BEST OF UFC 316: Merab Dvalishvili on facing O'Malley, Kayla Harrison compares Peña to chihuahua

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Daniel Cormier TV - BEST OF UFC 316: Merab Dvalishvili on facing O'Malley, Kayla Harrison compares Peña to Chihuahua
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

---

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, listeners are treated to insightful discussions surrounding the aftermath of UFC 316. The primary focus revolves around Merab Dvalishvili's upcoming rematch with Sean O'Malley and Kayla Harrison's perspectives on Julianna Peña. Hosted by Rob Font, the conversation delves deep into fighter motivations, strategies, and personal anecdotes, providing fans with a comprehensive understanding of the fighters' mindsets and preparations.

---

Interview with Merab Dvalishvili

Merab Dvalishvili joins Rob Font to discuss his upcoming second fight against Sean O'Malley, following his victory over Umar Nurmagomedov.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Opponent Selection and UFC's Role ([02:32] - [03:25])

   • Merab explains the selection process for his rematch with O'Malley.
   • Merab: "It's Sean O'Malley. Peteriano was supposed to fight somebody else. And yeah, I'm happy. I'm happy. I have another fight coming up."

2. Gym Incident and Training Dynamics ([03:25] - [04:01])

   • Rob Font brings up a video where Merab punches one of his wrestling affiliates during training.
   • Rob Font: "Why you punched the guy's stomach?"
   • Merab: "It was just fine, but you killed it."

3. Performance Analysis in Previous Fight ([04:04] - [07:16])

   • Merab reflects on his fight against Umar, discussing his early rounds and late-game strategies.
   • Merab: "I show everybody this time. I think one time I got him good body punch too."

4. Strategies for the Rematch ([07:16] - [10:05])

   • Discussing how to adapt strategies against a more motivated and skilled O'Malley.
   • Merab: "I'm putting extra, extra motivate myself to know this guy is dangerous, this guy hits hard."

5. Surprises in the Previous Fight ([10:05] - [12:28])

   • Merab shares unexpected elements from his first fight with O'Malley, including dealing with body kicks and referee decisions.
   • Merab: "I should not let him go. Just punch him and look at the ref go."

Notable Quotes:

• Merab Dvalishvili ([04:38]): "I was positive. And like, we know, you know, like, my coaches now told me to, like, after the first rounds, just keep doing your thing."

• Merab Dvalishvili ([07:05]): "It's a new challenge for me. It's a new fight and I'm looking forward to it."

• Merab Dvalishvili ([08:10]): "That's why I'm, like, I'm putting extra, extra motivate myself to know this guy is dangerous."

---

Interview with Kayla Harrison

Kayla Harrison, UFC Bantamweight Champion, engages in a dynamic conversation with Rob Font about her journey, upcoming fights, and insights into her opponent, Julianna Peña.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Transition to UFC and Championship Aspirations ([23:25] - [25:02])

   • Kayla reflects on her seamless transition from judo to MMA and her path to becoming a champion.
   • Kayla: "I think that having all this Experience that I have, having years of competing on the biggest stages in the world has been prepared me."

2. Analyzing Julianna Peña's Fight ([25:02] - [26:57])

   • Discussing Peña's strategies and mental game, including her tactics during their previous encounter.
   • Kayla: "She doesn't call for me. I just attest that insecurity to me."

3. Fight Strategy and Improvements ([29:19] - [31:17])

   • Kayla explores lessons learned from previous matches and how she plans to implement them against Peña.
   • Kayla: "If you have experience, you have to balance your life a little bit."

4. Future Ambitions and Potential Matchups ([31:17] - [33:10])

   • She expresses her desire to face legends like Amanda Nunes and her confidence in her skills.
   • Kayla: "I'm prepared for 25 hard minutes, but the goal is always to go out there and KO, TKO, or submission."

Notable Quotes:

• Kayla Harrison ([25:09]): "I didn't give the fight to her. After going back and watching it, I thought that Raquel won the fight."

• Kayla Harrison ([27:07]): "I have three dogs, and, you know, I have a big mastiff. I have a medium husky, and then I have this little Chihuahua. And the Chihuahua sounds vicious."

• Kayla Harrison ([28:27]): "I see heart. I see heart. I see fire."

• Kayla Harrison ([32:42]): "I'm the best in the world, you're the best in the world, and it doesn't matter."

