Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Daniel Cormier Show – Merab Dvalishvili on Sean O’Malley, Cory Sandhagen, Dana White, Umar BEEF
Date: September 26, 2025
Host: Daniel Cormier | Guest: Merab Dvalishvili (UFC Bantamweight Champion)

Episode Overview

This episode of the Daniel Cormier Show (aired as part of The Herd with Colin Cowherd) features an in-depth and candid conversation with UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili. The discussion explores Merab’s extraordinary journey from a small village in Georgia to UFC stardom, his relentless fighting style, loyalty to friends and teammates, career-defining rivalries, and his unfiltered take on money, motivation, leadership, and life outside the octagon. Previewing his upcoming title defense against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320, Merab offers insight into his mindset, unique character, and what drives him to continue making history in the sport.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Merab’s Background and Journey to the U.S.

• Early Life in Georgia: Grew up in a close-knit, farming village before moving to the capital (Tbilisi) at nine.
  • “I was so happy, like, very wild kid... All people is there that we all have animals. We all have like lands. And yeah, it was beautiful life. And when I was nine, I moved to capital city.” (05:20)
• Immigrating with Nothing: Moved to the U.S. in 2012 chasing his UFC dream, speaking no English and lacking resources.
  • “I have a dream and goal to fight big organization like UFC's, but I don't know how to get there... And of course I don't speak English and I can search. And that was 2012. It wasn't like this today.” (08:49)
• Early Hardships: Was taken advantage of by a boxing coach upon arrival in New York—trained in cardio boxing rather than MMA, even fought amateur boxing until being disqualified for prior experience.
  • “...this guy make me fight in boxing four times... until they, I win three matches. I beat a lot of good guys. And then semifinal, I can't wait. I go there. And then the commission kicked me out... you're not amateur.” (11:18)
• Finding Serra-Longo Gym: Eventually found his MMA family and hope with Ray Longo and Matt Serra’s team.
  • “Once I find the Serra Longo team... I find my hope again. And I was happy again. Even I find them, I was happy. I don't speak English. Even technique I cannot understand... It was a hard top, challenging times.” (12:01)

2. ‘The Machine’ – Origins & Style

• Nicknamed for Relentlessness: Teammate Matt Frevola dubbed him “The Machine” due to his tireless pace in training.
  • “He called me, ‘You train like Machine?’ And... your nickname should be Machine.” (13:10)
• Transition from Early Struggles to Elite Success: Cormier probes the moment Merab realized he could be the best. Merab explains his step-by-step, win-focused mentality revolutionized his approach.
  • “After second fight... I was still happy... But what I realized is after (the) fight between me and Ricky Simon... I’m like now I’m going to focus for just win. Every fight step by step, just win, win, win, win.” (17:11)

3. Motivation Amidst Success

• Money Isn’t the Main Drive: After attaining financial stability and respect, Merab finds deeper motivation in representing his country and inspiring others.
  • “Now, I’m not fighting for money now. I’m enjoying, you know... What I realize also with my fighting in UFC, I can represent my country, my people and this is the best what I can do.” (20:46)
• Representing Georgia: His role as a national symbol and role model is his greatest motivator.

4. Loyalty to Teammates over Title Shots

• Refused to Challenge Friend Aljamain Sterling: Merab prioritized friendship and loyalty rather than pursuing the belt while Sterling was champion.
  • “I was so happy for Aljo... For me, I was just happy to be in UFC. I was just happy what I achieve already.” (22:55)
• On Training Partners’ Influence: Both Cormier and Merab agree they would not have reached the pinnacle without high-level teammates.
  • “Of course, of course. You know, first, you know, when you have a UFC fighter in your gym, real UFC fighter, you can look up to him...” (25:30)

5. Personal Rivalries and ‘BEEF’

• On Hating Petr Yan:
  • “The first it was Peter Yan.” (31:51)
  • Merab describes a personal and political edge—Yan being Russian, with historical tension due to Russia’s occupation in Georgia.
    • “Russia has occupied my country's 20% of territory. And then, so it's more, it's personal for me when every time we fight against Russians...” (32:00)
  • “Either win against him or if I lost, I gotta kill myself, you know.” (33:06)
• Perspective on Umar Nurmagomedov:
  • “Umar is spoiled because... even before he signed to UFC. And of course he's Khabib's cousin... it was easy to. UFC signed him straight.” (34:34)
  • Outlines specific disrespectful behaviors and perceived advantages due to family ties.
• Cory Sandhagen & Sean O’Malley: Discussed as tough, talented rivals, but lacking the personal animosity of the Yan feud.

