Daniel Cormier TV - DC REACTS to Ilia Topuria predicting Justin Gaethje fight, SHUTTING DOWN Arman Tsarukyan

Summary

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.

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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.

Transcript

[Daniel Cormier]

This is an iHeart podcast this podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. When you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really does have your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. Visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless Store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Additional terms apply. See website for details.

[Sarah Spain]

Join iHeartRadio and Sarah Spain in celebrating the one year anniversary of iHeart Women's Sports with powerful interviews and insider analysis. Our shows have connected fans with the heart of women's Sports. In just one year, the network has launched 15 shows and built a community united by passion podcasts that amplify the voices of women in sports. Thank you for supporting iHeart women's sports and our founding sponsors E L F Beauty, Capital One and Novartis. Just open the free iHeart app and search I Heard Women's Sports to Listen.

[Unknown]

Now In 2020, a group of young women found themselves in an AI fueled nightmare.

[Daniel Cormier]

Someone was posting photos. It was just me naked. Well, not me, but me with someone else's body parts.

[Unknown]

This is Levittown, a new podcast from iHeart podcasts Bloomberg and Kaleidoscope about the rise of deepfake pornography and the battle to stop it. Listen to Levittown on Bloomberg's Big Take podcast. Find it on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Danielle Robaix]

Just like great shoes, great books take you places through unforgettable love stories and into conversations with characters you'll never forget.

[Unknown]

I think any good romance. It gives me this feeling of like butterflies.

[Danielle Robaix]

I'm Danielle Robaix and this is bookmarked by Reese's Book Club, the new podcast from hello Sunshine and I Heart Podcast where we dive into the stories that shape us on the page and off. Each week I'm joined by authors, celebs, book talk, stars and more for conversations that will make you laugh, cry and add way too many books to your TBR pile. Listen to Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club on the iHeartRadio app. Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Daniel Cormier]

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If Bilal lost, Bilal lost. It all worked out. But how does it all work out at 155 now where we have this, this foursome of people who are all vying for the same thing, who all have a claim to want that same thing, but only one guy has it and that's Ilia to poi. He's the Champ. But Justin Gaethje feels he has a claim. Armand Tsarukian feels he has a claim, and rightfully so. Patty Pimblett now feels he has a claim. They all feel like they have a claim to be the number one contender at 155 pounds. But what happens when we get to a. A standstill where, like Arman said to me, that was a Joe Rogan mistake. Patty Pimlic should have never been in the Octagon. He's not the number one contender. That's seems okay for Armin to say, because Armin was the guy that was scheduled to fight for the belt in Los Angeles. But what about the fact that after that fight didn't happen, the UFC said, armin's not next. He will need to fight. That seems to have eliminated him. But when you look at the people that know this sport or the fans and the perspective or the perception is he's number one contender, he should be fighting for the title next, not Patty. A guy who's ranked number nine in the UFC's rankings and just got his win inside the top five. Justin Gaethje, who's three and one in his last four fights, says, I have a claim, but he's getting presented with the fight. Patty Pimblett. So Gaethje is like, no, I'm not doing it. That leads to this, right? Gaethje feels he has a claim. Armand was number contender. Patty just went knocked down with the guy. So he's like, hey, I got the face off against the champ, so maybe I'm number one contender. Let's see what happens. But what do you do whenever guys are not only telling you they don't want to do something, but they seem willing to really either send it out or be done. To Justin Gaethje's point is what he said. He goes, I'm absolutely not fighting Patty. And if that's the route that they want me to take and I don't believe that they need me anymore, I know that sounds petty or whatever, but number three, I'm three and one in my last four. The champion Islam was calling to fight me when he vacated. They bring in a new guy and give. They bring a new guy in and give a guy who's two and two in the fight. If their algorithm and their match tells them to just use me until I get beat, then I'm going to have to really reevaluate what I'm doing. So it sounds to me like Justin Gaethje, as he said before, hey, title fight or retirement, it sounds like, he's more than willing now to stand by that and be done. And that would suck, right? Because MMA is better when Justin Gaethje's fighting. We just had to watch Dustin Poirier retire last weekend, and that absolutely sucked. So what's going to happen this time? Right? We have to walk away from Justin Gaethje, too. That era of fighters that we all fell in love with so much are starting to take the curtain call and go, hey, my time is done. This game is done with me, or I'm done with this game. Justin seems very, very stern in the idea that if he has to fight Patty Pimlet, and that's the only option, he's not going to do it. And that sucks because I don't know. I don't know that it's going to make the UFC say we have to give Justin Gaethje a title fight. I don't know that they're going to do that. Especially when you go through all the things that I'm telling you right now that Armand has a case. Patty has a case. Justin has a case. Ilya saying, he ain't fighting Armand. So now you got the champ saying, forget Armand. He's not reliable because of what happened in Los Angeles in the fight when he was supposed to fight islamicachev. Then you have Patty, who got to go into the Octagon and stare off with the champion. You have Justin saying, I'm not fighting Patty, when in reality, Patty Pimblett. Justin Gaethje seems like the logical next step for Patty, for Patty, because after you get through Michael Chandler, right, you want to go into that next level of guy as you get closer to the title fight. Does Patty Pimlet deserve a title fight right now? No, he doesn't. But with one more victory, especially one over a guy like Justin Gaethje, he would absolutely deserve a title fight. But I think he's one fight away. But he also needs that name. He needs a Justin Gaethje. He needs a Charles Oliveira.

