Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – UFC 318 Recap Featuring Daniel Cormier

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Description: A thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.
• Episode: Daniel Cormier TV - DC REACTS to Max Holloway beating Dustin Poirier, "The Diamond" retires from UFC
• Release Date: July 20, 2025

Introduction to UFC 318

The episode kicks off with Daniel Cormier setting the stage for his post-fight reaction to UFC 318, emphasizing the significance of the event held in New Orleans.

Main Event: Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier

Performance Highlights:

• Max Holloway's Masterclass: Daniel Cormier lauds Max Holloway's exceptional performance, describing it as a "masterpiece" (02:50). Holloway showcased his superior movement, combination punching, and newfound power, demonstrating his viability and threat in the 155-pound weight class.

• Holloway's Evolution: Cormier notes a significant improvement in Holloway's ability to wear down opponents, stating, "It doesn't feel like it takes that much anymore for him to break an opponent down" (05:15). This marks a notable progression from his earlier fights against Jose Aldo and Brian Ortega.

• Dustin Poirier's Resilience: Despite being hurt twice early in the fight (04:30), Poirier showcased his heart by fighting back, embodying the spirit expected in high-stakes matches.

Notable Quotes:

• "Max Holloway fought an unbelievable fight. I mean, he truly did paint a masterpiece." (02:50)
• "Max, once again, when he got back up, got right back to doing exactly what he needed to do." (07:10)
• "Max Holloway is still very viable in this weight class, and I believe that he's dangerous to a lot of guys at 155 pounds." (09:20)

Dustin Poirier's Retirement

A Heroic Farewell:

• Emotional Retirement: Cormier reflects on Dustin Poirier's heartfelt retirement, describing it as "one of the greatest retirements I've ever seen" (06:45). Poirier received a hero's welcome, with his family joining him in the cage post-fight.

• Legacy and Impact: Cormier draws parallels to other legends like Mike Tyson and Georges St-Pierre, highlighting how Poirier's departure elevates the sport and honors his legacy.

Notable Quotes:

• "All of the greats... when it's your time to go, you don't get to go out with a victory. That's what makes what Khabib did and what St. Pierre did so special." (10:50)
• "Dustin Poirier went out with a hero's welcome. Roman Kopov really had not much from Paulo Costa." (11:30)
• "This was amazing. The fans showed up, showed out, and, boy, Dustin Poirier went out with a hero's welcome." (08:55)

Other Notable Fights

Roman Kopov vs. Paulo Costa:

• Paulo Costa's Strategy: Despite a slight slowdown, Costa executed his game plan effectively, proving his capability to fight elite opponents.

Daniel Rodriguez vs. Kevin Holland:

• A Classic Encounter: Rodriguez secured victory by taking Holland down in the third round, preventing a potential 108-pound showdown, despite Holland's relentless spirit.

Patricio "Pitbull" vs. Dan Ige:

• First UFC Win: Pitbull achieved his inaugural UFC victory, demonstrating his knockout prowess.

Additional Highlights:

• Atiba Gaultier's Dominance: Recognized for his rapid knockouts, earning the "Total Wireless Performance of the Night" (10:50).
• Islam Dulikov and Jimmy Crude: Showcased impressive knockouts and submissions, respectively, further enriching the fight card's excitement.

Notable Quotes:

• "Daniel Rodriguez and Kevin Holland had a classic fight." (09:55)
• "Patricio Pitbull beat Dan Ige, finally got his first UFC win." (10:10)
• "Atiba Gaultier... moves to 2.0 in the UFC with two knockouts in under five minutes." (11:50)

Performance of the Night Awards

Total Wireless Performance of the Night:

• Atiba Gaultier: Awarded for his relentless knockout power and consistent performance (10:50).
• Max Holloway: Honored alongside Gaultier for his outstanding main event performance, highlighting Cormier's personal appreciation (12:00).

Notable Quotes:

• "My total wireless performance of the night goes to Atiba Gaultier... This guy is amazing." (10:50)
• "I'm doubling up, man, because why not? It's my show. I. I make the rules here." (12:00)

Conversation with Max Holloway's Coach

Insights on Holloway's Strategy:

• Coaching Strategies: Daniel discusses with Holloway's coach about the adjustments made during the fight, particularly moving off the centerline to create opportunities (12:40).

• Holloway's Growth: The coach emphasizes Holloway's patience and strategic mindset, encouraging him to continue breaking down opponents methodically (13:01).

Notable Quotes:

• "He delivered, right? Yeah. You told him after that second round, stop backing straight up." (12:25)
• "I just want him to just be patient. Just be patient. The opportunities will come and whatnot." (13:01)
• "It's incredible. I just, you know, just so you think you've seen it all from him and whatnot." (13:21)

Conclusion

Daniel Cormier wraps up the episode by expressing his gratitude to UFC fans and acknowledging the memorable night in New Orleans. He emphasizes the emotional significance of Dustin Poirier's retirement and celebrates Max Holloway's triumphant performance, highlighting the evolving dynamics in the UFC's featherweight division.

Final Thoughts:

• Emotional Resonance: Cormier shares a personal connection to Poirier's journey, underscoring the impact of perseverance and dedication.

• Looking Forward: With Holloway's enhanced skill set, Cormier anticipates exciting developments in future UFC events.

Notable Quotes:

• "This has been the fight we come. My life. I've had the time of my life." (12:00)
• "I appreciate all the support. I love and appreciate you, and I will never, ever take this for granted." (12:00)

This episode offers a comprehensive and heartfelt analysis of UFC 318, blending technical fight breakdowns with personal narratives that resonate with both hardcore fans and casual listeners. Daniel Cormier's insights provide a nuanced perspective on the fighters' performances and the broader implications for the UFC landscape.