimaev, Alex Pereira & DC's Top-5 Interviews of 2025

Date: December 31, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this end-of-year special, Daniel Cormier revisits his top five interviews ("check-ins") with MMA superstars from 2025, bringing listeners highlights packed with insight, humor, and honesty. Featuring candid moments and sharp analysis, DC spotlights key conversations with Islam Makhachev, Khamzat Chimaev, Alex Pereira, Umar Nurmagomedov, and Arman Tsarukyan, each at critical career junctures. The episode captures the human side of elite fighters and the inside jokes, intensity, and brotherhood of MMA.

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Key Discussion Points & Detailed Highlights

DC’s Top-5 Fighter Interviews of 2025

1. #5: Umar Nurmagomedov (Los Angeles, pre-UFC Championship fight)

• Setting: Pre-fight, LA’s Intuit Dome, candid back-and-forth with Daniel about “gangster” culture, respect, and the build-up to his bantamweight title shot.
• Main Themes:
  • What it means to be a “gangster” (playful banter about shoes, origins, and true toughness).
  • Debate about merit, win streaks, and deserving title shots versus UFC politics.
  • Umar’s perspective on fighting Marab Dvalishvili and the emotional grind of reaching title contention.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Umar: “Gangsters not people who fighting in the gym… Gangsters in the street.” (06:00)
  • Cormier: “Okay, well, I am [a gangster]. You ain’t gonna change my mind. I know what I am. I’m from the streets, okay?” (07:21)
  • Umar: “No, for respect. Respect. It’s like you one of the greatest fighter. It’s respect. I say true, it’s true. You are you, brother. Former champion, dude.” (07:54)
• Timestamps:
  • Playful “gangster” debate: 04:00–08:00
  • Title contention and Marab discussion: 08:30–11:00
  • Umar on support from the AKA/Dagestan team: 12:55–13:55

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2. #4: Khamzat Chimaev (Chicago, pre-middleweight title fight)

• Setting: Fight week; DC and Khamzat discuss past moments, fighting mentality, money vs. legacy, and preparation.
• Main Themes:
  • Chimaev’s drive: fighting for family and financial security over legacy or belts.
  • Inactivity with visa issues; finally returning to action in the U.S.
  • Unique training methods to silence critics about his cardio.
  • Humor, musing about fashion and “being cute,” bantering about DC’s looks.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Khamzat: “You want a $10 million or just the belt?” (34:05)
  • Cormier: “No, I’m not taking the belt over the money. But the belt leads to the money…” (34:18)
  • Khamzat: "If he works hard, belt is coming, bro. ... I need to beat the guy. ... I don't need that belt." (34:24)
  • Khamzat: “I will kill everybody. Smash this guy for sure. I thought you’re like crazy guy.” (40:43)
• Timestamps:
  • Motivation & money talk: 34:05–34:40
  • Cardio and training humor: 35:59–37:14

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3. #3: Arman Tsarukyan (on a yacht post-Dan Hooker victory)

• Setting: Post-victory, Arman confidently expects next title shot—but remains frustrated by UFC’s hesitancy.
• Main Themes:
  • Frustration over being passed for title shots despite dominant performances.
  • Candid opinions about other contenders: dismisses Paddy Pimblett, critiques UFC promotional choices.
  • Views on division politics and UFC matchmaking.
  • Banter about being slapped, the importance of “the moment,” and playful trash talk.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Tsarukyan: “I'm a real deal. … I'm not fake like Paddy Pimlet making ranked by their self and UFC Teller bring him up because we want to give him title fight...” (49:57)
  • DC: “You do you. So is it disappointing, though, that you haven't… been told that you're next?” (55:40)
  • Tsarukyan (on Pimblett): “No, he sucks.” (58:38)
  • Tsarukyan: “I just want to say, Ilya, get your balls and take the fight. Let’s make it happen. People is waiting.” (67:30)
• Timestamps:
  • Frustration with title shot: 45:19–50:51
  • Candid judgments on contenders: 58:10–61:09
  • Callout to Ilia Topuria: 67:30

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4. #2: Alex “Poatan” Pereira (pre-title rematch against Magomed Ankalaev)

• Setting: Prior to reclaiming his light heavyweight title, Alex opens up about injury, criticism, and his rapid UFC stardom.
• Main Themes:
  • Candid about fighting while injured in his last fight; vows a healthy, aggressive gameplan this time.
  • Humor about home life, “stone heads” at the house, and steak preferences with DC.
  • Navigating the UFC's sometimes fickle matchmaking; dealing with the emotional toll and his infamous “hacked” tweet.
  • Talks about overcoming criticism, evolving as a fighter, and feeling validated as one of UFC’s most-discussed stars.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Pereira (via interpreter): “Honestly speaking, if I'm 100% healthy, I don't think I had to learn or change anything. I had to just show up healthy.” (88:06)
  • Cormier: “Nobody 7–1 should be UFC champion, but he was because he’s a special athlete.” (95:42)
• Timestamps:
  • Injury & comeback: 76:10–88:43
  • On his UFC evolution: 92:36–95:24
  • DC admitting his belief after Alex KO’ed Adesanya: 94:02

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5. #1: Islam Makhachev (before becoming double champ at MSG)

• Setting: Fight week, MSG; DC and Islam’s brotherly relationship on display with relentless jokes and serious insight.
• Main Themes:
  • Islam’s playful rivalry with DC, teasing about lateness and training days at AKA.
  • Candid on chasing legacy: wanting double-champ status for history, not just money.
  • Technical talk: wrestling vs. striking, thoughts on Jack Della Maddalena, dismissing the “one-camp” improvement idea.
  • Reflection on Dagestan, the camaraderie at AKA, and the honor of their shared legacy.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Islam: “Now it’s the legacy. Now the second belt. People fight for the second belt just for the legacy...” (111:43)
  • Islam: “You promised me not gonna… cut it [the beard]. … From today to summertime.” (103:16)
  • DC: “You’ve done so much. You might not have thought that you could be up there, but … it was very evident that you would be a world champion.” (116:50)
  • Islam: “Let's make one camp in AKA, not like crazy hard training just for lose weight, you know, with me, you, Habib.” (117:36)
• Timestamps:
  • Banter about lateness, training days, DC’s beard: 100:58–103:28
  • Thoughts on Jack Della Maddalena & the fight: 104:04–109:16
  • On legacy and history: 111:43–113:38
  • On brotherhood and gym stories: 116:35–118:44

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Memorable/Notable Moments & Quotes

• The “Gangster” Debate: Umar and DC discuss what it really means to be a gangster, with Umar playfully refusing to grant DC “gangster” status.

  • “Gangster not sitting in front of camera and talking with fighters. Gangsters try to hide.” – Umar Nurmagomedov (06:30)

• Khamzat’s Money>Belts Philosophy:

  • “If I get Take it, maybe bring that [belt] back to my country and give it someone.” – Khamzat Chimaev (34:24)

• Arman Tsarukyan’s dismissiveness toward Paddy Pimblett:

  • “No, he sucks.” – Arman Tsarukyan (58:38)

• Alex Pereira’s calm confidence:

  • “If I’m 100% healthy, I don’t think I had to learn or change anything. I had to just show up healthy.” (88:06)

• Islam’s approach to greatness:

  • “Now it’s the legacy. Now the second belt. People fight for the second belt just for the legacy...” (111:43)

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Timestamps Overview (Highlight Segments)

| Segment | Timestamps | |---------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Umar - Banter, “Gangster” & Title Talk | 04:00–15:00 | | Khamzat - Motivation, Training, & DDP | 30:51–41:00 | | Arman - Title Shot Frustration & Call-Outs | 45:19–68:08 | | Alex Pereira - Home Life & Ankalaev Rivalry| 71:05–95:42 | | Islam - Legacy, Gym Stories, Double Champ | 99:42–119:11 |

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Summary & Takeaways

Daniel Cormier’s end-of-year episode offers fans a front-row seat to the personalities, motivations, and vulnerabilities of the UFC’s biggest stars as they chase glory. With trademark warmth, humor, and depth, DC's interviews delve into what motivates greatness—not just talent, but drive, identity, and the bonds between fighters. The episode stands out for blending technical fight talk, cultural banter, and real friendship, providing a fitting close to a milestone year for both DC and the athletes he spotlights.

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For New Listeners

Even if you missed these interviews in real-time, this episode captures the best moments, personalities, and stories that shaped UFC in 2025. Whether you're a hardcore fan or casual listener, DC's unique chemistry with his guests ensures both laughs and big-picture insights into life at the summit of combat sports.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Daniel Cormier]

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[Daniel Cormier]

This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. When you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really does have your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. Visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Additional terms apply. See website for details on Fox one Now you can stream your favorite live sports so you can be there live for the biggest moments. Touchdown and catch. History in the making. Fox 1 We Live for Lives streaming.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now 10 athletes will face the toughest.

[Daniel Cormier]

Job interview in fitness that will push past physical and mental breaking points.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You are the fittest of the fit.

[Daniel Cormier]

Only one of you will leave here with an IFIT contract worth $250,000.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This is where mindset comes in.

[Daniel Cormier]

Someone will be eliminated.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Pressure is coming down.

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[Daniel Cormier]

Watch the trailer on Train.

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[Daniel Cormier]

The volume. All right, guys, so every end of the year for me is the best because we get to look back and reflect on the things that we did in the prior year. 2025 was a banner year at DCTV, the Daniel Cormier show. So many great things launched for us, and I wanted to make sure that we take a look and recognize what 2025 was. And this video will be brought to you by Total Wireless, the official wireless provider of the UFC. They're in your corner with unlimited 5G data that will not slow you down. So I will give you my five best check ins of the year. Guys, you know that I spent all year speaking to fighters as they prepared for big moments and in bigger moments, title fights, all kinds of different things, and they delivered and you watched. So at number five, I want to let you guys see my interview from Los Angeles, California with the one and only Umar Nurmagomedov. Umar was about to fight Merab D. Wallish Willie for the UFC Championship in Los Angeles at the Intuit Dome, which was beautiful, by the way, in what was one of the biggest fights of 2025. Umar didn't like that much when I said I was a gangster. He thought that Al Capone was a bigger gangster. Take a listen. Let me just say this. You know where Los Angeles is? Look at this. Like, so, like, everybody wear this. Like, these are called Converse. No, they're called Chuck Taylors, brother. This is like Chuck Taylor.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

You have to put here Laura pianos. No, brother. Nike. N. No, no.

[Daniel Cormier]

This one. Hey, guys, zoom in on this. Luis, look. Zoom in on this, man. You don't want to have like. You don't want no Chuck Taylor. Like, it look good on you.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

I never will.

[Daniel Cormier]

Why?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Because I don't like.

[Daniel Cormier]

You know what shoes this is?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

I don't care. No, next time do here someone some.

[Daniel Cormier]

Other like here, watch, I show you. This is good shoe, man. Look, I promise. Just look, Vin.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

So how is name like?

[Daniel Cormier]

It's a. It's a Converse. This is a great shoe, brother. Hey, look, come here. This one. No, no, no. Why?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

For me put like this.

[Daniel Cormier]

No, but like, you know what gang? You know who. You know with this word, gangster, brother.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

I'm not gangster.

[Daniel Cormier]

No, but you know this original gangster.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Who's. Who's. Who's.

[Daniel Cormier]

Who's this like Dr. Dre, Eazy, E. Like this gangster for me too.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

For me.

[Daniel Cormier]

Rappers, rappers, brother.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

For me, there's not gangsters.

[Daniel Cormier]

I'm gangster.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

How me? How are you gangster?

[Daniel Cormier]

Who you kill everybody? How many times I kill you in the gym?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Okay.

[Daniel Cormier]

How many times I kill you in the gym, brother?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Gangsters, not people who fighting in the gym.

[Daniel Cormier]

So what? Against this?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

But are they killing people who are.

[Daniel Cormier]

Gangsters in the street?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Of course.

[Daniel Cormier]

Come on.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Okay, Al Capone.

[Daniel Cormier]

Who is Al Capone?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

He was gangster, right? You here.

[Daniel Cormier]

No, this is not true. How many people you give in my life? I cannot say this because I put my ear.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

I go to jail.

[Daniel Cormier]

If I say no, if I say I go to jail. Tell this guy.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

If I. I think you even not kill fly brother. Like this.

[Daniel Cormier]

This is you not rather he's not gangster. You don't think so?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Of course, brother.

[Daniel Cormier]

You've known me now all these years and you don' gangs, brother.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Gangster. Not sitting in front of camera and talking with fighters. Gangsters try to hide.

[Daniel Cormier]

So. So what happened was I used to hide. Now I'm trying to read like redo my image, brother.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Even Kane Velasquez more gangster than you.

[Daniel Cormier]

Kane Velasquez is more gangster than me.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

So of course.

[Daniel Cormier]

Why?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Because he acts like a gangster, man.

[Daniel Cormier]

I'm a man. Don't eat this guy. Who is this guy? Who is this guy? You bring this guy come out of nowhere, you this guy Talk, talk, huh?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

This is your PR guy, brother.

[Daniel Cormier]

This media guy, brother.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Let's talk about sport gangster stuff. It's not your.

[Daniel Cormier]

You think you are. You sit like that and you think you're a gang.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

When I tell you sit like that. I'm confident. I want to tell sick like this because it's comfortable for me. When I said I'm gangster, Never.

[Daniel Cormier]

Okay, well, I am. You ain't gonna change my mind. I know what I am. I'm from the streets, okay?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

I'm the president. We are saying. Nobody can say I'm not. You're never gonna change my mind. Like I'm the president.

[Daniel Cormier]

You know what's crazy? You have to respect me. And if I tell you something, you have to respect this, right, big brother, Always you have to respect you. So you have to. If I say I'm gangster, you gotta say, okay.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

No, we have to say about true. Okay? You have to. You can't say like anything. Like I'm from Mars. I have to say, this is from Mars.

[Daniel Cormier]

No, you have. No, you don't. You don't have to repeat. All you have to say is okay, brother.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

No, for respect. Respect. It's like you one of the greatest fighter. It's respect. I say true, it's true. You are you brother. Former champion, dude.

[Daniel Cormier]

It's sweet.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

You want to be gangster.

[Daniel Cormier]

I get nervous when you talk about where's your guns? I have. Go ahead. My House. We're not allowed to carry these here.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

But if you gangster, we have to put here, put here.

[Daniel Cormier]

Somebody give me a towel or something, man. Give me a white shirt over there.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

You have to watching around like who coming, you know.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. We have some towers over here. Okay, thank you. All right, guys. Umar Nur met off challenges for the UFC Bantamweight championship this weekend. You feel like finally. Marab is saying you don't deserve yet though. But you feel like finally.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Okay, I have a question for you. Let's talk about facts.

[Daniel Cormier]

Facts.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Marlon Vera fight fought for the title after one win streak. He beat Pedro Munoz. Do you know who's Pedro Munoz?

[Daniel Cormier]

I do know who he is.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

He beat Pedro Munoz and fought for the title one. Then he not cried.

[Daniel Cormier]

But I think. But I think Merab should have fought for the title.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Then why he doesn't fight? Because Al Jim is telling was his friend was champion, right?

[Daniel Cormier]

He was. No, no, no, no. You're confused. Cheeto Vera beat.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Yes, yes.

[Daniel Cormier]

And fought against John o'.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Malley. Exactly. I talk about. I forget. TJ Dior show fought for the title after one string very close fight with Corey Sonhagen.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, he.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

He won that fight. After that he fought for the title with Aljamin Sterling. Right. But why he don't say C.J. dillo shall not deserve. Do you hear this?

[Daniel Cormier]

And he didn't say that.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Oh, he don't say nothing. He was happy to for Algerman Sterling because he fought for the title. Right? For that moment he was good win streak. Maybe six, maybe eight. I don't know exactly.

[Daniel Cormier]

Merab have like long win streak. Yes.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Why he done?

[Daniel Cormier]

Why he don't because his teammate and.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Why he cry now? If your teammate was champion. That's why you have two long win streak and you fought for the title. After that, he lose, you take chance. Why everybody have to fight for the title after 10 win streaks? Why Al Jim Sternik fought for the title after five.

[Daniel Cormier]

Five? Yep.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Peter after six. TJ Du will show after one.

[Daniel Cormier]

Marlon Vera after one and you after five, brother. Six.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Six.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, six.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

I deserve it. Not because of. Okay, six fight in the ufc, right? Not lose even one round.

[Daniel Cormier]

What do you mean? That was one round.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Even one round. I'm not lose in ufc.

[Daniel Cormier]

Not losing. You haven't lost a round.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Even one. I beat everybody. I beat everyone. Like every round. I, you know, I won.

[Daniel Cormier]

So this was expected. This was like. This was expected. Like this title opportunity is expected.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Brother. Yeah, he just can't talk like he not deserve. He not deserve. But everybody know he won't fight with me because of he want to lose. Everybody know it.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. That's why when you look at, when you look at Merab, the competitor, like, what do you see? I mean, it's a guy that pushes a great, great cardio, great pace, works hard, brother.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

I have. Why everybody talk about his cardio if I never tired in my fights. Did you see anything like.

[Daniel Cormier]

No, you didn't get tired, but he fatigues people. That's a great weapon.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

We're gonna see who is better. You've.

[Daniel Cormier]

You've improved the wrestling. When you first came, you weren't the greatest wrestler. You've gotten a lot better, brother.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

For him, not better is enough.

[Daniel Cormier]

What do you mean not, not better?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Like we said, I have not better.

[Daniel Cormier]

In the beginning, you weren't.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

You were.

[Daniel Cormier]

You got better. You weren't the best. Those other guys, Islam Khabib, Islam Ahmedov, those got a better wrestlers, right? You better striker. But now these strikings improved.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

I just came from Muay Thai. That's why maybe I was very young, young and immature. In the grappling wrestling, it was not too bad, like immature. I was like zero in grappling. I will argue with you and. But right now, brother, I think Alhamdulillah, I'm one of the best. You are like a fighter, brother. I think I'm the one of the best because I can do anything and you know it.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. What did you learn in that last fight with Corey Sandhagen? A very tough guy. Go 25 minutes, win the fight, five rounds to zero. Even after Corey said he was much better than I thought. What did you learn about yourself in that fight against Corey Sandhagen? Were you satisfied with the performance?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

It was good performance and I learned a lot. You know, first of all, I fought first time in UFC 5 rounds, you know, And I mean, not tired, you know, I was, I feeling very good even last five, fifth round, it was best, I think best man.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

And I, I understand my boxing skills, striking skills, high level, you know, and I, I took from this fight confidence, you know, and I learned a lot. And I can fight with anybody, you know, not like this Mirab, anybody. I don't care. Like, you know, when, Even when, sometimes when I go to some show, UFC show, and I'm sitting there anyway, I'm thinking, can I go right now to fight with anybody in the cage? I ask to myself and I think, yes, anybody. I will fight. I will control this game in the cage. I can do anything, and I'M ready. My mind's like that alhamdulillah. My mind is like always I ready. I'm ready and all experience. And you see your experience. Luke, Cain, Kaver experience. Our my team like Habib Islam. Like I took from you guys, everybody, everything.

[Daniel Cormier]

No, when you were at the sphere and you're sitting there and Murab wins the belt and they start asking him and they show you on the screen and were you just thinking inside like, oh my goodness, finally I'm gonna get this championship opportunity. And then there were some hiccups in terms of getting the fight done. Were you like, what was the emotions, right? Like the highs and the lows to getting the fight done?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

It was, you know, moment where I I'm waiting, you know, I knew it. They gonna tell him I'm the next challenger. And of course it's making me more motivated. You know, it's giving to me very good energy. And the reason why I'm here all life. All like, you know, many years, many years, many years, many sacrifices. Many, many, many training camps. A lot of sweet what I keep in the gym, you know.

[Daniel Cormier]

When you were watching him beat Sean o', Malley, were you impressed?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

No. I'm waiting. Even before their fight, I told everybody it's gonna be.

[Daniel Cormier]

You thought Merab was gonna win.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

I told Mirab o' Malley have to knock him out for win. If he will not it's gonna be a hard time for him because he not have wrestling skills. Brother, brother like your son can brother defense for this wrestling attack. Even your son. It was too easy. Simple.

[Daniel Cormier]

Wait the shots that he took.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

You mean how Mira take him down, take leg after him. He.

[Daniel Cormier]

He fall.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Fall like a tree, you know, everywhere, you know. And he's easy fight this guy who.

[Daniel Cormier]

Who's easy fight o'. Malley.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Yes, he's easy fight brother. Like in. In my division most easy fight. Like, I don't know who can be easier than him.

[Daniel Cormier]

But this guy was the champion.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Umar, he was a champion. Like, I don't know how Mr. Nick to lost his fight. Everybody think he will smash them. And. But brother Merab showed to everyone level.

[Daniel Cormier]

Merab is actually a guy that usually is respects. But with you it seems to be like he's very like upset with you. Where did this start? Even at the press conference last time, you guys were yelling at each other in the back of the the arena. I mean, where did this. Where did this start? Like, why is it like that?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Let's be honest, let's be true. He's not person who Always respect with patrian. He talk a lot of shit about Russians, about Russia. He talk a lot of shit about Pether and personality personal. And it's not true. Maybe he's respectful with someone who. Who. Maybe he's scared.

[Daniel Cormier]

Or you think he gets disrespectful when he feels a threat. Like if you think that because Pyotr Yan you said. And now you.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

You know, even with me he tried. He is disrespectful.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, he's very yell at you and mad at you.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

And you know, maybe he want to hide people. He want to make this fight like personal personal and sell pay per view. Maybe for this. Like, he will maybe take this money from pay per view. I don't know exactly, but this.

[Daniel Cormier]

Does it annoy you?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Let's. Let's. Let's talk about relic. When you sit with personal with someone like. And not have security. No one, just you and him, it's different. Yes, but everybody can talk with the camera with security talk bad things. Like, act like he's like enemy. He's like someone like gangster. Even like. Even like guy. If it's gonna be looking like gangster like. You know, my uncle teached me. He said to me one time, this.

[Daniel Cormier]

Guy at least think he's a gangster.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

No, he's got best manager, brother.

[Daniel Cormier]

He is a great manager.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Brother, listen to me. Gangsters always hide. He can't walk, brother. Here, brother, they have police looking for, right? Hey, let's talk about my interview.

[Daniel Cormier]

Let's go, please, please. Because this guy at least crazy. Go ahead, finish. Your uncle taught you touched.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

He's touched me. Like he said to me, if someone have problem with you personal. He coming to your home, knock your door, tell you can you come? I have question for you. Why you do like that? When you and him alone, nobody will break, right? It's a gangster style, you know? But when there is a lot of security where they were there. I'm gonna do something, you know, Two different situation. I was in Las Vegas one month, right? Five, six weeks. Like I was in.

[Daniel Cormier]

But I saw. I saw one time he was at the PI and he got locked out because you were in there.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Las Vegas finished in the PI. What? Okay, Las Vegas have place only in PI.

[Daniel Cormier]

No, I. I get it. But like, he couldn't go inside because I think they were. They were. I think they were working actively to keep you guys separated.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

They. They take care about. Not about me. They take care of him. When they tell him go home, don't come to care.

[Daniel Cormier]

Really?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Yeah, brother, you can you think he can do something with me?

[Daniel Cormier]

I mean, you guys are gonna find out on Saturday night.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

We're gonna see what's gonna happen. How do you know I talking about that if you have personal something also.

[Daniel Cormier]

Like in like in public anywhere.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Yes, yes. Come to me, right? Come to me. Tell me everything, what you want. Like personal, like like a man, right? Gangster style. But if you want to promote fight. Yeah, do like that.

