Daniel Cormier TV - BEST OF UFC 319: Khamzat Chimaev BEATS Dricus Du Plessis, wins TITLE

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Daniel Cormier TV - BEST OF UFC 319: Khamzat Chimaev BEATS Dricus Du Plessis, wins TITLE

Date: August 24, 2025
Host: Chael Sonnen (substituting/hosting segment), with guest fighters Khamzat Chimaev, Aaron Pico, Lerone Murphy, and Israel Adesanya

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Episode Overview

This episode is a dynamic roundtable and series of interviews centered around the aftermath and significance of UFC 319, with a focus on Khamzat Chimaev's victory over Dricus du Plessis and his ascent to champion status. Host Chael Sonnen leads discussions about motivation, fighter mentality, stylistic matchups, and the future of multiple divisions, particularly the middleweight and featherweight classes. Other standout segments feature contenders Aaron Pico and Lerone Murphy discussing their respective paths and challenges, and Israel Adesanya sharing his perspective on division changes and the meaning of championship glory.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Khamzat Chimaev: The Champion’s Mentality

Timestamps: [02:25]–[07:08]

• Why Chimaev Is Considered the “Boogeyman”

  • Chael Sonnen reflects on how most fighters avoid Chimaev, likening him to the childhood "boogeyman."
    • "If the boogeyman's in the room with you...as the champion, you walk to the post fight prep conference and say Chimaev's next. Why?" [02:25] - Chael Sonnen

• Motivation Debate: Legacy vs. Money

  • Khamzat Chimaev emphasizes that he is chasing greatness, not money or fame:
    • "Ever since the day I started the sport, I wanted greatness. I never chased money, I never chased fame." [03:26] - Khamzat Chimaev
  • He contrasts his drive with those motivated solely by money:
    • "There's no amount of money that's gonna keep you in that fight. When I'm in there willing to give my life to win, money can't buy that." [04:11] - Khamzat Chimaev

• Chimaev on His Strengths and Mindset

  • Sonnen and Chimaev discuss what makes Chimaev uniquely dangerous: his unbroken confidence, all-around skills, and habitual winning.
  • "This man does not lose in training...that makes him dangerous because in his mind, he only wins." [05:41] - Khamzat Chimaev

• On Handling Losses

  • Chimaev humbly notes that experiencing defeat gives a fighter depth and resilience:
    • "Giving up when you know what it feels like to lose is a lot harder...Khamzat is dangerous because he goes out there and he believes that he can do what he wants to." [06:21] - Khamzat Chimaev

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2. Rising Featherweight Contenders: Aaron Pico vs. Lerone Murphy

Timestamps: [07:08]–[15:26]

• Transitioning from Other Organizations

  • Chael discusses the challenges that fighters face when transitioning from organizations like Bellator to UFC, naming previous struggles.
  • Aaron Pico is confident but realistic:
    • "I'm Aaron Pico. Yeah, it's different in my mind...I'm not naive, I'm not stupid...I've trained my ass off." [08:06] - Aaron Pico

• Lerone Murphy: Outlook and Motivation

  • Murphy highlights seizing major opportunities:
    • "I need a big breakthrough...this is a massive card and a massive spot—couldn't pass it up." [11:51] - Lerone Murphy

• Title Contention Stakes

  • Murphy outlines the path to a title shot:
    • "With a win over Pico, I’m next in line." [12:27] - Lerone Murphy

• Discussion of Styles and Tactics

  • Pico focuses on implementing pressure and making the fight "ugly" to sap Murphy’s strengths:
    • "We gotta make the fight ugly. When we take him down, we gotta bust him up with elbows." [10:44] - Aaron Pico
  • Murphy addresses his continual preparation for wrestling-heavy opponents, building on experience from prior matchups.
    • "I've come on leaps and bounds over them fights and got the experience." [15:05] - Lerone Murphy

• Culture and Lingo

  • Lighthearted segment on British slang (“innit”) and local language traditions, bringing a personable and humorous touch to the interview.
    • "We say 'innit.' In Manchester, we say 'innit' as in yeah, right." [13:41] - Lerone Murphy

