Daniel Cormier TV - Daniel Cormier REACTS to Khamzat Chimaev MAJOR BEEF with Dricus Du Plessis + is DDP INJURED?!

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – April 26, 2025

Episode Title: Daniel Cormier REACTS to Khamzat Chimaev MAJOR BEEF with Dricus Du Plessis + is DDP INJURED?!

Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Release Date: April 26, 2025

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1. Introduction and Context

The episode kicks off with the host returning from WrestleMania, setting the stage for a lively discussion on recent developments in the UFC. The excitement from the event transitions smoothly into the main topics, focusing on the current tensions and upcoming fights within the middleweight division.

2. Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis: The Major Beef

The host delves into the escalating rivalry between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis, highlighting the intensity and implications for the middleweight title picture.

• Background of the Feud:

  • Chimaev, after a series of impressive victories, expressed frustration over his lack of opportunities to fight for the championship.
  • Du Plessis, an active and formidable contender, has consistently defended his title against top-tier opponents, fueling Chimaev's ire.

• Key Points:

  • Chimaev’s Frustration: The host emphasizes Chimaev's desire for a title shot, pointing out his active fight schedule compared to Du Plessis's consistent defenses.
  • Du Plessis’s Activity: Du Plessis has fought five times over two years, defeating notable fighters like Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland twice, establishing himself as a dominant champion.

• Notable Quote:

  “Hamzat, you want your title fight. You're ready now. You feel like it's your time.” ([10:15])

3. The Debate Over Interim Titles

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the controversy surrounding interim titles in the UFC, especially in the context of Du Plessis’s recent activities.

• Host’s Perspective:

  • The host argues against the creation of an interim title in this scenario, citing Du Plessis's active fight record as sufficient justification for not needing an interim champion.
  • Comparisons are made to past interim title fights, suggesting that the current situation is less justified.

• Notable Quote:

  “There is no need for an interim title fight. Du Plessis has been more active than Khamzat Chimaev.” ([14:45])

4. Potential Future Fights and Fighter Rankings

The conversation shifts to possible matchups and the impact of injuries within the division.

• Imavoff’s Position:

  • Sergei Imavov emerges as a crucial player who deserves recognition and a shot at the title, given his impressive performances.
  • The host stresses the importance of involving Imavov in the title contention to maintain competitive integrity.

• Chimaev’s Next Move:

  • Discussions speculate on Chimaev’s potential opponents, with the host expressing interest in a bout between Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis, emphasizing its excitement beyond merely establishing an interim title.

• Notable Quote:

  “I would love to see Kyle Bahalo fight Hamza Chimaev. I think it would be fun, not for an interim title, but as a big fight.” ([16:30])

5. Daniel Cormier’s Injury Update

A segment addresses the status of Daniel Cormier (DDP), providing listeners with the latest information on his condition.

• Current Status:

  • The host confirms that DDP is dealing with an injury that may affect his ability to compete in the near future.
  • This update adds another layer to the division’s dynamics, potentially influencing future fight cards and title contention.

• Notable Quote:

  “Is DDP injured?! I cannot confirm or deny if that fight is happening. I just know what he said or who he wanted to fight.” ([08:50])

6. Closing Thoughts and Final Analysis

In wrapping up, the host reiterates the significance of maintaining a balanced and active roster to ensure the division remains competitive and engaging for fans.

• Key Takeaways:

  • The importance of fighter activity in determining title shots.
  • The need for fair and justified interim titles to preserve the sport's integrity.
  • The potential reshaping of the middleweight division based on upcoming fights and injuries.

• Notable Quote:

  “185 is good right now. It's been good because we have a fighting champion, but now there's a lot of questions.” ([17:50])

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Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers an in-depth analysis of the current state of the UFC middleweight division, focusing on the heated rivalry between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis. The host provides thoughtful commentary on the debates surrounding interim titles, fighter activity, and potential future matchups, while also updating listeners on Daniel Cormier's injury status. With engaging discussions and insightful perspectives, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for fans looking to stay informed about the latest developments in the UFC.

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Notable Quotes Summary:

• “Hamzat, you want your title fight. You're ready now. You feel like it's your time.” ([10:15])
• “There is no need for an interim title fight. Du Plessis has been more active than Khamzat Chimaev.” ([14:45])
• “I would love to see Kyle Bahalo fight Hamza Chimaev. I think it would be fun, not for an interim title, but as a big fight.” ([16:30])
• “Is DDP injured?! I cannot confirm or deny if that fight is happening. I just know what he said or who he wanted to fight.” ([08:50])
• “185 is good right now. It's been good because we have a fighting champion, but now there's a lot of questions.” ([17:50])

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Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections as per the instructions, focusing solely on the substantive discussions within the episode.

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

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[Daniel Jeremiah]

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The volume.