[Daniel Cormier]

You think this is a show, brother?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

If you have something personal with someone, you have to go to him without security camera and talk with them, right? It makes sense.

[Daniel Cormier]

Umar, you become the champion this weekend. I remember you were a young kid when you came to the gym the first time. And you're ready to learn bright eyed. And Abib said, I think this kid will be champion. What will it mean to you to become the world champion on Saturday if you can beat Rob Dualasvili?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Subhan Allah. It's going to be brother, you know, one of the greatest, greatest moment in my life, right? Inshallah. And all life with you guys. You was always in the gym like my like who I look at for like examples on the wall with belts, you know. And soon my picture gonna be close to your.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

And a lot of things, but a lot of things. And for us like a teammates, it's gonna be one more champion from AKA one more champion from Dagestan. It's gonna be amazing, brother. It's gonna be awesome.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. And Islam's fighting. Tagir is fighting. You guys are making big money. Islam told me that once him and I fought, he knocked out Glace and Tebow one punch. I did ground and pound to finish my fight, but they gave me the bonus. He said I should have went and said you take the bonus because you, you needed more. Can I ask if you take the bonus, will you bring it back to Taghir? Will you give Tagir the $50,000 bonus? Because Islam said he has to. Because Tagir is the one that is not making as much money. You give the money to Tagir.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

If they will give me. If Islam said this and if it's gonna be happen like that, if they will give me bonus.

[Daniel Cormier]

If you both knock out knockout, knockout and they give you bonus, it belongs to Tagir.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Yes.

[Daniel Cormier]

Okay.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Of course.

[Daniel Cormier]

Hey brother, you know the shoes you bought me? Remember you bought, remember the first time you ever make bonus, you buy me those shoes. These are my favorite shoes. I wear them all the time. Nice guys. Umar Noga medal off challenges for the bantamweight championship this weekend against Marab Dwallace.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Really?

[Daniel Cormier]

At UFC 311. Make sure you follow Umar, tap into everything he's doing and make sure you hit that pay per view button on Saturday night because it's going to be a fantastic fight from Los Angeles. Guys, until next time like subscribe and tell your friends about my YouTube channel. And also hey Ali. I never forget, dude. One time Ali talks shit to me. He talks shit, talks shit, talks shit. I show up to sparring, he sit on the couch. Khabib said Ali DC here goes far. Ali.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

I'm sick.

[Daniel Cormier]

Illegal. I swear as I beat illegal.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

I can't believe it.

[Daniel Cormier]

I'm sick. Until next time. Ali. I submitted him with the arm triangle. Until next time. Peace.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

I used to be him.

[Daniel Cormier]

Ali. Ali.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

You have. You have picture how you submit him?

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

No, I have picture.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

You have picture. Exactly.

[Daniel Cormier]

Let's watch the video. Bring the footage. Bring the footage. Bring the footage. I would never tap. All right guys, today's show is brought to you by our new sponsor, Hard Rock bet. Hard RockBet is a top rated sportsbook app. It might just take the belt from any other sportsbook app that you use once you open it up and you see it for yourself. And guys, if you haven't tried your first bet on Hard Rock Bet, there's still time for you to get 150 in bonus bets if you win. So place a $5 bet. If that bet hits you not only get your winnings but you get $150 in bonus bets right away. Guys, today is a great day to try the Hard Rock Bet sports app. So it's not just a welcome offer. You can get bonus bets, you can get parlay insurance and other rewards. The rewards and the promos are non stop. So download the Hard Rock Bet app and make your first deposit today. Payable and bonus bets is not a cash offer offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in Florida, offered by Seminole hard Rock Digital LLC in all other states. You must be 21 or older and physically present in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee or Virginia. To play terms and conditions app concerned about gambling in Florida, call 1888- admiT-I-T in Indiana. If you are someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-9 with it. And if you have a gambling problem, call 1-800- GAMBLER on FOX 1 now you can stream your favorite live sports so you can be there live for the biggest moments. Touchdown and catch history in the making. Gabby meets me. Fox 1. We live for live streaming now.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You've got the New Year's motivation, but the crowded gym? Not so much. Keep your drive. With iFit, we bring the world's best trainers right to your living room. Whether you want to crush a studio, cycle class, build strength or Zen out with yoga, IFIT adapts to your pace and your schedule. No waiting, no judgment, just results. Make 2026 the year it sticks. Start [e-mail] did you know?

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Microsoft has officially ended Support for Windows 10 upgrade to Windows 11 with an LG Gram laptop, voted PCMag's Reader's Choice top laptop brand for 2025. Thin and ultra lightweight, the LG Gram keeps you productive anywhere, and Windows 11 gives you access to free security updates and ongoing feature upgrades. Visit lgusa.com iheart for great seasonal savings on LG Gram laptops with Windows 11. PCMag reader's choice used with permission. All rights reserved.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Season 2 of unrivaled basketball is here and the talent is unreal. Paige Beckers, Nafiza Collier, Kelsey Plumb, Brianna Stewart and more are back to redefine the game. Unrivaled basketball Season 2, sponsored by Samsung Galaxy, tips off January 5 on TNT, TruTV and HBO.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Max support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On public you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like EFTs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors llc SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures available at public.comdisclosures and number.

[Daniel Cormier]

Four Khamzat Chimaev, long thought to be a UFC champion caliber fighter, finally got his opportunity in Chicago and he took on Drake as Duplessis. He was hilarious. We argued wrestling we talked about fighting. Khamzat not only talked about what he was going to do in the fight, he absolutely delivered in beating DDP in dominant fashion to become the UFC middleweight champ. Khamzat Chimaev is always great, gracious with his time, and he's always fun to sit with. Take a listen to me and Bors as he was trying to become a UFC middleweight champion. Oh, here is. Here is day one, and I watching Khamzat Chimoyev.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

I seen that.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Day two, and I'm still watching Khamzat.

[Daniel Cormier]

Listen, He sound like you. Who is this guy?

[Islam Makhachev]

I don't know.

[Daniel Cormier]

Who is that? That guy? He sound just like him. Hey, listen, the video of us in Abu Dhabi a couple years ago has been circulating again. You know where we were wrestling at the hotel, and then that was the first time in Fight Island. He kind of picked me up a little bit, but, like, a little bit off the ground. Then the second time, we were wrestling again in Abu Dhabi, and you picked me up a little higher. It never felt disrespectful until today. You can't pick me up and spin me around. I'm a grown man, Hamza.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

I'm showing you love, bro, but you pick me.

[Daniel Cormier]

I'm not a child. My legs spin.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

He looks cute, brother.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Hey.

[Daniel Cormier]

With the picture, why you did. Why you do that, bro? Oh, this is Anderson order. It's a very great company. My. My best company. Yeah. It's beautiful. What is this?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Why.

[Daniel Cormier]

Why always black? You could use a little color in your wardrobe.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

It's better to use the black brush.

[Daniel Cormier]

What?

[Islam Makhachev]

I don't know.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

It feels better.

[Daniel Cormier]

You gotta put that right there. You talk really low.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Feels better?

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Well, that's. That's. I don't know. Color.

[Daniel Cormier]

Well, look at me.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

But.

[Daniel Cormier]

Look at me. Look at my face. Look at your face. This beautiful black skin. Caramel. Your skin. Chechnya. Not beautiful like mine.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

That needs to be beautiful.

[Daniel Cormier]

What? You need to be world champion.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Girls like turtles.

[Daniel Cormier]

You're so crazy that you can't say that. Okay, I know you are. All right, my brother. So I was fighting with Dean Thomas the other day. Hey, stop this thing. It's fucking hot. Put it on. Like me. You put it on. Hamza, what are we doing here? Hamza's not hot. Like, turn it this way, Luis. Like, give it a. Turn it back this way.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

You see me? I starting to sweat, bro.

[Daniel Cormier]

I get nervous. You come. I get nervous. I get nervous. I don't want to get picked up anymore. So I'm Arguing with Dean Thomas the other day, and we're talking about what you becoming the world champion would mean for the middleweight division. Part of the argument was the inactivity. He goes, he doesn't fight enough, so it'll become a mess. That's the idea a little bit. But you're here now in the US So clearly you can get here to fight. Are you wanting to get active like you were when you started your UFC career?

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Of course. Of course. I say if no injury, nothing's gonna happen there, as we want to go back in Abu Dhabi. Defend my belt.

[Daniel Cormier]

You want to fight again in October?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

That's fast.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

That's good, man. Fast money.

[Daniel Cormier]

What's your expectation for the fight this weekend, though? Because, I mean, Dricus du Plessis has been underestimated time and time again. Khamzat. But he's the only one that said, I want khamzat next. Everybody else avoids the khamzat Chimaev problem. Not ddp.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Yeah, there's respect. Big respect. But I never understood made my opponent. So I'm just work hard for that fight. So going to go beat that guy.

[Daniel Cormier]

Do you. Do you look at his skill set and think that he's like, what do you think of his skill set? It's different.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

All the fighters is different, but this.

[Daniel Cormier]

Guy'S skills are different because he must be insanely strong or something, right? Because it seems like he's doing stuff wrong, but it always works out. Adesanya. Like, it looked like Adesanya almost knocked him down. He ends up with a takedown, right? He overthrows a punch, throws Izzy to the ground. Like, what do you make of his fighting style?

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Between Izzy and me and big difference, bro. I'm not easy. You know, he's take down Izzy, whose guy never wrestle, you know, so I'm better wrestler, I'm better striker. So there's no way he gonna do anything. Not striking, not wrestling. So I feel I'm better fight than anyone.

[Daniel Cormier]

So back to you being able to fight in the country when you're at home, right, and you're watching everybody with these opinions, what are you thinking? Because you never said anything. You never explained why you weren't fighting more frequently. Like, what are you thinking? And I remember watching the video with Chael and Hamza can't get here, and then he pants to your manager, and it was like you were at the the PI. Like, what were you thinking watching everybody with an opinion but not necessarily knowing what's going on?

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Yeah, well, I don't Care about these things, that they put me in that position. So it's not my fault. So I was making more money than anyone does, but don't care about.

[Daniel Cormier]

You were making money when you weren't fighting.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

You said, yeah, when I was fights once, I make more than anyone does. So he's finally going to fight. So offline, going to make more money.

[Daniel Cormier]

Did you know after the Robert Whitaker fight, that title fight was next?

[Khamzat Chimaev]

It should be. I said, like three years ago, I'm going to fight for the title. So that makes long time.

[Daniel Cormier]

When was the first time you heard that you would get a championship fight?

[Khamzat Chimaev]

After Gilbert Burns.

[Daniel Cormier]

After Gilbert Burns, they told you you were going to fight for the belt?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

So what happened?

[Khamzat Chimaev]

I don't know.

[Daniel Cormier]

Did you ask?

[Khamzat Chimaev]

I never asked. I said, just give me the fight for the money.

[Daniel Cormier]

You said that the other day. You said, you want the money. The belt doesn't mean as much to you? Chael and I were having a tough time kind of getting through that because everybody talks about the belt, everybody wants the belt. But to hear you say the belt doesn't mean as much. Like why and when did you develop that mindset where it wasn't about the belt. It's about creating a future for your family.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

I has a question for you, bro. You want a $10 million or just the belt?

[Daniel Cormier]

But the belt leads to $10 million. Hamza.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

If I. If I say to you, like, you have a choice here, 10 million and just the belt?

[Daniel Cormier]

No, I'm not taking the belt over the money. But the belt leads to the money. To get to the money, right, you have to.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

If he works hard, belt is coming, bro. I need to beat the guy. Just after that, I'm. I don't need think about the belt and make some pressure on my head, you know? So, yeah, I don't need that belt. So if I get Take it, maybe bring that back to my country and give it someone.

[Daniel Cormier]

What would that feel like? To bring that belt back to you.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

To rush for me, it's like, not that crazy thing. I'm not that crazy. Big fan.

[Daniel Cormier]

But it's gonna be huge, though. It would be massive.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

My people, of course, the first guy who become a UFC champion from Shezhen, so he's big for them, and I know it's big, but I like to fight.