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3. Israel Adesanya: On Chimaev, Division Evolution, and What Really Matters

Timestamps: [19:42]–[25:43]

• Adesanya on Chimaev’s Championship Impact

  • The discussion addresses concerns over champion inactivity and the significance of Chimaev’s ascent.
  • Adesanya expresses his readiness to stay active and defend his title again soon:
    • "Of course. I say if no injury, nothing’s going to happen there as we want to go back in Abu Dhabi. Defend my belt." [21:45] - Israel Adesanya

• Analysis of Dricus du Plessis’ Style

  • Chimaev and Adesanya talk about du Plessis' awkward, powerful style.
    • "He's taken down easy for this guy. Never wrestle, you know? So I'm better wrestler, I'm better striker." [22:52] - Israel Adesanya

• On Frequency and Motivation

  • Sonnen pokes fun about Chimaev's past infrequent appearances; Chimaev and Adesanya discuss the financial realities and what motivates them.

  • Adesanya candidly discusses prioritizing financial security over merely the belt itself:

    • "I have a question for you, bro. You want $10 million or just the belt?" [24:59] - Israel Adesanya

  • Sonnen admits pragmatism, but notes the belt often leads to the money:

    • "But the belt leads to $10 million." [25:04] - Chael Sonnen

  • Chimaev is honest about not feeling an emotional need for the championship itself:

    • "I don't need that belt. So if I get take it, may bring them back to my country and give it someone." [25:17] - Israel Adesanya

• Legacy for the Home Country

  • Both discuss what it means to bring championship recognition back to their home countries.
    • "My people...the first guy who is become a UFC champion from [Chechnya]...it is big for them and I know it’s big, but I like to fight." [25:43] - Israel Adesanya

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Purpose Beyond Money:
  • "My kids one day are going to look at that [the title]. That is worth more than any amount of money. And that's what I fight for when I go out there, to be remembered forever."
    — Khamzat Chimaev, [04:11]
• On Facing Adversity in the UFC:
  • "I've taken losses before. I know what it feels like to lose...all I can do is go out on Saturday night and do my job."
    — Aaron Pico, [08:06]
• On Earning a Title Shot:
  • "Who's more deserving than me? Movsar was, but he pulled out a fight, so I believe I'm there now if I win."
    — Lerone Murphy, [12:47]
• On Inactivity and Rumors:
  • "I don't care about these things that they put me in that position, so it's not my fault. I was making more money than anyone else."
    — Israel Adesanya, [23:43]
• On Values and Priorities:
  • "I have a question for you, bro. You want $10 million or just the belt?"
    — Israel Adesanya, [24:59]
  • "If he works hard, belt is coming, bro. I need to beat the guy just after that and I don't need think about the belt and make some pressure on my head, you know?"
    — Israel Adesanya, [25:17]

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Key Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------------|--------------| | Chimaev on motivation and greatness | [03:26] | | “Boogeyman” myth and match-up analysis | [05:10] | | Aaron Pico discusses Bellator to UFC transition | [08:06] | | Lerone Murphy on stepping up for opportunity | [11:51] | | British slang breakdown “innit” | [13:29] | | Pico on tactical approach to Murphy | [10:44] | | Adesanya on Chimaev’s impact and activity | [21:45] | | Candid talk on belt vs. money | [24:59] | | Importance of becoming the first Chechen UFC champ | [25:43] |

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Conclusion

The episode delivers an inside look into the mindset of top-tier MMA athletes following UFC 319, exploring the nuanced and sometimes divergent motivations that drive elite fighters. Through candid conversations, the guests touch on legacy, national pride, financial realities, and overcoming adversity, all wrapped in the real dialects and personalities that animate the sport. Whether examining Khamzat Chimaev’s rise, the hunger of contenders like Aaron Pico and Lerone Murphy, or the evolved outlook of Israel Adesanya, the episode offers an engaging, authentic window into the world of modern MMA.