---

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers an in-depth look into the minds of two prominent UFC fighters, Merab Dvalishvili and Kayla Harrison. Through candid conversations, both athletes share their motivations, strategies, and personal experiences, providing fans with a richer understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest levels of MMA. From Merab's tactical rematch preparations against Sean O'Malley to Kayla's dominance in the bantamweight division and her aspirations to challenge the greats, the episode encapsulates the relentless spirit and dedication of UFC fighters.

---

Notable Sections Covered:

• Merab Dvalishvili on Facing Sean O'Malley

  • Opponent selection and fight strategy
  • Overcoming challenges and maintaining motivation
  • Insights into previous fight performances

• Kayla Harrison on Comparing Julianna Peña to a Chihuahua

  • Evaluating Peña's fighting style and mental toughness
  • Personal anecdotes and future fight ambitions
  • Strategic improvements and preparations for upcoming bouts

Timestamps Reference:

• Merab Dvalishvili Interview: [02:32] – [12:28]
• Kayla Harrison Segment: [23:25] – [33:10]

---

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the key discussions and providing valuable insights into the fighters' preparations and mindsets. Whether you're an avid UFC fan or new to the sport, this episode offers a deeper appreciation of what drives these elite athletes to excel in the octagon.

Transcript

[Unknown Host]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Rob Font]

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.

[Tom Yamas]

Taking over the helm of NBC Nightly News, a 75 year old broadcast, it's a great responsibility. Good evening, I'm Tom Yamas. You have to go out there to bring people at home closer to the store. Wildfires continue to be a threat. With that massive hurricane comes the massive response. The best reporters in our business know how to listen. And when you listen, you get the truth. For NBC News, NBC News, NBC News. I'm Tom Yama. That's what we do every night. NBC Nightly News with Tom Yamas Thomas evenings on NBC.

[Rob Font]

Okay, have you heard about this? Last year, Degree changed the formula for their Cool Rush deodorant. The fans rebel and wanted the old scent back and degree Listen and that doesn't happen often. They admitted they effed up and are bringing the original Cool Rush scent back. And it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. There's a reason why it's the number one men's antiperspirant. And it's back in Walmart, Target and other stores now for under $4. So try it and see what the fuss is about. Head to your local Walmart, Target and try to og cool rush for yourself.

[Tom Yamas]

Are you still quoting 30 year old movies? Have you said cool beans in the past 90 days? Do you think Discover isn't widely accepted? If this sounds like you, you're stuck in the past. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide. And every time you make a purchase with your card, you automatically earn cash back. Welcome to the now it pays to discover. Learn more at discover.com credit card based on the February 2024 Nielsen report the.

[Unknown Host]

Volume.

[Rob Font]

Another championship fight. You and Sean O' Malley for the second time after you beat Umar did you know it would be Sean o' Malley?

[Merab Dvalishvili]

After I beat Umar, I wanted to be busy. And yeah, Sean o' Malley was another option. Maybe after Peter Yan. And yeah, I was thinking maybe either Peter Ryan or either Sean o' Malley. And UFC tell me to. It's Sean o' Malley. Peteriano was supposed to fight somebody else. And yeah, I'm happy. I'm happy. I have another. Another fight coming up. Even I already fought him. It's a new fight, new challenge for me. And you know, he. Of course he wants to avenge his loss back. And he will pick squad his mistake. He's been working to get better every level, even striking, wrestling, grappling. And it's going to be another challenge for us.

[Rob Font]

Hey, I had a kid going to your gym, and you knocked him down, bro. Why you punched the guy's stomach.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Who?

[Rob Font]

I watched a video. One of my guys, one of my wrestling guys goes into your gym, nice enough to give you rounds, and you punch his. Why you do this? Why'd you do this to him, Rob?

[Merab Dvalishvili]

It was just fine, but you killed it.

[Rob Font]

Why you killing me?

[Merab Dvalishvili]

No, like, my body shot got better and I was testing, you know.

[Rob Font]

So you tested on him?

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Yeah, I guess. Yeah.

[Rob Font]

Yeah, yeah, I saw the video, man.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Yeah. Oh, yeah. So. Yeah.

[Rob Font]

So maybe, like, you need to answer to me now.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

No, no, no. Are you.

[Rob Font]

Let's talk about your last fight a little bit before we go forward. First two rounds, Umar is fighting great. Yes, right? He's fighting really good. Seems like he won the first two rounds. Are you aware that it's not going as well as you wanted? And what was the thought? Because in that third round, you kind of. You changed completely, right? You were more successful in the takedowns. The pressure was even higher. Like, what did you make of that performance?

[Merab Dvalishvili]

For me, even first round was a close round.

