Daniel Cormier TV - Daniel Cormier on Alex Pereira next fight in Sydney, Dustin Poirier eyeing BMF title?!

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode Title: Daniel Cormier TV - Daniel Cormier on Alex Pereira next fight in Sydney, Dustin Poirier eyeing BMF title?! Release Date: January 3, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the discussion revolves around two major topics in the MMA world: Alex Pereira's upcoming fight in Sydney and Dustin Poirier's potential pursuit of the BMF (Baddest Mother F***er) title. The host delves deep into the strategic implications of Pereira's fight choices and explores the responsibilities and future prospects of Poirier within the division.

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Alex Pereira’s Next Fight in Sydney

The conversation kicks off with an in-depth analysis of Alex Pereira's recent activities and his next potential fight in Sydney. The host questions the strategic decisions behind Pereira's fight placements and his choice of opponents.

• Potential Opponents and Strategic Considerations:

  The host highlights Pereira's training and fighting style, emphasizing his striking prowess. He remarks, "I've been around this thing for a long time. Watching Pereira hit the bag is exciting for me" (07:36), showcasing his anticipation for Pereira's performance.

  There is a discussion about why Pereira might not face Makhachev (referred to as "Uncle Ayev") on the main card event, considering the rankings and possible rematches. The host points out the lack of compelling matchups outside of Pereira's favored opponents, stating, "If you're going to fight on Goliath right now as Pereira, you think it should be now" (05:45).

• Ranking Implications:

  Pereira's dominance in the light heavyweight division is scrutinized, with the host asserting, "He has eliminated them from the top of the division at this moment" (06:15). The rankings discussed include top fighters like Yuri Prochoka, Jamal Hill, and others, analyzing their positions and how they impact Pereira's potential matchups.

• Challenges and Future Matchups:

  The host speculates on who Pereira might face if he doesn't fight on the main card, considering fighters like Dominic Reyes and Carlos Alberg. He concludes that Uncle Ayev remains the most logical and compelling opponent, reinforcing, "There's never been a better time for Pereira to fight Uncle Ayev than right now" (06:50).

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Dustin Poirier Eyeing the BMF Title

Transitioning to Dustin Poirier, the host explores Poirier's decision to continue fighting and his possible interest in the BMF title. This segment delves into Poirier's career trajectory and the implications of his potential moves within the division.

• Poirier’s Career Decisions:

  The host expresses relief and excitement over Poirier's decision to stay active, stating, "I didn't believe he was going to retire. He's got way too much fight left in him" (09:56). This sets the stage for discussing his future endeavors.

• Responsibility to the Division:

  A central question posed is whether Poirier has an obligation to face emerging talents in the division. The host muses, "Does Dustin Poirier owe it to the division to fight a young guy?" (10:30), weighing Poirier's past decisions to fight and mentor younger fighters against his current status.

• Potential for the BMF Division:

  The concept of the BMF title gaining prominence is explored, with the host suggesting, "It could be very fun. Max Holloway, who still does have ability to go get a title fight at 155. Dustin Chandler, Dan Hooker... could be fighting in that division" (12:15). This indicates a possible new avenue for fighters seeking recognition outside the traditional championship titles.

• Possible Matchups:

  Several potential opponents for Poirier are discussed, including Dan Hooker, Jalen Turner, and other rising stars within the rankings. The host emphasizes the excitement surrounding these possible fights, saying, "A fight with Dan Hooker would be fun. He fought again. It was a great fight" (14:00).

• Implications for the Division:

  The host contemplates the broader impact of Poirier's actions, questioning whether his decisions will elevate the division or prioritize personal legacy. He asks, "Does he owe it to MMA? Does he owe it to himself, the fans, and the fighters to give a shot to a guy?" (13:45), highlighting the balance between personal ambition and contributing to the sport's growth.