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Transcript

[Chael Sonnen]

This is an iHeart podcast. You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com 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. And 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. Talk about stepping up. It's time to level up your game, introducing the all new ESPN app. All of ESPN all in one place. Your home for the most live sports and the best championship moments. The electricity is palpable. Step up your game with no annual contract required. It's the ultimate fan experience. Level up. For More on the ESPN app or at stream.espn.com Sign up up now.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Chael Sonnen]

The volume as always, we working and today's episode is brought to you by Total Wireless, the official wireless provider of UFC. They're in your corner with unlimited 5G data that won't slow you down. Hamza Chimaev right? He's the boogeyman. We have conversations about why he's the boogeyman. Most people since we were children we have been told the boogeyman comes at night and he's scary. You want to avoid the boogeyman. You don't want to deal with him. You put your head under the COVID If the boogeyman's in the room with you as a little boy, you're calling him out while everybody else is putting their hands under the covers, you, as the champion, walk to the post fight prep conference and say chimaev's next. Why?

[Khamzat Chimaev]

I have to be honest with you, every since the day I started the sport, I wanted greatness. That was what I, that's what I was chasing. I never chased money, I never chased fame. I never. If this wasn't, if this sport was not paying, I would be struggling to get by, to be honest.

[Chael Sonnen]

Let me ask you this, champ. I love that, that point, right? He said the belt doesn't matter to him though. It's about the money. Can you guys have different motivations and still fight at the same rate, right? Like at the same level? Because if you're doing it for that love and he's literally telling me that he's not doing. He wants the money, the, you know, like, can you fight at the same level when there's such a difference in the approach?

[Khamzat Chimaev]

You can, but you can't fight me with that as your motivation. You will be paying all that money to get out of there. If you're in there with me for five rounds, if the money is your motivation, that motivation monkey will drive away very quickly. Money. There's no amount of money that's gonna keep you in that fight. When I'm in there willing to give my life to win, there's money. Can't buy that. And there's only one thing, it has to be bigger than you. Money is not bigger than me. Passion, legacy and achievement, that's bigger than me wearing my country's flag and being, making history for my country. Bringing that belt back home. It's not about the belt. It's about bringing that victory home. Representing my country, my people, my team, my family, my crest, my kids one day are going to look at that. That is worth more than any amount of money. And that's what I fight for when I go out there, to be remembered forever.

[Chael Sonnen]

When you guys break down Chimaev, what makes him so dangerous? I mean, it's the start, right? It's the takedown, it's the aggressiveness, it's the grappling. Is there anything that I'm missing? Because I don't look at him as an opponent, right? I've never had to. But when you as his opponent, watch him and your coaches, outside of the fast start, the quick takedown the avalanche, coming downhill. What is there to Hamzat Chimaev that makes him so dangerous? Or do you even view him as dangerous?

[Khamzat Chimaev]

Absolutely. I think he's an incredibly dangerous opponent. I think he has the striking to put you down with one strike. He has enough power for that. He has the wrestling to fall back on. If the striking goes south and on the ground, he can do it all. He's an all around fighter with that. He's never lost, so he has grown used to winning. And I think his whole mindset, it works around confidence in training, within his team. This man does not lose in training. I don't think he does. I've only heard he doesn't. And that makes him dangerous because in his mind, he only wins.

[Chael Sonnen]

You have to teach him how to lose.

[Khamzat Chimaev]

You have to teach him how to lose. And that's why I'm here, because I know what it's like to lose in training every single day. I have felt defeat in the professional era as well, and it sucks. Giving up when you know what it feels like to lose is a lot harder than giving up. If you don't know, maybe it's not that bad. But Khamzat is dangerous because he goes out there and he believes that he can do what he wants to. He is that guy in the schoolyard who does whatever he wants to and he doesn't get into trouble. Well, I'm the other guy who just got into the school and you're not going to get your way with me. And that is why this is such a great fight. You have two bullies who are going out there to see who's the man on the block.