[Rob Font]

It was close.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Yeah. I don't know which way it was gonna go, but I was positive. And like, we know, you know, like, my coaches now told me too, like, after the first rounds, just keep doing your thing. It will be easy. And I was just keep doing my thing. And then he literally slowly, you know, he was slow a little bit break him. He was himself, and I was even. As rounds goes more on, I'm getting better. Better. Yes. And then I think I show everybody this time. And yeah, you know, I think one time I got him good body punch too, but I see his face change. And then I was gonna go after, but he shoot me. And he. He still even. He was tired. He was still moving and doing okay.

[Rob Font]

How much can you apply from how much can you take from that fight and apply it to this fight? Right, because you have a more motivated Sean Omalley. But Umar is a high level striker. Sean o' Malley's high level striker, Shaan o' Malley doesn't have the wrestling that Umar has. How much can you take from that fight and apply it to this one to make sure that you not only beat Shalm Ali, but you beat him and in a more impressive way. I thought you won five or four rounds in the first fight. How do you do it better?

[Merab Dvalishvili]

I'm not sure what I can take from the Umar's fight to this fight, but yeah, just I get more and more comfortable, like just more confidence so I can fight any, any, any style of the fighter again and then nobody can do shit. And so but Omali fight, it's a new challenge like I said, you know, I'm sure he's been working to stop me and I believe I'm a better fighter than him. But I still have to respect his power, his reach, his speed. And it's a new fight, new challenge. You know, not every fight goes same way. You know, you had rematches before.

[Rob Font]

It's many, many.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Yeah. And it can play out this fight different, despite different. And that's why I'm trying to take this fight serious. And it's a new challenge for me. It's a new fight and I'm looking forward to it.

[Rob Font]

I think I fought 15 times in the UFC. Seven were against three people. Wow. I fought the same guys over and over and over again.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Yeah, fucked up every time. It's new fight, different fight.

[Rob Font]

Yeah, it was like, but it was always the same guys like rematch, rematch, trilogy match like always the same Rob. What's worrisome though, if you're a fan of Murab Dualish Willie, I saw a quote the other day that you said the motivation is not as easily gained to fight o' Malley again. Why is that? And how do you make sure that you're motivated to fight a guy that is motivated to fight you?

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Yeah, so like when I fight first time new opponent, it's easy to be motivated because you have new challenge. You never fought him and in your eyes you respect him so much and it's a new challenge and you more wide look his dangerous skills. But when you already beat him, it's, it's not easy to treat him as a dangerous.

[Rob Font]

But see that's dangerous in that thought though. No morale, that's not dangerous. Thought like, I know I can beat him. But you just said it's a new challenge. So if you're not motivated to go fight a guy that you. You know what I'm saying, like, it's dangerous.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

I agree. That's why I'm like, I'm putting extra, extra motivate myself to know this guy is dangerous, this guy hits hard and this guy will change stuff. And that's why I motivate myself all this time. And yeah, so like I said, beginning it was hard to motivate myself. I already beat him because. But I have enough motivation to be motivated, be focus. And I realized all the danger. And now I done training camp, everything what I was supposed to do, you know, I prepare very good. And you know, then this fight, I'm gonna looking for finish him and I'm looking for giving him more damage.

[Rob Font]

But Rob, were you surprised at anything in the first fight with Sean o' Malley? Because like you said, you make him into a monster. Like, this guy hits hard and he's fast and his reach. And then you beat him in the way that you did. Like, were you surprised at anything in there?

[Merab Dvalishvili]

I was surprised, yes. Like how easy I was winning this fight. And I was surprised how this guy beat my friend Al Jamar Sterling. And I also watched the fight and I can hear your commentary too. Like, he was also surprised too. Like, how easy was I was able to.

[Rob Font]

You were taking him down easier than I thought.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Yes, but he said, but he said.

[Rob Font]

He was hurt in that fight.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

It's bullshit.

[Rob Font]

Said he had surgery after that, Rob.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

No, listen, I did to times after, after the fight, surgery. But I still win the fight, you know. Yeah, but you know, we all have some problems in fight or some old injury, something like that. But if really something serious, we never, we not. We don't fight. But if something.

[Rob Font]

If you're. Especially as the champion.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Yeah, exactly. Yeah. You know, if it's. If you able to training, if you're able to fight and then it doesn't mean that it's serious, but if it's serious, you do surgery and then if something too, you can do surgery later, you know, so. No, that's why I was surprised. But like what I say earlier, so, you know, he has a knockout power and he can, he can. Everybody can get knocked down.