[Sarah Spain]

He needs.

[Daniel Cormier]

He needs one more guy behind Michael Chandler to truly make the case for him earning a championship opportunity. So to me, that leaves Justin and Armand. Armand is number one contender supposed to fight Islam. After that fight didn't happen, the UFC said he was going to have to fight somebody else. He didn't. He has not fought. He weighed in as the backup fighter when Oliveira fought against Ilya to Poirier, but Ilya is saying, armin, he's not fighting him. He believes the UFC will push for Justin. I. I don't necessarily know where he's getting that from. Maybe he he knows that Justin's valuable and the company doesn't want to lose him, and they might if he doesn't get that title fight. But for Gaethje, he would love it. Ilya believes, though, that that's the guy he may end up fighting. But Justin said, in the perfect world, in the best chapter in my book, if it happens. I believe this is a simulation, but I would want to beat de Poirier this year, defended against Holloway in the White House, then retire with the BMF title and the championship belt. There's no better way for me to write it, but I am a little biased. You know, it's the summer, and as you know, summer means baseball. So once again I'm partnering up with our good friends at the Draft King Sportsbook to bring all new customers a fantastic offer. All you got to do go to the DraftKings sportsbook sign up using my promo code, DCTV. Bet only $5 or more and we'll give you $150 in bonus bets instantly. You can bet on so many different things when it comes to baseball at the Draft Kings Sportsbook. I'm talking home runs, strikeouts and bet your favorite team to win. So once again, all new customers go to the DraftKings sportsbook. Sign up using my promo code, DCTV. Bet $5 or more and get $150 in bonus bets instantly when you're dealing with baseball. So DraftKings sportsbook, the Crown is yours and so is your favorite team in MLB. Let's go.

[Unknown]

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[Daniel Cormier]

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[Unknown]

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[Dani Shapiro]

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[Erica and Mila]

The OGs of uncensored motherhood are back and badder than ever. I'm Erica. And I'm Mila. And we're the hosts of the Good Mom's Bad Choices podcast, brought to you by the Black Effect Podcast Network every Wednesday. Historically, men talk too much and women have quietly listened. And all that stops here. If you like witty women, then this is your tribe with guests like Corinne Stephens.

[Unknown]

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[Erica and Mila]

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[Daniel Cormier]

My oldest daughter, her first day in ninth grade and I called to ask how I was doing. She was like, oh, dad, all they were doing was talking about your thing in class. I ruined my baby's first day of high school.

[Erica and Mila]

And Slumflower.

[Daniel Cormier]

What turns me on is when a man sends me money. Like, I feel the moisture between my.

[Unknown]

Legs when a man sends me money.

[Daniel Cormier]

I'm like, oh my God, it's go time.

[Unknown]

You actually sent.

[Erica and Mila]

Listen to the Good Moms Bad Choices podcast every Wednesday on the Black Effect podcast network. The iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you go to find your podcast.

[Bridget Todd]

Adventure should never come with a pause button.

[Unknown]

Remember the MoviePass era where you could watch all the movies you wanted for just $9? It made zero sense and I could not stop thinking about it. I'm Bridget Todd, host of the tech podcast There are no Girls on the Internet. On this new season, I'm talking to the innovators who are left out of the tech headlines, like the visionary behind MoviePass, Black founder Stacey Spikes, who was pushed out of MoviePass, the company that he founded. His story is wild and it's currently the subject of a juicy new HBO documentary. We dive into how culture connects us.

