Daniel Cormier TV - Daniel Cormier CALLS FOR Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria for lightweight title NEXT

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Daniel Cormier TV - Daniel Cormier CALLS FOR Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria for Lightweight Title NEXT
Release Date: March 15, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, former UFC fighter Daniel Cormier delves deep into the current landscape of the UFC lightweight division. Cormier provides his expert analysis on recent fights, contender standings, and potential future matchups, emphasizing the chaotic yet exciting state of the 155-pound weight class.

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Overview of the Current Lightweight Division

Daniel Cormier's Return and Justin Gaethje's Comeback Daniel Cormier begins by sharing his experience returning from The Ultimate Fighter and his enthusiasm to engage directly with fans about the latest developments in mixed martial arts (MMA). He highlights UFC 313, where Justin Gaethje made a successful return to the Octagon by defeating Rafael Fiziev in what he describes as a "typical Justin Gaethje fight" ([04:30]). Cormier notes the fluctuating perceptions of Gaethje, pointing out how quickly fan opinions can change based on recent performances.

“When you’re a guy like Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, it really is all about timing of when you’re going to get something.”
— Daniel Cormier ([04:45])

Islam Makhachev's Dominance and Potential Title Defenses Cormier praises Islam Makhachev for his consistent performances and dominance in the lightweight division. He underscores Makhachev's impressive resume, including victories over notable fighters like Charles Oliveira, Tony Ferguson, and Hassan Blazik.

“He is the best fighter in the world. He is number one pompom guy in the world, and we should respect that.”
— Daniel Cormier ([06:15])

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Contenders and Potential Matchups

Ilia Topuria's Rise and Move to Lightweight Cormier discusses Ilia Topuria's recent decision to move up to the lightweight division, expressing intrigue over his potential impact. He suggests that Topuria could be a formidable challenger for Makhachev, given his striking prowess and rapid ascent in the ranks.

“Ilia Topuria goes up to 155 pounds, and he seems to be a guy that could fight for a belt, you know, or could fight for the title.”
— Daniel Cormier ([09:00])

Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier: A Championship Potential The conversation shifts to Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier, both of whom have significant claims to title contention. Cormier analyzes their recent performances and suggests that a matchup between Oliveira and Poirier would be a compelling fight, potentially serving as a stepping stone to a title shot for the winner.

“Oliveira is a former champion, a big name. He could be the type of guy Poirier would want to fight in his retirement fight.”
— Daniel Cormier ([11:20])

Armand Tsarukian's Title Shot Ambitions Armand Tsarukian is another fighter Cormier highlights, noting his claim to a title fight after defeating Oliveira. However, organizational challenges and fight cancellations have hindered his path, creating frustration both for Tsarukian and the fanbase.

“Armand Tsarukian has a claim to maybe getting a title fight. Yo, 155 right now is a complete mess.”
— Daniel Cormier ([12:50])

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Proposed Matchmaking and Future Outlook

Cormier's Suggested Matchups Daniel Cormier outlines his vision for the next set of fights in the lightweight division to restore clarity and excitement:

1. Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev

   • Cormier believes this fight would be highly anticipated and could solidify Makhachev's reign or elevate Topuria's status as a top contender.

2. Justin Gaethje vs. Armand Tsarukian

   • This bout would pit Gaethje's aggressive style against Tsarukian's technical skills, potentially setting the stage for a future title shot.

3. Charles Oliveira vs. Dustin Poirier

   • A clash between two seasoned veterans, this fight could determine the next challenger for Makhachev and provide a marquee event for fans.

“Topuria versus Islam Mahachev. Yes. Book it. Gaethje versus Tsarukian. Book it. Whoever wins fights Makachev. That’s it right there.”
— Daniel Cormier ([14:35])

State of the 155-Pound Division Cormier concludes by acknowledging the current chaos within the lightweight division but expresses excitement for the forthcoming matchups. He emphasizes that despite the confusion, the plethora of talented fighters ensures that fans will continue to be entertained.

