Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Daniel Cormier TV

Episode: Arman Tsarukyan GOES OFF ON Ilia Topuria for wanting Paddy next, Khamzat-Garry beef
Date: November 27, 2025
Host: Daniel Cormier ("C")
Guest: Arman Tsarukyan ("D")

Overview

This episode features former UFC champion Daniel Cormier in conversation with lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan. The central focus is Tsarukyan’s recent dominant victory over Dan Hooker, his frustration with Ilia Topuria’s pursuit of a fight with Paddy Pimblett instead of the legitimate contenders, and insights into dynamics at the top of the lightweight and featherweight divisions. The two also discuss rumors, social media narratives, backstage altercations, and the unique attention Tsarukyan receives for his eating videos.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tsarukyan’s Dominant Win Over Dan Hooker

• Tsarukyan was the heavy favorite and dominated Hooker in Doha.
• He approached the camp and fight as if it were a title fight, taking no chances against a dangerous opponent.
• Quote:

  "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 to dominate and get the finish."
  (04:07, Arman Tsarukyan)

2. Reflections on the Lightweight Division and Previous Fights

• Tsarukyan insists he did not truly lose to Mateusz Gamrot, citing a bad decision.
• He distinguishes his ground control from Gamrot’s, pointing out his own ability to dominate on the ground.
• Quote:

  "I didn't lose that fight... Bad, bad decision... I beat Gamrot as well."
  (04:34, Arman Tsarukyan)

3. Breakdown of Tsarukyan’s Ground Game

• Detailed technical breakdown of finishing sequences—a focus on arm triangle chokes and how to capitalize on transitions.
• Discussion on the energy and body language Tsarukyan senses from opponents during domination.
• Quote:

  "When I took him down... on the top on the second round, I knew I'm gonna finish him."
  (05:45, Arman Tsarukyan)

4. Title Shot Frustration & UFC Politics

• Tsarukyan’s position as #1 contender is discussed, and his irritation at seemingly having to “prove it again” by taking risky fights.
• He contrasts being a true contender with what he sees as manufactured hype, notably calling out Paddy Pimblett.
• Quote:

  "I'm not fake like Paddy Pimlet... I'm number one contender and now they have no choice not to give me title fight."
  (08:50, Arman Tsarukyan)

5. Ilia Topuria’s Avoidance; The Paddy Pimblett Scenario

• Tsarukyan claims Topuria is avoiding tough fights and orchestrating an easier, high-profile matchup with Pimblett for business reasons.

• Expresses disappointment that Topuria left the arena and did not face him in the octagon to build that anticipated fight.

• Quote:

  "Because he doesn't want to fight me. He's scared of me... It's easier to beat Petty Pimblet, make easy fight and go move up..."
  (10:05, Arman Tsarukyan)

• Cormier reinforces how important the “octagon moment” is for building title fights, referencing his own experience with Brock Lesnar.

• Tsarukyan suggests Topuria deliberately avoided even media acknowledgment of him at the event.

• Quote:

  "He just turned his face and... didn't even want to watch straight to me."
  (11:22, Arman Tsarukyan)

6. Quick Fire: On Conor McGregor, Pimblett, and UFC Matchmaking

• Tsarukyan says he would not fight anyone else before a title shot unless it was McGregor ("It's a nightmare for him" – 19:43).

• Dismisses Paddy Pimblett’s chances against elite fighters, evaluating him as severely overrated.

• Offers colorful criticisms:

  "No, he suck."
  (21:27, Arman Tsarukyan on Pimblett)

• Riffs with Cormier about Bobby Green’s abilities (both have a humorous back-and-forth about street fighting and grappling credentials).

7. Strategy Against Topuria & Self-Confidence

• Tsarukyan claims he can beat Topuria in any fashion—wrestling, striking, or kicking—and specifically states he’ll knock him out with an axe kick.
• Quote:

  "I'll beat him everywhere. Just tell me how you want to see that fighter and I'll make it happen. I think I'll knock him out with my obs kick."
  (23:53, Arman Tsarukyan)

8. Diet, Recovery, and Cultural Talk

• Conversation digresses humorously into Tsarukyan eating camel back after the fight and people’s fascination with his eating habits online.

9. Backstage Drama: Khamzat, Ian Garry, and Security

• Tsarukyan tells a story of post-fight chaos where security wouldn't let Khamzat Chimaev and Ian Garry into the arena, leading to scuffles and police involvement.
• Quote:

  "We just came from the bars and like, we are getting into the arena and the one bodyguard like pushing to Hamza then said, hey, go back and go come back again..."
  (27:10, Arman Tsarukyan)

10. Reactions to Other Major Fights

• Tsarukyan and Cormier express shock at how easily Islam Makhachev dominated Jack Della Maddalena.
• Discussion on the dominance of “Russian wrestling” and how other fighters failed to prepare for obvious takedown threats.
• Quote:

  "Islam now, right now on his prime. That's crazy. How he feels distance, how he strives, how he's calm..."
  (28:18, Arman Tsarukyan)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Get your balls and take the fight." (29:58, Arman Tsarukyan directly to Ilia Topuria)
• "No way [I fight again before the title]. If it's not Conor McGregor, I wouldn't fight." (19:29, Arman Tsarukyan)
• "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." (11:31, Arman Tsarukyan)
• "No, he suck." (21:27, Arman Tsarukyan on Pimblett)
• "People is like text me, bro, please post how you eat and like, put the mic on you on your shirt. And we want to hear how you eat it." (31:28, Arman Tsarukyan about his viral eating videos)

Important Timestamps

• 03:43 – Tsarukyan's mindset entering Dan Hooker fight
• 04:34 – On ‘loss’ to Mateusz Gamrot
• 08:50 – Tsarukyan asserts #1 contender status
• 10:05 – Critique of Topuria’s matchmaking motives
• 11:22 – Topuria avoids Tsarukyan at event
• 19:29 – Tsarukyan on waiting only for title or McGregor
• 21:27 – Brutal assessment of Paddy Pimblett
• 23:53 – Prediction vs. Topuria: "I'll knock him out with my obs kick"
• 27:06 – Backstage chaos with Khamzat, Ian Garry, and security
• 28:18 – On Islam Makhachev's total dominance
• 29:58 – Direct callout to Topuria: "Get your balls and take the fight."
• 31:28 – On his internet-famous eating videos

Tone & Takeaways

• Language & Tone: Authentic, brash, sometimes humorous, and vividly candid. Tsarukyan does not mince words about the current state of the UFC lightweight and featherweight title pictures, holding nothing back regarding his opinions on contenders, the nature of promotion, and his own quest for the belt.
• For New Listeners: This episode is a must-listen if you want a raw, energetic, and sometimes comical take on UFC title politics from a fighter at the top, with plenty of colorful banter and inside stories from backstage drama to viral internet trends.