[Podcast Host]

What's up, guys? I'm back from WrestleMania and what a weekend it was for me. So it's time to get back to work, guys. And as you know, every episode going forward is brought to you by Total Wireless, the official wireless provider of UFC. They're in your corner with unlimited 5G data that will not slow you down. Guys, some interesting things have happened since I was in Vegas for WrestleMania, and the most interesting thing to me is this. Dre is Dup C. Hamzat Chamayev, Kyle Bohau trifecta. There's another guy involved who isn't as vocal, but he needs to be involved because we know he's on the verge of something very big. And Louisa will have track down this video for you guys to add it into the video whenever we're done, because there's a camera angle of Kyle Bahalu having a conversation with me and someone reads his lips in regards to who he said he wants to fight next. I can neither confirm or deny if that fight is happening. I just know what he said or who he said he wanted to fight. But first off, let's start at the top, right? Let's give you the backstory. Kevin Aioli said that Dreck is dupless. He's hurt. That then riled up the number one contender, who is Hamza Chamayev, who just beat Robert Whitaker and rightfully deserves a chance to fight for the belt. Now, it's been so long that we thought that this guy would be fighting for the belt, if not the champion, that it's time, and these guys have enough bad blood to carry a fight and get everybody excited. So Khamzat, this guy biggest bullshit is what he put on X. That's it. Classic Dagestan, that region type of fighter response. So the champion then says, let's take a look at the last two and a half years and tell me whose bullshit. All right, here's what we had last two and a half years. Khamzat in 2023, 25. Khamzad fought Kamaru Usman in 2023. He fought Robert Whitaker in 2024. That's it. He fought Nate Diaz in 2022. Dracus du Plessis in that same time fought Derek Brunson in 2023. He fought Robert Whitaker in 2023. He fought Sean Strickland in 24. Israel Adesanya in 24. Sean Strickland again in 2025. So when the champion says that, right? And he states nothing but facts. You go, well, Hamzat, I get it. Right? I get it, Hamzat, you want your title fight. You're ready now. You feel like you're. It's your time. I don't know why you didn't get frustrated before, because it's been your time to be fighting for a championship. But when the champ goes, hey, I've been around, I've been fighting. Where have you been? That's five fights to two fights. There's no denying the flat out evidence that Dreckus has been more active than Khamzat Chimaev. With that being said, when a champion goes down, the UFC does look to interim title fights. Had this happened 10 years ago, Drake is dupless. He gets hurt after fighting Sean Strickland only a couple months ago in what was in February. He fought him in February. He gets hurt. Nobody would have said anything. There would not have been a whisper about an interim championship. But because interim titles are easy year to excess today than they were before, everybody calls for it. So Kyle Bohalo says, hey, man, what about me? I'm undefeated. I've beaten everybody they put in front of me. I beat Jared Cannonier, who fought for the belt. Why don't I fight Khamzat Chimaev for the interim championship? KO is such an interesting character because he's so good and he's so brave because for a while, guys, no one was calling Hamza Chamayev out. Nobody. It was the Kamaru Usman fight. Enough of a eye opener for the contenders to go. Well, Usman did it on short notice. Smaller. I can fight this guy. Or is the belt so valuable? I don't know. But for Bohalio, it's worth it. He's like, I'm in. I know a guy. Then he said that Khamzat said yes to the fight. He said that the fight's available to happen. He said, let's do it. I got a problem with it, though. There's no reason for an interim championship fight. I'm going to just put it out there if. If there's an interim title fight. Being that Drek has just fought very recently, it would be, in my opinion, one of the most unjust interim titles made in recent UFC history. People will say, oh, well, Tom Aspinall fought Sergey Pavlovich for an interim title. When that happened. Luis put that in the chat. When Was that fight? 2023 or 2024? Because I remember when Jon Jones fought against Cyril gone for the belt March of 2022, maybe. Aspinall didn't fight against Sergei Pavlovich till November 23rd, I believe so. It had been like 18 months before they fought. Luke put put. Jones versus Cyril gone. Was that 2023 too? So, yeah, six months. Drake is fought two months ago. Two months ago. So to make an interim title, I think it's just unfair. And look, sure, Jones fought six months before the belt, right? Jones gone, March. But prior to that, Jones hadn't fought since he fought Dominic Reyes in Abu Dhabi. That's not the case with Du Plessis. Du Plessis has fought five times over the course of two years. He's active, he's fighting people. He's a champion that defends the belt, and he's beating all the biggest names in that weight class. He's beaten Adesanya. He's beaten Strickland twice. He's beaten Robert Whitaker. He really has beaten all the guys that we have come to know at middleweight. There is no need for an interim title fight. But I do believe that this fight could happen. But then what does that do for Imavoff? Luis? I'll tell you, the TikTok handle that person had. I'll have to ask Lil Daniel. He showed it to me. I'm talking to Kyle Bahalo in Miami. His cameraman is talking to me. We're sitting there and he's recording. Cahayo then tells me who he wants to fight. That's as far ma go. Who he wants to fight. Right. You take and do what you want with the information. The cameraman then cuts the audio. People somehow take the video scan close to Bahalo and read his lips. They read his lips. It's on Instagram right here. That boy Luis is something else, man. He fast. Louise fast. Yeah. Me and Kyle are talking. Look at that. They throw the name over and I say, that's. That'll be a great fight. That'd be a great fight. So where does that put him in all this? If Imavoff is the guy that he was going to fight, where does that put him above off in all of this? He's got to just knock down