Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Daniel Cormier TV - Daniel Cormier THROWBACK: Islam Makhachev on beating Poirier, Alex Pereira, DC's kids in Dagestan
Release Date: April 5, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, former UFC Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier engages in a retrospective conversation with UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev. The discussion delves into Islam's perspectives on upcoming fights, his training regimen, and his outlook on the current landscape of mixed martial arts (MMA).
Fighter Analysis: Islam Makhachev’s Skillset and Preparation
The conversation begins at [03:36], focusing on Islam Makhachev's preparation for his upcoming fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Daniel Cormier probes into Islam's mindset and preparedness for facing a seasoned striker like Poirier.
Notable Quote:
Daniel Cormier: "Do you feel like Dustin Poirier plays that part [as a star for you]?" [06:02]
Islam Makhachev: "Dustin, one of the biggest names in my career. I know he has crazy experience, beat a lot of tough guys, fought for the belt many times. That's why I'm very excited." [06:23]
Islam emphasizes the significance of fighting high-caliber opponents to elevate his own status in the sport. He acknowledges Poirier's experience and expresses enthusiasm for the challenge ahead.
Discussion on Dustin Poirier and Upcoming Fights
The dialogue progresses to the specifics of the upcoming fight against Poirier. Daniel questions whether Islam anticipated Poirier as his next opponent amidst a competitive field of contenders.
Notable Quote:
Daniel Cormier: "Do you feel like Dustin Poirier is the guy that came out of all?" [07:09]
Islam Makhachev: "Honestly, like 50-50? I expect Dustin is gonna be next, but I feel someone after UFC 300 might take the chance." [07:35]
Islam acknowledges the unpredictability in fight matchups but maintains that fighting Poirier is a likely and fitting next step in his career trajectory.
Wrestling vs. Striking: Strategies and Strengths
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Islam's wrestling prowess versus Poirier's striking abilities. Islam asserts his dominance in wrestling and grappling, which he believes gives him a strategic advantage in MMA over pure strikers.
Notable Quotes:
Islam Makhachev: "UFC is not boxing, UFC is MMA. That's why I'm the best MMA fighter I have. Boxing, wrestling, and grappling." [10:37]
Islam Makhachev: "If I stay in his distance, if I play his game, he's a very dangerous guy. But I will step inside the cage, pressure him, make him tire, and finish him." [10:55]
Islam underscores the multifaceted nature of MMA, highlighting that his comprehensive skill set in wrestling and grappling equips him to handle opponents who may excel in other areas like striking.
Commentary on Other Fighters: Armand, Leon Edwards, and More
The discussion shifts to other prominent fighters in the division, including Armand Petrosyan and Leon Edwards. Islam shares his opinions on their abilities and potential as competitors.
Notable Quotes:
Islam Makhachev: "Armand always talks about this fight, always wants it very much, but when he has a chance, he always says no. It's not the first time." [07:35]
Islam Makhachev: "Leon Edwards gave me many problems during our sparring session. He's a very good striker." [14:10]
Islam expresses skepticism about Armand's commitment to fighting him, suggesting that despite Armand's vocal interest, he may lack the resolve to follow through. Regarding Leon Edwards, Islam acknowledges Edwards' striking skills but emphasizes his own wrestling superiority.
Future Prospects: Potential Match-ups and Goals
Looking ahead, Islam discusses his aspirations beyond the current division, hinting at potential interest in moving up weight classes to challenge for titles in higher divisions.
Notable Quotes:
Islam Makhachev: "I have other goals, other targets. I want to jump to another division. Maybe there have some big guy, but I know I can be double champ." [13:11]
Islam Makhachev: "If they say Armand, I'm not choice putting someone in front of me." [16:55]
Islam reveals his ambition to not only defend his current title but also to seek championships in other weight classes, showcasing his confidence and drive to solidify his legacy in MMA.
Perspectives on Training and Discipline
Throughout the interview, Islam emphasizes the importance of continuous training and discipline, drawing parallels between his training routines and those of legendary fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Notable Quotes:
Islam Makhachev: "You have to wrestle all your life from the beginning, from your kids. It's not like you can learn from one year, two years, three years." [11:23]
Islam Makhachev: "You have to do some other sports tomorrow. I'm going to walk, make you work a little bit. No, play soccer better for you." [16:50]
Islam highlights that mastering disciplines like wrestling requires lifelong dedication and cannot be acquired rapidly, underscoring his commitment to rigorous and sustained training.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with a blend of promotional segments and a final exchange between Daniel Cormier and Islam Makhachev. Islam reaffirms his determination to excel in his upcoming fight against Poirier and beyond, while also showcasing his personality and approach to competition.
Closing Remarks:
Islam Makhachev: "Make sure you buy the pay per view." [19:26]
Daniel Cormier: "Till next time. Later, champ." [19:35]
Final Thoughts
This episode offers an in-depth look into Islam Makhachev's mindset as he prepares for one of his most significant fights against Dustin Poirier. Through candid discussions on fight strategy, opponent analysis, and personal ambition, listeners gain valuable insights into the discipline and determination that drive one of MMA's top fighters.
Notable Quotes Compilation
- Daniel Cormier: "Do you feel like Dustin Poirier plays that part?" [06:02]
- Islam Makhachev: "Dustin, one of the biggest names in my career. I know he has crazy experience, beat a lot of tough guys, fought for the belt many times. That's why I'm very excited." [06:23]
- Daniel Cormier: "Do you feel like Dustin Poirier is the guy that came out of all?" [07:09]
- Islam Makhachev: "Honestly, like 50-50? I expect Dustin is gonna be next, but I feel someone after UFC 300 might take the chance." [07:35]
- Islam Makhachev: "UFC is not boxing, UFC is MMA. That's why I'm the best MMA fighter I have. Boxing, wrestling, and grappling." [10:37]
- Islam Makhachev: "If I stay in his distance, if I play his game, he's a very dangerous guy. But I will step inside the cage, pressure him, make him tire, and finish him." [10:55]
- Islam Makhachev: "Armand always talks about this fight, always wants it very much, but when he has a chance, he always says no. It's not the first time." [07:35]
- Islam Makhachev: "Leon Edwards gave me many problems during our sparring session. He's a very good striker." [14:10]
- Islam Makhachev: "I have other goals, other targets. I want to jump to another division. Maybe there have some big guy, but I know I can be double champ." [13:11]
- Islam Makhachev: "You have to wrestle all your life from the beginning, from your kids. It's not like you can learn from one year, two years, three years." [11:23]
- Islam Makhachev: "Make sure you buy the pay per view." [19:26]
These quotes encapsulate the essence of Islam Makhachev's approach to fighting, his respect for his opponents, and his unwavering commitment to excellence in MMA.