“155 is a mess, and everybody’s got something to say, and that’s the best. That’s what makes it interesting and that’s what makes it fun.”
— Daniel Cormier ([15:50])

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Conclusion

Daniel Cormier's analysis provides a comprehensive look into the UFC lightweight division's present dynamics and future possibilities. By advocating for specific matchups and highlighting the strengths of key fighters, Cormier offers valuable insights for fans eager to understand the evolving landscape of MMA. His passion for the sport and commitment to clarity within the division underscore the excitement surrounding upcoming fights.

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Notable Quotes

• “When you’re a guy like Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, it really is all about timing of when you’re going to get something.”
  — Daniel Cormier ([04:45])

• “He is the best fighter in the world. He is number one pompom guy in the world, and we should respect that.”
  — Daniel Cormier ([06:15])

• “Ilia Topuria goes up to 155 pounds, and he seems to be a guy that could fight for a belt, you know, or could fight for the title.”
  — Daniel Cormier ([09:00])

• “Armand Tsarukian has a claim to maybe getting a title fight. Yo, 155 right now is a complete mess.”
  — Daniel Cormier ([12:50])

• “Topuria versus Islam Mahachev. Yes. Book it. Gaethje versus Tsarukian. Book it. Whoever wins fights Makachev. That’s it right there.”
  — Daniel Cormier ([14:35])

• “155 is a mess, and everybody’s got something to say, and that’s the best. That’s what makes it interesting and that’s what makes it fun.”
  — Daniel Cormier ([15:50])

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This detailed summary encapsulates Daniel Cormier's insightful discussion on the UFC lightweight division, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the current state and anticipated future developments within the sport.

Transcript

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Reality TV and social media have love all wrong. So what really makes relationships last? On this episode of Dope Labs, poet and relationship expert Young Pueblo breaks down the psychology of love and provides eye opening insights and advice we all need.

[Nikki Glaser]

You should not be postponing your happiness. Your greatest happiness is not necessarily going to like come from a relationship. Your partner should add to your happiness, but your happiness is really coming from within you.

[Young Pueblo]

Listen to Dope labs on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Are you hungry? Colleen Witt here and Eating While Broke is back for season four every Thursday on the Black Effect Podcast Network. This season we've got a legendary lineup serving up broke dishes and even better stories on the menu. We have Tony Baker, Nick Cannon, Melissa for October London and Carrie Harper. Howie Turning Big Macs into Big Moves Catch Eating While Broke every Thursday on the Black Effect podcast network. IHeartRadio app Apple podcast Wherever you get your favorite shows, come hungry for season four, the Volume.

