Podcast Summary: "Daniel Cormier TV - Daniel Cormier & Ben Askren DEBATE 100 Men vs. One Gorilla + Eddie Hearn on Boxing vs. UFC"

Introduction

Released on May 3, 2025, this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, features former UFC champions Daniel Cormier and Ben Askren engaging in a spirited discussion. The episode delves into the ongoing debate between UFC and boxing, explores the financial dynamics within each sport, and culminates in a humorous yet thought-provoking debate on a hypothetical scenario: 100 men versus one gorilla.

UFC vs. Boxing: Insights from Eddie Hearn

The conversation kicks off with Ben Askren referencing a statement from Eddie Hearn, a prominent boxing promoter known for his work with top fighters like Canelo Alvarez and Tyson Fury. Askren highlights Hearn's perspective that while boxing may seem to be thriving, it faces challenges not immediately apparent.

Ben Askren [06:00]: "Eddie Hearn said something like, boxing is killing it. I feel like boxing's dying."

This remark sparks a detailed analysis from Cormier, who counters by emphasizing the relativity of success metrics between the two sports.

Daniel Cormier [06:53]: "Because the money in boxing is much bigger today than it's ever been. Those guys weren't making anywhere near what they're making today."

Cormier argues that while pay-per-view (PPV) numbers might appear lower for UFC compared to boxing, the revenue distribution and overall financial health of the UFC make its stance robust.

Pay-Per-View Sales and Revenue Comparison

The hosts delve into the intricacies of PPV sales, comparing the UFC's performance to that of boxing. Cormier points out that even seemingly lower PPV numbers in the UFC translate to substantial revenue due to different payout structures.

Daniel Cormier [07:21]: "Yeah. Right. Like, so essentially, it's very relative, but in terms of numbers, different stars, not so much."

Ben Askren concedes that while boxing may boast higher individual fight earnings, the UFC's consistent event schedule and broad fighter roster contribute to its financial stability.

Ben Askren [08:05]: "So the UFC's killed it for ESPN."

However, Cormier highlights that recent UFC PPV events have seen a decline, with some only reaching around 100,000 buys, a figure he deems "really bad" for the sport.

Daniel Cormier [08:35]: "I think that number today is smaller than it was in the past because I know on good authority that there have been some pay per views, Ben. That you wouldn't believe."

Fighter Earnings: UFC vs. Boxing

A significant portion of the discussion centers on fighter compensation. Cormier contrasts the UFC's payment structure with boxing's, noting that a larger number of UFC fighters earn a livable income compared to their boxing counterparts.

Daniel Cormier [09:24]: "Not even half of boxers make 12 and 12. They don't make that. Now, the bigger guys make a ton of money."

Askren adds that the UFC's approach allows more fighters to sustain their careers, although top-tier boxers like Canelo Alvarez still earn exponentially more.

Ben Askren [18:03]: "That's great. I do think the UFC fighters are making kind of more than ever."

Cormier reinforces this by sharing his personal earnings from high-profile UFC events, illustrating the financial opportunities within the organization.

Daniel Cormier [18:29]: "I know what I made to fight Derrick Lewis. And when it came out and I don't know who told them, everybody was so surprised. But now I know probably, I know of maybe 10 to 15 guys that are making that."

The Lack of UFC Stars Compared to Boxing

While boxing has historic figures who transcend the sport, the UFC has struggled to cultivate similarly iconic stars. Cormier attributes this to the UFC's business model, which focuses on the organization's brand rather than individual fighters.

Daniel Cormier [13:19]: "Eddie Hearn was on that show this weekend because there's a lot of people fighting on Friday and Saturday."

He acknowledges Conor McGregor as a standout UFC star but suggests that such figures are rare within the organization.

Daniel Cormier [13:19]: "The only athlete that ever overcame that truly was Conor McGregor."

Askren concurs, noting that while the UFC successfully builds a consistent fan base, it lacks the marquee names that boxing promotions leverage to draw massive audiences.

Ben Askren [19:05]: "So Eddie Hearn maybe has a few points there, I just can't get behind the fact that boxing is huge or as big as it's ever been. I don't feel that way at all."

Promoters and Business Strategies

The discussion shifts to the role of promoters, with Cormier highlighting Eddie Hearn's experience and success in boxing.

Daniel Cormier [19:19]: "Don King was with Muhammad Ali, right? ... he clearly understood the game, right?"

He suggests that the UFC could benefit from adopting some strategies from boxing promoters to enhance their marketability and fighter star power.

Daniel Cormier [20:10]: "If the UFC takes anything from Eddie Hearn, I would listen to some of his advice because he has been in the game for a really long time."

However, Cormier remains optimistic about the UFC's ability to navigate these challenges by leveraging its existing strengths and strategic partnerships.

The Hypothetical Debate: 100 Men vs. One Gorilla

Adding a lighter tone to the episode, Cormier and Askren engage in a humorous debate about a viral online scenario: whether 100 men could defeat a single gorilla. This segment showcases their camaraderie and quick wit.

Askren introduces the topic with a humorous angle, questioning the gorilla's endurance against multiple opponents.

Ben Askren [22:26]: "How many humans would the gorilla kill before the gorilla gas out?"

Cormier counters with detailed reasoning, emphasizing the gorilla's physical advantages and the improbability of such an outcome.

Daniel Cormier [32:46]: "Every man is done by the gorilla in 10 minutes."

The debate evolves into a playful exchange of strategies, with both hosts entertaining various tactics while ultimately agreeing on the futility of the scenario.

Daniel Cormier [35:25]: "You guys have no idea. Like, it's the most ridiculous conversation of all time. I can't believe we're doing this on our show."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up, Cormier reflects on the insights shared during the episode, acknowledging the complexity of the UFC vs. Boxing debate and the potential influence of experienced promoters like Eddie Hearn on the UFC's future strategies.

Daniel Cormier [19:55]: "But he's been in the game for a really long time... those guys are smart, and they're going to employ the right people to guide them down the right path."

The episode concludes with a blend of acknowledgment for the ongoing discussions within combat sports and a lighthearted sign-off following their entertaining gorilla debate.

Notable Quotes

• Daniel Cormier [06:53]: "Because the money in boxing is much bigger today than it's ever been."
• Ben Askren [08:05]: "So the UFC's killed it for ESPN."
• Daniel Cormier [13:19]: "The only athlete that ever overcame that truly was Conor McGregor."
• Ben Askren [19:05]: "So Eddie Hearn maybe has a few points there, I just can't get behind the fact that boxing is huge or as big as it's ever been."
• Daniel Cormier [32:46]: "Every man is done by the gorilla in 10 minutes."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a comprehensive look into the dynamics of combat sports, juxtaposing the business models, financial structures, and star power of the UFC and boxing. Through candid dialogue and engaging debates, Daniel Cormier and Ben Askren provide listeners with valuable insights into the evolving landscape of mixed martial arts and boxing, all while maintaining an entertaining and relatable tone.