Daniel Cormier TV - DC REACTS to Petr Yan beating Merab Dvalishvili, Joshua Van TKO vs. Alexandre Pantoja

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Daniel Cormier TV - DC REACTS to Petr Yan beating Merab Dvalishvili, Joshua Van TKO vs. Alexandre Pantoja

Date: December 7, 2025
Host: Daniel Cormier
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

---

Episode Overview

This episode features UFC legend and analyst Daniel Cormier (“DC”) giving his immediate reactions to the dramatic events of UFC 323. Cormier breaks down Petr Yan’s dominant victory over Merab Dvalishvili—crowning Yan as the new bantamweight champion—while also diving into the shocking end to Alexandre Pantoja’s title reign at the hands of Joshua Van. The show highlights key moments, standout performances, and significant implications for the fighters and broader divisions. DC wraps with a personal reflection on the end of the UFC's ESPN era and a heartfelt goodbye leading into the promotion’s next broadcast chapter.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Petr Yan’s Masterpiece: Regaining the Bantamweight Title

• Cormier hails Yan’s performance:
  • “Tonight, Po Yan fought the fight of his life, taking the championship from Rob D. Wallace Willie. And on the scorecards turned out being a wipeout.” (04:42)
  • Emphasizes Yan’s improved takedown defense: “Peorian defended 27 of 29 takedowns from Rob de Wallace Willie, forcing him to stand in trade.” (05:54)
• Yan’s adjustments:
  • Points out Yan's surprising offensive wrestling: “P was the one that found a lot of success with his wrestling, because I don't know that Marav Dualis really expected him to be taking him down.” (06:24)
• Conditioning and strategic shift:
  • “His workload in camp to getting that type of shape must have been insane, because it looked like he got a little tired down the stretch in, like, round two, round three, and then he just took off.” (06:41)
• Yan’s dominance in the championship rounds:
  • “Tonight, Peter Yan won round three, four...and five across the board. Even on the card that scored at 48, 47. Peter won 3, P won 3, 4, and 5. It was an absolute masterpiece by Peon.” (07:09)
• On Dvalishvili’s legacy:
  • “Merab had one of the most memorable reigns that we have ever seen. Merab tried to defend that belt four times, and there should be some credit given to him for even attempting to do what so many people believe is absolutely impossible.” (08:15)
  • “I honestly believe that his stock rose in that performance, because even though he lost, he fought his ass off. And he took more chances than we had ever seen him take. But ultimately the night belonged to Fyodor Young.” (09:05)

2. Joshua Van’s Unexpected TKO and New Flyweight Era

• Sudden end for Pantoja:
  • “The fight starts amazing. This are just throwing. Pantoja throws a head kick. It lands on Van's shoulder. As Van is pressing into him, Pantoja posts, dislocates his shoulder. Fight's over.” (09:35)
  • Praises Van’s sportsmanship: “Joshua Van could have teed off on him. He didn't. He knew he was hurt. Great sportsmanship by the new champ.” (09:45)
• Big moment for the 24-year-old champion:
  • “Josh Van is now the second youngest champion in UFC history. At only 24 years old.” (10:15)
  • Cormier is effusive: “You cannot feel nothing but happiness for Van because he's as sweet a kid as you will ever meet in your entire life. He got this. He's in this job that he dreamt of for so long and now he has achieved that and...he's reached the height of the sport by becoming a UFC champion.” (10:59)
• Future opponent set:
  • Notes that Van’s next fight is likely vs. Tetsuro Tyra, who just bested Brandon Moreno.
  • DC’s take on the Moreno–Tyra stoppage:
    • “I didn't love the stoppage...I think when you have a champion like Moreno...give him time to try and recover. The moment the ref stop the fight, Moreno looked up and said, really?” (11:27)

3. Other UFC 323 Highlights and Fighters to Watch

• Henry Cejudo retires against Peyton Talbot:
  • “Henry Cejudo said he wanted to go out on his shield and do it the right way as his career ended. It's exactly what he did tonight, but it was a showcase for Peyton Talbot and his skills.” (12:18)
  • “He scored two takedowns on Cejudo. There's no way Cejudo could have imagined that the kid would be taking him down.” (12:33)
• Memorable and controversial moments:
  • Jalen Turner knocks out Edson Barboza Jr.: “Jalen Turner had a nasty knockout over Edson Jr. Barbosa. That dude looked phenomenal.” (13:44)
  • On McKinney vs Duncan: “I didn't love that the fight wasn't stopped earlier. It looked like McKinney knew he was out. The ref just didn't stop the fight.” (13:20)
• Fight of the Night:
  • “The fight for me was Iwo Baraneski versus Ibo Aslan. And that is going to be my total wireless performance of the night. That was the best fight I have ever seen inside the Octagon—not for the skill...It was awesome.” (14:40)
  • Recommends: “Guys, if you have not watched Igbo Aslan take on Iwan Baronesski, go watch it today. It's on the early prelims and it was crazy.” (14:49)