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Insights on MMA Rankings and Future Matchups

Throughout the episode, the host provides a comprehensive analysis of the current MMA rankings, emphasizing the strategic moves fighters make to ascend within their divisions. By dissecting each fighter's position and potential paths to championship bouts, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the sport's competitive landscape.

• Ranking Breakdown:

  The host outlines the top rankings, noting fighters like Kokic, Ankalyaev, Prochoka, and others, and discusses how their performances influence upcoming matchups. For instance, he states, "Ankalaev is the best wrestler in the light heavyweight division right now" (05:10), highlighting his dominance and its effect on Pereira's potential opponents.

• Future Pathways:

  Speculation about future fights is rife, with the host predicting rematches and new challenges based on fighters' recent performances. He underscores the importance of timing and opportunity, asserting, "Reality tells him that right now is the best time to do so" (06:30) regarding Pereira's potential fight with Uncle Ayev.

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Conclusions

The episode wraps up with a forward-looking perspective on the MMA landscape in 2025. The host expresses optimism about the evolving divisions and the exciting prospects for both Pereira and Poirier.

• Excitement for the Future:

  Concluding remarks include, "2025 is going to be a big year, and I'm so excited to be sharing it with you all" (15:29), encapsulating the host's enthusiasm for the upcoming events and the dynamic shifts within the sport.

• Engagement with the Audience:

  The host encourages listeners to share their thoughts and engage with the content, fostering a community of informed and passionate MMA fans.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "I'm happy that he's staying. I didn't believe he was going to retire. He's got way too much fight left in him." (09:56)
• "There's never been a better time for Pereira to fight Uncle Ayev than right now." (06:50)
• "Does Dustin Poirier owe it to the division to fight a young guy?" (10:30)
• "It could be very fun. Max Holloway... could be fighting in that division." (12:15)
• "2025 is going to be a big year, and I'm so excited to be sharing it with you all." (15:29)

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Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a thorough examination of pivotal moments and future possibilities in MMA, focusing on Alex Pereira's strategic fight choices and Dustin Poirier's potential pursuit of the BMF title. By dissecting rankings, discussing responsibilities, and predicting future matchups, the host provides listeners with valuable insights into the sport's evolving landscape.

Transcript

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[MMA Analyst]