[Rob Font]

Did he crack you in the fifth round?

[Merab Dvalishvili]

I'm not gonna say crack me, but he let me feel his like first time I felt his like body kick. And then he landed me like too more clean like this. Then maybe can Be problem, you know, that's why, like, when he got me with the body kick, I'm like, fuck. Like, I was just two minutes earlier. I was holding him down, but because of the referee told me, move, do something. I let him get up. I should not let him go.

[Rob Font]

You can't listen to the referee.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Morale, I mean, you know, I know. How are you not gonna listen to the referee?

[Rob Font]

Because what's he gonna do? The worst he can do is pick you up. You don't let him go.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Thank you. So that's good advice. They didn't tell me this advice before. So what happened was I take him down in fifth round. I was punching and rapper, he told me, fighters, move, do something. And I changed the position. I let him come a little bit up and I was punching and he tell me something and I let go. What should I do?

[Rob Font]

Just punch him and look at the ref go, fuck, you let him go. Why? Like, you let him go?

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Yeah, you helped me to take him down, right? Yeah, exactly. And after I was chasing to take him down and he was defending like he was pulling up legs. It was hard to take him down a few times after referee let me go. And then the body kick comes, and then I'm like, I should try to finish him early. Like, why I play with him. I was mad about myself. And yeah, that's how I play. And so, yeah, I said, he let me felt the body kick. And after I was. Yeah, so just I was like, mad about myself. Why I should finish him.

[Rob Font]

Murab, two questions before we're done. One is about Sean o' Malley. He's made some changes, Right. One of the biggest things that I took, I went to your house after that fight, and you were running on Monday.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Yes.

[Rob Font]

And that to me was like, wow, this guy thinks different. Most of us go on a victory tour. We rest, we drink the alcohol. You know, we hang out. You were running, getting ready. He said that because he knows now he's preparing for a different person now. He doesn't smoke, he doesn't travel. He's eliminated so many things in his life. How much can he change? And how much do you expect him to be different inside the Octagon? Right. Because now he's eliminated a lot of the things that can be seen as distractions. Right. Partying, going out, doing all this stuff. Now he's not doing that because of you, because he knows he has to be better to beat you.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Yes. This all stuff will help him for sure. And.

[Rob Font]

But does it make much of a difference when it's a change, opposed to it being just your life. It's what you live every day. You've never strayed from that.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Yeah. Yeah, you're right. You know, you have to balance your life in a little bit. Cannot be like, I don't know, let's see. I mean, I mean, if he enjoys now this different lifestyle and he. Maybe that shows how much he wants to just win and maybe it was distraction. Who knows? I'm sure it's gonna affect him, like, good ways and it's gonna help, like, focus and be mentally more ready. I think. And I think even if he lost again, he will tell himself, hey, I tried my best. I think that's how I look. But my job is to expect him in best way, you know? Yeah.

[Rob Font]

Mehrab, you spent 25 minutes with this man. Yes. Can this man present a problem for you inside the Naktagon, or do you feel like you just can beat Sean o' Malley?

[Merab Dvalishvili]

I think I can beat him, but now I give him too much respect. Like, I'm fighting first time, and that's my job to don't look him easy. But yeah, of course, he has a knockout power. He's very smart. His speed, I cannot relax or make any mistake with him.

[Rob Font]

You know me, Rob, you, you've been living life, having fun.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Yes.

[Rob Font]

Became the champ. Travel, you've had some great moments. Can I tell you my favorite maraud move?

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Yes, for sure.

[Rob Font]

Paris.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Paris. Oh, you mentioned some interview this, right?

[Rob Font]

Yeah, this interview.

[Lex Ferrero]

I said.

[Rob Font]

I said, this is rabbit. Rob, why you. Why you asked?

[Merab Dvalishvili]

You asked, can I touch this?

[Rob Font]

This is my favorite.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

No, I see. You know. You know, it's. I don't know how. So. Yeah, she all the time.

[Rob Font]

She all the time twerk.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Yeah, twerk. And yes, I said. I guess I was able to slap her ass.

[Rob Font]

Can I touch this degree? Cuz all men think this, right?

[Merab Dvalishvili]

I know you're married, but all men think this. If you're not married.