[Chael Sonnen]

Yeah. So Laron Murphy, undefeated one of the highest rated guys in the ufc. Aaron. Not many guys have come over and had success recently. Marcus Bucetcher just came over, got beat. I had no idea he got beat. Marcus Bucet got beat by a dude that beat him so bad that they cut him. The fight was that bad. The winner got cut. Patchy Mix didn't fight to his ability when he got here. Patricio Pitbull didn't fight to his ability when he got here. Michael Chandler's 2 and 5 or 2 and 6 right now, what are you gonna do different? Right? Because at this point, the expectation is that the guys come over and it's not the same. Ask coach. Coach will tell you. When we came here from Strikeforce, guys won, right? So it was like Strikeforce guys win. The Bellator guys haven't. Like, what are you gonna do to make sure that you're not on that side, especially with a guy like Laron Murphy as the opponent.

[Aaron Pico]

Well, I can, I don't wanna sound cocky or anything like that. You know, they're all great fighters, but I'm Aaron Pico. Yeah, it's, it's different in my mind. And that is a concern. I'd be stupid to say, like, yeah, guys have lost, but Coach Gibson used you as an example. He used strike for his days. These guys came over and they won and it can be done and it's possible and you have the skills to do it. So I, I trust my coaches. I, I know how I work and what I know I can compete with the best guys in the world, but I'm not one of those guys that comes over and says, oh, yeah, I'm gonna do this and do that. No, I know that this is the best fighting organization in the world. And I'm not naive, I'm not stupid. Like, I'm just gonna come in here, I know what I'm gonna do, but I have to go out there and prove it. You know, I still keep my mind sharp. I've taken losses before. I know what it feels like to lose. And with that being said, I've trained my ass off. I've dotted every, you know, I dot my I's and crossed my T's, and all I can do is go, go out on Saturday night and do my job. And if I do that, I feel I'll get my hand raised.

[Chael Sonnen]

So Larrone Murphy's a guy that, he just wins, Right. It's not always the most fan friendly, even though it's striking, but he just knows how to create situations where he always comes out in front. He's fast, he's big, he's explosive, and he's just a flat out winner. How do you approach that challenge whenever you found out it was. Look, most don't want to fight a Vloev because of the wrestling. You, that's not an issue. Right. So I'm preparing for another wrestler that gets me excited. It's easier for the wrestler, especially one of our caliber. But when you get a guy like Laron who doesn't seem to have that ability, but he's just a much better striker and a guy that seems very, very good overall. Like, what did you guys make? And I know Coach Gibson's a great coach, right. I've had to fight him on multiple occasions, compete against him, and I respect him tremendously. But what's the original thought when you get lerone Murphy now instead of Ofloiev, and you guys get some tough ass fights when you first get here. You ain't getting no, like, easier fights when you show up.

[Aaron Pico]

Yeah, it's a good question. I think I'm gonna. You're a wrestler, so. You know when you watched my wrestling match against Jordan Oliver.

[Chael Sonnen]

Yep.

[Aaron Pico]

Jordan Oliver is the best at footwork. And he. And he's.

[Chael Sonnen]

He's.

[Aaron Pico]

He fakes, he jukes, he. He can. He's fast, knows how to win.

[Chael Sonnen]

Yep.

[Aaron Pico]

And what I did was, is I put pressure.

[Chael Sonnen]

I just have to smother his ass.

[Aaron Pico]

You have to smother him? Of course, fighting's a little bit different, and I'm aware of that. I can't just go in there and just go guns blazing, but I have to smother him. I have to make it, basically make his life stressful in that. That octagon. I can't, you know, oh, let me show you my footwork and let's dance. No, it's. We got to make the fight ugly. When we take him down, we got to bust him up with elbows. So when he does get up, he's His. His gas. His gas is going a little bit. The fakes, the jukes, the running is a little bit less. And it's just one of those fights where you're like, but I gotta. I gotta go. Yeah, there's no time to. Let's see how good I am in my striking and let's go. Tit for tat now. You gotta make this fight ugly.

[Chael Sonnen]

Lauren, when did you get. When did you hear of this? Like, the main co. Main event, UFC 319. Like, what was your initial thought? Right, because he was gonna fight a Voyev 2 wrestling. Guys, you're a striker, right? Like, what was your thought when they said, hey, we want you to fight Aaron Pico at UFC 319 outside of just give me more money. Right? Because most people want more money to fight. Like, of course get paid. But, like, what was your original thought?