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So that's backyardbutchers.com code dctv. Go. What's up, guys? I'm back home. Finally. Look at me. Been a rough month at the Ultimate Fighter. The boy has been. It was, it was something. Let's just say it was something. I like the experience because I like to coach and I love being around Chao and everything, but it was something busy, busy. But I'm glad to be home, glad to be able to start coming back directly to you guys, especially on some of these things that have been happening mixed martial arts. So UFC 313 saw Justin Gaethje return successfully back to the Octagon, beat Rafael Fazeev in what was a typical Justin Gaethje fight. Look, there were so many people that wondered if he could still fight, he could still do this and the other. He answered that, but by winning that fight. When you're a guy like Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, it really is all about timing of when you're going to get something. So as soon as he wins a fight, obviously people start asking if he wants to fight. Islam Makhachev. You know what's funny is how short memory we as fans have because right before JG went into that fight, I had people from Stephen A all the way up on first take to the fan that I would see in passing in Las Vegas telling me they were concerned about Justin, concerned about his ability to take a punch. Does he still have it? He wins one fight and now people are saying, let's give him a title fight. It's like the way things change so quickly to me is always surprising because I get having a short memory as a fan. But we were talking about him being retired a fight ago. Now I am not saying I don't want him to get a championship opportunity. I'm just saying how quickly things can change in the sport of mixed martial arts, especially when you have a star attached to name like Justin Ga. Does he deserve a title fight in terms of resume right now? No, because actually. So he beat Dustin Poirier to win the BMF title. He beat somebody right before. Hold on, let me see, let me jump on my, my deal here. So he beat just. He beat Dustin Poirier to win the BMF title. He lost his championship fight to Khabib, obviously, but that was 2020. So when I look back at JG's record, right, in 24 he lost to Max Holloway. In 23 he beat Dustin Poor, he beat Dustin Poirier and he beat Rafael Fazeev. 22 he lost to Oliveira. So he lost his title fight against Oliveira, won two fights, then loss won another one. So he's essentially three and one in his last four fights. When you got it like again when you're a star like Justin Gaethje, that can get you a title fight. But then everybody else is pissed off. Armand Tsarukian's pissed off, right? Says he doesn't deserve after beating the number 11 ranked guy in the world on short notice. But the problem is for Arman is that he didn't fight Islam in Los Angeles and then right away the organization says he's not fighting for the belt next. So it really does put him in a situation where you went from number one contender to really not having much say. Ilia Toporia has gone up to 155 pounds and he seems to be a guy that could fight for a belt, you know, or could fight for the title. Ilias, when I tell you it's going to surprise you wouldn't be surprising if it's him versus Islam, because him versus Islam is kind of a fight that you almost expect, right? Almost expect. Whenever you have a guy like the champion going up to another weight class and have a dominant champion that's beaten so many guys in that weight class that he's going up to. I don't know that Islam should fight him first because for Makachev, he goes and beats, he goes and beats Ilia to Poria, right? People will say he beat Volk, he beat Volk, he beat Ilya Toporia, he beat Charles Oliveira and he beat Hanatso Moicano. Seems pretty good. That's five title fight wins. But in that it would say, well, he's defended the belt three times against featherweights because at the end of the day, guys, it doesn't matter what you do or in high regard you hold someone. The fact that he was the champion in the lower weight class is what's going to be pointed to the moment Islam beats him. Because anytime you have a dominant champ, anytime you look for reasons to discredit them, happens all the time. He beat a featherweight, and he beat a featherweight, and then he beat a guy that was ranked lower on a day's notice. People always try to, like, find holes in his title reign when those title reign holes aren't there. He is the best fighter in the world. He is number one pompom guy in the world, and we should respect that. But Justin Gaethje seems to be the guy that could be next. But Ilia Tapoi is there also. Armand Tsarukian has a claim to maybe getting a title fight. Yo, 155 right now is a complete mess. It's a mess with this mess. I would say for me personally, to make it more clear, to add some direction to the weight class. Hell, guys, we still got Dustin Poirier out here. Who says he's only fighting legends. There's only certain guys that fit the idea of who he wants to fight as a retirement fight. Even though we thought the last fight was a retirement fight. He told us all that he was