Podcast Summary

Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Daniel Cormier TV – DC REACTS to Alex Pereira TKO win vs. Ankalaev, Jiri CRAZY knockout, Merab beats Cory
Date: October 6, 2025
Host: Daniel Cormier (DC)
Producer: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Episode Overview

This episode features Daniel Cormier's instant reactions to the key fights at UFC 320 at the T-Mobile Arena. DC offers passionate, expert analysis on Alex Pereira’s statement TKO win over Magomed Ankalaev, Merab Dvalishvili’s relentless bantamweight title defense, and Jiri Prochazka’s electrifying comeback KO against Khalil Rountree Jr. The episode is filled with DC’s trademark energy, veteran insight, praise for breakout performers, and reflections on the trajectory of UFC’s top divisions.

Main Discussion Points & Fight Breakdowns

1. Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev

Timestamps: [02:08]–[06:30]

• Pereira's Dominant Performance:

  • Pereira reclaimed the title with a “not competitive” TKO, immediately seizing the center and attacking Ankalaev.
  • “He came to the middle like he was shot out of a cannon and immediately attacked Uncalayev. Leg kick, leg kick, leg kick. Got unclea against the Octagon side, hits him with a nasty overhand right, puts him down.” — Daniel Cormier [03:00]
  • DC marvels at Pereira’s 12-to-6 elbows as “some of the nastiest...I have ever seen in ground and pound by anyone.” [03:20]

• Pereira’s Legacy and Mentality:

  • DC calls Pereira “a surefire hall of Famer. He has won belts three times. Nine of [12] UFC fights have been for championships.” [04:30]
  • DC dismisses fight clichés, emphasizing Pereira’s uniqueness: “He doesn’t pay any attention to that type of stuff. He’s just a special type of talent, a special type of guy.” [04:50]

• Future Challenger Dynamics:

  • DC mentions possible next opponents, including Carlos Ulberg and Jiri Prochazka, highlighting the daunting nature of facing Pereira.

• Physical and Mental Renewal:

  • Notes that Pereira’s “seven months off” was likely rejuvenating—he returned “crazy, dangerous, refreshed.” [05:20]

2. Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen (Bantamweight Title)

Timestamps: [06:30]–[08:00]

• Merab’s Relentless Dominance:

  • Merab successfully defended the bantamweight title, outpacing a prepared and resilient Sandhagen.
  • “His standup’s gotten better. And when you’re that dangerous in wrestling, you have that level of cardio…you become a real problem for everyone in your division.” — Daniel Cormier [07:00]
  • “Corey fought what possibly was a perfect fight…but even though he did that, he got beat four rounds to one.” [07:20]

• Record-Setting Streaks:

  • DC notes Merab is closing in on Anderson Silva’s record of 16 UFC win streaks.
  • Praises Merab’s willingness to fight again in December: “Let him. We’ve never seen a person defend the championship four times in a calendar year.” [07:45]

• Future Threats:

  • Umar Nurmagomedov is back in focus as the most credible threat after a near 48–47 decision.

• Key Trainer:

  • Shout-out to coach John Wood and the work of Ray Longo.

3. Jiri Prochazka vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.

Timestamps: [08:00]–[09:30]

• Wild, Violent, Memorable:

  • The bout delivered “everything we expected…violent, fun, technique, skills, heart.” — Daniel Cormier [08:10]
  • Rountree took the first two rounds; Prochazka staged a third-round comeback with a “nasty right hand that puts him flat.”
  • “When you fight Yuri Prochazka in a brawl, you don’t do well…sometimes even when you do respond, you get run over.” [08:40]

• Prochazka’s Character and Resilience:

  • DC admires Jiri’s “winner” mentality, odd style, and ability to rally from behind.
  • Highlights that if not for Pereira, Prochazka may have held the belt.

4. Other Notable Performances

Timestamps: [09:30]–[14:50]

• Yusuf Zalal vs. Josh Emmett:

  • Yusuf dominated and made Emmett “tap verbally. It's crazy.”
  • DC stresses, “Yousef Zalal is real…and all featherweights should be paying attention.” [10:20]

• Joe Pyfer’s win:

  • Praised for balancing brashness and maturity—“He has amazing striking and heart and big power…tonight he showed his grappler. Unbelievable.” [11:00]

• Trey Sean Vines KO:

  • “One of the weirdest knockouts I’ve ever seen in my life…this kid’s power is next level.” [11:40]

• Dan Santos, Patchy Mix, Edmund Shabazyan, Yana Santos, Farid Basharat and others:

  • DC touches on each performance, giving quick praise or noting controversial judging, missed weights, or division relevance.
  • Special mention: “Yana Santos...6 of 7 people in a row have missed weight against her and she’s fought them all and she’s beaten them all. Now she’s in the top five. Congrats to Yana.” [12:50]

5. Performance of the Night

Timestamps: [14:50]–[15:40]

• DC’s “Total Wireless Performance of the Night”:
  • Initially considered giving it to Prochazka, but ultimately awards it to Alex Pereira:
    • “There is no denying that we watch absolute greatness tonight with the new champion again. So my total wireless performance of the night goes to none other than the new champion once again, Alex Pereda for a beautiful performance.” — Daniel Cormier [15:00]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Pereira’s Transformation:

  • “He came to the middle like he was shot out of a cannon and immediately attacked Uncalayev...hits him with a nasty overhand right, puts him down.” [03:00]

• On Dominance in the Division:

  • “His pace, pressure, cardio. He just won’t be deterred.” — On Merab Dvalishvili [07:10]

• On Underdog Spirit:

  • “You don’t do well when you fight Yiri Prochazka in a brawl...sometimes even when you do respond, you get run over.” [08:40]

Key Moments by Timestamp

• [02:08] – DC opens his reactions, hails Pereira’s aggression
• [03:20] – Describes Pereira’s finishing sequence
• [04:50] – Puts Pereira’s rapid championship rise in historical context
• [07:00] – Analyzes Merab’s improvements and core strengths
• [08:40] – Breaks down Prochazka’s comeback KO
• [11:40] – Explains oddness of Trey Sean Vines knockout
• [15:00] – Awards Pereira Performance of the Night

Tone and Language

Daniel Cormier brings his usual mix of expert insight, fighter respect, and energy, often using enthusiastic phrases (“He’s special, man. He really, really is special.”) and speaking directly to the audience in a colloquial, welcoming manner.

Conclusion

This episode encapsulates the excitement and narrative drama of UFC 320 with Daniel Cormier’s authoritative, engaging commentary. DC highlights the tactical evolutions, fighter legacies, division implications, and standout performances with clarity and passion—making this a must-listen for MMA followers and casual fans alike.