Izzy. He beat Izzy worse than we've seen Izzy get beat by just about anybody. Izzy, by the way, told me at WrestleMania he wants to fight again. He's getting that itch and he's excited. What about Imavov? I would love to see Kyle Bahal fight Hamza Chimaev. I think it would be fun. Not for an interim title, but I think it would be fun but then what does it do for Imavoff, who's rolling right now? He's rolling. He's on fire. He deserves the opportunity to fight one of those guys. Everything was so clean at 185. This injury mucks it up a little bit because the champion is now not available to the division. What does it do for him if I'm a mov off? I'm saying, listen, I want to be involved. This trifecta becomes a foursome because I need to be involved. I don't care what you're doing. Whatever you're doing needs to involve me because I have earned that. I have done. When Brendan Allen was riding hot, I beat him. You told me to fight Izzy. I beat him. I have earned my chance to fight one of the best. And granted, an interim title fight does not seem as exciting when you input Imavov over maybe Bohal. But just a big fight, not forming an interim title as I'm saying it should be. Imavov deserves to be there, man. Let's call a spade a spade. He deserves to be there. And I hope that they don't forget about this dude because this dude has earned his opportunity to fight in that level of competition with those level of guys. It's that it's true. Look, Da boy's a double champ. I'm your favorite podcaster, and now I'm an official role partner. Fellas, whether you're in or you're out of that bedroom with your partner significant other, you got to satisfy those needs. It's as important as it come, guys. And one thing about ro, when you're in that bedroom, Ro Sparks got you back with his long lasting functionality. Two in one prescription treatment for guys who just want a little more control of those erections. You know, them old thing get away from you every now and again if you're not careful. And it don't take long either, because after they dissolve, they work in about 15 minutes on average. Hey, I love that. You going to love that. So if prescribed, new sexual health patients get $15 off of your first order of roast sparks on a recurring plan. So if prescribed, new sexual health patients, you get $15 off of your first order of sparks on a recurring plan. So connect with a provider at RO co DCTV to find out if prescription roast sparks are right for you. That's ro.codctv for $15 off of your first order. Hey, don't have to thank me yet, but you will thank me later when you get on those roast sparks. Let's Go. Compounded drugs are permitted to be prescribed under federal law but are not FDA approved and do not undergo FDA safety, effectiveness or manufacturing review. For full safety information go to Ro Co safetyinfo. But we need to give Drake his Du Plessis flowers and put some respect on that dude's name. Every time he fights, we start in retrospect, retroactively talking about his greatness. Oh, man, I'm so tired. I cannot believe that I did it again. I cannot believe I doubted him again. Now it's time to respect him as a champion. One time, Cain Velasquez was offered two and a half years. It was almost two years before Fabricio fought for the interim championship. It took that long. But because now we've had more interim champions. I mean, Dustin Poirier was an interim champ whenever he fought Khabib. We've seen so many other interim champions. But when you go back and think about it, when Max Holloway was the interim champ going into Jose Aldo, he had waited a long time before him and Anthony Pettis fought for that interim championship. Doesn't need to happen in this case. This champion has. This champion deserves the ability to deal with his injury. And sure, Khamzat's frustrated. I'm frustrated. I want to see Hamzat fight for the belt. Two years ago. That's how special he is and how good he is. I thought he should have been fight for the belt. Whether it was 170 or 185, I don't care. He's that special. He should have fought for the belt already. But now I think he's have to wait. But then what happens? Is he willing to wait? Drake has told you he hasn't been that active. It's all time wasted. You only get to be young once you got to fight. And if you got to make a fight, Bajalo seems like a great answer to that. Just please, ufc, take care of himav give him a fight that matters. Only problem with that is my boss kindly beating most of the other guys that do matter. He hasn't beat Robert Whitaker. He hasn't beat Robert Whitaker. But I mean, it's that level of fight if you ask him to step aside that you have to present him with in order to do right by him. Boy, 185 is good right now. 185 is good right now. It's been good because we have a fighting champion, but now there's a lot of questions. And when there's questions, we all wait for the day that we get some answers. Look, it's interesting. I love it. Interim title no. No. Any of those three dudes matched up? I'm all in. Guys, thank you for watching again. Until next time, like subscribe and tell your friends about my YouTube channel. We are at over 400,000 subscribers. That's crazy. I'm so excited. I appreciate you guys every day of my life. Until next time. Peace. This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. When you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really does have your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. Visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Additional terms apply. See website for details.

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[Daniel Jeremiah]

The 40s and free agents Podcast with Daniel Jeremiah and Greg Rosenthal has prepared you for the 2025 NFL Draft.

[Greg Rosenthal]

We've told you what last year's playoff teams need to return to the postseason.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

And how teams with new coaches should approach the draft.

[Greg Rosenthal]

So as draft season comes to a close, we've got you covered. Before your favorite team goes on the clock, we'll break it all all down. Once all 257 picks have been made.

[Daniel Jeremiah]

Listen to the 40s and free agents podcast on the iHeartRadio app Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.