[Lerone Murphy]

For me, I just need a big breakthrough in it. I need a. I need a chance. I need an opportunity to get where I need to get, and that's the title fight. So for me, it was like, it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. A lot of people would say, sit out and wait for a better fight. But for me, this is a massive card and a massive spot call. Main event. Couldn't pass it up.

[Chael Sonnen]

So when you look at this fight, like, what does it do for Lerone Murphy? Because you're undefeated. You're the guy that has a long win streak in the ufc. You're the guy that would seem to be getting very close to a championship opportunity. Like, what's the win in this for you, outside of being on the big card?

[Lerone Murphy]

The win is you're supposed to be the number one contender to fight before, like you said, you're supposed to fight. Movsar Dana come out and said that that's the number one contender spot. So I've been shifted into that place now in my eyes. So with a win over R Pico, I'm next in line.

[Chael Sonnen]

Oh, you want a title? You should have a title shot.

[Lerone Murphy]

For sure. For sure.

[Chael Sonnen]

Who.

[Lerone Murphy]

Who's. Who's more deserving than me? Mova was, but he. He pulled out a fight, so I believe I'm. I'm there now if I win.

[Chael Sonnen]

And if you win, that would obviously lead to a championship opportunity, hopefully against Alexander Volkanovski. Like, when you. Do you allow yourself to think of that? Like, man, I've been doing this for so long. I could be on the verge of fighting for a UFC championship and really changing my life.

[Lerone Murphy]

Yeah, for sure. But I can't look past this weekend. It's a big weekend, and obviously, in my mind, for a long time since I've been in the ufc, I thought of fighting Alex Volkanovski. He's been the guy at the top for. For a while in it. So, yeah, I got to get through Rnpico first, and then hopefully that's next in it.

[Chael Sonnen]

You said, innit? You said he's been the guy at the top in it. In it, Like, I n N I t. Yeah, yeah.

[Lerone Murphy]

Yes.

[Chael Sonnen]

So, like, is. It isn't like. Isn't he?

[Lerone Murphy]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, same thing.

[Chael Sonnen]

But in it.

[Lerone Murphy]

In it. We say in it in Manchester, we say in it as in. Yeah, right.

[Chael Sonnen]

So Volkanovski's been a man at the top of the division for a long time in it.

[Lerone Murphy]

Yes. I mean, I'm trying to get you to agree with me. Like, what do you think? In it?

[Chael Sonnen]

Okay, okay. In it. Yeah, that was. Yeah. I never. Yeah. How would you say that, Danny, in your culture? I mean, I understand, but what would you say? Is it he.

[Lerone Murphy]

Yeah, yeah, that's proper English. But.

[Chael Sonnen]

But your English.

[Lerone Murphy]

This is quick. Like, we speak quick.

[Chael Sonnen]

Okay, you speak quick. Yeah, that's good. So he is the champion in the weight class, but you got to get through Aaron. Aaron presents some unique problems because he's been. He's been boxing since he was A little boy. He's been wrestling since he was a little boy. What have you done specifically to make sure that you can handle the wrestling? Because that's one thing. I mean, Josh Emmett was a good wrestler. Right. You fought many good wrestlers. What have you done specifically to make sure that Aaron Pico doesn't try to use that wrestling and just ground you? Because if I'm fighting Laron Murphy, you're. If it's a 15 minute fight, my intention is to have you on your back for 12 of them.

[Lerone Murphy]

Yes.

[Chael Sonnen]

Taking you down in the first minute of every round because then that gives me an opportunity to slow you down. Your footwork and everything is what really does frustrate people and make it hard to fight. What have you done to make sure that isn't the case come Saturday night?

[Lerone Murphy]

Well, I know that. I know that's most people's game plans, so I've been working on that. The life, my lifetime really in mma. So I think I've had back to back opponents who have got me ready for that. Dan Ige good wrestler as well. Josh Emmett same and Fort Sukov as well. So I feel like I' come on leaps and bounds over them fights and got the experience.