6. Life Outside the Octagon: The Wild Side

• Anecdotes of Recklessness: Stories recounted with laughter—nearly drowning as a child, stepping on a nail, jumping into a frozen river, and balancing on high ledges.
  • “I did many, many, many crazy things...” (39:19)
  • “If I sleep, then listen, one day we all die.” (43:26)
• Open About Injuries & Critique from Dana White:
  • Known for posting injuries (broken toe, cut eye) on social media—said he does it if it won’t affect his performance. Dana White has called him reckless for this openness.
  • “If it's something serious injury, I will never... I broke my toe... but it's no problem... That's why I posted.” (44:08)
  • “It was when Dana was talking... he was mad about me... I am who I am... I'm still gonna do same.” (46:24)

7. Upcoming Title Defense vs. Cory Sandhagen

• Fight Preview: Merab respects Sandhagen’s footwork, cardio, and submission skills, promising a “war."
  • “Corey Sandhagen is really good fighter... his footwork very good... his cardio good... It's gonna be a good fight, good challenge.” (54:44)
• Scouting and Strategy: He’s studied recent fights, especially against Umar, and has ideas for victory.

8. Reflections on Success, Sacrifice, and Legacy

• Regrets and Sweetness of the Journey: Wouldn’t change his struggles.
  • “Absolutely, it was worth it. And I won't change nothing.” (61:31)
• First Major Purchase: Bought houses for himself—“the American dream”—and now aims to give back.
  • “I want to build a gym in my backyard here in Vegas... also..build gym in Georgia.. just to charity gym, you know, to help the young generations.” (64:32)
• Family Aspirations: Now seeks to find a wife, aiming for a stable, family-focused life.
  • “Now it's time to find a good quality wife and have a beautiful family.” (58:16)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Motivation:
  “Now, I’m not fighting for money now. I’m enjoying, you know... I can represent my country, my people and this is the best what I can do.” – Merab (20:46)

• Explaining His Ruthless Approach:
  “Either win against him or if I lost, I gotta kill myself...” – Merab, on fighting Petr Yan (33:06)

• On Posting His Injuries and Dana White’s Criticism:
  “If it’s something serious injury, I will never post it. But... I broke my toe... I decide to just make funny story... no excuse. That’s why I posted. Because I know it wasn’t going to affect my fight…” – Merab (44:13)

• On Future Plans & Fulfillment:
  “...now I'm working on to build gym in Georgia and just to charity gym, you know, to help the young generations... since I win the belt, I'm working on this project and now I'm finally getting closer to making real this.” – Merab (64:43)

• On Loyalty to Aljamain Sterling:
  “I know that for me, I was just happy to be in UFC. I was just happy what I achieve already.” – Merab (22:55)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Merab’s Childhood & Moving to Capital City – 05:20–06:22
• Decision to Move to the U.S. & Hardships – 08:37–12:01
• Origins of “The Machine” Nickname – 13:10
• Turning Career Around After Early UFC Losses – 16:01–17:10
• Motivation Amidst Wealth & Success – 20:46–22:21
• On Supporting Aljamain Sterling Instead of Competing – 22:55–25:53
• Rivalry with Petr Yan and Political Backdrop – 31:51–33:38
• Views on Umar and ‘Spoiled’ Perception – 34:26–36:40
• Reckless Moments and Life Outside the Cage – 38:07–43:26
• Posting Injuries & Dana White’s Critique – 44:08–46:24
• Sandhagen Fight Preview – 54:44–55:56
• Family, Faith, & Legacy – 58:16–61:07
• Reflections on the Journey, Buying a Home, Building Gyms – 61:14–64:43

Tone and Language

The episode is marked by a warm, friendly, and humorous tone. Daniel Cormier plays the role of both a peer and big brother, drawing out Merab’s natural charisma and honesty. Merab, in turn, is energetic, joyful, often self-deprecating, and unapologetically authentic, balancing humor with heartfelt emotion about loyalty, struggle, and pride.

Conclusion

This episode offers an intimate portrait of Merab Dvalishvili—not only as a champion athlete but as a person defined by resilience, positivity, and deep-rooted values. Listeners gain a unique understanding of the highs, lows, and personal tenets that fuel one of MMA’s most relentless fighters heading into another pivotal title defense.