Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Daniel Cormier TV Episode

Title: Daniel Cormier & Ben Askren REACT to Jon Jones avoiding Tom Aspinall, Merab’s Broken Toe, O’Malley
Release Date: May 29, 2025
Host/Guests: Daniel Cormier and Ben Askren
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Daniel Cormier and Ben Askren delve deep into the latest happenings in the UFC heavyweight division. The primary focus revolves around Jon Jones potentially avoiding a fight with Tom Aspinall, concerns over Merab Dvalishvili’s recent injury, and the rising prominence of Sean O’Malley in the featherweight division.

2. Merab Dvalishvili’s Injury and Its Implications

Discussion Points:

• Merab’s Broken Toe: Daniel brings up Merab's recent toe injury, highlighting its significance given Merab’s wrestling-heavy fighting style.
• Impact on Performance: They discuss how such injuries can hamper Merab’s ability to perform, especially in grappling and takedowns, which are crucial in his fights.

Notable Quotes:

• Daniel Cormier [07:00]: “A toe might seem like a small deal for a guy that doesn't kick that much, but it is a big deal for a guy that has to wrestle without a shoe.”
• Ben Askren [06:16]: “Merab is like a freaking honey badger. He doesn't give a shit. He just wants to bring the heat all the time.”

Insights:

• Strategic Vulnerabilities: Daniel emphasizes that even minor injuries can significantly impact a fighter’s performance, especially in a sport as physically demanding as MMA.
• Merab’s Resilience: Despite the injury, both fighters acknowledge Merab’s toughness and determination to compete at a high level.

3. Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili: Pay-Per-View and Performance Concerns

Discussion Points:

• Pay-Per-View Implications: Daniel and Ben debate whether Sean O’Malley generates enough pay-per-view (PPV) revenue to justify a rematch with Merab.
• Merab’s Motivation: Ben expresses concern over Merab’s recent comments suggesting a lack of motivation to fight O’Malley again, which could influence the matchup dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Askren [09:10]: “Merab just doesn't give a shit. He wants to get there and fight. There's not a lot of people like him left.”
• Daniel Cormier [09:55]: “If I knew we were going to sell 600,000 pay per views, I think maybe that is where that motivation comes from.”

Insights:

• Market Dynamics: The discussion highlights the intricate balance between fighter motivation and the business side of MMA, where PPV numbers can dictate main event status.
• Potential Match Outcome: They analyze the fighting styles, suggesting that O’Malley’s striking could pose significant challenges for Merab’s wrestling-centric approach.

4. Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall: The Heavyweight Championship Stalemate

Discussion Points:

• Jones’ Avoidance: The hosts speculate on Jon Jones’ reluctance to fight Tom Aspinall, exploring reasons behind the UFC’s decision-making.
• Heavyweight Division Dynamics: Analyzes the awkward situation of having both a heavyweight champion and an interim champion actively defending the title.
• Future of Jon Jones: They ponder whether Jon Jones is preparing for retirement or if there are underlying issues hindering his return to the Octagon.

Notable Quotes:

• Daniel Cormier [13:59]: “There is a signature to strip Jon Jones. It's over 70,000.”
• Ben Askren [21:26]: “Having a heavyweight champion who won't defend his belt is kind of absurd.”

Insights:

• UFC Governance: The conversation sheds light on potential management strategies the UFC could employ to streamline title defenses and maintain fan engagement.
• Legacy and Motivation: They discuss Jon Jones’ legacy in the sport and whether his current actions align with his past reputation as one of the greatest fighters.

5. Personal Anecdotes and Insights from Daniel and Ben

Discussion Points:

• Ben’s Bitcoin Convention: Ben shares his experiences attending a Bitcoin convention in Las Vegas, adding a personal touch to the episode.
• Daniel’s Hacking Concerns: Daniel recounts his encounters with potential hacking attempts, providing a glimpse into the personal challenges faced by public figures in the digital age.

Notable Quotes:

• Daniel Cormier [23:28]: “Someone walks over and goes, what? I swear to God, I was giving him all my address, my info...”
• Ben Askren [24:02]: “I keep my phone permanently on silent.”

Insights:

• Maintaining Privacy: The hosts discuss the importance of privacy and security for athletes, especially in an era where digital interactions are ubiquitous.
• Balancing Public and Private Lives: They highlight the challenges of balancing personal life with public personas, a common theme among professional fighters.

6. Predictions and Future Outlook

Discussion Points:

• Heavyweight Future: Daniel and Ben predict that the current stalemate in the heavyweight division will continue until the UFC forces Jon Jones to make a definitive move.
• Tom Aspinall’s Rise: They express confidence in Tom Aspinall’s potential to become a dominant force in the heavyweight division once given the opportunity.
• O’Malley’s Trajectory: The hosts remain optimistic about Sean O’Malley’s chances against Merab, emphasizing his striking prowess and ability to capitalize early in fights.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Askren [26:53]: “He [Jon Jones] drags it on for a while longer, which I'm not in favor of.”
• Daniel Cormier [32:17]: “He just never quite could figure out how to drive off his foot without the wrestling shoe.”

Insights:

• Strategic Moves Needed: The discussion underscores the necessity for strategic matchmaking in the UFC to ensure title defenses are both competitive and commercially viable.
• Emerging Talent: They emphasize the importance of promoting emerging talent like Tom Aspinall to maintain the sport’s dynamism and fan interest.

7. Conclusion

Daniel Cormier and Ben Askren wrap up the episode by reiterating their thoughts on the current state of the heavyweight division and expressing their anticipation for upcoming fights. They emphasize the need for the UFC to address title defenses more effectively and commend the fighters who continue to push boundaries despite challenges.

Final Thoughts:

• Legacy vs. Current Performance: The hosts highlight the tension between honoring a fighter’s legacy and ensuring their current performance aligns with that legacy.
• Future Matchups: They conclude with excitement for future matchups that promise to deliver high-stakes action and keep fans engaged.

Overall, this episode provides a comprehensive analysis of key developments in the UFC, offering listeners valuable insights into fighter motivations, organizational strategies, and the evolving landscape of mixed martial arts. The candid conversations between Daniel Cormier and Ben Askren ensure an engaging and informative listen for both avid fans and casual observers of the sport.