4. End of an Era – Transition from ESPN to Paramount+

• DC expresses gratitude and nostalgia:
  • “That's the end of the pay per view era and that's the end of the ESPN era. Guys, I'm taking this mic flag home with me because for a kid that grew up in Louisiana to say that I worked for ESPN is a dream come true...The partnership between the UFC and ESPN has helped the UFC to grow to an even bigger place.” (14:54)
  • “The world always changes. I always get sad with change guys. But I figure we'll all be okay. The fights are free, so that means I'm happy for you guys. All you got to do is get a subscription obviously to Paramount plus, but no more pay per View. Unbelievable how much things have changed.” (15:25)
• Thank-yous and sign-off:
  • “Thank you guys so much for this year. It has been a banner year for us at dctv...Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas. I will still be talking to you guys...from an arena. This is it. I will see you guys in January for the next UFC numbered card and the first UFC number card on Paramount plus cbs. Thank you guys. I love each and every one of you. Until next time like subscribe and tell your friends about DC's YouTube channel. Peace.” (16:05)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the magnitude of Yan’s victory:

  • “It was an absolute masterpiece by Peon.” (07:12)

• The reality of MMA fans’ short memories:

  • “It's short memories is what people have in mixed martial arts, and at times you have to remind them, and tonight, that's exactly what Peter Yan did.” (07:52)

• Sportsmanship in the Octagon:

  • “Joshua Van could have teed off on him. He didn't. He knew he was hurt. Great sportsmanship by the new champ.” (09:45)

• Cormier on change and transition:

  • “The world always changes. I always get sad with change guys. But I figure we'll all be okay. The fights are free, so that means I'm happy for you guys.” (15:25)

---

Timestamps of Major Segments

• UFC 323: Yan defeats Dvalishvili – Breakdown:
  04:27 - 09:23

• Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja, Tyra-Moreno controversy:
  09:23 - 12:18

• Henry Cejudo vs. Peyton Talbot & Undercard Recap:
  12:18 - 14:49

• Fight of the Night: Baraneski vs. Aslan & Performance Awards:
  14:40 - 14:54

• Farewell to ESPN Era and Thank You Message:
  14:54 - 16:48

---

Closing Remarks

Daniel Cormier delivers an insightful, emotional, and celebratory analysis of a night full of upsets, dramatic finishes, and transitions in the MMA world. He balances technical breakdowns with heartfelt commentary, concluding with a nostalgic goodbye to ESPN as the UFC prepares to move onto a new broadcast chapter. DC’s genuine warmth and excitement for the fighters—and for fans—make this a can’t-miss recap for anyone keeping up with UFC 323.

Transcript

[Sophie Cunningham]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Podcast Announcer]

Guaranteed Human.

Love. The Night Reach for Zyn After Dark, a limited cocktail inspired series for those who get up when the sun goes down, try Zyn's Mojito Spiced Cider and Espresso Martini Nicotine Pouches. Find them at select retailers. Available while supplies last. Zinn After Dark Bring on the night.

This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.

[Sophie Cunningham]

This is Sophie Cunningham from Show Me Something. Do you know the symptoms of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA in adults with obesity, they may be happening to you without you knowing. If anyone has ever said you snore loudly, or if you spend your days fighting off excessive tiredness, irritability and concentration issues, it may be due to osa. OSA is a serious condition where your airway partially or completely collapses during sleep, which may cause breathing interruptions and oxygen deprivation. Learn more at don'tsleep on OSA.com this information is provided by Lily, a medicine company.

[Radio DJ]

Get your mother Lovin ears on because your big time radio DJs got news. PayPal lets you choose how you want to pay for all the stuff with paypal I can pay in store, pay online, or pay over time. What's that? You want this translated into song? I hope you're sitting down. You can pay your own way. You keep those ears on, you hear? Don't just pay baby. PayPal.

[Tim]

Learn [e-mail] hey Jason, Tim fear the NBA on Prime is back with an exciting week of Emirates NBA cup action. The knockout rounds begin with quarterfinal doubleheaders on Tuesday and Wednesday night. Then it's the semifinal doubleheader on Saturday and it all culminates with the championship game next Tuesday night only on Prime. If you're not a Prime member, sign up to get a 30 day free trial to get started today. Restrictions apply. See Amazon.com amazonprime for details.

[Radio DJ]

So let me get this straight. Your company has data here, there and everywhere, but your AI can't use the data because it's here, there and everywhere? Seems like something's missing. Every business has unique data. IBM helps your AI access your data wherever it lives. To change how you do business, let's create smarter business. IBM.

[UFC Commentator / Analyst]

The Volume.

[UFC Host / Promoter]

Alright guys, today's show is brought to you by our new sponsor, Hard Rock Bet. Hard Hard Rock Bet is a top rated sportsbook app. It might just take the belt from any other sportsbook app that you use once you open it up and you see it for yourself. And guys, if you haven't tried your first bet on Hard Rock Bet. There's still time for you to get 150 in bonus bets if you win, so place a $5 bet. If that bet hits, you, not only get your winnings, but you get $150 in bonus bets for right away. Guys, today is a great day to try the Hard Rock Bet sports app.

[UFC Commentator / Analyst]

So it's not just a welcome offer.

[UFC Host / Promoter]

You can get bonus bets, you can get parlay insurance and other rewards. The rewards and the promos are nonstop. So download the Hard Rock Bet app and make your first deposit today payable and bonus bets is not a cash offer. Offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in Florida. Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC in all other states. You must be 21 or older and physically present in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee or Virginia to play. Terms and conditions apply. Concerned about gambling in Florida, call 1-888- admit-I T in Indiana. If you are someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-809 with it. And if you have a gambling problem, call 1-800-G GAMBLER.

All right, guys.

[UFC Commentator / Analyst]

Hey, UFC 323 just wrapped this Jamil this boy flight not three hours. He going to the airport. What's wrong with you? Look, I just came out see my guy, this dude, see my bro. You don't need to go to the airport three hours in advance. I know they try to say black people be late, but that's too early. Man, you tripping. Get your ass out there. Guys, UFC 323 just wrapped and it was a crazy night, man. We had some phenomenal performances, but ultimately the night belonged to the great Pyotr Yan. Tonight, Po Yan fought the fight of his life, taking the championship from Rob D. Wallace Willie. And on the scorecards turned out being a wipeout. This Po Fight reaction video is brought to you by Total Wireless, the official wireless provider of UFC. There in your corner with unlimited 5G data. That will not slow you down. Fiorian told anyone that would listen that he was going to be better tonight. What I don't think people could have imagined was how good he was going to look. His striking looked amazing. You know, one of the things about fight number one that we talked about a lot in the build was that Peoria defended 39 takedown.

Barab just shot 49 takedowns. Tonight, Peorian defended 27 of 29 takedowns from Rob de Wallace Willie, forcing him to stand in trade. We all know Peon is a master of sport in Boxing. Peon is a sniper. Pean is a guy that you do not want to be forced to stand with. And then not only did he do a great job with his striking.

P was the one that found a lot of success with his wrestling, because I don't know that Marav Dualis really expected him to be taking him down. But we know that Petr Yan has that ability tonight that was on full display, and he was able to become the bantamweight champion for a second time. His footwork, his movement, his cardio. We were talking after the fight, his workload in camp to getting that type of shape must have been insane, because it looked like he got a little tired down the stretch in, like, round two, round three, and then he just took off. We had this thought that to beat the Rob, you had to win rounds one, two, three. Tonight, Peter Yan won round three, four.

[UFC Host / Promoter]

And five across the board.

[UFC Commentator / Analyst]

Even on the card that scored at 48, 47. Peter won 3, P won 3, 4, and 5. It was an absolute masterpiece by Peon.

Murat found some success early in the striking.

And because he didn't wrestle early enough, I think it gave Pier a confidence that the takedowns would not be coming at him at the rate that they came at him in fight number one. And they did because he was attacked 49 times to fight one, only 29 times in fight two. Peorian's the man. And it was very crazy in the build how people forgot what he was, how he was thought of during his run as the UFC bantamweight champion. Many thought for a long time that he was going to be very hard to beat, but it's short memories is what people have in mixed martial arts, and at times you have to remind them, and tonight, that's exactly what Peter Yan did. Merab Dualace. Willie is not the UFC champion anymore. Merab had one of the most memorable reigns that we have ever seen. Merab tried to defend that belt four times, and there should be some credit given to him for even attempting to do what so many people believe is absolutely impossible. It's impossible to do what Murab was attempting, because if anyone was going to do it, it was going to be Merab, because he seemed to have a great style for the division, and he was in there with a guy that he had beaten before. But through Peorian's adjustments and how daunting.

The task was, Merab got beat. But I. I honestly believe that his stock rose in that performance, because even though he lost, he fought his ass off. And he took more chances than we had ever seen him take. But ultimately the night belonged to Fyodor Young.

In the co main event, Alexandre Pantoja fought Joshua Van for the UFC flyweight championship. The fight starts amazing. This are just throwing.