[Rob Font]

Bow, can I touch that barometer? Can I touch that? I mean, come on, man. It's NBA finals time and the boy DC is fired up about getting in on the action at the DraftKings sportsbook. And so should you. Because at DraftKings, we're giving all new customers an opportunity that if you only bet $5 or more, you will get $300 in bonus bets instantly. But the original bet has to hit sign up using my promo code, DCTV, and bet only $5 or more and get $300 in bonus bets instantly when the original bet hits one of the best times of the year the NBA Finals are upon us. So go to the DraftKings sportsbook. Bet only $5 or more and get $300 in bonus bets instantly when that original bet hits. Hey, you know everything, right? So go to DraftKings, where the crown is yours.

[Tom Yamas]

Gambling problem. Call 1-800-Gambler in New York, call 877-8-HOPE&Y or text Hopeny at 467-369 in Connecticut. Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boothill Casino and Resort in Kansas, 21 and over. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Bet must win to receive reward minimum minus 500 odds. Required bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance and responsible gaming resources See DKNG co Audio the American west with Dan Flores is the latest show from the Meat Eater Podcast Network. Hosted by me writer and historian Dan Flores and brought to you by Velvet Buck, this podcast looks at a West available nowhere else. Each episode I'll be diving into some of the lesser known histories of the West. I'll then be joined in conversation by guests such as Western historian Dr. Randall Williams and best selling author and Meat Eater founder Stephen Rinella.

[Rob Font]

I'll correct my kids now and then where they'll say when cave people were here and I'll say it seems like the Ice Age people that were here.

[Tom Yamas]

Didn'T have a real affinity for caves. So join me starting Tuesday, May 6th where we'll delve into stories of the west and come to understand how how it helps inform the ways in which we experience the region today. Listen to the American west with Dan Flores on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lex Ferrero]

Welcome to the youe versus you podcast. I'm Lex Ferrero and every week we sit down with some of the biggest names in entertainment to talk about the real stuff, the struggles, the doubts, and the breakthroughs that made them who they are. We go deep, exploring childhood trauma, family, overcoming loss, and the moments that shape their journey. These honest conversations are meant to take the cape off our heroes with the hope that their humanity inspires you to become a better you and therefore set you free to live the life of your dreams. Here's a sneak peek.

[Rob Font]

I'm trained to go compete. I'm trained to like harder. But sometimes that mentality stops you from stopping and smelling the flowers in your own garden.

[Lex Ferrero]

Is it Wrong to want more.

[Rob Font]

We migrated. Our family migrated here. I'm like second generation.

[Lex Ferrero]

Listen to you versus you as part of Michael Tuda Podcast network. Available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Tom Yamas]

I know a lot of cops and they get asked all the time, have you ever had to shoot your gun? Sometimes the answer is yes. But there's a company dedicated to a future where the answer will always be no. Across the country, cops called this Taser the revolution. But not everyone was convinced it was that simple. Cops believed everything that Taser told them. From Lava For Good and the team that brought you Bone Valley comes a story about what happened when a multi billion dollar company dedicated itself to one visionary mission. This is Absolute Season one, Taser Incorporated.

[Unknown Host]

I get right back there and it's bad. It's really, really, really bad.

[Tom Yamas]

Listen to new episodes of Absolute Season 1, Taser Incorporated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Binge episodes 1, 2 and 3 on May 21 and episodes 4, 5 and 6 on June 4 ad free at Lava for Good. Plus on Apple Podcasts.

[Rob Font]

Foreign I'm Clayton English.

[Tom Yamas]

I'm Greg Lodd.

[Rob Font]

And this is season two of the War on Drugs podcast.

[Tom Yamas]

Sir, we are back in a big way. In a very big way. Real people, real perspectives.

[Rob Font]

This is kind of star studded a little bit, man. We got Ricky Williams, NFL player, Heisman Trophy winner.

[Lex Ferrero]

It's just the compassionate choice to allow.

[Unknown Host]

Players all reasonable means to care for themselves.

[Tom Yamas]

Music stars Marcus King, John Osborne from Brothers Osborne.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

We have this misunderstanding of what this.

[Rob Font]

Quote unquote drug fans, Benny the Butcher.

[Tom Yamas]

Brent Smith from Shinedown. Got be real from Cypress Hill, NHL enforcer Riley Cote, Marine Corvette, MMA fighter Liz Caramouche.

[Unknown Host]

What we're doing now isn't working and.

[Rob Font]

We need to change things.

[Tom Yamas]

Stories matter and it brings a face to them.

[Rob Font]

It makes it real.

[Tom Yamas]

It really does. It makes it real. Listen to new episodes of the War on Drugs Podcast Season 2 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear episodes one week early and with exclusive content, subscribe to Lava for Good plus on Apple Podcasts.

