Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode Title: Daniel Cormier TV - DC on Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria SUPERFIGHT, Jon Jones fighting Tom at White House
Release Date: July 12, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Colin delves deep into the latest developments in the UFC, focusing on the potential superfight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, as well as Jon Jones' intriguing proposition to fight Tom Aspinall at the White House. Hosted amidst the excitement of upcoming big fights, Colin provides insightful analysis and shares exclusive information gleaned from Dana White's recent statements.

Dana White's Revelations on Upcoming Superfights

Dana White's Insights
Colin begins by discussing Dana White's candid revelations during an interview, where Dana hinted at significant matchmaking possibilities that could reshape the UFC landscape.

Colin Cowherd [04:17]: "Dana White went on full screen and started letting out all kinds of information."

Potential Fight Between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria
A focal point of the discussion is the burgeoning rivalry between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. Dana White suggested that if Islam clinches the welterweight championship, a superfight with Topuria is imminent.

Colin Cowherd [04:50]: "If Islam becomes welterweight champ, you immediately have a super fight."

This possibility stems from existing tensions and competitive standings, as both fighters are positioned as top contenders in their respective weight classes. Colin emphasizes the strategic importance of this matchup:

Colin Cowherd [05:30]: "We all kind of agree, but maybe Dana knows something that we don't know."

The Muhammad vs. Topuria Fallout and Future Implications

Ali Abdelaziz’s Comments
Ali Abdelaziz, Islam’s manager, provided crucial insights during his appearance on the "Pound for Pound" podcast, indicating that a fight with Topuria was always a potential outcome contingent on certain results.

Colin Cowherd [06:10]: "Ali Abdelaziz is on Pound for Pound and he says that had Bilal lost, Islam was going to fight against Ilia Topuria."

This revelation suggests that the UFC has been meticulously planning this superfight, aligning it with the fighters' performances in preceding bouts.

Impact on UFC’s Future Events
Colin posits that a Makhachev vs. Topuria fight would not only draw massive viewership but also significantly boost the UFC's market presence.

Colin Cowherd [07:00]: "We know that there are some big fights in the UFC. I don't know that there's a bigger fight that the UFC can make that's going to be bigger than Topuria and Makhachev."

Jon Jones’ Potential Return and White House Showdown

Jon Jones Enters the Testing Pool
Transitioning to another heavyweight topic, Colin discusses Jon Jones re-entering the testing pool, hinting at a possible comeback orchestrated by an unusual venue — the White House.

Colin Cowherd [08:15]: "Jon Jones said he's back in the testing pool and it was for one reason only that the UFC said that President Trump wanted to do a fight at the White House."

Presidential Involvement
The notion of a fight at the White House introduces a new dimension to UFC events, blending sports with national symbolism.

Colin Cowherd [09:00]: "When the President goes, we want to do an event at the White House... Jon Jones is going to have to go and, hey, get our independence."

Colin speculates that if Jon Jones returns, his opponent would likely be Tom Aspinall, ensuring that the bout aligns with the White House's prestigious platform.

Colin Cowherd [10:30]: "Honestly, Jon doesn't have a choice but to fight Tom. If he comes back, if Tom's still the champion, that is just what it is."

The Future Landscape of UFC

Dana White’s Dream Fight Card
Colin highlights Dana White's vision for an ideal fight card, which includes the potential showdown between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, alongside a high-profile rematch between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler.

Colin Cowherd [12:00]: "Dana said Kyle was asking him what would be his dream card. And he said, Jones versus Aspinall, Conor McGregor versus Michael Chandler."

UFC’s Strategic Planning
This proposed lineup underscores the UFC’s strategic intent to elevate the sport's profile by featuring marquee fighters in high-stakes matches, thereby attracting a broader audience and enhancing global viewership.

Colin Cowherd [13:20]: "The UFC landscape will have changed by then. We got a whole year."

Anticipation for UFC 318 and Upcoming Events

As the episode wraps up, Colin expresses his excitement for UFC 318 in New Orleans and previews the upcoming fight events in Nashville, emphasizing the continuous momentum within the UFC.

Colin Cowherd [15:00]: "Next week is UFC 318. I cannot wait to get back to New Orleans. I can't wait to see my people. But tomorrow, we start in Tennessee. Nashville is beautiful."

Conclusion

Colin Cowherd's episode provides a comprehensive overview of the current and future state of the UFC, highlighting the potential superfight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, along with the sensational possibility of Jon Jones battling at the White House. Through insightful analysis and exclusive information from Dana White, listeners gain a clear understanding of the strategic moves shaping the UFC’s trajectory. As anticipation builds for UFC 318 and beyond, the UFC continues to position itself for unparalleled growth and unforgettable matchups.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd [04:50]: "If Islam becomes welterweight champ, you immediately have a super fight."

• Colin Cowherd [06:10]: "Ali Abdelaziz is on Pound for Pound and he says that had Bilal lost, Islam was going to fight against Ilia Topuria."

• Colin Cowherd [07:00]: "I don't know that there's a bigger fight that the UFC can make that's going to be bigger than Topuria and Makhachev."

• Colin Cowherd [09:00]: "It's happening. They are going to the White House."

• Colin Cowherd [12:00]: "Dana said Kyle was asking him what would be his dream card. And he said, Jones versus Aspinall, Conor McGregor versus Michael Chandler."

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing listeners who missed the podcast with a thorough understanding of the major topics covered.