[Daniel Cormier]

You. You become the world champ this weekend, you bring that belt back to Chechnya. They've celebrated some great champions in the history of your region. Bova Sarsati have been one of them. Like Adam Satia great champions. Like what would it mean to you? Does that type of thing mean something to Hamzat Chamayev? To be viewed like that and celebrated like that by the people that you motivate and the people that come from the same situation as you did.

[Islam Makhachev]

Bro.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

You give me the questions that neglect.

[Daniel Cormier]

About, you know, so you don't even think about none of that, huh?

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Why focus on my fight, bro. Just focus on my fight. Then after that, what's gonna happen is up to God.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. So you get here many weeks ago, you start training down in Southern California. Yeah, the Airdyne bike is hard. You guys are putting bands on the bike to make it harder.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Why?

[Khamzat Chimaev]

It's crazy. Training. That's hard work.

[Daniel Cormier]

It looks like it was just insanely hard work.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Yeah, he is. He sees never done this kind of stuff. So first time in my life.

[Daniel Cormier]

So one of the knocks was that Hamzad gets tired. That's what people say. Hamzad gets tired. Like if you can get through the first 10 minutes, 5 minutes. Hamzad gets tired, his cardio is going to fail him. Was that why you went out there and started doing those things?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

And who.

[Daniel Cormier]

Whose decision was that? To come out to Coach Cal and start training there.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Speaking with Arman. Where is to be good, train, like know privately. And he says he's la. He has one guy and Jackson House. And there is the gym. Good gym. No people there. So you can train along with your team. So that's why I went over there. Then TJ said he has a good coach.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, Coach Kyle. Coach Cal is good. He doesn't really do anything. No interviews, nothing. He just wants to kill you guys in that garage. It's hot as hell up there too. Hot, hard.

[Islam Makhachev]

That's harsh.

[Daniel Cormier]

But. But by going through that, you know that nothing in the fight that you're gonna see Saturday could be any harder than.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Yeah, but nothing gonna surprise me on that. So I don't think some fight can be harder than that.

[Daniel Cormier]

So let me ask you this. What is your expectation of. Do you think you finished Drake is dupless C. Do you think, like, what is your expectation? Do you think that this is a long fight? Do you anticipate him being able to deal with what you show? Because I gotta be honest. I don't know, man. You felt pretty strong. You felt stronger than you used to. Yeah.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Take secret juices.

[Daniel Cormier]

You can't say shit like that, man. I'm joking, bro.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

I don't know, bro.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

I just train hard, bro. Whatever. Coach says that Coach Cow went there and work hard till I'm. I can work till I'm done, bro. That's why I'm strong and anyone. So, yeah, fight how longer it goes, I will be happy. And 25 if we one minute happy.

[Daniel Cormier]

Anyway, how was it. How was it coming across Drakkis yesterday in the hotel?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Just.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

I don't know. For me, it's nothing personal. Just having fun in Twitter and making fans love each other. Like, love us and shape them. Show them a good show in the cage.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. Damn.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

He's not that big. Like, people say. It's like, big, big.

[Daniel Cormier]

He's. He's. You don't think he's that big?

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Not at all.

[Daniel Cormier]

Maybe because he's cutting weight, but, like, when he gets in the Octagon, he's bigger.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

I'm cutting weight as well.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. And you wrestled with Saji live? Yes. In this preparation?

[Khamzat Chimaev]

No. Just a little bit easy.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

He was there and preparing for his wrestling match. I was there as well. We just rest a little bit.

[Daniel Cormier]

Nice.

[Islam Makhachev]

Well, he's.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

He's crazy good.

[Daniel Cormier]

He's the best.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

I can win over the wrestlers. You know, that kind of Olympic wrestlers. I'm not wrestling, you know, so in your mma.

[Daniel Cormier]

Wait, what did you just say?

[Khamzat Chimaev]

I'm mma.

[Daniel Cormier]

You can't beat Olympic wrestlers. But you think you can beat me? I'm Olympic. Rust, you literally just admitted you. You cannot beat Olympic wrestlers.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

On wrestling match.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, in wrestling match.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

But in wrestling match, any wrestler, you bring any Olympic champ in the cage with the gloves. I beat anyone.

[Daniel Cormier]

Not me, but.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Yeah, bro.

[Daniel Cormier]

The rest of these guys.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Yes, bro.

[Daniel Cormier]

You would. You would not. Let me say. You want to find out if you could beat me in the cage, pick.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Me up again, come down to my weight class, bro.

[Daniel Cormier]

No, no, I would never. Hey, would you. Are you. You in this belt this weekend? Do you think that you're. You ever want to go back down to 170? Because you look like a natural middleweight now. You don't look like you should try to cut back down.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

It's one of the things we're thinking about. But I don't know. Maybe. Yes, maybe not. But I speak with Coach Carr, he said we can do it if he gives me a couple of months. He's. He's good. He has his laboratory. He's working with all of fighters. He makes TJ go down with the weight. And, you know, he was. Works with crazy guys, and I believe in him.

[Daniel Cormier]

The middleweight division has never been better. You win that championship, you can stabilize a lot of great guys, right? Bohalio Imavov, Fluffy Hernandez last weekend, who looked amazing and so many others. Like going up in that weight class to become the champion and have those type of challengers. Is that exciting to Khamzat Chimaev?

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Any fight is exciting.

[Islam Makhachev]

It's.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

I'm. I'm fighting for the money, for don't care who's going to fight me.

[Daniel Cormier]

This guy right here, man, got a different mentality.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

What should I care? It's going to be this one, this one. Anyone who makes me more money, I fight that.

[Daniel Cormier]

I will kill everybody. Smash this guy for sure. I thought you're like crazy guy. Hey, good luck this weekend, my brother. You are the man, guys. Khamzat Chimaev fights for the middleweight championship this weekend, UFC 319 against Dreckus du Plessis. He put in the work. He feels strong. He seems ready go tap in everything this young man is doing. He's a monster and has lived up to the hype and exceeded all the hype that preceded him as he came into the ufc. Until next time. Like subscribe and tell your friends that I'm tapping in with dudes like Khamzat Chimaev. Until next time. Peace. Hey, go buy UFC 319 too. Khamzat Chamayev needs a little bit of that extra cheddar. He don't want the belt, he just want the money. On Fox one now, you can stream your favorite live sports so you can be there live for the biggest moments and catch history in the making. Fox one we live for live streaming now.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You've got the New Year's motivation, but the crowded gym, not so much. Keep your drive. With iFit, we bring the world's best trainers right to your living room. Whether you want to crush a studio cycle class, build strength, or Zen out with yoga, iFit adapts to your pace and your schedule. No waiting, no judgment, just results. Make 2026 the year it sticks. Start [e-mail] did you know Microsoft has.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Officially ended support for Windows 10? Upgrade to Windows 11 with an LG Gram laptop, voted PCMag's Read Choice top laptop brand for 2025. Thin and ultra lightweight, the LG Gram keeps you productive anywhere. And Windows 11 gives you access to free security updates and ongoing feature upgrades. Visit lgusa.com iheart for great seasonal savings on LG Gram laptops with Windows 11. PCMag reader's choice used with permission. All rights reserved.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Season 2 of unrivaled basketball is here and the talent is unreal. Paige Beckers, Nafeeza Collier, Kelsey Plumb, Brianna Stewart and more are back to to redefine the game. Unrivaled basketball season two, sponsored by Samsung Galaxy, tips off January 5 on TNT, TruTV and HBO Max support for the.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like EFTs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member finra SIP Advisory Services by Public Advisors llc. SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures available at public.com disclosures@ number.

[Daniel Cormier]

Three we talked to Armand Tsarukian right after he beat Dan Hooker. Assuming that he was going to earn a championship fight after that, Armin had no idea he was going to be passed over once again for a championship. He lives a big life. Armor was on a yacht whenever we spoke to him that time and you just saw the personality show, the confidence Armor Taruki is the real deal. This is what he had to say only a day after he beat Dan Hooker and he thought he was going to be the number one contender. Take a listen Armin Tsurukian. This episode is brought to you by Total Wireless, the official wireless provider of the UFC. During your corner with unlimited 5G data that will not slow you down and what's not slowing down is this man Armand Tsurukian. Armin, the other day bro, you go to to to Doha and minus 800 you're the favorite. You not only win the fight though, you dominated Dan Hooker. Did you did you know you would beat him up in that way? Were you confident that you could dominate him in the way that you did?

[Arman Tsarukyan]

I was super confident, but I never underestimate him because it's a fight. He's dangerous on the field. He has good striking, dangerous knees tips, you know, And I was preparing, like for my title fight, same. So I, I treat that training camp that I'm fighting for the title. If I gonna look bad during the fight, even win, but barely win, I can forget about title fight. That's why I was super motivated, super confident, and I knew I'm going there, I'm dominate, I'm going to dominate and get the finish.

[Daniel Cormier]

But you, but you beat him or you were fighting him, and the last time you lost a fight was against Matthias Gamrot.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

I didn't, first of all, I didn't lose that fight.

[Daniel Cormier]

Bad decision, right?

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Bad, bad decision. But on record, lost to Oliveira, to Hooker two. Yes, I beat everybody. And I beat Gumrot as well.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yes. But when you watch him beat Gamrot, right? And Gamrot wasn't able to take him down. When you were preparing, though, did you kind of have that in your mind? Like, well, Gamrot wants to wrestle and he couldn't take him down. Maybe this guy's takedown defense has improved to the point that it might be a little more difficult and I might have to stand with him. And how quickly in the fight did you realize there's no way this guy can keep me on my feet?

[Arman Tsarukyan]

No, in this sport, there is a levels, you know, when you watch fight and you can understand, like, you can take him down, you can hold him. Gumroad has a. He doesn't believe on his striking and he shoots from far, far away. And then he doesn't have good control on the bottom. You know, he can take down people, but he cannot control on the bottom. And that's his problem. But I'm opposite. And I didn't think, like, I couldn't hold him on the, on the ground. And when I took him down when I, When I was on the, on the top on the second round, I knew I'm gonna finish him.

[Daniel Cormier]

How do you know?

[Arman Tsarukyan]

I just fell. He was kind of. After when I threw the knee in the first round, he was babbling. And. And the second round, when I started punching, grounding, when I started run run him, ground and pound.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

He.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

I started feeling like he's like so weak already, you know, and he, he wanted to give up already. And when I get the arm triangle, I thought, like, no way he can get out of here.

[Daniel Cormier]

I don't just, you know, what's crazy? Like, this does not work if you have good armor.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

And then I changed, but I understand.

[Daniel Cormier]

But if you have. But if you have a good arm trying when someone just do this, that's not gonna stop you from choking them.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

No, no, I still choke. If someone does this, I will choke. If someone gonna grab his leg, that I'm not gonna choke. But like this, it's easy money for me too.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. People think like this answering the phone is gonna stop a good. It's not gonna stop the phone.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

It's nothing. If you gotta give your bag or you gotta hold your leg.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yes.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

To hold your leg.

[Daniel Cormier]

You gotta find a way to like get some space in here. When you do this, it doesn't give space. You need to find a way to get the space off of this.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

The best thing is to turn and go on your body, your back. Yeah, that's the best thing because you have no choice.

[Daniel Cormier]

Everybody like, it's like whenever you're on someone's back and you gotta go to let get in the mount and then when they get in the mount, you got to go to your back. You guys, it's like you got to choose between bad positions and then hopefully that in one of those transitions, you get away from the guy. But you can feel when you're on top of someone, you can feel their energy, you can almost feel their posture. And when their posture starts to tell you it's time to get him out of there, you go get him out of there. You did that to Dan Hooker. Here's the problem, Armin. You're fighting this dude right? When you really don't have much to gain. All you have to gain is what you already have the number one contender. You were the number one contender back in January, so why did you just prove it again?