[Unknown Host]

No, he knows. He knows. He's a toolbox. No, he's very aware. We have a bet going right now, actually.

[Rob Font]

You and Henry.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Rob Font]

What is it?

[Unknown Host]

We bet. Years ago, before I ever signed with ufc, we bet. And Khabib was there. Khabib was there. A bunch of guys were there, and he was talking Shit about judo versus wrestling and talking about how he's the greatest combat athlete of all time. And I said, listen, I can't believe you've never seen this clip. Because Khabib says something so funny. Okay, someone find that clip. So I was like, all right, listen, I'll bet you 100 anytime push ups that when I. I'm two time Olympic champion, I'm gonna win the PFL belt twice. I'm gonna come over to the ufc, I'm gonna win the UFC belt, I'm gonna defend the belt, then I'm gonna be the greatest combat athlete of all time. I was like, when I do. And he didn't want to take the bet. Didn't wanna take the bet. So finally I was like, all right, I bet you a thousand anytime push ups. A thousand push ups from me, and you only have to give me 100 pushups. And then finally he took the bet.

[Rob Font]

So you bet 10 to 1 odds.

[Unknown Host]

Uh huh. And then he said, all right, all right, I'll take your bet. But. And then he turned to Habib and he was like, who's the greatest combat athlete of all time right now? I can't believe you haven't seen this. And Habib goes, Daniel Cormier. Oh, it was so.

[Rob Font]

That's my boy right there. You see what I'm saying? Who's the greatest combat athlete of all time right now? Who's the greatest combat athlete of all time right now?

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Currently, I just started Daniel Cormier. Now, you know, if you don't know.

[Rob Font]

Now, you know Ali wants you bad, man, man, like, I mean, it's like you guys are married.

[Unknown Host]

No, it's a stage five clinger right now. Oh, yeah, well, you know. Yeah, I'm about to be the champ.

[Rob Font]

So he starts clinging on.

[Unknown Host]

Alibaba. I got like, new Gucci shoes. I got all kinds of stuff.

[Rob Font]

That is the best.

[Unknown Host]

It's good.

[Rob Font]

Guys, I'm here with Kayla Harrison for the UFC bantamweight championship this weekend. Champ, all that we're talking about, right? While we're talking about it. And it's funny.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Rob Font]

It's all true, right? It's all true. You have won two Olympic gold medals. You have won the PFL championship.

[Unknown Host]

Yep.

[Rob Font]

You've won everywhere you've been. You're now here in the ufc and you're already on the verge of a title.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Rob Font]

How's it feel? Getting to a moment that you not only predicted, but so many expected? Now that is where it gets difficult.

[Unknown Host]

I mean, I think that having all this Experience that I have, having years of competing on the biggest stages in the world has been prepared me and sort of helped me to learn that that's all noise and, like, none of that matters, you know? Like, I. I do this because I love it. I do it because I want to. I do it because it's my dream. The outside pressure is, you know, I mean, no one had ever won an Olympic gold medal before. So, like, being in the finals of an Olympic match and knowing that no, someone had won silver, someone had won bronze, but nobody had ever won gold. Like, that's. That's a different kind of pressure.

[Rob Font]

Oh, my God. Yeah. Kayla, we have all kind of almost anointed you as the champ. The moment you got here. Right. Everybody started talking about it. You had to win some fights to finally get this opportunity. Juliana Pena gets the belt back in that fight against Raquel Pennington. Did you think that she won that fight? Did you think Raquel won that fight?

[Unknown Host]

I didn't give the fight to her. After going back and watching it, I thought that Raquel won the fight, but, you know, I'm not a judge, so.

[Rob Font]

So. And I asked you this. You're in the back. Chael and I have had a field day with this.

[Unknown Host]

Have you?

[Rob Font]

You're in the back.

[Unknown Host]

Chael is not my biggest fan, by the way. He be talking a lot of shit about me.

[Rob Font]

He loves you.

[Unknown Host]

Does he?

[Rob Font]

He constantly puts you over.

[Unknown Host]

Does he?

[Rob Font]

Yes.

[Unknown Host]

Are you sure?

[Rob Font]

I swear to God.

[Unknown Host]

Because when I see him, we're going to have breaks.

[Rob Font]

He's one of the crazy. Like, he just does it every time. He puts you over constantly. But what we had a field day with is. You're in the back.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. They show me, Right?

[Rob Font]

It's a layup.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Rob Font]

She no sells you and calls on Amanda.

