Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Daniel Cormier TV – DC CALLS FOR Jon Jones on White House Card, Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler
Date: September 22, 2025
Host: Daniel Cormier (DC)
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Overview
This episode centers on the groundbreaking plan for the UFC to stage a historic fight card at the White House on July 4th, 2026. Daniel Cormier shares his insights and strong opinions on potential matchups, mainly focusing on the likely Michael Chandler vs. Conor McGregor fight and advocating passionately for Jon Jones to be included on the card. DC reflects on the significance of these headline matchups, the patriotic symbolism of an American-winning main event, and what such an event means for the UFC and the fighters involved.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. UFC at the White House: A Historic First
Timestamp: 04:40–06:20
- DC is in Atlanta at the Elite A Duels, but the "big news" is the UFC’s official renderings for the White House event, which he describes as "insane" and unprecedented.
- “The fact that we're actually doing a UFC at the White House is the craziest thing of all time.” (DC, 04:45)
- Attributes the feat to President Trump and UFC President Dana White, calling it an idea "that would be just a ridiculous thought" if not for their influence.
Cultural Significance:
- DC draws a parallel with Noche UFC, an event honoring Hispanic heritage, and says the White House event will finally tip the hat to American fighters and fans:
- “Why don't we tip our hat to the United States of America? That feels like what we're going to do when we get to the White House next July.” (DC, 05:21)
2. McGregor vs. Chandler: Finally Happening?
Timestamp: 06:20–08:30
- DC discusses the long-delayed matchup, suggesting this is the event where McGregor’s return feels real:
- “Conor McGregor has been kind of pulling our chain...when it doesn't feel like he has any intention on truly coming back and fighting in the UFC. But if he does, Michael Chandler would be the opponent.” (DC, 06:37)
- DC relays his conversation with UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby: Chandler only wants big fights, and "this would qualify."
- Stresses Chandler's patriotism and desire to be part of something historic.
- DC assesses the fight strategically:
- Chandler “will be more than willing to stand in the pocket and fight McGregor,” (DC, 07:40) which historically plays to McGregor’s strengths.
On McGregor’s Recovery:
- Cormier wonders about the psychological and physical effects of McGregor’s broken leg:
- Recalls Chris Weidman's own hesitant return after a similar injury:
- “He said the moment he got in there, he was, like, scared to do it, and he never threw that kick.” (DC about Weidman, 08:12)
- Recalls Chris Weidman's own hesitant return after a similar injury:
- Anticipates Chandler exploiting leg kicks in his game plan.
Event Hype:
- Weigh-ins are rumored to take place at the Lincoln Memorial, heightening the spectacle.
3. Jon Jones and the Main Event Controversy
Timestamp: 08:30–11:20
- DC explains that Jon Jones has made public pleas to fight at the White House, but Dana White appears determined not to allow it—much firmer than previous situations.
- DC pushes back on Dana’s stance, advocating for Jones’ inclusion:
- "I think I would let him fight. I think if he wants to fight, I would let him fight." (DC, 09:50)
- Highlights the importance of having an American fighter with a high chance of victory in the main event—especially for a card on U.S. soil and at the White House.
- Contrasts with Noche UFC, where the arena’s mood was buoyed by home-country heroes winning:
- “It felt good for the people leaving the arena that night because the people that they went to support had all found success.” (DC, 10:22)
4. Protecting the Event: Suggestions and Stakes
Timestamp: 11:20–12:40
- DC proposes contractual safeguards for Jon Jones:
- “You put some things in his contract that makes it very costly to not follow through...If you put Jon Jones on the White House card, say something happens in the law and he has to be pulled off the card. A million dollars, say he just says he doesn't want to fight. A million dollars...But you put these safeguards in place to make sure that he shows up there.” (DC, 11:35)
- Stresses the massive attention a Jones/McGregor double headliner would draw.
- Considers the importance of an American main event winner for the event’s morale and historic flavor:
- “It's why the good guys win at the end of movies, because they want people to feel good leaving the theater. Except for Million Dollar Baby, which was a bullshit movie because that woman died or something at the end of the movie. And I hated the way I felt when I left.” (DC, 12:10)
5. Broader Impact & Final Thoughts
Timestamp: 12:40–13:34
- DC underscores the lack of American fighters in the top 10 pound-for-pound rankings since Jones’ retirement:
- “Hey, we have no American guys in the top 10 pound for pound right now since Jon Jones retired. That's crazy. Come on. Come on, boss. It's me asking you to give Jon Jones a chance.” (DC, 12:55)
- Ends with excitement for the White House event and gratitude for being able to cover these historic moments.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On UFC at the White House:
- "The fact that we're actually doing a UFC at the White House is the craziest thing of all time." (DC, 04:44)
- About McGregor’s Comeback:
- "If there is a matchup for Conor McGregor to come back to, it is this one. Chandler will be more than willing to stand in the pocket and fight McGregor. And obviously, we know what happens.” (DC, 07:35)
- On Handling Jon Jones’ Reliability:
- “You put some things in his contract that makes it very costly to not follow through.” (DC, 11:35)
- On the Storytelling of Sports:
- “It's why the good guys win at the end of movies... Except for Million Dollar Baby, which was a bullshit movie because that woman died… Nobody goes to the movies for that shit, man.” (DC, 12:10)
- On the Event’s National Impact:
- “Hey, we have no American guys in the top 10 pound for pound right now since Jon Jones retired. That's crazy.” (DC, 12:55)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 04:40: Start of Cormier’s White House UFC discussion
- 06:20: Chandler vs. McGregor fight talk, significance, strategy
- 08:30: Jon Jones’ plea to fight, Dana White’s resistance
- 11:20: DC’s recommendations on Jones’ contract protections
- 12:40: The importance of American winners on a White House card
- 13:34: End of main discussion/content
Summary
Daniel Cormier delivers an impassioned, insider’s perspective on the historic UFC event set for the White House, exploring the symbolism and strategic decisions behind potential headliners. He evaluates McGregor vs. Chandler as a fan-friendly return for Conor and makes a strong case for including Jon Jones—emphasizing the event’s potential to create a morale-boosting spectacle for American fans. With suggestions on both matchmaking and risk mitigation, DC combines heartfelt fandom with the realities of sports entertainment, making this episode a must-listen for MMA followers and sports event enthusiasts alike.