[Arman Tsarukyan]

I just, I just prove it again. I know to prove. I just prove it again. And I showed again, everybody, like, I'm a real deal. It's not just I'm ranked number one, just I'm not fake like Paddy Pimlet making ranked by their self and UFC Teller bring bring him up because we want to give him title fight or I don't know what they want to do with him. I am, I was, I was beating everybody and I, I was deserved every spot. You know, I was top 15, top 12, top 10, top nine, top five, top three, top one. And now I'm top one. And I beat it again and prove it again. I'm number one contender and now they have no choice not to give me title fight.

[Daniel Cormier]

So you. When, when you fought in January, when we supposed to fight in January, it didn't Happen. It felt like there was going to be a punishment. And then you go and you make the weight as the backup fighter for the title fight. I was thinking to myself, okay, that should give him good favor. Now, you might see Orman fight for the belt, but then you take the Dan Hooker fight when you don't have to take the Dan Hooker fight, because once again, you're the number one contender. You take it, you dominate him, you win the fight. Patty Pimblett, though, when he went into that Octagon, Orman playing the devil's advocate, there's a visual right of you, of him standing in front of Ilia de Poirier with the belt. It's hard for the fan to, like, not remember seeing that. And they go, well, the guy that was in there is the number one contender. How do you make them, outside of you just dominating, realize you're the number one contender? And why didn't Ilya go in the ring with you on Saturday? Because if Ilya goes in the ring and you two stand now, people forget about Paddy Pimlet. Why didn't he go in there?

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Because he doesn't want to fight me. He's scared of me and he knows why I should take dangerous fight with Armand. He's a real contender. It's easier to beat Petty Pimblett, make easy fight and go move up. And Armand can be a champion in 155. And I'm going up and fight with third title. It's the best case scenario for that, for him. And he's thinking for easy fights, you know, making good money.

[Daniel Cormier]

Were you disappointed, though? Like, did you think that he might go into the ring with you and. And try to get that moment? Because the moment is really what it's all about, right? Me and Brock Lesnar one time, you remember me and Brock Lesnar, we fight in the Octagon. They were going to let me fight Brock Lesnar because he came in the Octagon. Were you. Were you hopeful that he could possibly, like, go in there and try to build the fight?

[Arman Tsarukyan]

I thought he has a. He had the balls and he was there and sitting watching my fight. But he left and he left and he didn't want to even be there and he didn't get in. In the cage. So.

[Daniel Cormier]

But even the camera, even if, like when you're in there, if they pan the camera to him, he just turned.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

His face and like. And that doesn't want to even watch straight to me.

[Daniel Cormier]

You know, you think this guy, you think he's afraid of you. Armin.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

No, he's just avoiding me, not doing some. Anything from the media. Me versus him, because he wants to create something with petty. He doesn't want to even mention my name. And he just created, like, some crazy things. Like he's slapping me and, like, everything.

[Daniel Cormier]

He said he slapped you? Armored. He said he slapped you. Hey, if a man slap you. If a man slap you, you can't really say much about him. If he slap you, Armor.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Oh, my God. If he slapped me, he slapped his brother, his friends, his teammate, his coach. He slept everybody every day. He's like, yeah, everybody.

[Daniel Cormier]

Hey. I was like, yo, when I saw he's.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

He's hugging his brother like this, like, on the neck, like me. And like, one coach, like, said, oh, my God, you slept in your. Your brother as well.

[Daniel Cormier]

Wait, wait, wait, wait. The coach said this to him?

[Arman Tsarukyan]

No, no, no.

[Daniel Cormier]

My.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

The one Armenian coach posted and said, oh, you're slapping your. Your brother as well.

[Daniel Cormier]

But he didn't, like. I.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

It.

[Daniel Cormier]

It didn't look like he slapped you. It looked like he kind of touched you on the face.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

No, he just came say, oh, brother, how are you?

[Daniel Cormier]

Wait, he said, heidi.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

No, he said. He said, brother, how are you? This is just media thing. This, that. And. And then you said, yeah, you. She told me you're next. I said, yes, finally. And now after, when he. He. And after that, he beat Oliveira and he just hiding.

[Daniel Cormier]

Wait, so this was. This wasn't last week when he touched your face? This was before.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

It was before a fight week with Oliveira.

[Daniel Cormier]

Oh, wow.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

When he was fighting with Oliveira, I was back up.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, you're like, yo, this is crazy. This guy did not slap me. But this is what we want, though. This is what the fans want. The fans want. Maybe that's good.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

That's good. Yeah, he can. He can say whatever he wants to say, you know? Yeah, I just. I just. I don't know. I cannot be like that.

[Daniel Cormier]

You do you. So is it disappointing, though, that you haven't. I mean, have you been told that you're next? Have you been told that you're next?

[Arman Tsarukyan]

I haven't been talk. I. I didn't talk to them yet.

[Daniel Cormier]

You walked right to the side where Hunter was saying you did the belts on you. Like, yo, I'm there.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Yeah. I said, bell, Bell. He said, we will think, or. I don't know what he said. Yeah, probably. He said, yeah, we'll think about that.

[Daniel Cormier]

But what do you have to do? Like, what do you have?

[Arman Tsarukyan]

I don't know, maybe beat a couple More contenders. Or maybe they're gonna bring someone from Japan, some debuted guy, and I gotta beat him like Pantoja did. And I don't know.

[Daniel Cormier]

Would you fight again? Would you fight again before we get in the title fight?

[Arman Tsarukyan]

No way.

[Daniel Cormier]

No, you shouldn't have to.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

If it's not Conor McGregor, I wouldn't fight.

[Daniel Cormier]

You want to fight Conor McGregor, man? He said he didn't. Did you see Conor McGregor say he went on a spiritual journey? He said he went on.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

He never fight me and the UFC never let me fight Conor McGregor. It's a nightmare for him.

[Daniel Cormier]

He went on, but he said he goes on a spiritual journey.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

It's the same thing. Like Elia gonna fight with Petty Pimlet. Like, people is laughing.

[Daniel Cormier]

So you don't think that Patty Pimlet has anything for Ilia to pour you? No way. You don't think so at all. Why? Did you see what he did to Michael Chandler? Destroyed Michael Channel.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Okay. How many people destroy Michael?

[Daniel Cormier]

Mike. But, but, but arm.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

He's 40, 40 years old. He has six losses or, or two wins in UFC and he had like four loses win streak.

[Daniel Cormier]

He, he.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

He's nobody. He just. UFC tried to make him like Artur, who wanted they to do him like a superstar or I don't know. But yeah, he showed good fights, but. But he's not a elite fighter. There is a. There is a levels, you know, when you see. And Petty cannot beat even Oliveira, cannot beat even Hooker. Really not be. He cannot beat Poria. He cannot beat Gage. He cannot beat all the way. He cannot beat me. If he's gonna beat even. Even Gage, I'm gonna say, yeah, this guy is good.

[Daniel Cormier]

So you don't think Pat is very good?

[Arman Tsarukyan]

No, he sucks.

[Daniel Cormier]

What do you mean you think he's good?

[Arman Tsarukyan]

You think he's good? If you say you're good, I'm gonna turn off this.

[Daniel Cormier]

Wait, listen. He's a good grappler. He's a very good grappler. He's very big for the weight class, remember? Can I play? Can I finish? Did you see when he fight King Green? He hit King Green, drop him and choke him out.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Who is King Green?

[Daniel Cormier]

Bobby. King Green. Bobby King Green. He changed his name now only King Green, not Bobby Green.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Bobby Green. And MMA is grappling and Bobby Green is. Where's Bobby Green? Where's grappling, brother? What are you talking about?

[Daniel Cormier]

No, listen to me. You know who he is, right? You know Bobby Green is Bobby Green. Yeah, I know he's good striker, bro.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

My brother he never trained mma. I swear, if they gonna be on the, on the street fight, my brother will kill him so easy.

[Daniel Cormier]

Oh, you guys have a problem, right? You and Bobby Green and.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

No, we have not. We have no problem, honest.

[Daniel Cormier]

You slap him, you slap.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

I'm just saying, I'm just. No, I didn't slap him, I just pushed him. It's a, It's a different. If you slap somebody you want to, it's a different. I just push him to the neck. I'm not like Il Tapura. Even if I push, I say I push. Okay, to be honest, tell me Bobby Green is a not high level fighter. Send him to Dages until two, three years.

[Daniel Cormier]

So Patty Pimple, you say he has no chance versus Ilya. It just feels like that that moment was missed last weekend for you guys to kind of come face to face and make it happen. Because at the end of the day, you might not think much of Patty, but Illy is good. He's very, very good. Hits hard. He's. He comes from a grappling, wrestling background is what he said, right? That's like his background more than even striking. What would your approach be to him? I mean, I know you use the wrestling as beautifully as anybody in the game, but when you fight a guy who has that danger right in the hands, like the Poria, how do you approach that? How would you beat Ilia to Poirier? Nobody has.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

I'll beat him everywhere. Just tell me how you want to see that fighter and I'll. I'll make it happen. I think I'll knock him out with my obs kick.

[Daniel Cormier]

Oh, yeah, I like that. I like when you do the ax kick. Ormond, you got very athletic.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

I'll make him tired and I'll. I'll. I'll throw my obs kick and knock him out. That's. That's my plan.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. So big win last week and now you're relaxing? Bro, you're eating camel back. What you doing? Eating camel back, man. That should look disgusting. It's not good.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

No camera was so delicious. I don't know, it was maybe after the fight I was, I was on the diet long time. That's why. Maybe. But camel was young. Camel was super delicious and I enjoyed it.

[Daniel Cormier]

What it tastes like?

[Arman Tsarukyan]

What it tastes like between beef and lamb?

[Daniel Cormier]

Beef and lamb, huh? Yeah. Yeah, that should look disgusting. Too much fat. It was like a lot of fat on the. The back.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Yeah. You don't need fat.

[Daniel Cormier]

I don't. I don't need fat. Hey, Arvin, I I gotta be honest, man. You take your shirt off right next to me, people confused. They don't know who's Armin Tsurukian and who's Daniel Cormier. We look just the same. You and me both look just the same. And then the in and out burger and all the other stuff. You live in life, man. Hey, I'm happy for you. I'm very happy for you.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Thank you.

[Daniel Cormier]

Thank you. But if. If you want this title fight, right, potentially, it could happen at the very beginning of next year. Do you go right back in the training camp? No problem.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Yeah, I'll just fly out there tomorrow and start my training camp back home. No, no, if it's gonna be in us, I'll fly to. Yes.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, you stay in Los Angeles.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Los Angeles or Miami?

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, yeah, Miami is nice.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Hey, do you in Qatar or. In Qatar? I'm in Dubai relaxing one week and then back to work.

[Islam Makhachev]

So. Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. That's awesome. Hey, what about your dad? Like, he's like now like a major player in mma. Like, everybody.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

You see how he. He, like, slammed the parumpa? He almost killed him. I was. I was laughing so long and like, it was like a WWE slab.

[Daniel Cormier]

That is like a major player in MMA now. Everybody loves this guy. Oh, all good, man. Hey, I'm happy for you, bro. I hope you get this title fight. I'm telling you, man, you were the number one contender in January, you're the number one contender today. And if you aren't fighting for the title, I don't understand. I really don't understand how anyone could be in there above you, especially with how competitive and how good of a fight it would be between you and Ilya to Poirier. Hey, what happened? What happened with Ian Gary and Hamza? Ian Gary, he grabbed Hamza, bro.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Hamza has a two and all that day, what happened? We just came from the bars and like, we are getting into the. To the arena and the one bodyguard, like, pushing to Hamza, then said, hey, go back and go, come back again. He's like. There is like a security thing, you know? Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

He wouldn't let Hamza in the building.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

He's like, he doesn't let to get in and like, Hamza, like, bomb push him.

[Daniel Cormier]

And then, like.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

And then when we were in locker room, like, they called police, you know, they take him out. And then he came back again. Take him out. He came back. And then even Gary same, you know, and then Iran Gary, he got two and all that.

[Daniel Cormier]

He pushed Ian. Gary too.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Yeah, this guy's crazy.