[Unknown Host]

She doesn't call for me.

[Rob Font]

What did you make of that?

[Unknown Host]

I mean. I mean, I attest that to insecurity. Like, I'm the unknown, right? I'm like this big, scary unknown. She's fought Amanda before, twice.

[Rob Font]

She knows the second one went very bad.

[Unknown Host]

It did go very bad, but I think that she still knows what she can. She's like, I've beaten her. I can do it. You know, so. Or it could have just been like, that was what she had in her mind to say. So that's what she said. Even though I feel like the fight to make was her and I, and here we are, and.

[Rob Font]

Yes, and it's made. And the reason there's so much hype behind it is because of who you are and who she is. In fighting, there was an opportunity to make it bigger in that moment. Right?

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Rob Font]

Cause you could have stormed to the cage. You could have did some old school.

[Unknown Host]

It could have been. I kind of was like, yeah, I kind of wanted to. First of all, I didn't know where I was in the arena. It's a little bit of a maze back there, but, yeah, it would have been good.

[Rob Font]

That would have been the greatest visual. She goes, kayla Harrison, you just fought. I just became a world champion. Get your ass out of here. You come charging to the ring, dude.

[Unknown Host]

That would have been so sick.

[Rob Font]

Like, the ultimate warrior fucking running out the.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Dude.

[Rob Font]

It would have been the craziest.

[Unknown Host]

Everybody already thinks I'm Brock Lesnar. Now you're gonna have me doing some shit like this.

[Rob Font]

Craziest thing ever. We would have popped so loud, and it would have been amazing. But, yeah, the fight still has that hype.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Rob Font]

The other day, we ran a feature of you two face to face. Yeah, you're talking. Julianna almost wants to give you the pressure.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, it felt.

[Rob Font]

No, the pressure's on Kayla.

[Unknown Host]

No, she did say that. She's like, I've got nothing to lose. And I'm like, well, left a whirlwind. I mean, I just don't really understand Juliana. She throws a lot of shit out there. Like, it's a lot of spaghetti at the wall and a lot of, like, you know, everywhere from, like, she's on steroids to she's a weight bully. She needs a walking taco. To all the pressures on her. What's she gonna do? How's she gonna, you know, she gonna lay on me, And I'm like. I just. It kind of screams insecurity to me.

[Rob Font]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Like, I have three dogs, and, you know, I have a big mastiff. I have a medium husky, and then I have this little Chihuahua. And the Chihuahua sounds vicious. You know, he's playing with the other dogs, and he's. And he's the most harmless of them all. He's just a little yapper, you know?

[Rob Font]

So you think all the talking is.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, I think.

[Rob Font]

Put the. Put this. Give off the idea of strength, knowing that underneath, it's a little bit uncertain.

[Unknown Host]

For sure.

[Rob Font]

Yeah. But at the end of the day, she's the world champion two times.

[Unknown Host]

She is.

[Rob Font]

Right?

[Unknown Host]

She is.

[Rob Font]

So when you are breaking her down and looking at her skill for skill.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Rob Font]

What do you see in Julianna Payne? Honest answer, Kayla.

[Unknown Host]

I see heart. I see heart. I see fire. You know, I think that her best attribute as an athlete is she's a fighter. Like, she is a fighter. She's not going to give up. She's not going to quit. It's not the prettiest, but she's gonna keep coming forward and she's gonna. She's gonna try and find a way, you know? But I think that I'm better everywhere. I think that I'm the bigger, faster, stronger fighter. I think that now I have quite a bit of experience under my belt. I think that I'm a better striker. I think that I'm a better grappler, and I'm prepared to, you know, she's a fighter, but I'm a fighter, too. I've been fighting my whole damn life, you know, like, forget inside of a cage or on a mat, I've been fighting my whole life. So if she thinks that, like, she's some David and I'm Goliath, she's got it wrong.

[Rob Font]

Yeah. How much did you learn in that last fight where the takedowns didn't come as easy as you may have anticipated against Ketland?

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, no, I think it was really good for me. I was disappointed, you know, in my performance, just because I'm. Initially, I was disappointed because I'm a perfectionist, and I want to go out there and dominate and instill my will. But I think it was good to see kind of how girls at this level are going to try and combat the grappling.

[Rob Font]

It felt like she was doing a good job of defending earlier.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Rob Font]

I think even in the commentary, I was talking about it, like, when you would level change, you're having difficulties getting up to her body.

[Unknown Host]

Right?

