Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Daniel Cormier TV - DC REACTS to Ilia Topuria predicting Justin Gaethje fight, SHUTTING DOWN Arman Tsarukyan
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven exploration of the top sports stories of the day. In this episode, former UFC champion Daniel Cormier delves deep into the current dynamics of the lightweight division, reacting to Ilia Topuria's predictions and addressing the contentious situation with Arman Tsarukyan.

1. Introduction to the Lightweight Division Crisis

Timestamp: [08:00]

Daniel Cormier opens the episode by highlighting the unprecedented turmoil within the UFC's lightweight division. He emphasizes the increasing reluctance of fighters to engage in what many perceive as the necessary next steps for title contention.

Key Points:

• Fighter Reluctance: Cormier points out that fighters in the same weight class are hesitant to take decisive actions, leading to a standstill.
• Impact on Rankings: This hesitancy affects the rankings and the overall progression towards determining the next champion.

Notable Quote:

“I don’t know that we’ve ever had a time in fighting where it seems like more people in the same weight class are unwilling to do what most think is next...”
— Daniel Cormier [08:15]

2. Analysis of Top Contenders

Timestamp: [08:45]

Cormier breaks down the current landscape, focusing on four primary contenders vying for the lightweight title: Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, and Patty Pimblett.

Key Points:

• Ilia Topuria: Currently the champion, Topuria's stance on upcoming fights significantly impacts the division's future.
• Justin Gaethje: With a recent record of three wins and one loss, Gaethje feels he has a legitimate claim to the title but is resistant to fighting Patty Pimblett.
• Arman Tsarukyan: Despite being the number one contender, Tsarukyan faces obstacles in securing a title shot, partly due to Topuria's reluctance.
• Patty Pimblett: Ranked number nine, Pimblett's recent victory boosts his claim, but he still lacks the necessary momentum for a title fight.

Notable Quote:

“Justin Gaethje feels he has a claim, Arman Tsarukyan feels he has a claim, and rightfully so.”
— Daniel Cormier [09:20]

3. The Gaethje-Pimblett Stalemate

Timestamp: [10:30]

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Justin Gaethje's refusal to fight Patty Pimblett, which Cormier argues is detrimental to the division's clarity and progression.

Key Points:

• Gaethje's Perspective: Gaethje openly states he does not wish to fight Pimblett, positioning himself between a title fight or retirement.
• Division Implications: Gaethje's stance leaves the UFC in a difficult position, as they must decide whether to force the fight or concede its potential departure.
• Fan and Expert Opinions: Cormier expresses uncertainty about the UFC's next moves and seeks listener input on possible resolutions.

Notable Quote:

“Justin Gaethje, as he said before, title fight or retirement, it sounds like he’s more than willing now to stand by that and be done.”
— Daniel Cormier [10:55]

4. Arman Tsarukyan's Contention

Timestamp: [12:00]

Cormier shifts focus to Arman Tsarukyan, the number one contender who remains sidelined due to Topuria's actions and the UFC's decisions.

Key Points:

• Tsarukyan's Position: Despite being the top contender, Tsarukyan hasn't secured a title fight, raising questions about the UFC's commitment to fair rankings.
• Topuria's Stance: Ilia Topuria's refusal to fight Tsarukyan undermines the credibility of the contender system.
• Potential Fight Scenarios: Cormier contemplates whether Tsarukyan should still be given a title shot or if other contenders should be prioritized.

Notable Quote:

“I think Arman Tsarukyan probably should be the guy that gets the title fight. I just don’t know if the champion is willing to fight him right now.”
— Daniel Cormier [12:45]

5. Potential Outcomes and Future Outlook

Timestamp: [14:30]

In the concluding segments, Cormier speculates on possible future developments within the lightweight division and addresses the broader implications for the UFC.

Key Points:

• Possible Resolutions: Discusses scenarios such as the UFC mandating a fight between Gaethje and Pimblett or seeking alternative matchups to resolve the contention.
• Impact on the UFC: The ongoing uncertainty may affect the organization's reputation and the fighters' careers.
• Listener Engagement: Cormier encourages listeners to participate in the discussion by sharing their opinions on how the division should move forward.

Notable Quote:

“It really is an absolute mess at 155. Guys, I’m in the rental wrestling camp right now, so my voice is acting up. But I promise you we’ll get you guys another episode of Three Rounds tomorrow.”
— Daniel Cormier [16:00]

6. Conclusion

Timestamp: [16:30]

Cormier wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of finding a resolution to the lightweight division's impasse and expresses optimism for future developments.

Key Points:

• Call to Action: Urges listeners to stay engaged and follow the ongoing situation closely.
• Upcoming Episodes: Teases future discussions and promises continued analysis of UFC's evolving storylines.

Notable Quote:

“Until next time, guys. Peace.”
— Daniel Cormier [16:40]

Summary:

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Daniel Cormier provides an in-depth analysis of the current turmoil within the UFC's lightweight division. He examines the reluctance of top contenders like Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan to engage in decisive title fights, particularly focusing on Gaethje's refusal to face Patty Pimblett. Cormier highlights the challenges this poses for the UFC in maintaining a coherent and competitive ranking system. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the need for transparency and decisive action from the UFC to resolve the division's standstill. Cormier concludes by seeking listener input on potential solutions and hints at continued coverage of this evolving situation in future episodes.

Key Takeaways:

• The lightweight division is currently in a state of uncertainty due to top fighters' hesitance to engage in necessary title fights.
• Justin Gaethje's refusal to fight Patty Pimblett creates a significant impasse, challenging the UFC's ability to fairly rank and promote fighters.
• Arman Tsarukyan, despite being the number one contender, remains without a title shot, raising questions about the integrity of the UFC's ranking system.
• The situation necessitates decisive action from the UFC to restore clarity and maintain fan engagement within the division.

Recommended For: Listeners interested in the intricacies of UFC's weight class rankings, the dynamics between top fighters, and the organizational challenges faced by major sports promotions.