[Daniel Cormier]

That is so crazy, dude. Hey, were you that Islam be jacked Della Madeline in that bad was that. Were you surprised? He killed it. He killed him, bro.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Yeah, I thought Islam gonna win him, but not like that was. It was like so easy. I don't know Islam now, right now on the his prime. That's crazy how he feels distance, how he strives, how he's calm. And you see he does like, he moves so good. He doesn't spend like. Like energy, you know, he just shoot on the right time, punch on the right time, and take him down so easy. I don't know, like what Jack Madalena was doing all training camp. He doesn't defend. He didn't defend even one takedown. It's like crazy.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. It was only some of these guys, like, I'm very confused, right? Like, Drake is Dupless C and Jack, like, knowing who they were gonna fight, how they didn't recognize the takedowns were coming. Hamzat was shooting on Drake is just shooting on him. I mean, Drake is. How many times did Dupless see, like, sprawl? He didn't really even get to sprawl many times because Hamzat was just taking him down so quickly. And it felt like the same thing with Jack. Like when Islam would kick him, kick him, kick him. Then the moment he would shoot, grab him, put him down, it was. It was over before it ever got started. It was. It was very surprising how easily he dominated Jack Dellamat Elena in that fight. But it is what it's.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Islam is a. Is a beast right now.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, he's fighting.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Yeah, he's a real pound for pound right now.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. What else you got to say, champ? What else you got to say about this title fight? Anything you want to tell Ilya, Toria, anything you want to tell the UFC before I let you go?

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Yeah, I just want to say, Ilya, get your balls and take the fight. Let's. Let's make it happen. People is waiting for that fight. Don't like, try to make WWE fight. It's a. It's. There is a contender number one.

[Daniel Cormier]

Hey, Patty, he gonna find you some donuts. Patty Pimlet going. When you see Patty Pimply, he gonna lose his mind on you. He gonna get you at least. He gonna try any.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Any day, anywhere. Just. Just.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, you the man. Armin on Fox 1 Now you can stream your favorite live sports so you can be there live for the biggest moments. Touchdown and catch. History in the making. Fox 1. We live for live streaming.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Daniel Cormier]

Past physical and mental breaking points.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You are the fittest of the fit.

[Daniel Cormier]

Only one of you will leave here with an IFIT contract for 200. This is where mindset comes in. Someone will be eliminated.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Pressure is coming down.

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[Daniel Cormier]

Watch the trailer on trainergames.com did you.

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Max support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On public you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like EFTs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors llc. SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not in investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures available at public.com disclosures at.

[Daniel Cormier]

Number two, we go to Politan Poeton Pereira. Alex Poeton Pereira. Alex Poiton Pereira. I'm an idiot. Lost his belt to Magaman and Goliath and earned a rematch in Las Vegas. Poeton actually was able to not only get a title fight, but he delivered on everything that he said he was going to do. Poiton swore that he wasn't healthy. Polton said he was injured. Alex and I had some fun making jokes with each other before the fight. But once that octagon door closed, it was all business for Alex Pereira. Hey, Alex Pineda is one of our best guests here at dctv. The Daniel Cormier show. Him and Plinio Cruz are always welcome. And once again, they delivered massive numbers and he delivered a massive performance. So Powhatan gets number two spot for my second biggest check in. Our best check in of the year. Okay, can we make a truce? Hey, can we make a truce? Ask him if we can make a truce. This guy, J. This guy's crazy, man.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

Bro, he says so everybody swapped. You fell with your belt. Was that a New York fight?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

What?

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

That you fell? He said, like, what happened to that.

[Daniel Cormier]

You fell on a video?

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

Like. I think it wasn't a press conference. Something like that.

[Daniel Cormier]

Oh, yeah, I felt. No. Yes. The. The court. The court tripped me backwards. Yes, but tell him I wasn't. And tell him I wasn't really hurt. I was embarrassed. For your. Pretend. That's embarrassed? Yeah, you know, like, so you fall out.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Ah.

[Daniel Cormier]

As soon as I get home. Is everything okay? Yeah.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

So nobody left?

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, nobody left. Everybody concerned, right? Everybody concerned. Because I have to. I'm a very good actor. Hey, tell Alex. Tell Alex I got something today from this guy. But I know this guy. Kick my ass. Here, look what this guy. Write me Louise. Here it is. Look.

[Islam Makhachev]

Look at this.

[Daniel Cormier]

Whitaker, Robert Whitaker. Look, tell him no way. Tell him every time. Every time he killed. Every time you kill me. Hey, 18 years old, 20 years old, 30 years old. You the champion. That's my boy, right? He's killed. Yes. Hey, can I have that video of the kick, kick, kick? Ask. And tell you please give to. But you can't hit him. This guy thinks that if he give the video, you will kill him. Okay, good. All right, guys, I'm checking in with the champ, Alex Pull down Pereira. Former champion, light heavyweight, former champion, middleweight. How you doing, my guy? Why don't you put those head those headphones?

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

We're still testing. The whole room got to be quiet.

[Daniel Cormier]

Every question, very slow. Like, very slow question.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

So you gotta ask, and then you gotta wait, because then the whole delay.

[Islam Makhachev]

Is gonna translate, deliver.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

Yeah, yeah. They go for the following.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Nice.

[Daniel Cormier]

You're back on the fight week. But it's been a while since you fought. Seven months since you lost your UFC light heavyweight championship. What does the seven months look like for Alex Per.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

To be honest, not even feel that's been that long. But for him was some time that he needed to heal his injuries, to get back everything, track and go again. So he's feeling really good about it.

[Daniel Cormier]

Is that really his house with those two things on the porch? I saw a video. The two stone heads on the porch. This is really his house.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

Yes, that's his house. But those ones are not really made of stone because he just bought a new house. So, you know, he's moving. So now for the new house, he's gonna make something better.

[Daniel Cormier]

He bought a new house. How big this time? This guy, this rich guy.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

Not huge, but a lot of land. Like, the land around is very nice.

[Daniel Cormier]

Big acreage. Acres. So you can shoot your bow, ride you.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Do you think?

[Daniel Cormier]

Does he have, like, four wheelers? Like, four wheelers, everything? No, no.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

He can do a lot of things.

[Daniel Cormier]

Does he have animals? No. Cows, vodka?

[Arman Tsarukyan]

No.

[Daniel Cormier]

So what does he need all that land for?

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

Yeah, for the kids to play. It's not crazy, but, like, this and.

[Daniel Cormier]

Barbecue. Can I go? Yeah, but you got to bring the steak. No, no, no, no, no, no. He buys the steak. He's the guy that's fighting. That's all the money he got to be L. He got. He's responsible for bringing enough steak for you and me. We gonna break you. We gonna break him.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

The best one.

[Daniel Cormier]

Picanha fajwada. That's all I need. Okay, okay. This fight's a little different than the last one, though. Pereira. This fight, you guys are going back and forth. You said he hid from you at the PI. The next day, he approached you at the PI. But he said, at the PI. Whereas the first day, you said he was afraid. He said he felt no. Like. He said he felt no, like, anger or aggressiveness coming off of Pereira, and that's the reason they didn't get into a fight right then and there. Said Pereira was more measured when he approached him.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

Honestly speaking, when the first day that we threw that video that he was hiding. He probably watched that video, right? And then he knew. Saw Alex saying, like, I don't know why these guys hide. I'm not gonna do anything.

[Daniel Cormier]

I Don't want to fight.

[Islam Makhachev]

So.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

And then the next time, of course, he pulls up, he goes in big.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

You know what I mean?

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

Like saying all that stuff, but the same way that he knew the Alex Marvel is going to fight for sure. If Alex went on grass to say, if I got this guy, I'm gonna do this, he probably will not even show it up again.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. So you think that Michael went on Goliath. You feel like he's not telling the truth in this situation.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

Since the beginning, this guy's been using depth. He's been lying to promote himself. Alex does not want to fight. Alex does not want to do this. Alex does not want to do that. So for sure, they call lying many times, and they're using that for maybe promotional reasons.

[Daniel Cormier]

So before we get to the fight, I want to ask you this. So there was a tweet a while back when Alex was mad at the ufc, and he said he got hacked. My belief is he got mad because they might have thought about giving the title fight to someone else. Was there a time that he almost wasn't going to get this title fight? Be honest, Pereira, did they ever offer it to someone else? Look at his face. Look at his face. He knows what I said. Look at him. For the record, if that happened, he was well within his right to be upset because he's always done everything. Everybody's asked him to tell him this. I want to know if he really got hacked, because I don't believe it. And if he was mad, he is well within his right because he's always done everything the right way. Did they offer the fight to someone else.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Much for you?

[Daniel Cormier]

According.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

I already spoke about the whole tweet conversation. Right. And a little bit. I got a little bit of emotional, a little tight because of everything I did with.

[Daniel Cormier]

For the.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

For the organization, and he went there and he threw that tweet. He already said that. Maybe sometimes he acts a little bit because he was upset by everything that he did and conversations. Things got to his ear about maybe him not being the one fighting for the bell, maybe somebody else. But he said he was wrong because the UFC was being very good for him.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yes.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

So they. They all talk. They're in a great moment. They. They had a great conversation. They. In great terms. But upset him was because he was promised to fight K. Yeah. Next. And because of the schedule that they had to move.

[Daniel Cormier]

Right.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

Like, everybody fighting. I remember that they couldn't get somebody to fight there. They could have maybe put him to fight somebody else. And let's say Han go and lose to somebody else. When is he going to fight on K?

[Daniel Cormier]

Yes. So when it comes to the uncle life situation, all the back and forth, he's more vocal in this building we've ever seen him. Is that him trying to get himself to a place where he's ready to compete with him? Because certain guys need to make something a little bit more to get up to a fight, especially a rematch. In Jon Jones vs Stipe, Jon Jones said that Stipe called him a bad dad or something. Something. And poor Stipe sitting there like, wait, what? I didn't say that. But he needed to put himself in a place where he wanted to harm Stipe. Is this what he's doing?

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

Alex be more local.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yes. Is he trying to get himself to a place where he's like this guy?

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

Strategy is just something natural that is going. And to be honest, right here, for the record, Alex only answer. He never initiated. So Caleb, go say something. Alex, go. Like he's on the interview. He's on the Interview YouTube channel. He just expressed what he thinks about what was said.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

So he's not the one taking the.

[Daniel Cormier]

Initiative to the fight in particular. What can he change? Because most thought that he would struggle with Uncle I's wrestling, but he didn't. He defended every takedown, but maybe because he was so focused on defending takedowns, he couldn't get his offense going. So what does he change this weekend to make sure that he's the UFC champion again? My conduit.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

Honestly, it's not like I gotta reinvent the wheel. Everything was made on details when I left the fight, spoke with Glover. It's just very little things that makes a big that made a difference on that fight. But honestly Speaking, if I'm 100% healthy, I don't think I had to learn or change anything. I had to just show up healthy.

[Daniel Cormier]

Billions ago. Okay.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

My face imagine momentum strategical Manchit.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

And honestly, knowing the conditions in which I fought that day, I'm not happy with the result, but makes me happy to see how much better I can be than what I display on the day compared to what I was. And putting together everything that I evolved on this month because honestly, Uncle Ev is a guy that's been fighting for a long time, mma. So how much can he evolve? Alex is young on the sport. So how much more he evolves. So putting all together, he's happy on how much better he can pay for.

[Daniel Cormier]

Was there something specific that Ankalaev did that didn't allow for him to go forward because generally he's the pressure fighter. Was there something he did in particular that made him kind of fight on his back foot? And how does he go forward this weekend? Because when Alex is aggressive and pressing, nobody in the world can fight him. But he seemed to spend a lot of time with his back against the Octagon last time.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

I was honestly, I was not in a good day.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

You know what I mean? And I had to go what I had, you know what I mean? He was able to impose more his game on the day, you know, I mean, it was hard for me to control.