[Rob Font]

Like that. Cause in judo, right, you guys use a lot of trips and throws from up top. I think she was doing a better job of defending at the body. Right.

[Unknown Host]

And I mean, I think she was really defensive. You know, it's like. It's hard to, you know. You know how it is take somebody down.

[Rob Font]

All they don't want to do is.

[Unknown Host]

Get in there when they're just not trying. When they're not trying to win, they're just trying not to lose. It's hard to get in there and make shit happen. So. But it was a really good learning experience for me. And that's. Those are the moments where it's like, all right, then let your hands go. Yeah, like, let your hands go. And guess what? What happens when you let your hands go? Their hands go here.

[Rob Font]

You can take them down.

[Unknown Host]

So.

[Rob Font]

And you control that first round. Very, very Easy. It was later when she got more slippery.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, But Julia, she's a big, strong girl, too. I know everybody be talking how big kill is so big, but she just had to fight at 145. I'm like, there's a reason for that, dude. She's big.

[Rob Font]

Juliana's actually gonna fight, though. You think that it's gonna give you more openings to take her to the mat. How do you see this fight ending on Saturday night? Can you finish Juliana Pena?

[Unknown Host]

I'd like to. You know, I'm prepared for 25 hard minutes, but the goal is always to go out there and ko, tko, or submission. If I have my perfect world, I would love to, I think, just, you know, put some elbows through her head, through her forehead, and end on a tko.

[Rob Font]

I remember the first time you learned that you. You could elbow in pfl how excited you were. I was like, oh, this lady's violent. You were like, oh, my God, I can elbow now.

[Unknown Host]

It's such a huge weapon in the sport.

[Rob Font]

And then you remember how bad you bloodied up the girl right after? Yeah, dude, that shit was nasty.

[Unknown Host]

No, that's when I was like, oh, I've fought half my career without a very important weapon. Like, this is. Yeah, I love it.

[Rob Font]

All right, last one. Before I let you go, obviously, I have to ask this question.

[Unknown Host]

Here we go. What is it?

[Rob Font]

I know it's the Amanda Nunes question. Oh, yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. So, yes, I want to fight her. Yes. I hope she comes back. No, I'm not overlooking Juliana.

[Rob Font]

Okay. You don't get better at something by not doing it. Right. You don't get better at something by not doing it.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Rob Font]

How does Amanda expect to be who she was being off for two years? Obviously, we don't know the extent to which she was training. I heard that her gym closed. I heard that they closed that gym. So I don't know what she would be doing for training. But again, you don't get better at something by not doing it. If Amanda does come back, like, what Amanda Nunes would you guys expect, and would you want that in the next fight after Julianna Payton?

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, for sure. I think that this has been my dream for a long time, is, like, be UFC champion, fight Amanda. And it was never anything negative. Like, it's just that she's the greatest of all time, and. And to me, that's the highest honor I can give you. I'm like, look, dude. Like, you are. You're it.

[Rob Font]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

You're her. I want to be you. That's why I moved to Florida to train with you. You know, like, if you want to be the best, you have to train with the best. And I think that, you know, it doesn't really matter. I think that now is my time. I think that I am.

[Rob Font]

She could be Amanda that destroyed Holly Holm, and it won't matter because you're ready.

[Unknown Host]

I think now's my time. When you're the best in the world, you're the best in the world, and it doesn't matter.

[Rob Font]

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.

[Unknown Host]

The OGs of uncensored motherhood are back and badder than ever. I'm Erica. And I'm Mila, and we're the hosts of the Good Moms Bad Choices Podcast, brought to you by the Black Effect.

[Tom Yamas]

Podcast Network every Wednesday.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, we're moms, but not your mommy. Historically, men talk too much and women have quietly listened. And all that stops here. If you like witty women, then this is your tribe. Listen to the the Good Mom's Bad Choices podcast every Wednesday on the Black Effect podcast network, the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you go to find your podcast.

[Lex Ferrero]

Welcome to the you versus you podcast. I'm Lex Borrero, inviting you to go beyond the titles and the accolades of the world's most successful entertainers. Each week we take off the cape and get real about the inner battles, childhood stories, and the moments that shaped our guests. Get inspired to become the best version of you. Listen to youo vs you podcast on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown Host]

I also wanna address the Tonys. On a recent episode of Checking in with Michelle Williams, I open up about feeling snubbed by the Tony Awards. Do I? I was never mad. I was disappointed because I had high hopes to hear this and more more on disappointment and protecting your peace. Listen to Checking in with Michelle Williams from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an iHeart podcast.