Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Daniel Cormier TV – DC REACTS to Ilia Topuria CALLING OUT Terence Crawford: "Ilia is WINNING right now"
Date: September 17, 2025
Host: Daniel Cormier (DC)

Overview

In this episode, Daniel Cormier dives into the buzz created by UFC champion Ilia Topuria's public callout of boxing superstar Terence "Bud" Crawford following Crawford’s big win over Canelo Alvarez. DC explores whether a crossover superfight could become reality, analyzes both fighters’ positions, and weighs the marketing and competitive implications for combat sports. The theme of "winning outside the ring"—by controlling narrative and attention—runs throughout the conversation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The New Wave of MMA Callouts After Big Boxing Matches

• Context: After Terence Crawford’s victory over Canelo, many high-profile MMA fighters—including Ilia Topuria—called him out for a crossover bout.
• Quote: “You want a piece of the Bud business. You want to fight Terence Crawford. One person that comes to mind […] Ilia Topuria.” (05:10)
• Insight: MMA fighters taking cues from Conor McGregor’s money-fight against Mayweather; cross-discipline callouts have become a norm for fighters seeking both legacy and payday.

2. Comparing Ilia Topuria to Conor McGregor (and Why It Matters)

• DC’s analysis: On the surface, Topuria mimics McGregor’s strategy, but DC is realistic about the magnitude and credibility of the matchup.
  • “He carries himself like Conor in a lot of ways. He’s a true professional. People are tapped into him…but I don't think he has that appeal of Conor McGregor.” (09:02)
• Difference: Conor’s unique charisma and global popularity set his Mayweather fight apart; Topuria is respected but doesn’t yet have Conor’s mainstream crossover.

3. Star Power and Selling the Fight

• Why people bought McGregor vs. Mayweather:
  • “We knew right deep down that Conor McGregor was not going to knock out Floyd Mayweather, but because of what we had seen him do inside the Octagon…people thought he had a chance.” (07:14)
• Can Topuria replicate that appeal?
  • “Would I bet that Ilya Tapoi could knock Terence Crawford out? No chance.” (06:40)
  • But—Ilia is a legitimate knockout artist, which helps sell the “what if?” angle.

4. Terence Crawford’s Response

• Crawford’s quote (via Ariel Helwani):
  • “To be honest, I never even seen this dude fight. I ain’t gonna lie. You know, I’m not worried about that guy at all. You know, he’s not nowhere near on the level of Conor McGregor. Let’s be real. Stop it.” (08:12)
• DC’s reaction: Cormier calls out Crawford for “no selling” Topuria, but expresses skepticism: “That’s where Bud’s lying…He knows who Illiot Topuria is. Bud knows who Ilya is because he watches [MMA].” (08:55)
• Deeper game: DC suggests Crawford’s dismissiveness is strategic and echoes Mayweather’s marketing playbook—refusing to build up rival’s stardom unless it benefits him.

5. The Practicality of the Fight

• Genre gap:
  • “It’s hard to step into that world and expect a guy from our sport…to go and beat a guy that’s done nothing but box his entire life. That’s why we haven’t seen it yet.” (16:28)
• Market perspective:
  • “But I've doubted Ilia Topuria before, and he has exceeded everything I could have ever imagined inside the Octagon.” (15:58)
• Fight likelihood assessment: Cormier is unconvinced the fight will happen but acknowledges its attention-generating potential.

6. The Social Media Battle: Topuria “Winning”

• Ilia Topuria’s response:
  • "You say you're an MMA fan, but you don't even know who I am. Interesting. The first time we met, you told me, good luck this week with your fight, your memory fails you, and soon your chin will too. I'll represent the entire MMA community pound for pound number one in real fights versus the pound for pound number one boxer in the world.” (15:37)
• DC’s insight:
  • “Ilya Taforia in this right now, guys, is winning. He’s winning because he has him talking about him. And every time Terence Crawford speaks Ilya's name…Ilia wins. That's another step closer to getting what he wants.” (16:05)
• Strategic advice: DC urges Topuria to keep the pressure up on social media for maximum exposure and to stay ready for any opportunity.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On whether Topuria can beat Crawford (Boxing):
  • “Would I bet that Ilia Topuria could knock Terence Crawford out? No chance.” – Daniel Cormier (06:40)
• Crawford’s blunt dismissal:
  • "I never even seen this dude fight. I ain’t gonna lie. You know, I’m not worried about that guy at all.” – Terence "Bud" Crawford (08:12)
• DC’s skepticism:
  • “That’s where Bud’s lying to y’all…He knows who Illiot Topuria is. Bud knows who Ilya is because he watches [MMA].” – Daniel Cormier (08:55)
• On Topuria’s wins outside the ring:
  • “Every time Terrence Crawford speaks Ilya's name…Ilia wins. That's another step closer to getting to what he wants.” – Daniel Cormier (16:05)
• On star power elements:
  • “If you can knock people out, people will buy it with the chance that you could get it done against someone who may be superior to you in a certain skill set.” (12:01)
  • “He isn’t Conor McGregor…But in terms of a real guy that can box, that’s Ilia Topuria for MMA fighters.” (09:05)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Ilia Topuria’s crossover callout: 05:10–06:40
• Comparing Topuria to McGregor: 07:05–09:05
• Terence Crawford’s response & DC’s analysis: 08:12–09:50
• Ilia Topuria’s social media reply & “winning” the PR war: 15:32–16:32
• DC’s final advice to Topuria: 17:10–18:15

Tone and Language

• DC’s voice: Insightful, a bit teasing, grounded in fighter experience and candid, with storytelling flourishes.
• Energy: Light, a little playful but always respectful, emphasizing strategy and showmanship in both sport and promotion.

Summary Takeaway

This episode spotlights how modern combat sports are as much about “winning the moment” through media savvy as they are about winning the fight itself. DC recognizes Topuria’s moves as smart publicity, even as he questions the likelihood or competitiveness of a potential Crawford-Topuria bout. Ultimately, the drama and noise benefit both fighters, with Topuria “winning right now” in the court of attention—even if a fight in the ring remains a long shot.