[Chael Sonnen]

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[Chael Sonnen]

You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com this podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. So 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 has your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. They keep you covered for just $25 a month with four lines without sacrificing the essentials like speed. With Total, you get unlimited 5G data so you can stay ahead of the action and and keep up with every knockout. Total Wireless understands you can't afford surprise blows any more than your favorite fighter can. That's why the price is guaranteed for five years, taxes and fees included. The best fighters don't make it to the Octagon alone. They have all in support along the way, and it shouldn't be any different for you. So 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. Monthly rate on the Total Base 5G Unlimited plan for new subscribers applies only to the monthly rate for your plan. Additional terms apply. See website for details.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Chael Sonnen]

Good morning, welcome to Today From Back to school to tackling your to do list. The Today show is your best start to the day. It's a new season, and every morning we're here to help you take it all on.

[Ryan Seacrest]

As the forecast calls for football all.

[Chael Sonnen]

Across the country, blockbuster stars, live concerts, and so much more. Wake up to where it's all happening. We're getting back to all of it, and the best way to start is together. Watch the tip Today show, weekday mornings at 7am on NBC. 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. You 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.

[Israel Adesanya]

I'm showing you love, bro.

[Chael Sonnen]

But you pick me. I'm not a child. My legs spin.

[Israel Adesanya]

He looks cute, brother. Hey.

[Chael Sonnen]

With the big shirt, why you do. Oh, this is Anderson Ordis, a very great company. My best company. Yeah. It's beautiful. What is this? Why. Why always black? You could use a little color in your wardrobe.

[Israel Adesanya]

It's better to use the black brush.

[Chael Sonnen]

What?

[Israel Adesanya]

I don't know. It feels better.

[Chael Sonnen]

You got to put that right there. You talk really low.

[Israel Adesanya]

Feels better?

[Chael Sonnen]

Yeah.

[Israel Adesanya]

Oh, that's. That's. I don't know. Colorful.

[Chael Sonnen]

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

[Israel Adesanya]

That needs to be beautiful.

[Chael Sonnen]

What? You need to be world champion.

[Israel Adesanya]

Girls like turtles.

[Chael Sonnen]

You're so crazy that you can't say that. 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?

[Israel Adesanya]

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

[Chael Sonnen]

You want to fight again in October?

[Israel Adesanya]

Yeah.

[Chael Sonnen]

That's fast.

[Israel Adesanya]

That's good. But fast money.

[Chael Sonnen]

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.

[Israel Adesanya]

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

[Chael Sonnen]

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.

[Israel Adesanya]

All the fighters is different, but this.

[Chael Sonnen]

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.

[Israel Adesanya]

His fighting style between Izzy means big difference between bro. I'm not easy, you know, he's taken down easy for this 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 fighter than anyone.

[Chael Sonnen]

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?

[Israel Adesanya]

Yeah, but 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 else. But don't care about.

[Chael Sonnen]

You were making money when you weren't fighting.

[Israel Adesanya]

You said, yeah, when I was fights once, I make more than anyone does, so it's finally gonna fight, so I'm gonna make more money.

[Chael Sonnen]

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

[Israel Adesanya]

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

[Chael Sonnen]

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

[Israel Adesanya]

After Gilbert Burns.

[Chael Sonnen]

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

[Israel Adesanya]

Yeah.

[Chael Sonnen]

So what happened?

[Israel Adesanya]

I don't know.

[Chael Sonnen]

Did you ask?

[Israel Adesanya]

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

[Chael Sonnen]

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.

[Israel Adesanya]

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

[Chael Sonnen]

But the belt leads to $10 million. Hamza, if I.

[Israel Adesanya]

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

[Chael Sonnen]

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.

[Israel Adesanya]

If he works hard, belt is coming, bro. I need to beat the guy just after that and 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, may bring them back to my country and give it someone.

[Chael Sonnen]

What would that feel like to bring that belt back to you, to Russia?

[Israel Adesanya]

For me, it's like not a crazy thing I'm not that crazy, big fan.

[Chael Sonnen]

Of, but it's going to be huge, though. It would be massive.

[Israel Adesanya]

My people, of course, the first guy who is become a UFC champion from Shen. So they. It is big for them and I know it's big, but I like to fight.

[Chael Sonnen]

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.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Chael Sonnen]

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[Israel Adesanya]

This is an iHeart podcast.