Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode Title: Daniel Cormier TV - Daniel Cormier & Ben Askren on Jon Jones-Francis Ngannou Fight, Makhachev-Belal, Ben vs. Usman
Release Date: February 19, 2025

1. Introduction and Episode Kickoff (03:58 - 04:40)

The episode kicks off with former UFC Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier and former Bellator Lightweight Champion Ben Askren engaging in their signature banter. They discuss upcoming events and appointments, setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of current and potential matchups in the MMA world.

2. Speculations on Upcoming Fights (04:09 - 06:12)

Daniel Cormier and Ben Askren dive into the anticipation surrounding significant MMA events, particularly focusing on Jon Jones' potential fight against Francis Ngannou. They discuss the logistics and possibilities of such a matchup, highlighting the complexities involved in making high-profile fights happen.

• Cormier (04:14): "I'm going on Friday. When's the 24th? Whatever dates the 20."
• Askren (05:08): "They gotta go. So Nelson brands just came back."

3. Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou: Hurdles and Possibilities (06:12 - 12:19)

The conversation shifts to the much-anticipated fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. Cormier expresses skepticism about the likelihood of the fight materializing, citing Dana White's influence as a significant obstacle.

• Cormier (08:56): "Francis Ngannou saying that he believes the fight could happen if not for Dana White."
• Askren (09:25): "Dana is just so stuck... the UFC will always go on regardless of what happens."

They discuss how Dana White prioritizes the UFC brand over individual athletes, making cross-promotions rare and challenging. The duo also touches upon Ngannou's success outside the UFC and his reluctance to return, further complicating the potential bout.

• Cormier (12:19): "Francis wants to box again, but this time against Deontay Wilder. Dude, can you believe that?"
• Askren (12:19): "He's already achieved that, and maybe he doesn't feel the need."

4. Analysis of Dana White’s UFC Management (12:19 - 16:23)

Cormier and Askren delve deeper into Dana White's management of the UFC, emphasizing his reluctance to accommodate fighters' personal goals if they conflict with the brand's interests.

• Askren (10:15): "Dana still doesn't fold in negotiations to him [Conor]."
• Cormier (15:00): "The UFC will always go on regardless of what happens."

They critique the UFC's business strategies, noting how White's decisions often place corporate interests above fighters' desires, leading to challenges in booking marquee fights.

5. Current UFC Landscape and Fighter Dynamics (16:23 - 22:26)

The discussion moves to the current state of the UFC, focusing on fighters like Islam Makhachev and Bilal Muhammad. They analyze the competitiveness within weight classes and the strategic decisions fighters make regarding weight divisions to maximize their careers.

• Cormier (17:30): "Bilal said, 'I would never fight Islam because that's a different...'"
• Askren (19:29): "He should stay at welterweight. Islam’s got two big fights on the horizon."

They argue that staying within one's natural weight class allows fighters to perform optimally and maintain their competitive edge, rather than seeking higher weight classes for potential title shots.

6. Personal Anecdotes and Relationships (22:26 - 36:05)

Cormier and Askren share personal stories and anecdotes, providing a glimpse into their camaraderie and history within the MMA community. They reminisce about past interactions with coaches and fellow fighters, showcasing their deep-rooted relationships and playful rivalry.

• Cormier (26:11): "If they had a camera down there, I'd be done. I would not be sitting in this position today."
• Askren (34:09): "There is no one that does that more than you do it."

These exchanges highlight their mutual respect and the long-standing friendships they've built over the years, adding a personal touch to their professional discussions.

7. UFC Leadership and Influential Figures (36:05 - 38:46)

The hosts discuss influential figures within UFC, such as coach Terry Brands, and their impact on the sport. They critique and commend various personalities, reflecting on how leadership styles affect fighters and the overall dynamics of the UFC.

• Cormier (37:01): "He is awesome. Is he ever gonna not be awesome?"
• Askren (37:25): "He ran into the stand and got in the fan's face after their win."

Their analysis underscores the importance of leadership and mentorship in shaping fighters' careers and the UFC's reputation.

8. Current UFC Events and Fight Card Analysis (38:46 - 41:38)

The conversation shifts back to current UFC events, discussing specific fight cards and athlete performances. They analyze the outcomes of recent matches, fighter preparations, and strategies that influenced the results.

• Askren (38:46): "He has a fight coming up against Shavkat."
• Cormier (41:38): "Catch you on the next one. Peace."

Their insights provide listeners with expert opinions on fight performances and future predictions, catering to MMA enthusiasts seeking detailed analysis.

9. Conclusion and Final Remarks (41:38 - 42:52)

As the episode wraps up, Cormier and Askren exchange final thoughts and humorous remarks, maintaining their engaging and entertaining dynamic. They invite listeners to tune in for future episodes, ensuring a sense of continuity and anticipation for upcoming discussions.

• Cormier (41:38): "Catch you on the next one. Peace."
• Askren (41:43): "See ya."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Daniel Cormier (08:56): "Francis Ngannou saying that he believes the fight could happen if not for Dana White."
• Ben Askren (09:25): "Dana is just so stuck... the UFC will always go on regardless of what happens."
• Daniel Cormier (12:19): "Francis wants to box again, but this time against Deontay Wilder. Dude, can you believe that?"
• Ben Askren (10:15): "Dana still doesn't fold in negotiations to him [Conor]."
• Daniel Cormier (17:30): "Bilal said, 'I would never fight Islam because that's a different...'"
• Ben Askren (19:29): "He should stay at welterweight. Islam’s got two big fights on the horizon."
• Daniel Cormier (26:11): "If they had a camera down there, I'd be done. I would not be sitting in this position today."
• Ben Askren (34:09): "There is no one that does that more than you do it."
• Daniel Cormier (37:01): "He is awesome. Is he ever gonna not be awesome?"
• Ben Askren (37:25): "He ran into the stand and got in the fan's face after their win."
• Daniel Cormier (41:38): "Catch you on the next one. Peace."

Key Takeaways

• Fight Realities: High-profile fights like Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou face significant obstacles due to management and contractual issues within the UFC.

• Dana White’s Influence: Dana White's prioritization of the UFC brand over individual fighters' desires creates challenges in organizing marquee matchups and cross-promotions.

• Weight Class Strategies: Staying within natural weight classes is crucial for fighters to maintain performance and competitiveness, as highlighted by the discussions on Islam Makhachev and Bilal Muhammad.

• Personal Relationships: The longstanding friendship and playful rivalry between Daniel Cormier and Ben Askren provide entertaining and insightful perspectives on the MMA world.

• Leadership Impact: Influential figures like Terry Brands play a pivotal role in shaping fighters' careers and the dynamics within the UFC.

This episode offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of current MMA dynamics, fighter strategies, and the intricacies of UFC management, all enriched by the charismatic interaction between Daniel Cormier and Ben Askren.