[Daniel Cormier]

So going into this weekend, healthy back, excited, more locked in than you ever been. You did a pre camp in Brazil before you went home and did your own camp. What can we expect come Saturday night from Alex Pereira?

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

Ace, a different guy, you know what I mean? I got a different strategy, more aggressive walking forward.

[Daniel Cormier]

You fought 11 times in the UFC 7 for title fights. This has to be unbelievable to think that your career has been this, this f.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

It makes me really happy because at the beginning, many people did not believe in maybe you a little bit too. Guys like, okay, this guy is just another kickboxer come to the ufc. He's not going to get nowhere. And seeing now like he's one of the guys that everybody talks about, like maybe the history of the ufc, you know what I mean? Like, so it's something makes me very happy.

[Daniel Cormier]

He's good with Chelson now they're good, him and Chelsea. I never said that. How would I know? How would I know? Yeah, I mean, I never said anything. No, I never said anything. Come on. I never said. Did you see what happened to Vandalay? Did you see? Oh, my God. This was crazy, wasn't it? Unbelievable. Did you see? I do your walkout thing. You see, when I do this, he help me. You see it? Did you see the video? Yeah, that was good.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

He said, I understand that. How could you know on the beginning, but how many times he still got approved?

[Daniel Cormier]

I listen, he had not to prove to me. I've been believing ever since. Hey, you want me to tell you when I started believing he was the man?

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

Please.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, when he. When he won. When he beat Israel, boy, when he knocked Izzy out, I knew. Tell him when you knocked out Adesanya and you became the world champion.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

Honestly, for an example, when he made his debut against Mihaly, right? All the media, Brazil like, oh, this guy's European jiu jitsu. Black, black belt, European champion.

[Daniel Cormier]

Champion.

[Alex Pereira Interpreter]

This, champion. On that, Alex, go beat the guy, but this guy is not as good and always everybody putting obstacles, making something up. And honestly, him being a kickboxer, the lowest tier, lowest level of fighter in the ufc, you have have an advantage on this guy.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yes, I agree with the wrestling and it's just like, just he's a standup fighter. What he did against what he did against unclea what we've said for times, he was essentially an amateur fighter and he was the world champion. He was 7:1 and he was the UFC champion. That's insane that he was learning on the job at that rate. That's impossible. Nobody 71 should be UFC champion, but he was because he's a special athlete. Thank you for checking in with me, man. Alex Pereira fights for the UFC Light Heavyweight championship weekend at UFC 320. Do not miss Poatan and tapping everything he does outside the octagon. You deserve it, man. You're a great dude. You deserve all the success that's come to you. You really do. Until next time guys like subscribe, tell your friends tell their friends about my YouTube channel tapping into people like Alex Pereira. Shama Shama on Fox one now you can stream your favorite live sports so you can be there live for the biggest moments. Touchdown and catch. History in the making. FOX one we live for live streaming now.

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[Daniel Cormier]

One, none other than the man Islam Makhachev. From saying I was late to pretending to walk out, to promising victory, to doing all the things that we have come to know Islam to do before he fights. He was on the verge of trying to become a double champion in New York City at the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. In the biggest moment of his career, Islam shined the brightest and he dominated. Jack de la Maddalena. But we all sat in the conference room as we checked in. Hey, we spent time training before the fight. We spent time talking before the fight. But this was our official interview as Islam chased down history to try to become a double champ. That's exactly what he did it the one and only, guys, biggest interview of the year, as it always is. Islamic Hatchev, You 30 minutes early?

[Islam Makhachev]

No.

[Daniel Cormier]

1:45. Let me show you schedule. Islam, what are you supposed to say? Just the last name, one question. The last name.

[Islam Makhachev]

Just one question. You eat or you training right now?

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, training. Okay. You see me kill Khabib? Kill this guy the other day? No, no, no you don't. But did your brother kill you? Hey when you go, you know it's cold. You tell Jack Della Madeleine this the other day. It's very cold.

[Islam Makhachev]

Yeah, I tell him, we have to warm up the city.

[Daniel Cormier]

It's freezing here. It's cold in Russia now. It's the same, same. Thanks, champ. My man. Guys, Islam Makachev getting ready to challenge for the welterweight championship in the world this weekend. What's up, man? How you feeling? I gotta be honest with you. Like, this is. This is my name, Daniel Cormier. Tv, like real deal now.

[Islam Makhachev]

Hey, TV channel.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yes. Hey, so listen, I gotta be honest with you. I kind of don't like the way you promote this fight with just constant shots at me like, D.C. this, D.C. fed.

[Islam Makhachev]

D.C. fed that, brother, just come from the media. They ask me, you still thinking about 185 you? Yeah, they asked me. I just told them, if D.C. help.

[Daniel Cormier]

Me, I can gain weight. But why always. Do you see this D.C. this. Hey, what about the other day, Abu Baka? I killed this guy. I kill Abu Baka Khabib, too, a little bit. I killed him. Him. Come on, video. Come on, video. Will Harris edit this video? This guy, Will Harris is the worst video editor of all time. He make like I. He make like I stay on the ground the whole time. Come on, R. I was not on the ground the whole time. These guys go crazy. Look at this. You guys, like, together. Click.

[Islam Makhachev]

I'm happy that you burn a lot of colors.

[Daniel Cormier]

I always, always, always. I lift weights. You comment, you say, this guy work hard, huh?

[Islam Makhachev]

I happy when I see you post something inside the gym, I'm, like, really happy.

[Daniel Cormier]

Why?

[Islam Makhachev]

Because, brother, people look at you and thinking, this is like, one of the best fighter of all the time.

[Daniel Cormier]

And it was. Even when I was fighting, people think this.

[Islam Makhachev]

No, when you're fighting, you look good, man.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, I know. I look good now, too, though.

[Islam Makhachev]

A little bit.

[Daniel Cormier]

I'm look really good looking face. You may have better body, but my face better than yours.

[Islam Makhachev]

You promised me not gonna.

[Daniel Cormier]

I cut it. I cut it. You say no, this morning I cut a little bit. I leave, though. See, I still got the beard, but it's like nice and neat, you know?

[Islam Makhachev]

Don't cut, brother. You say, I will come to Dagestan.

[Daniel Cormier]

I will come to Dagestan in the summer and I'll keep longer.

[Islam Makhachev]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

All right.

[Islam Makhachev]

From today to summertime.

[Daniel Cormier]

No chance. It itches. No chance. Guys, Islam fights. Jack Della Madeleina. How's it been being around Jack Della Madeleina this week and being so close to ultimately something that you talked about years ago, trying to become a champion in two way classes.

[Islam Makhachev]

Yeah, like happy. Happy. Biggest card of the year, like best arena and biggest fight on my life. Very excited and like, really happy.

[Daniel Cormier]

Are you surprised that you're as big a favorite as you are over Jack Della Madeleina? Because when I hear you talk about the fight, you're very aware of how tough a fight this is, but it seems like the general public thinks that it's a foregone conclusion that you're going to be world champion.

[Islam Makhachev]

I never thinking about this. Like, what. Who make the ring rankings? Who make this?

[Daniel Cormier]

The. The numbers?

[Islam Makhachev]

Yes.

[Daniel Cormier]

Guys. Guys that do bets. Odds makers, they call them.

[Islam Makhachev]

I don't do bets. That's why I don't.

[Daniel Cormier]

You don't bet?

[Islam Makhachev]

I don't believe and I don't like, check.

[Daniel Cormier]

Well, I'm telling you right now, your big favorite over Jack Della Madeleine.

[Islam Makhachev]

You did.

[Daniel Cormier]

But I don't gamble. Better ways to spend your money, huh?

[Islam Makhachev]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

Like this, like on this. What is this watch? What is this watch? You like it? Yes. What kind of watch is this? Like target watch you get from target?

[Islam Makhachev]

Yes.

[Daniel Cormier]

Wow.

[Islam Makhachev]

What time is it?

[Daniel Cormier]

It has. No, I can't tell. What time is it?

[Islam Makhachev]

Just you late.

[Daniel Cormier]

Whatever time it is. I'm late. Oh, man. Hey, the other day, who have this vet.

[Islam Makhachev]

They never wait.

[Daniel Cormier]

They never laid. But you were early, which is very odd.

[Islam Makhachev]

Professional.

[Daniel Cormier]

30 minutes before we were supposed to interview. 30 minutes before.

[Islam Makhachev]

I'm not surprised when you. L. You always late inside the gym.

[Daniel Cormier]

Also, I was never late in training.

[Islam Makhachev]

You, like, broke all rules in ak?

[Daniel Cormier]

No, I didn't. When I. When. When we were. When we were all training together, I was always 12 o', clock practice, 11:55. 11:55, I show up.

[Islam Makhachev]

I remember you're like travel big.

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Yep.

[Daniel Cormier]

Like suitcase.

[Islam Makhachev]

Yeah. You come always like 11, 15. 11.

[Daniel Cormier]

No, we trained 12. Yeah, 11:15. I was there. I would show up. 11:15, practice start, 12 o'. Clock.

[Islam Makhachev]

No, 11. You're always late, man. You're always not professional. But on your work.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, some of the fighter.

[Islam Makhachev]

Okay, I am good now. I feel good. Not cutting like matrix. Some of the guys cutting weight. If you late, they're gonna beat you.

[Daniel Cormier]

Beat me? You think that people can beat me now?

[Islam Makhachev]

Two, three people can beat you together.

[Daniel Cormier]

At the same time.

[Islam Makhachev]

I remember one time when we almost smash you in a cave.

[Daniel Cormier]

You try to jump me almost. Because Khabib.

[Islam Makhachev]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

Why you guys. You guys follow this guy like this, huh? He's the leader, huh? Tell me the story.

[Islam Makhachev]

You Say like, you big. Like, you bring the crutch, man. Like, as you say, this is my team. This is my team. You teach like 10, 15 people. But when we almost smash you, nobody can.

[Daniel Cormier]

You're crazy.

[Islam Makhachev]

Nobody like step to help you. Remember?

[Daniel Cormier]

This was you. You guys want to fight me. Why? Why you want to smash me?

[Islam Makhachev]

Because you go crazy with Habib.

[Daniel Cormier]

Why I go crazy?

[Islam Makhachev]

You make him injured.

[Daniel Cormier]

No, I didn't injure Habib. I've never injured Habib injured his neighbor. He said, oh, and I grabbed the head.

[Islam Makhachev]

You say, let's. Let's do like something easy. And you go hard with him.

[Daniel Cormier]

But do you remember the other day when we're in, when we were in practice, I tell him, I'm finished. I'm finished. I go on the side. What do you do? Throw me down, jump on me Two days ago, yes, it's okay. But it's the same like, because he.

[Islam Makhachev]

Said, okay, I don't make you work, man. Make you work to have good dinner.

[Daniel Cormier]

So wait, why, why, why? When I do it, I try hurt Habib, but when he do it, he just make me work. You see?

[Islam Makhachev]

Now you.

[Daniel Cormier]

Now I understand bias. You know, everybody say, oh, he biased Islam. Now I understand bias.

[Islam Makhachev]

Now you both retired. Who cares if you injured? Nobody. At that time, he's still fighting.

[Daniel Cormier]

Islam. Jack is. Has improved greatly in his wrestling. He's working with Craig Jones, Alexander Volkanovski. Alexander Volkanovski, who had success defending takedowns, is also helping him prepare. What do you make of that? Seeing all those guys ask me, let's.

[Islam Makhachev]

Make this Craig one fight. MMA fight.

[Daniel Cormier]

Everybody asks you what?

[Islam Makhachev]

Like, he helped me to improve something. Improve something. It's not working like this. When you bring someone for one camp or for two camps. I. I just give you good example. I tell yesterday, what about Hamza fighting with diplocy? I think diplossy bring many coaches, many, many partners. But it's not help. It's not working like this.

[Daniel Cormier]

He was waiting. Why was he waiting so long to try? Did he ever sprawl? Du Plessis, did he ever sprawl? I don't think he ever sprawled upset.

[Islam Makhachev]

But I don't think he even watched the wrestling match in the tv.

