Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Daniel Cormier TV - DC on Din Thomas' Khamzat Chimaev CALLOUT, Khabib-McGregor BEEF, Renato Moicano and UFC
Release Date: August 7, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by Daniel Cormier and Dean Thomas, the discussion delves deep into the current landscape of the UFC, focusing on key figures such as Khamzat Chimaev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, and Renato Moicano. The conversation is structured around three main segments: Dean Thomas' critique of Khamzat Chimaev's potential championship run, Khabib Nurmagomedov's outspoken remarks about Conor McGregor, and the recent UFC lawsuit settlement involving fighters like Renato Moicano.

I. Dean Thomas' Call-Out on Khamzat Chimaev [03:04 - 07:54]

Dean Thomas' Concerns: Dean Thomas begins the episode by expressing strong reservations about Khamzat Chimaev's potential rise to the UFC Middleweight Championship. He characterizes Chimaev's championship prospects as a "nightmare," primarily due to Chimaev's perceived inactivity within the division.

Dean Thomas [04:05]: "I was saying that if Khamzat Chimaev becomes champion, it's going to be a disaster because he is going to hold the division up. He doesn't fight enough. He. This is a man who averages, like, one fight a year, and he's not even a champion yet."

Daniel Cormier's Counterpoints: Daniel Cormier challenges Thomas' assertions by highlighting Chimaev's previous activity, especially during his early career. He references Chimaev's multiple fights on Fight Island and counters the visa issue argument, noting that Chimaev has successfully entered the United States for fights.

Daniel Cormier [04:40]: "Hamza is next to his manager, the cameraman to him, showing him he was already here. He's here now, Dean, if that was an issue prior to where he couldn't get into the country, clearly he's able to get into the country now."

Cormier emphasizes that Chimaev has maintained a reasonable fight schedule when circumstances allowed, suggesting that the concerns about inactivity might be mitigated as Chimaev becomes more settled in the U.S.

Ongoing Debate: The discussion continues with Thomas reiterating Chimaev's sporadic fight schedule, citing his fight cancellations and limited activity despite opportunities to fight internationally.

Dean Thomas [07:06]: "He still has a history of not fighting. The point is he's still inactive."

Cormier responds by acknowledging past inactivity but underscores Chimaev's potential to align with the typical two-fight-a-year benchmark for champions, thus arguing that the concerns may be unwarranted.

Daniel Cormier [07:33]: "If he's in line with that, you can't have a problem with Khamzat Chimaev."

II. Khabib Nurmagomedov's Remarks on Conor McGregor [08:38 - 13:13]

Khabib's Influence and Commentary: The conversation shifts to Khabib Nurmagomedov's recent public statements about Conor McGregor. Cormier highlights Khabib's unique voice in the MMA community, noting his enduring impact and credibility.

Daniel Cormier [08:50]: "When this man talks, people listen. I don't know if anyone has had more of a lasting impact in a very long time."

Khabib's Critique of McGregor: Khabib expresses concern over McGregor's personal issues and their broader impact. He urges McGregor to change his ways, emphasizing that McGregor's actions affect not just himself but also those who look up to him.

Khabib [09:28]: "I think he has a chance to come back. He has to change his life, though. Why am I talking about this? If he's going to change, it could change with him so many other lives too."

Dean Thomas' Perspective: Thomas appreciates Khabib's stance, acknowledging the former champion's desire to see McGregor improve for the betterment of his influence.

Dean Thomas [09:59]: "So when he speaks, I even listen. I mean, he is the absolute man in terms of this."

Impact on Rivalries and UFC Landscape: They discuss the complexities of Khabib's criticism, especially given his own history with the UFC and the organization's influence on fighter dynamics.

Daniel Cormier [12:24]: "That is the biggest announcer. Fights."

Thomas adds that Khabib's ability to announce fights independently showcases his star power and the respect he commands within the MMA community.

Dean Thomas [12:53]: "He has such star power that he can get away with this."

III. UFC Lawsuit Settlement and Renato Moicano's Decision [13:16 - 18:34]

Overview of the Lawsuit: Cormier introduces the topic of a recent UFC lawsuit that resulted in a multi-million dollar settlement. This lawsuit pertains to fighters from a specific era (2011-2017) seeking reparations from the promotion.

Renato Moicano's Stance: Renato Moicano stands out by refusing to accept the settlement money, a decision that has sparked significant debate within the MMA community. Thomas highlights the backlash Moicano has faced from peers like Matt Brown and Brendan Schaub.

Matt Brown [17:01]: "I think he's crazy for not taking the money."

Brendan Schaub [17:02]: "He's not going to look better by saying that."

Daniel Cormier's Defense of Moicano: Cormier defends Moicano's decision, emphasizing his integrity and the principle of doing what's right over financial gain. He acknowledges the financial strain fighters often face, especially those signed with the UFC before certain changes in the organization.

Daniel Cormier [17:03]: "I was fighting at that time, they called me and told me, DC, take the money. Go get the money."

He further explains the complexities surrounding the distribution of the settlement funds, noting that unclaimed money is redistributed to other fighters or legal entities.

Dean Thomas' Support: Thomas agrees with Cormier, respecting Moicano's moral stance despite recognizing that it may not be the financially prudent choice.

Dean Thomas [17:39]: "So, I agree with him on that. But still, Moicano, take the money, man. You do. You do deserve it."

Final Thoughts on Fighter Support and UFC Practices: Cormier reflects on the broader implications for fighter support within the UFC, addressing the systemic issues that lead athletes to such dilemmas.

Daniel Cormier [18:34]: "That's one thing that a lot of people forget, and it's... when you sign that deal, you was probably really happy with that deal."

He underscores the importance of fighters being aware of their contractual agreements and the political landscape of the sport.

IV. Closing Remarks and Final Thought on Hulk Hogan [18:34 - 26:54]

Hulk Hogan's Passing and Public Reactions: In his final thoughts, Cormier addresses the recent passing of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, reflecting on the polarized public reactions to his death.

Daniel Cormier [24:30]: "Hulk Hogan had done 30 years of charity work... But in one moment or two moments, he threw it all away."

Cormier discusses the dichotomy between Hogan's contributions to charity and his controversial actions, illustrating the complexity of his legacy.

Final Takeaways: Cormier emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing personal relationships and perceptions in a world where public figures can be both revered and reviled.

Daniel Cormier [26:50]: "It's an insane thing to think that a man had that much of an impact negatively and offensively at the same time."

He concludes by encouraging listeners to be mindful of their interactions and the impact of their intentions.

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of current issues within the UFC, highlighting the tensions between fighter activity, personal conduct, and organizational practices. Daniel Cormier and Dean Thomas provide insightful commentary on the challenges faced by fighters like Khamzat Chimaev and Renato Moicano, while also exploring broader themes of influence and legacy through discussions about Khabib Nurmagomedov and Hulk Hogan.

Notable Quotes:

• Dean Thomas [04:05]: "If Khamzat Chimaev becomes champion, it's going to be a disaster because he is going to hold the division up."
• Daniel Cormier [07:33]: "If he's in line with that, you can't have a problem with Khamzat Chimaev."
• Daniel Cormier [09:28]: "Khabib could have some sort of impact in that way."
• Dean Thomas [17:46]: "Moicano is a bit crazy for not taking the money, but he stands on his morals."
• Daniel Cormier [26:50]: "It's an insane thing to think that a man had that much of an impact negatively and offensively at the same time."

This summary is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the podcast episode for those who have not listened to it, capturing the key discussions and insights shared by Daniel Cormier and Dean Thomas.