What's up, guys? Can you believe it's 2025? It is actually 2025. 2025 on the calendar, which is kind of crazy because I feel like just yesterday we were bringing in the new year that was 2024. It ended up being a pretty good year for me, but also for the UFC and everything else we were involved with. It was a huge year for the channel, and I appreciate you guys, but it's on to the new year. And in the new year, you know, at the end of the year, I thought that I would enjoy time off and I thought that I would enjoy things slowing down, but it felt kind of boring. Like, how did the news just all of a sudden stop? Because the UFC wasn't having fights. It was kind of odd that, that it was like that. And I remember back in the day Rising, and there was another organization that King Mo used to fight in. I can't remember what it was called, maybe Sengoku or something. They would do these fights on January 1st, and I kind of found myself looking forward to that. And it didn't happen this year, so it was a little odd for me how slow everything has been. But as the calendar turns, you know, things start to kind of come into focus a little bit. Obviously, we know what's happening in Los Angeles. And then in February, the UFC is going to Australia. Well, we saw Alex Pereira hitting the bag, saying, sidney, I will see you soon. And to the general person, right, anyone involved or anyone around mixed martial arts, you would think that he would be fighting against Mago Mad Ankala, who many thought would be a nightmare of a matchup for him. But if I'm being honest with you if you watch the last fight between Rockic and Ankalaev, granted, I thought Rockets fought better, which made it a tougher fight for Ankalaev. It's hard not to think that Alex Pereira would find the same kind of success that he's been finding against everyone else. The general idea was that if he fought on Goliath, Uncle IV would just try to take him down and hold him down. Uncle, I have promises to knock him out. You know, a lot of times fighters will say things to make people buy in, to make people go, I want to watch that. I want to see him do that. I want to see him test himself against Alex Pereira in that way. We saw in his fight against Rockets, he did just that, no takedowns. But people are misunderstanding a little bit. Like Ankala is not this, this high level great wrestler. He's the best wrestler in the light heavyweight division right now, but he doesn't have all the accolades that come with what used to be considered a great wrestler in this division. With all that being said, with all that being said, that if you're going to fight on Goliath right now as Pereira, you think it should be now. If Ankalaev showed that he is willing to stand with Pereira, you would think that that would be now. But Pereira tweets, I just received confirmation it won't be un Goliath. So who, right, who would he fight if it's not on Goliath? He has beaten Yuri Proshka twice. Jamal Hill is fighting Yuri Prochka now. He just beat Khalil Rountree, who was number eight going into the fight. That shows you what he has done to the light heavyweight division. Granted, he has not cleared it out yet because he hasn't beaten everybody but the guys that he's beaten. And in the way that he's beaten them, he has eliminated them from the top of the division at this moment. Jamal Hill has a great performance against Yuri. He could earn a title fight again. So already Pereira may be finding himself running into rematches if he doesn't fight on Goliath when reality tells him that right now is the best time to do so. I'm kind of trying to find and understand how or who else he would fight. I need to look down the line to find out who he could possibly fight if he's not fighting that man. It has to be on Goliath. It has to be on Goliath. And I would say there's never been a better time for Pereira to fight Uncle Ayev than right now. He said he's saying this based on a meeting he had with Danan Hunter. I don't find Pereira to be a liar either. That's why I'm concerned that this dude Ankalaev is not going to get a championship opportunity. Here are the rankings. All right, so Alkali's 1. Prochocka is 2. Jamal Hills 3. Machovic is 4. Rockets is 5. He has beaten Prochazka Hill. Behovic Rockets just lost again. He beat Khalil Rountree. So who. Right, who? Dominic Reyes actually looked pretty good in his last fight, but he's number 11. It has to be Uncle. I have. There's no one else in these rankings that makes sense for him to fight. Carlos Alberg has a fight. If Carlos Oberg wins, then granted it looks like a new challenge. But even that, right, like he's a striker, what's he going to do to Alex Pereira? It's gotta be Uncle. I mean, looking at these rankings, Pereira set up pretty nicely for a while if he wants to. It has to be. It has to be on Goliath. And I think that right now is the right time for Per on Goliath fight. I'm interested though. Watching that dude hit the bag is exciting to me. You know, I've been around this thing for a long time. Watching Pereira hit the bag is exciting for me. But there's no better time for him to fight Uncle Live right now. But what if Uncle Live just takes him down? Like, what if Uncle Live truly has pulled the wool over all of our eyes and he just starts taking him down? Because when you look at those rankings, guys, and if you're an NCAA wrestler right now, that weighs in the 220 to 25 pound range and you look at these rankings, you start going, man, I'm going to mma. I want to fight the ufc. Because a wrestler, a high level wrestler right now would seem to be able to feast on these matchups. Like the champ, Proka, Jamal. Yuri, Rockic, Oldberg. Guys.

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Striker.

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Striker.

Reyes.

Striker.

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Striker.

Smith.

Striker.

Goose. Golf.

Striker.

Mirzakhanov might be all the way down there to get to a guy that seems to have wrestling, but again, he's more of a striker himself. Yeah, if you're a wrestler in the 225 pound range, you should be ready to come and fight in this division right now. Because a great wrestler would seem to have the ability to really eat at 205 right now.

