Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Daniel Cormier TV - Daniel Cormier & Ben Askren on Merab Dvalishvili BEATING Umar, Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev
Release Date: January 23, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, former MMA champions Daniel Cormier and Ben Askren engage in an in-depth discussion about recent significant events in the mixed martial arts (MMA) world. The primary focus revolves around Merab Dvalishvili's surprising victory over Umar and the anticipated matchup between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev. Throughout the episode, Daniel and Ben provide expert analysis, personal anecdotes, and critical insights into the fighters' performances and future prospects.

Merab Dvalishvili's Upset Victory Over Umar

Performance Analysis:
Daniel Cormier and Ben Askren begin by dissecting Merab Dvalishvili's unexpected triumph over Umar. Dvalishvili entered the fight as a 3 to 1 underdog but managed to secure a win that surprised many pundits and fans alike.

• Daniel Cormier (03:49): "How impressed were you by his performance in a fight where he was a 3 to 1 underdog? It was plus 25, and he went out a beautiful fight."

Betting Lines and Odds:
The hosts examine the initial betting odds and how Dvalishvili's performance influenced the betting landscape.

• Daniel Cormier (05:01): "What they do is, and you know what they do is we set a line or the odds makers set a line. They set a line hoping that you get two-way action..."

• Ben Askren (05:18): "That's fair."

Dvalishvili's Fighting Style:
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Dvalishvili's relentless pace and strategic aggression, which pressured Umar throughout the match.

• Daniel Cormier (06:31): "What he does though is every second of the fight he is just attacking your will... He just attacks your will till eventually you start going, man, do I really have what I have to have."

• Ben Askren (06:48): "And you know, great example, Daniel, is Umar..."

Cardio and Endurance:
The conversation highlights Dvalishvili's exceptional cardio and endurance, enabling him to maintain a high pace for the entire duration of the fight.

• Ben Askren (07:14): "He just attacks your will... To defend Marab a little bit."

• Daniel Cormier (07:50): "He's up and walking, he's going to continue to press you and try to chase you down to get you."

Implications for the Bantamweight Division

Dvalishvili's Dominance:
Daniel and Ben discuss the implications of Dvalishvili's victory on the bantamweight division, questioning the readiness of other fighters to challenge his dominance.

• Daniel Cormier (11:22): "You could say in their prime. You just can, man. Merab is the bantamweight goat..."

• Ben Askren (12:00): "Yeah, no, well, it's because Dan. And that was why I think he was so pissed about Umar getting a title shot so fast..."

Future Matchups and Potential Superfights:
The hosts speculate on potential future fights, including a possible matchup between Sean O'Malley and Dvalishvili, and the challenges such fights would entail.

• Daniel Cormier (13:00): "Alex, he's not... unless it's for a title, I don't think it's a super fight if not a title fight."

• Ben Askren (13:26): "I kind of think that's a really fun fight."

Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev

Upcoming Fight Analysis:
The discussion shifts to the highly anticipated fight between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev, with both hosts expressing excitement and skepticism about the outcome.

• Daniel Cormier (22:09): "Hey, talking about Alex Pereira. He's got his next fight, bro. He's finally fighting Michael..."

• Ben Askren (22:27): "That's funny. And actually, the discussion came up at my house when me and my buddy was watching my fight..."

Pereira's Striking vs. Wrestling Concerns:
Daniel raises concerns about Pereira's wrestling abilities, suggesting that his striking prowess may be his downfall against a strong wrestler like Ankalaev.

• Daniel Cormier (26:12): "I'd go forward, press, throw like a left hand or an overhand right. Just diving on his legs as much as I could..."

• Ben Askren (26:46): "Alex is so fun. It's so funny to me because on the one hand, I kind of think his wrestling still sucks..."

Potential Outcomes:
The duo debates potential outcomes of the fight, considering both fighters' strengths and weaknesses.

• Daniel Cormier (27:47): "He's been the champion two times in two weight classes. He has defended the belt in multiple divisions..."

• Ben Askren (28:26): "Yuri has proven, though, he's the man..."

Wider Implications for MMA and Fighter Development

Shift in Wrestling Talent:
Ben offers insights into the current state of wrestling talent in MMA, noting a decline in elite wrestlers transitioning into the sport.

• Ben Askren (26:59): "A lot of the American wrestlers have now they can get paid enough where they actually want to stay in wrestling..."

Future of the Bantamweight Division:
The hosts reflect on the future landscape of the bantamweight division, emphasizing the need for talented wrestlers to challenge Dvalishvili.

• Daniel Cormier (28:57): "I don't know if standing the whole fight with Alex Pereira is the greatest idea."

• Ben Askren (29:32): "It was a competitive fight. I guess you could do that..."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Daniel Cormier and Ben Askren wrap up the episode by reiterating the significance of Merab Dvalishvili's victory and the upcoming Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev fight. They emphasize the changing dynamics in the MMA landscape, particularly in the bantamweight division, and the critical role wrestling plays in determining future champions.

• Daniel Cormier (31:22): "Like, I'm just saying, unless Sean makes wholesale changes, I don't know how he's gonna."

• Ben Askren (31:38): "To defend Marab a little bit. Right."

The episode concludes with both hosts expressing anticipation for future fights and the ongoing evolution of MMA talent.

Notable Quotes

• Daniel Cormier (03:49): "How impressed were you by his performance in a fight where he was a 3 to 1 underdog? It was plus 25, and he went out a beautiful fight."

• Daniel Cormier (06:31): "What he does though is every second of the fight he is just attacking your will... He just attacks your will till eventually you start going, man, do I really have what I have to have."

• Daniel Cormier (11:22): "Merab is the bantamweight goat..."

• Ben Askren (26:59): "A lot of the American wrestlers have now they can get paid enough where they actually want to stay in wrestling..."

• Daniel Cormier (28:57): "I don't know if standing the whole fight with Alex Pereira is the greatest idea."

Key Takeaways

1. Merab Dvalishvili's Dominance: Dvalishvili's victory over Umar marks a significant shift in the bantamweight division, highlighting his exceptional striking and endurance.
2. Wrestling's Role in MMA: The decline of elite wrestlers transitioning into MMA poses challenges for fighters like Dvalishvili facing strong wrestling opponents.
3. Upcoming Fights Impactful: The Pereira vs. Ankalaev fight is pivotal, with potential implications for the division's hierarchy based on the wrestlers' performances.
4. Future Champions: The discussion underscores the necessity for MMA to cultivate and integrate top-tier wrestlers to maintain competitive balance.

This episode provides listeners with a comprehensive analysis of current MMA events, blending technical fight breakdowns with strategic insights. Daniel Cormier and Ben Askren offer a nuanced perspective on fighter performances and the evolving nature of the sport, making it invaluable for MMA enthusiasts seeking deeper understanding.