Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Daniel Cormier TV - BEST OF UFC 311: Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, Merab Dvalishvili
Release Date: January 25, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, listeners are treated to an in-depth discussion focusing on the highlights of UFC 311. The conversation primarily revolves around top fighters Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, and Merab Dvalishvili. Hosted by Andrea Waters King, the episode delves into the fighters' preparations, personal lives, and their perspectives on upcoming bouts. The episode also features interactions with MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, providing a comprehensive look into the current state of the UFC lightweight and bantamweight divisions.

Interview with Islam Makhachev

Preparation for UFC 311

Islam Makhachev opens up about his preparation for defending his championship at UFC 311. When asked about his current state, he succinctly responds:

• “Drinking water, cutting weight. That's it.” [03:11]

Personal Life and Family

Makhachev shares insights into his family life, emphasizing his deep-rooted connections and responsibilities:

• “I built a new house.” [04:05]

He discusses living arrangements and familial support, highlighting the influence of his parents:

• “Mine not so big. I live with my grandmother, my father, mother. But it's big, but not crazy big.” [04:18]

Training Camp in Las Vegas

The fighters recently trained in Las Vegas, where Makhachev praises the facilities and support provided by the UFC Performance Institute (PI):

• “It's so good, you know, training there, brand new facilities, recovery training, training, like UFC PI team. It's so good.” [07:17]

Upcoming Fight Expectations

Discussing his upcoming fight against Arman Rakhmanov, Makhachev expresses confidence while acknowledging his opponent's growth:

• “He's a big guy now. He’s big experience and one of the best in our division.” [08:48]

Interaction with Khabib Nurmagomedov

A notable segment features Makhachev's interaction with former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. The conversation takes a lighthearted turn as they discuss the concept of being "gangsters," leading to playful banter about street credibility and respect.

• “Gangsters always hide. He can't walk, brother.” [14:32]
• “When I tell you sit like that. I'm confident. I want to tell sit like this because it's comfortable for me.” [19:06]

This interaction not only showcases the camaraderie between the fighters but also adds a personal touch to the discussion, highlighting their off-ring relationships.

Interview with Merab Dvalishvili

Recent Fights and Performance

Merab Dvalishvili reflects on his recent victory, emphasizing his strategy and preparation:

• “I beat Shawn O'Malley easy way and wasn't hard to watch Umar's fight. Yeah, he did good against Corey Sanhagen.” [25:21]

Title Contention and Being an Underdog

Dvalishvili discusses the challenges of being labeled an underdog and his views on the current title scene:

• “I'm underdog because I have to show up. And I believe hard work will pay off.” [29:21]
• “Marlon Vera after one fight, and you after five.” [17:53]

He criticizes the perception of deserving title shots, advocating for more rigorous competition:

• “He should have fought Song Gi Dong and stay busy and don’t pull out and just prove it like the rest of us.” [26:49]

Training and Fight Preparation

Highlighting his dedication, Dvalishvili details his training regimen and focus areas leading up to the fight:

• “Perfect night will be punch his face. Much as, like, a lot of punches in the face, damage in the head.” [30:32]

Personal Life and Life as Champion

Despite his status, Dvalishvili maintains a grounded perspective on his life outside the octagon:

• “Life? Not much. I'm still the same guy, I'm still living the same house.” [27:14]

He acknowledges the increased respect and support that comes with being a champion but remains humble about his roots.

Interactions with Fans and Social Media

Addressing the challenges of fame, Dvalishvili speaks about handling negativity and maintaining focus:

• “I have to block so many people every day because they just disrespect me.” [29:37]

He emphasizes the importance of self-focus and resilience in the face of online criticism.

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers listeners a nuanced look into the lives and minds of top UFC fighters Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili. Through candid conversations, the fighters reveal their training philosophies, personal struggles, and aspirations within the highly competitive world of mixed martial arts. The inclusion of Khabib Nurmagomedov adds an extra layer of depth, highlighting the mentorship and enduring friendships that shape these athletes' careers. Fans of UFC and MMA will find this episode both insightful and engaging, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the preparation and mindset of champions gearing up for UFC 311.

Notable Quotes:

• “Drinking water, cutting weight. That's it.” – Islam Makhachev [03:11]
• “Gangsters always hide. He can't walk, brother.” – Khabib Nurmagomedov [14:32]
• “I'm the president, USA. Nobody can say I'm not.” – Khabib Nurmagomedov [15:27]
• “I beat Shawn O'Malley easy way and wasn't hard to watch Umar's fight.” – Merab Dvalishvili [25:21]
• “I'm underdog because I have to show up. And I believe hard work will pay off.” – Merab Dvalishvili [29:21]
• “Perfect night will be punch his face. Much as, like, a lot of punches in the face, damage in the head.” – Merab Dvalishvili [30:32]