[Daniel Cormier]

You know, he didn't sprawl one time. There was one thing you had to do in that fight, and that was defend wrestling.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

He.

[Daniel Cormier]

He didn't sprawl.

[Islam Makhachev]

Oh, yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

So do you think Jack will be able to wrestle or be able to stop takedowns? Or do you anticipate that you're going to be able to take him down.

[Islam Makhachev]

And control him one time, second time. But, you know, I will try again. Again, again. Hard to stop.

[Daniel Cormier]

Are you comfortable? Are you comfortable standing and striking with Jack Della Madeleine if you need to.

[Islam Makhachev]

For 25 minutes, like fighting, like, wrestle against boxer? I will strike. I can strike with anyone. You know, I strike with Dustin. All fight almost. I strike with Volk. You know, I'm not wrestling. I'm a best MMA fighter.

[Daniel Cormier]

You know, when you talk about these guys, there's some things, when we talk, you always say crazy stuff. But there's a clip where you were talking about Dustin Poirier's black belt. There's just so many clips of you, like, talking about these guys when you fight them. Is it what's expected? Because Dustin was able to defend the takedowns, Dustin was able to stay upright, and you have to beat him on the feet. But are you surprised at times when you get in there with someone when you have an idea that they're not going to be as good at something? Because like I said, Dustin's a black belt. He was able to defend himself up until the fifth round. And then you did to get a takedown. You did exactly what we teach you. That's the one that takedown would teach you with the leg. That's the one we teach you, man.

[Islam Makhachev]

Us don't have this technique, man. Yes. Single leg, double leg and pressure.

[Daniel Cormier]

The best wrestling school, the best wrestling country in the world right now, and you're telling me we don't have something?

[Islam Makhachev]

Single leg, double leg and pressure. That's it.

[Daniel Cormier]

So. So, again, are you surprised?

[Islam Makhachev]

Yeah, like, surprised? Yeah, honestly, I'm surprised. He defend wrestling very well, but I'm not black belt and I still finish him in the last round.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah. Would you be surprised if Jack is able to defend every takedown?

[Islam Makhachev]

Every takedown?

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah.

[Islam Makhachev]

No, it's not possible.

[Daniel Cormier]

Every takedown, it's not possible.

[Islam Makhachev]

Maybe someone, someone here can defend, but not every takedown.

[Daniel Cormier]

You think you take anybody down?

[Islam Makhachev]

Yeah, if I take you down.

[Daniel Cormier]

You never took me down.

[Islam Makhachev]

I swear. I have video, man.

[Daniel Cormier]

You want me to show you the picture of me and you? In whose hand is Romero holding up after the. After the match?

[Islam Makhachev]

No, we talk about picture, take down, not about picture. I have video when I take you down.

[Daniel Cormier]

You know, you've been promising this video for three fights now, and I've never seen the video.

[Islam Makhachev]

I will show you.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, you need to show me the video. If you win this fight this weekend, what would that Mean to you and legacy? Because I think earlier in the week I heard you on an interview and you spoke about legacy. I don't know that I've ever heard you say legacy before. What would this mean to you and your legacy? To become a champion in two divisions.

[Islam Makhachev]

Man, I take the title. I have the title, I have the money now. Now it's the legacy now the second belt. People fight for the second belt just for the legacy, most of them. And like you, you take the second belt in Madison Square Garden?

[Daniel Cormier]

No, Vegas. But I defended it in Madison Square Garden.

[Islam Makhachev]

My arena is better.

[Daniel Cormier]

What, to become double champion?

[Islam Makhachev]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

I fought Madison Square Garden too, Islam.

[Islam Makhachev]

But not for the second belt.

[Daniel Cormier]

I had two belts when I came into Madison Square Garden and left with two belts.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Belt.

[Islam Makhachev]

See you see, man, I close.

[Daniel Cormier]

You understand?

[Islam Makhachev]

I close. To beat you all records.

[Daniel Cormier]

You'D have to have the second belt still Islam. And you have more title defense.

[Islam Makhachev]

The hall of fame. You're in the hall of Fame?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Yes.

[Daniel Cormier]

There's a lot. You can list them all.

[Islam Makhachev]

It's hard.

[Daniel Cormier]

You know what I know? You know what I know you asked.

[Islam Makhachev]

Me always I need to some things to look and I want to beat, you know mine.

[Daniel Cormier]

Yeah, yeah. Soon you need to so.

[Islam Makhachev]

And I will be one of the best fighter from AKA yes, you already.

[Daniel Cormier]

One of the best of all time from ak. You know right now, you know right now in AKA history. It's me, Habib only two over you now you got to you pass Luke and Kane. No Kane still you're number four. You're still number four because Cain do a little bit better than you his career. Little bit.

[Islam Makhachev]

Cage still I'm number for which number you are Me? Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

Khabib never lost. So I kind of put him number one. Because he's undefeated. It's hard not to lose. You lost. Think about this like the one time don't think. No, but I'm saying you could never lose. Like you were better than the guy. But you make mistake. Khabib never lost. Yeah, it's impossible to like never lose. Right?

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

So yes, he.

[Daniel Cormier]

I will put him number one. He's very good. 29 fights, no losses even. Sometimes you fall down like somebody kicks you, you know you can lose a.

[Islam Makhachev]

Fight even still right now, he never lost. Beat you inside the gym.

[Daniel Cormier]

Hey, he's super. He's. He's insanely big. You know how you always say brother, but there's a thing like you say, but there's a thing like you say, hey, you need to do this every day. So you get skinny. Habib ain't skinny. He grapple every day, every week. Khabib is not skinny, bro. Khabib weighs so heavy right now. And big.

[Islam Makhachev]

No, he's big but not fit.

[Daniel Cormier]

I don't know if you've seen his legs, his ankle fat, his leg and this, you see this part? It's very fat.

[Islam Makhachev]

Don't talk about somebody fat, brother. You cannot, you cannot right now.

[Daniel Cormier]

Okay? So tell me, Saturday night, how do you expect this fight to go?

[Islam Makhachev]

I hope it's gonna be easy, but I don't think it's gonna be easy. He's a good. No, he's a good. I watch his many fights. Some of the striker, if you take him down, they're like uncomfortable there.

[Daniel Cormier]

But I see he scrambles. He scrambles really well. Whenever the fight is gone, you know.

[Islam Makhachev]

How to move, what you what to do, you know, he's good everywhere. I hope it's gonna be easy, but ready for anything.

[Daniel Cormier]

Did you. Was he bigger than you thought whenever you stood in front of him?

[Islam Makhachev]

No, he's like same toe but maybe inside the cage he's gonna be couple kilograms bigger than me. But still, if the fight day, you come to my room and give me some food. We will do.

[Daniel Cormier]

I'm gonna have the traditional Dagestan food.

[Islam Makhachev]

Yeah, I remember last time after the fight, you give me the. What do you give me?

[Daniel Cormier]

What? Oh yeah, I give you. You like this one, huh? It was the, the. The like biscuit with the cheese. And you eat this one? Yes, it's very good, huh?

[Islam Makhachev]

You will bring it again.

[Daniel Cormier]

That's in Los Angeles. It's a restaurant only Los Angeles Porto's. It's very good. But something's bring me, I'll bring you. I'll bring you something, but you have to win. If you don't win, you get no, you get no, you get no snacks, no food, no go back to dagger stand and don't get fed. You know how we play out there. Last thing, you guys all come from the same place, extremely close. All these goals that are set out in front of you to achieve them, to accomplish them. Did you ever imagine that this would be your career? Like thinking back to that kid that walked into AKA when you and Islam Mahmoud had two different color shirts. Remember? Israel, Islam red, Islam black. Because we not black, gray, gray, Islam gray, Islam red. It's like, could you ever imagine that your career would be this like the number one pound for pound fighter in the world?

[Islam Makhachev]

I just came to a K and look at the wall in you can will ask is Luke and I thinking my picture? Never gonna. Never gonna be. Why now I can move you all guys. You guys finish.

[Daniel Cormier]

You've done so much. You might not have thought that you could be up there, but I'm telling you, the first day you walked into the gym, it was very evident that you would be a world champion.

[Islam Makhachev]

They were thinking, you know, I have this success, you know, thanks God, I have everything right right now. I have belts, you know, and you guys also. Yeah, AKA helped me a lot. I training like so hard in AKA always the bike room. I still remember this room. I don't like this room, but still.

[Daniel Cormier]

Remember more than anything, somebody asked me yesterday, like, what do you miss about fighting? I don't miss fighting. I don't miss walking. I don't miss any of that. I just missed the opportunity to spend all that time that we had in the gym where you, you train and you talk and you hang out. The camaraderie, that's what I miss the most.

[Islam Makhachev]

Let's make one camp in AKA not like crazy hard training just for lose weight, you know, with me, you Habib.

[Daniel Cormier]

Oh, no. So you admit now, Habib maybe need to lose a few pounds too. This guy's a fat shamer, man. Islam Makashev, we will bring Luke. You taught. You see Luke Instagram. This guy's out of his mind. What's wrong with him?

[Islam Makhachev]

We have to bring him back, fix his mind.

[Daniel Cormier]

His mind is broken. Islam. Islam. What happened to his mind?

[Islam Makhachev]

I don't know what happened. And this is the. Without the gloves. He fight there? Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

No, he fought without the gloves. And he fought Darren Till. Remember Darren Till knocked him out. This is crazy. Knockout. Very, very bad. Knockout. Luke.

[Islam Makhachev]

Why. Why you went when he was. Was with you in ak. You have to teach him to box, to do like, to how to live, to don't know.

[Daniel Cormier]

I'm a man. I'm a man. He's a man. You're a man. We can't teach one man how to live his life, man. Why don't you call him and tell him? Why don't you call Luke and say, hey, Luke, you need to like maybe stop like going crazy all the time.

[Islam Makhachev]

Better to come to Dagestan two, three years.

[Daniel Cormier]

No, keep Luke in Dagestan forever. Luke, look, we're gonna help you. My brother, Islam Makachel fights for the UFC Welterweight Championship this weekend. Looking to become a champion in two way classes. One of the best fighters of all time and one of the best fighters, pound for pound, of all Time sitting to my left, right here. Thanks for checking in again, my brother. I appreciate you. Yeah, he's a wrestle guy. I kicked his button practiced the other day.

[Umar Nurmagomedov]

Yeah.

[Daniel Cormier]

Until next time, like subscribe and tell your friends about my YouTube channel. Peace. Guys, this year has been a banner year at dctv. The Daniel Cormier show was launched. The check ins continue to do Gangbusters. Luis is on the phone. Luis, tell me some numbers this year for the people. I know you guys don't get to see Lou often. Here, let me show you this. Luis, right here. Say what's up, Luis. Heavy Lubu. I put him on low. Hold on. Say what's up, Luis? What's up guys?

[Arman Tsarukyan]

Thank you for tuning in to dctv.

[Daniel Cormier]

We appreciate you. Hey, that's the boy, Luis, right there. I know you guys don't see him very often. Luis, let's get some of those numbers for this year. How do we look? I got you. I got you. We are up 40 million views from last year, guys. 40 million more views from 2024 to 2025. 2 million more watch hours. 2 million more watch hours in 2025. We did 50,000 more subscribers this year than last year. But we did 130 total 130,000 subscribers this year, guys. 50,000 more than last year. This is all because of you. All because of you and your support. And we appreciate it every single day. The entire team at my channel, the volume, all the people that work here and that, all the people we work together to bring you this content, we appreciate you more than you'll ever know. And all the sponsors that you see again are because of the support that you guys give. So 2025 was a monster. Let's roll into 2026 and make it even bigger and even better. So Merry Christmas to you guys. We love and appreciate you all so much. Thank you. Enjoy the check ins until next time. Like we said from day one, tell your friends to tell their friends that DC's got a YouTube channel and I'm doing stuff like this. And it sounds like this year you did exactly that. Until next time. Peace.

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[Daniel Cormier]

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[Daniel Cormier]

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