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[MMA Analyst]

Dustin Poirier also said that he's got big news coming. So Dustin Poirier, last week Ben and I asked, does Leon Edwards have a responsibility to his division to fight one of the young up and coming guys? As a former champion, I have to ask you, is Dustin Poirier in the same situation? Does Dustin Poirier. First off, I. I was hoping and I didn't think Dustin was going to walk away. I'm so happy that he's staying. I didn't believe he was going to retire. He's got way too much fight left in him. I'm happy that he's made the decision to continue. But now it raises the question, does he owe a responsibility to the division to fight a young guy, A Rafael Fazeev, a Gamrot, a Moicano? Said he doesn't want to fight him because he gives him problems in training. But does he owe that responsibility? Or do we see him in a fight with one of the names? Right, There are names now at 155 that he could fight that aren't. But see, that's the thing, right? We've kind of seen him fight all these guys, even the new guys like Max Holloway, coming up to 155. We've already seen them fight. Hell, I think we've seen him fight twice. I think Max Holloway and Dustin fought twice. But would I be excited for it? Absolutely. Would I be excited for it? For the BMF title? Absolutely. But they fought twice. So does Dustin owe that to his division to kind of go fight one of them young dudes? We saw Gaethje do it with Fiziev. We saw Dustin do it with Benoit St. Denis. So it's not like he hasn't paid it forward before in his career. He's paid it forward, but after fighting for the belt a third time, it doesn't seem as though a title fight is on the horizon. So what gets him excited? It's got to be something big because he's Dustin Poirier. But again, does he owe a responsibility? Does he owe it to mma? Does he owe it to himself, the fans and the fighters to give a shot, a guy, a shot, or an opportunity to get there? The BMF Championship is becoming almost a division in itself. At 155, you can almost make a BMF division with guys who are so well known but aren't truly contending for championships anymore. It could be very fun. Max Holloway, who still does have ability to go get a title fight at 155. Dustin Chandler, Dan Hooker, all those guys could be fighting in that division, fighting amongst each other, and it would just continue to elevate the BMF championship. I don't even know if the UFC ever thought that they could create that title. And it could be what it's become, because now you got guys that truly are looking forward to fighting for this belt. And as I think about it, I'm like, what's getting Poirier back off his couch? He's got a lot of money. He's made a. He's got a lot of big fights. Is he going to fight at 170? He's a big guy. But don't forget, Dustin Poirier at one point fought at 145. How many 170 pounders can truly make 145? He's not a 70 pounder. He'd be a ballooned up 155 pounder. So that leads me to think it's 155. But who's he fighting? There's some exciting Guys, right? I think a fight with. With. With Dan Hooker would be fun. He fought again. It was a great fight. In the middle of the pandemic. I think if I would, a kid like Fazeev would be fun. I think a fight with a guy like a Jalen Turner who's been on a little bit of a roll would be fun. All those prospects, all those guys that are down there between the 12 to 15 range would be fun. And clearly, I don't have the names right in front of me, but soon as I get it, I'll read some of the names of the people in that range and you'll be like, yeah, that'd be fun. That'd be fun. But again, does he owe that responsibility? And if he does or if we feel he does, does it really matter to him? And does he feel like he's owed that? Because, again, he didn't get that. Dustin didn't get that. No. Old guy gave him a shot. He just kind of made his way. All right, so you look at Dariush Gamrot. Fazeev is at 11, St. Denis at 12. He fought him. Hey, Patty Pimlett, 13, Jalen Turner, Joel Alvarez. I mean, at some point, those guys got to get an opportunity to fight someone. Is it those guys like the Dustin Poiriers, like the. The Michael Chandlers, like the Dan Hookers, like the Charles Oliveira, if it doesn't go his way, Justin Gaethje, Is it those guys responsibility to fight those young guys? You guys let me know in the comments. I don't know what Dustin's gonna do, but what I do know is it's exciting that he's back and that big fights seem to be on the horizon. But is it the established veteran? Is it something like a BMF championship fight? Is it something like a fight at welterweight? Or is it Dustin Poirier looking at one of those young guys going, hold on, young man. Not quite yet. I'm still here. Let me know your thoughts in those comments. Guys, 2025 is going to be a big year, and I'm so excited to be sharing it with you all. And thank you for all your continued support. Happy New Year, guys. Until next time, like, subscribe. Tell your friends about my YouTube channel.

Peace.