[Bridget Todd]

When you go to France or you go to England or you go to Hong Kong, those kids are wearing Jordans, they're wearing Kobe's shirt. They're watching Black Panther and the challenges.

[Unknown]

Of being a black founder.

[Bridget Todd]

Close your eyes and tell me what a tech founder looks like. They're not going to describe someone who looks like me and they're not going to describe someone who looks like you.

[Unknown]

I created There Are no Girls on the Internet because the future belongs to all of us. So listen to There are no girls on the Internet, on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to Pretty Private with ebony, the podcast where silence is broken and stories are set free. I'm Ebony and every Tuesday I'll be sharing all new anonymous stories that will challenge your perceptions and give you new insight on the people around you. On Pretty Private, we'll explore the untold experiences of women of color who faced it all childhood trauma, addiction, abuse, incarceration, grief, mental health struggles and more and found the strength to make it to the other side. My dad was shot and killed in his house. Yes, he was a drug dealer. Yes, he was a confidential informant, but he wasn't shot on a street corner. He wasn't shot in the middle of a drug deal. He was shot in his house, unarmed. Pretty Private isn't just a podcast, it's your personal guide for turning storylines into lifelines. Every Tuesday, make sure you listen to Pretty Private from the Black Effect Podcast network. Tune in on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

[Daniel Cormier]

Justin wants to. Obviously everybody has big holes, right? Like everybody has the biggest of goals and that would be a fairy tale for Justin Gaethje. For Justin Gaethje to extend himself to next summer would be amazing because we send an American guy who's as red, white and blue as anyone outside the White House to defend the championship. I get it, but I still don't know guys, and I need your help with this in the comments. I still don't really know. What do we do if it doesn't happen though? What happens and who does Ilia fight if Justin doesn't get the title fight, which is what he expects, I believe all things considered, merit warranted, I think it probably should be Armand Tsarukian. I mean, he was number one contender. Luis, you could chime in in the chat if you want. You're my first comment. I think Armand Tsarukian 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. And at times that can become an issue, especially if what Ilya said is true, where the UFC told him, hey, please don't try to go up right now if you become the champion because you're doing us a favor by stabilizing at 155. So what if Ilia goes, do me a favor. I don't want to fight this guy right now. He's unreliable. Let me see him fight again. It's more likely. And Luis kind of agrees that because Ilia and Justin want to fight each other, Justin's a big name and he does have three and one in his last four. It's potential. It's a mess at 155 right now. It really is an absolute mess at 155. Guys, I'm in the rental wrestling camp right now, so my voice is acting up. I'm sick. It's the whole, hey, I'm in the grind. I'm in the grind. But I promise you we'll get you guys another episode of Three Rounds tomorrow. Dean and I will go back and forth on something let's hope can entertain you as you have been entertained so far. Thank you guys for tapping into what D and I are doing. Hey, in those comments, somebody helped me out. Match up 155 for me. Let's figure this thing out. Until next time, guys. Peace. This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. When you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really does have your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. Visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless Store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Additional terms apply. See website for details.

[Sarah Spain]

Join iHeartRadio and Sarah Spain in celebrating the one year anniversary of iHeart Women's Sports with powerful interviews and insider analysis. Our shows are have connected fans with the heart of women's Sports. In just one year, the network has launched 15 shows and built a community united by passion podcasts that amplify the voices of women in sports. Thank you for supporting iHeart women's sports and our founding sponsors E L F Beauty, Capital One and Novartis. Just open the free iHeart app and search iHeart Women's Sports to listen now.

[Unknown]

In 2020, a group of young women found themselves in an AI fueled nightmare.

[Daniel Cormier]

Someone was posting photos. It was just me. Me naked. Well, not me, but me with someone else's body parts.

[Unknown]

This is Levittown, a new podcast from iHeart podcasts Bloomberg and Kaleidoscope about the rise of deepfake pornography and the battle to stop it. Listen to Levittown on Bloomberg's Big Take podcast. Find it on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Danielle Robaix]

Just like great shoes, great books take you places through unforgettable love stories and into conversations with characters you'll know, never forget.

[Unknown]

I think any good romance. It gives me this feeling of like butterflies.

[Danielle Robaix]

I'm Danielle Robaix and this is Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club, the new podcast from hello Sunshine and I Heart Podcast where we dive into the stories that shape us on the page and off. Each week I'm joined by authors, celebs, book talk stars, and more for conversations that will make you laugh, cry and add way too many books to your TBR pile. Listen to Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Daniel Cormier]

This is an iHeart podcast.