The Herd with Colin Cowherd — DCTV: DC REACTS to Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena, Dana White says White House IS ON

Date: August 30, 2025
Host: Daniel Cormier (“DC”)
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Episode Overview

This episode of DCTV, hosted by Daniel Cormier, reacts to Dana White’s groundbreaking announcement about a UFC event at the White House, provides exclusive insights into the much-anticipated Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena fight, and covers key developments for UFC's Madison Square Garden card—including the Weili vs. Shevchenko superfight and other pivotal matchups. Cormier shares his personal reflections on the significance of these news pieces and gives listeners a behind-the-scenes perspective on the fight game.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. UFC Comes to the White House (04:04–06:26)

• Dana White’s Capitol Visit: Dana White recently met with President Trump and White House staff to finalize a historic UFC event hosted at the White House, moving this once-unlikely rumor into reality.

  • “There was so much hesitancy when that was first announced…and honestly, even I on my part was [skeptical]: they can’t do this.” (04:15)
  • White signaled serious progress a year ago; now, the July 4th, 2026 event is officially happening.
  • “The White House event is actually on. There is no maybe. There is no possibly. July 4th, hey, I know we can’t call it Noche USA, but it’s like on Noche UFC while we celebrate Mexican independence. I hope that this card is built around our country and really does pay tribute…” (05:09)

• Event Significance:

  • Strong tone of patriotism, hopes for an all-American themed card, and the rarity of sports at such a historic location.
  • Cormier reflects on his personal journey and gratitude at being able to attend the White House after missing prior opportunities.
  • “This time, I finally get to go to the White House. And for a kid like me from Lafayette, Louisiana, I never in my life would have thought…that is not even a dream we even think possible, but I’ve lived the dream…A lot of that is due to you guys…” (12:11)

2. Madison Square Garden Card Developments (06:27–09:41)

• Weili vs. Shevchenko Superfight:

  • With Zhang Weili vacating her title, the long-desired showdown is official for New York.
  • “Anyone that loves MMA, anyone that has a desire to see the best fight each other, you wanted to see these two women fight each other for the flyweight championship. That’s happening now in New York City. It’s official.” (06:50)
  • Cormier underlines their dominance as perennial female fighters of the year post-Amanda Nunes.

• Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Protest:

  • Unexpected matchup; Cormier was surprised Leon accepted after previous experiences with grapplers.
  • “If you’re Leon Edwards…you say, I don’t want to end up in there with another wrestler like Brady. This is the type of fight I need to take.” (08:21)
  • Points to the stylistic chess match and strategy—Edwards avoids wrestlers, finds a striking matchup more to his taste.

3. Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena Announcement (09:42–11:25)

• Official Main Event:

  • Confirmed by Dana White: Islam moves up to challenge Jack Della Maddalena at MSG.
  • Physique and challenge noted: “He’s bigger. He’s much bigger than he was before, and he’s going to have to be bigger if he wants to get through the monster that is Jack Della Maddalena.” (10:38)
  • Cormier notes that both Khabib and Islam are publicly aware of the threat Jack poses: size, physicality, improved takedown defense.

• Betting Odds & Early Reactions:

  • Early odds: Islam -265, Jack +225.
  • Cormier surprised at Islam’s favorite status given move up in weight:
    • “That’s a little bigger than I would have expected. I believe people will probably come in on Jack Della because Islam is still the smaller guy going up…the world champion who never looked better than he did in his last fight.” (11:01)

4. Cormier’s Personal Reflections & the Importance of Fight Locations (11:27–13:34)

• Favorite Venues:

  • Cormier ranks MSG, Miami, Abu Dhabi, and International Fight Week in Vegas as his top four events.
  • “Madison Square Garden, Miami, Abu Dhabi, and International Fight Week in Vegas—four biggest fight cards of the year for me, but the one that always stands out, New York.” (11:54)
  • Emphasizes the buzz around New York events: “Nice and cool, but it’s not cold yet…the temperature’s changing…you got the big fights.” (11:59)

• Gratitude for Fans and New Ventures:

  • Acknowledges fan support, excitement about upcoming creative ventures on YouTube.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|-------|---------| | 05:09 | “The White House event is actually on. There is no maybe. There is no possibly. July 4th…we got it done today. Those were Dana’s words exactly.” | Daniel Cormier | | 06:50 | “Anyone that loves MMA…wanted to see these two women fight each other for the flyweight championship. That’s happening now in New York City. It’s official.” | Daniel Cormier | | 08:21 | “If you’re Leon Edwards…you say, ‘I don’t want to end up in there with another wrestler…This is the type of fight I need to take.’” | Daniel Cormier | | 10:38 | “He’s bigger. He’s much bigger than he was before, and he’s going to have to be bigger if he wants to get through the monster that is Jack Della Maddalena.” | Daniel Cormier | | 11:01 | “That’s a little bigger than I would have expected. I believe people will probably come in on Jack Della…Islam is still the smaller guy going up to fight a world champion who never looked better…” | Daniel Cormier | | 12:11 | “This time, I finally get to go to the White House…for a kid like me from Lafayette, Louisiana, I never in my life would have thought…I’ve lived the dream…and a lot of that is due to you guys…” | Daniel Cormier |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 04:04 – White House UFC event announcement & significance
• 06:27 – Madison Square Garden card news: Weili vs. Shevchenko, Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Protest
• 09:42 – Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena confirmed, analysis, and opening odds
• 11:27 – Cormier on favorite fight destinations and personal stories
• 12:11 – Reflection on his journey and gratitude to fans

Tone & Style

The episode carries Daniel Cormier’s signature blend of excitement, sincerity, and analysis. The tone is personable, enthusiastic, and appreciative—reflecting both his passion for MMA and deep gratitude for his audience.

Summary

This episode of DCTV delivers a series of blockbuster MMA announcements: a first-of-its-kind UFC event at the White House, one of the greatest women’s superfights ever set for Madison Square Garden, and the highly anticipated clash of Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena. Cormier provides expert insight, candid opinions on matchups and odds, and heartfelt reflections on his journey. The news underscores the continued growth, spectacle, and unpredictability of the UFC, with fans primed for historic moments ahead.