Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Daniel Cormier TV - Daniel Cormier REACTS to Dricus Du Plessis BEATING Sean Strickland, Zhang Weili, Pereira CALLOUT
Release Date: February 9, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Duration: Approximately 10 minutes of content
Transcript Timeframe Covered: [01:44] to [11:19]

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the focus centers on the electrifying outcomes of UFC 312, where prominent fighters Dricus Du Plessis and Zhang Weili delivered standout performances. The host delves deep into the night’s events, providing insightful analysis, highlights, and future implications for the fighters involved.

Main Event Analysis: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland

Dominant Performance by Dricus Du Plessis

The commentator opens the discussion by praising Dricus Du Plessis’s impressive victory over Sean Strickland. Highlighting Du Plessis’s consistent performance, he states:

• “Drake is Du Plessis. I mean, for so long, so many people have spoken about this man. All the pundits, all the talking heads have told you why he isn't as good as he has proven to be time and time again.” [02:30]

Du Plessis’s ability to control the fight is emphasized through his strategic fighting style:

• “When you try to attack him, he's so good at changing speed, changing direction and in you from odd angles, that you can't really get a beat on him.” [04:15]

Strategic Takedowns and Activity Levels

The commentator notes Du Plessis’s active presence in the Octagon, which often forces his opponents into a reactive stance:

• “He's so active, even if he's throwing kicks, he's throwing something and making you judge that.” [06:45]

Despite predicting a necessity for more wrestling from Du Plessis, acknowledging his takedown:

• “Even when he said he wasn't going to wrestle, I didn't believe it. He did. He got one takedown. And even the Octagon, he told me afterwards, he didn't plan on getting that takedown.” [07:50]

Future Challenges and Championship Outlook

Looking ahead, the commentator discusses potential matchups and Du Plessis’s standing in the division:

• “He calls out Alex Pereira. I told Pereira after the fight, he wants you, Pereira. Pereira goes, he's just too small. Seriously. Pereira goes, this man is just too small.” [09:10]

He underscores Du Plessis’s ambition and readiness to face top contenders, cementing his status as a formidable champion:

• “Du Plessis is the man in the Octagon. He’s proving over and over again that he is just that. ... So congrats to Du Plessis and his entire team, for what was a dominant performance.” [10:55]

Co-Main Event Spotlight: Zhang Weili vs. Pereira

Zhang Weili’s Resounding Victory

Transitioning to the female division, the commentator lauds Zhang Weili’s commanding win against Pereira, highlighting her resilience and skill:

• “Zhang Weili once again proved why she's the best. She dominated Tatiana Suarez. She went into that fight as a +240 underdog.” [03:20]

Overcoming Challenges and Underdog Status

Despite being an underdog, Weili’s performance shattered expectations:

• “I don't know how you make Zhang Weili that big an underdog based on the fact that you believe that she will not be able to defend takedowns against Tatiana Suarez.” [05:30]

Her ability to reverse positions and maintain dominance throughout the fight is emphasized:

• “Weili reversed the position when she got taken down. ... When Tatiana got the first takedown, the moment she jumped at Guillotine, her fate was sealed.” [08:00]

Legacy and Future Prospects

The commentator compares Weili’s achievements to legendary fighters, solidifying her legacy:

• “She now has six UFC strawweight title wins. She ties Joanna Jędrzejczyk. ... Zhang Weili has already tied that. Now it's a matter of how long she wants to stay at that weight class before she goes up and challenges Valentina Shevchenko.” [09:45]

He underscores the anticipation for her potential move to a higher weight class, suggesting a high-profile matchup:

• “Zhang Weili versus Valentina Shevchenko truly is the most high-level mixed martial arts you can make in female fighting.” [10:30]

Other Notable Fights and Performances

Taliesin Teixeira’s Quick Victory

A brief yet impactful fight saw Taliesin Teixeira securing a one-minute finish against Justin Tafa:

• “One minute finish of Justin Tafa. Boom. Elbow to the face fight done.” [05:10]

Standout Performances

The commentator highlights other fighters who made significant impressions:

• Jake Matthews: “Jake Matthews looked amazing.” [06:00]
• Gabriel Santos: “Gabriel Santos, that kid is good. He's really, really good. Kind of reminds me of a young Charles Oliveira.” [06:15]
• Tom Nolan: “Tom Nolan, an A+ performance tonight.” [06:30]
• Alessandre Pereira: “Alessandre Pereira, big win.” [06:45]
• Ramjoon Cody Steele: “Ramjoon Cody Steele was the best fight of the night.” [07:00]

Emerging Talent and Knockouts

The commentator notes the emergence of new talent and impressive knockouts:

• “Quillin Sokhalin. This guy had a 19-second knockout to start the night. It was an amazing night. It was an amazing week from Sydney.” [08:30]

Insights on the UFC Landscape

Khamzat Chimaev’s Position

Discussion shifts to Khamzat Chimaev’s standing in the division, questioning his dominance against Du Plessis:

• “Khamzat Chimaev being problem number one. I don't. But watching Du Plessis today, I don't know that Chimaev just drives across the man, takes him down. He's so good at what he does.” [07:30]

Unsolved Puzzle: Du Plessis’s Fighting Style

The commentator marvels at Du Plessis’s complex fighting style, rendering him a challenging opponent:

• “Du Plessis throws punches and kicks at the same time and it works. He's a puzzle that has not been solved in the UFC.” [09:20]

Conclusion and Future Segments

Acknowledging Champions and Planning Interviews

The episode wraps up by celebrating the achievements of Du Plessis and Weili, and teasing upcoming interviews:

• “The night belongs to Dricus Du Plessis and Zhang Weili. What performances by the sitting champions.” [10:40]

Upcoming Content

Listeners are informed about future segments, including interviews with coaches and exclusive insights:

• “I'm going to talk to Zhang Weili's coaches. I'm also going to go and try to find Dricus Du Plessis’s coaches for a work with those guys too.” [11:00]

Closing Remarks

The commentator expresses gratitude to the audience and encourages continued support:

• “Guys, thank you so much for the support. Until next time, like subscribe and tell your friends.” [11:10]

Key Takeaways

• Dricus Du Plessis solidified his position as a top contender with a dominant win over Sean Strickland, showcasing superior strategy and activity.
• Zhang Weili defied underdog expectations to secure a commanding victory against Tatiana Suarez, enhancing her legacy and setting the stage for future high-profile matches.
• Other fighters like Taliesin Teixeira and Gabriel Santos made significant impacts, indicating a promising future for the division.
• The UFC landscape remains dynamic, with Du Plessis posing a substantial challenge to fighters like Khamzat Chimaev, emphasizing the evolving strategies within the sport.

Notable Quotes

• “Du Plessis is the man in the Octagon. ... It's gonna be very difficult to get the belt off him.” [10:55]
• “Zhang Weili once again proved why she's the best. ... I don't know how you make Zhang Weili that big an underdog.” [03:20]
• “Du Plessis throws punches and kicks at the same time and it works. He's a puzzle that has not been solved in the UFC.” [09:20]

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers an in-depth analysis of UFC 312, celebrating the triumphs of Du Plessis and Weili while setting the stage for future matchups in the ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts.