The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Daniel Cormier TV – Ciryl Gane on Being Underrated vs. Tom Aspinall & Reflecting on the Jones Loss

Date: October 25, 2025

Overview

This episode of The Herd (Daniel Cormier TV segment) features Daniel Cormier in conversation with top UFC heavyweight contender Ciryl Gane ahead of Gane's title bout against Tom Aspinall. The discussion delves into Gane’s preparation, the perception that he's being overlooked, lessons from his loss to Jon Jones, his support system, and what winning the championship would mean to him. The tone is candid, personal, and motivational, highlighting not just the competitive aspects of MMA, but also the emotional journey at the elite level.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Ciryl Gane's Fight Camp and Training Approach

[04:16 – 06:33]

• Gane feels focused, excited, and motivated as fight night approaches.

• He ramped up his wrestling training, working with elite talent including a Russian Olympic-level wrestler in Paris, and world champion Rogue Umar Khan in Dubai.

• Emphasized alternating focus between wrestling and striking throughout training camp.

• Gane’s commitment is evident—he created an intentional “bubble,” being away from family for almost three months to maximize preparations.

• Recently moved to Morocco for a more peaceful environment and personal safety, away from his increasing fame in Paris.

  “I traveled a lot. I did a big bubble, like I didn’t see my family since maybe almost three months now.”
  — Ciryl Gane [06:07]

Handling Public Perception: Underdog Against Aspinall

[07:08 – 10:13]

• Cormier addresses the narrative: many assume Aspinall is a clear favorite, surprising considering Gane’s resume.

• Gane questions why people expect a knockout loss to Aspinall when he’s survived – and even outlasted – true power-punchers like Derrick Lewis and Francis Ngannou.

• Both agree that social media "influence" distorts actual fight analysis, making narratives misleading.

  “This is an influence, you see … about the social media, about the people who don’t know really what is MMA.”
  — Ciryl Gane [08:37 & 08:43]

• Gane points out that his experience in long fights is a factor, while Aspinall hasn’t yet been tested beyond the early rounds.

• Embraces being underestimated:

  “It’s funny when the people like to underestimate me. So I like this position.”
  — Ciryl Gane [10:10]

The Stakes: Is This “Do or Die” for Gane?

[10:13 – 11:00]

• At age 36, Gane doesn’t see this fight as his “now or never” moment, stressing he remains healthy and confident of remaining a top contender.

• He notes his sustained presence in the UFC’s heavyweight elite and his athlete’s mentality.

  “Imagine we lost this fight, maybe next year … I'm gonna have another chance for sure if I want, because I'm an athlete, I'm a competitor.”
  — Ciryl Gane [10:25]

Reflecting on the Hardest Career Moment: Jon Jones Loss

[12:05 – 13:03]

• Gane admits the toughest part of his career was the sudden, short-notice matchup with Jon Jones. He was not in ideal shape, leading to a difficult loss and social/media backlash.

• The experience forced him to question his trajectory, but also sharpened his focus.

  “We took this fight, we was not in the good conditioning … and the social media, the media, every people around do some bad buzz on it, and it was really hard.”
  — Ciryl Gane [12:05]

• Emerged more dedicated, channeling negative experiences into motivation:

  “At this time, something changing and now I'm really focused on one thing. To be the champion.”
  — Ciryl Gane [13:03]

Support System and Mental Resilience

[13:04 – 14:12]

• Credits family—parents, siblings, wife, daughters—for emotional stability and humility.

• Gane’s late start in MMA and rapid ascent have kept him grounded.

  “I got my hand on my shoulder. That's why I started really late. I got success really quickly, but I stay really humble because of this. So even on the hard moment, this helped me also.”
  — Ciryl Gane [13:40]

What Would Winning the UFC Heavyweight Title Mean?

[14:12 – 15:02]

• For Gane, victory would bring gratitude and validation for his sacrifices.

• Proud to win not just for himself, but for his coaches, friends, family, and supporters worldwide.

  “I'm gonna be really full of this feeling, like grateful … And you're gonna make me proud. Proud and really happy for my coaches, my friends, my family, and the family in friends and everywhere in the world.”
  — Ciryl Gane [14:43 – 14:52]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Perception and Social Media:
  Ciryl Gane - “Influence about the social media, about the people who don’t know really what is MMA. Yeah, the people just like to watch some videos and okay, this guy is the guy. He’s the best guy.” [08:43]

• On Motivation:
  Daniel Cormier: “It motivates you.”
  Ciryl Gane: “Yeah, exactly.” [10:13–10:14]

• On Support System:
  Ciryl Gane: “No, just my real world. Yeah. My family, daughters, wife ... I stay really humble because of this. So even on the hard moment, this helped me also.” [13:40]

• On The Sacrifice:
  Ciryl Gane: “Because I did a lot of sacrifice.” [14:46]

Timeline & Timestamps of Key Segments

• [04:16] Start of Conversation—Cormier greets Gane, asks about preparations.
• [05:33] Gane discusses focus on wrestling and intense camp structure.
• [06:07] Gane reveals time away from family for training.
• [06:22] Move to Morocco and reasons for relocation discussed.
• [07:08] Talk on public perception and Aspinall’s hype.
• [08:55] Deep dive into fight matchup and why Gane is being overlooked.
• [10:13] “Now or never?” discussion; Gane on his career timeline.
• [12:05] Gane candid about the pain and impact of the Jon Jones fight.
• [13:04] Gane’s support system and how personal foundation helps in tough times.
• [14:36] What the championship would mean personally.
• [15:02] Episode wraps up with well-wishes and fight promo.

Summary

This episode delivers an in-depth look at Ciryl Gane’s mindset and approach as he prepares for another UFC title challenge. He's self-aware about where fans and media place him, uses doubt as motivation, and demonstrates mature perspective drawn from experience. Cormier guides the conversation with empathy and insight, helping listeners see beyond the headlines into what truly drives a world-class athlete—discipline, family, humility, and a relentless desire for improvement.

Whether you’re a fight fan or interested in the mentality behind elite performance, this episode offers both technical glimpses and heartfelt honesty, making Gane a compelling figure going into his showdown with Tom Aspinall.