Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Daniel Cormier TV - Daniel Cormier & Ben Askren on Ilia Topuria MOVING UP to fight Charles Oliveira, Umar Jacuzzi pic
Release Date: December 12, 2024

Hosts:

• Daniel Cormier
• Ben Askren

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Daniel Cormier and Ben Askren delve into the latest developments in the mixed martial arts (MMA) world, focusing primarily on Ilia Topuria's potential move up a weight class to challenge Charles Oliveira. The discussion is both analytical and filled with the hosts' characteristic banter, providing listeners with in-depth insights and entertaining commentary.

2. Kellen Walsh's Commitment to Oklahoma State

The episode begins with excitement over Kellen Walsh's recent commitment to Oklahoma State, signaling a promising future for the wrestling program.

• Daniel Cormier (04:40): "Is that where he's going?"
• Ben Askren (04:44): "Yeah, he made his commitment today."

The hosts express their enthusiasm for the quality of wrestlers Oklahoma State attracts, with Askren sharing his personal connection through his son Cody.

• Ben Askren (05:07): "I'm telling you, I had mine with Cody last year and yeah, he's loving it, dude. It's environment. There is next level and these kids are wrestling great."

3. Ilya Topuria's Potential Title Move

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Ilia Topuria's recent performances and his decision to move up to the lightweight division to fight Charles Oliveira.

• Ben Askren (05:25): "Ilya Topuria... Ilya Topuria and his team. You can't think that that was going to happen just being on the outside. He went and he knocked out Max Holloway. That doesn't happen."

Daniel and Ben analyze Topuria's motivations, considering his recent victories over established fighters like Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski.

• Daniel Cormier (06:18): "He mentioned he's done at 145 and he wants to fight at 155. What do you make of that? Like, that's kind of odd to me because it's not like he's out of challengers."

They discuss the strategic implications of Topuria's move, debating whether it enhances his career or dilutes his championship credentials.

• Ben Askren (07:29): "You know, the only ones that believed that he would do what he did was Ilia Topuria and his team. He knocked out Max Holloway. He knocked out Volkanovski."

4. The Importance of Consistent Title Defenses

The hosts delve into a broader conversation about the significance of defending championship titles consistently, drawing comparisons with MMA legends.

• Daniel Cormier (09:02): "Back in my day... Anderson Silva, George C. Pierre, Jon Jones, Demetrius Johnson... they defended their belts for a very long reign."

They emphasize the rarity of such consistent title defenses in the current MMA landscape and question the modern champions' commitment to maintaining their belts.

• Ben Askren (10:00): "We haven't seen that in a long time... I want to be active, I want to fight."

5. Critique on Current Championship Strategies

Cormier and Askren critique the current strategies of champions who opt for less challenging defenses, suggesting it undermines the sport's competitive integrity.

• Ben Askren (16:28): "I don't think it's insane to expect someone to defend their belt say, three times a year."

They argue that frequent defenses against top-tier opponents are essential for maintaining the prestige of the championship and ensuring fighters remain at the pinnacle of their divisions.

6. Fighter Anecdotes and Humorous Discussions

Amidst serious analysis, the hosts engage in light-hearted banter about various fighters and amusing anecdotes, adding a relatable and entertaining dimension to the discussion.

• Ben Askren (17:52): "IL has a $2 million gym already in his basement... Was he married into money or something?"

They also discuss fabricated and real pictures of fighters in humorous scenarios, highlighting the camaraderie and playful nature of the conversation.

• Ben Askren (25:46): "What hot tub is a hot tub picture?"
• Daniel Cormier (25:50): "That's real. That's real."

7. Plans for Future Live Shows

Looking ahead, Cormier and Askren contemplate expanding their show by hosting live episodes in Los Angeles, aiming to engage more directly with their audience.

• Ben Askren (30:20): "Guys, in the comments, tell us, do you want me and Ben to do our live show from LA?"
• Daniel Cormier (30:43): "What do you think about that, man?"

8. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts reaffirming their commitment to delivering insightful and entertaining content, inviting listeners to engage with their discussions and stay tuned for future episodes.

• Ben Askren (31:52): "Until next time. Peace."

Notable Quotes

• Ben Askren (07:33): "No, it's called the barbed wire."
• Daniel Cormier (09:27): "I feel like we got to put that narrative to bed. It's bullshit. Just fight the best guy in your division."
• Ben Askren (16:15): "Three is fair."
• Daniel Cormier (13:38): "I want to call you the greatest of all time."

Key Takeaways

• Ilia Topuria's Move Up: The decision for Topuria to move to the lightweight division is analyzed for its potential impact on his career and the featherweight division.
• Championship Defense: Emphasis on the importance of frequent and challenging title defenses to uphold the championship's prestige.
• Current MMA Landscape: Critique of modern fighters' strategies regarding title defenses and matchups.
• Engaging Banter: The hosts maintain an engaging and entertaining dialogue, balancing serious analysis with humorous interactions.

This episode offers MMA enthusiasts a comprehensive look into the strategic decisions of fighters and the evolving dynamics of championship defenses, all delivered with the engaging chemistry between Daniel Cormier and Ben Askren.