done, right? He told us all that he was done. But he's back now. And nobody's mad that Dustin Poirier is going to continue to fight. But only a few guys fit the bill of who he wants to see the last time he steps into the Octagon, especially if it's in New Orleans. So here's what I got for you. I even forgot about whole of era, dude. It's an abundance of riches. At 155 pounds, Oliveira is. I thought he was supposed to be next for Islam Olivera. New Bronx. All right, here we go. Charles Oliveira. Charles Oliveira. This is crazy. This guy. I didn't even get into New Bronx. Oliveira was supposed to fight for the bill right after he beat Michael Chandler. Can't make the fight. It turns into Armand Tsarukiano, who before was supposed to fight for the belt before Oliveira got the chance, but said he didn't want it because he needed a full camp. He's out of the fight in Los Angeles because he got sick, his back was hurt. He can't go in steps to NATO Maikano. Justin Gaethje beats Rafael Fazeev. Oh, my God. So, yeah, Ilya Toporia goes up. It's crazy. Here's what I would suggest, and I'm not a matchmaker. Ilia Toria takes on Charles Oliveira. Justin Gaiche goes into the title fight with Makachev. Right. Poirier fights against. He won't fight more. Conley from the same gym. Chandler's fighting. Patty Pimblett. I can't even match made this thing start again. Toporia versus Islam Mahachev. Yes. Book it. Gaethje versus Sarukian. Book it. Whoever wins fights Makachev. That. That's it right there. That's it. The Pory gives the shot. Sparukian Gaethje win against the title fight. We're back in line at 155. Oliveira go down to New Orleans. Fight Dustin Poirier. If you win again, you're next after that guy. There it is. That's it. Oliveira fits the bill. Oliveira is a former champion, a big name. He could be the type of guy Poirier would want to fight in his retirement fight. But just to. Just to recap, guys, just to recap, in the last year, what happened. At 155, Kachev is the champ. Oliveira pulls out in steps. Volt Makachev knocks him out. Tsarukian then goes and beats Oliveira. They offer him a title fight. He says, no, I need time. Right after. Dustin Poirier just beat Benoit on the knee. When he says no, Dustin Poirier slips into a title fight, fights Islam Makhachev in Newark. Islam Khachev wins. Good. Oliveira comes back in November, beats Michael Chandler, resets himself up as a guy could fight for the belt. But wait, guys, that goes to Armand Tsarukian, who just beat Charles Oliveira. All the while, Ilia Toporia is beating Everybody up at 145. Armand Tsarukian gets announced as the guy that's fighting for the belt at 155lbs in January. He can't fight in steps and not to Moicano. Makhachev beats him. Armand says, I want. I want my chance. UFC says, you don't get your chance. Take us take a step back. Now you have Oliveira, who didn't get his fight. Yes. Rukian didn't get his fight. Ilya didn't finish his max. Holloway says, I'm going up to 155. Then Justin Gaethje beats Rafael Fazeev. Four guys now, all standing on the doorstep of a title fight. That's 155 right now. And I'm here for it because it's all fun fights with all tremendous guys, but I'm matching it for you. Gaethje tsarukian, Oliveira versus Poirier. Makachev versus Ilia Toporia. And there you go, guys. 155 is a mess, and everybody's got something to say, and that's the best. That's what makes it interesting and that's what makes it fun. And we still got Patty to batty next month against Michael Chandler, who, if he wins, will say, hey guys, I'm here. Welcome me to the party. I want to be involved in the conversation and rightfully so. It really is crazy. 155 pounds. But I'm here for it and I love it. So guys, happy to be home. Happy to be back talking to you guys directly. Until next time, like subscribe and tell your friends about my YouTube channel. Peace.

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[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Nikki Glaser]

Love.

[Young Pueblo]

At first swipe, I highly doubt it. Reality TV and social media have love all wrong. So what really makes relationships last? On this episode of Dope Labs, poet and relationship expert Young Pueblo breaks down the psychology of love and provides eye opening insights and advice we all need.

[Nikki Glaser]

It's a big realization moment that you should not be postponing your happiness. Like your greatest happiness is not necessarily going to like come from a relationship. Your partner, they should add to your happiness, but your happiness is really coming from within you.

[Young Pueblo]

Listen to Dope labs on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast. Are you hungry? Colleen Witt here and Eating While Broke is back for season four every Thursday on the Black Effect Podcast Network. This season we've got a legendary lineup serving up broke dishes and even better stories. On the menu we have Tony Baker, Nick Cannon, Melissa Ford, October London and Carrie Harper Howey Turning Big Macs into Big Moves. Catch eating while broke every Thursday on the Black Effect Podcast Network iHeartRadio app Apple Podcasts. Wherever you get your favorite shows, come hungry for season four.