Pantoja throws a head kick. It lands on Van's shoulder. As Van is pressing into him, Pantoja posts, dislocates his shoulder. Fight's over. Joshua Van could have teed off on him. He didn't. He knew he was hurt. Great sportsmanship by the new champ. Pantoja immediately knew he was hurt. Laid on his back, recognized he was out. Herb D stops the fight. Crazy situation. Because that was an all time great title reign that was ended on an action that you do just about every single day in fighting, wrestling or any type of combat sport. Unfortunately, it ended the reign of Pantosia. But Josh Van is now the second youngest champion in UFC history. At only 24 years old.

That fight started in a way that almost guaranteed that we were about to be watching an all time classic. Those guys were going at it. It only lasted 20 seconds. Pantoja was on the gas. Joshua Van was smiling almost like, yo, this is what we're doing. I'm so happy. I'm excited to see what happens next for Joshua Van because you know he'll be willing to fight very, very soon. He'll be willing to defend that championship very, very soon. You cannot.

Feel nothing but happiness for Van because he's as sweet a kid as you will ever meet in your entire life. He got this. He's in this job that he dreamt of for so long and now he has achieved that and, and he's reached the height of the sport by becoming a UFC champion. The one thing that he got that not many champions get is he knows who his next opponent will be. And that is going to be Tetsuro Tyro, who beat Brandon Moreno in the third fight from the top. I didn't love the stoppage air, if I'm being completely honest. I know Moreno was in a horrible position, but I think when you have a champion like Moreno, a guy who's been around as long as he has, and the guy that is moving on the bottom, you have to give him time to try and recover. The moment the ref stop the fight, Moreno looked up and said, really? Look, man, nothing may have changed, but at least let it be definitive so that Moreno understands and doesn't feel slighted and it doesn't really hurt. Tetsuro Tyra as he's trying to earn his Championship opportunity. I am just glad that they're moving forward with that Turretyra as the next title challenge. And I believe that him and Joshua Van will be a phenomenal fight.

Excuse me, guys. Henry Cejudo and Peyton Talbot fought an absolute classic. Henry Cejudo said he wanted to go out on his shield and do it the right way as his career ended. It's exactly what he did tonight, but it was a showcase for Peyton Talbot and his skills. That young man fought his ass off. He should be very proud. He got beat a couple fights ago, but since he has returned now, he's won two in a row and he's looking increasingly better. He scored two takedowns on Cejudo. There's no way Cejudo could have imagined that the kid would be taking him down. That shows you the levels that Peyton Talbot is jumping every single time he steps into the Octagon.

Mahovich and Gustav was a draw, which it was. Manuel Torres knocked out Grant Dawson, showing that he's one of the best fighters in the world. Chris Duncan and Terrence McKinney had a crazy fight. I didn't love that the fight wasn't stopped earlier. It looked like McKinney knew he was out. The ref just didn't stop the fight. So the moment that Duncan put on the super mission, he tapped. Sometimes you got to read the fighter's body language and then do what you're in there to do and that stop the fight. Macy Barber had a big win over Karini Silva. Faris Zion fought his ass off and beat Nazim Sadikov.

Bruno Ferra beat Marvin Vettori. Jalen Turner had a nasty knockout over Edson Jr. Barbosa. That dude looked phenomenal. Looked phenomenal. Mansoor Abdul Malik beat Anton Chakli. Awesome. Great performance by that young man. Marlon Santos won by tko. Bad fight, but ultimately it ended very well. But the fight for me was Iwo Baraneski versus Ibo Aslan. And that is going to be my total wireless performance of the night. That was the best fight I have ever seen inside the Octagon. Not for the skill. It felt like Dana White could send the series with two guys that were just better. So the fight lasted longer. It was awesome. Guys, if you have not watched Igbo Aslan take on Iwan Baronesski, go watch it today. It's on the early prelims and it was crazy. You know that my total Wilder's performance of the night generally goes to someone higher up on the card. Tonight it goes to both of these gentlemen for what they showed us on the prelims.

That's the end of the pay per view era and that's the end of the ESPN era. Guys, I'm taking this mic flag home with me because for a kid that grew up in Louisiana to say that I worked for ESPN is a dream come true. We, everybody at the UFC loved the time that we had at espn. I will always remember my time here. I will always remember D.C. and Helwani, D.C. and R.C. and good guy, Bad Guy. The fact that the worldwide leader gave me shows with three different partners means the world to me. So thank you ESPN for elevating my career, making me even bigger and better than I ever could have imagined. And thank you guys so much for taking the chance on the ufc, because the partnership between the UFC and ESPN has helped the UFC to grow to an even bigger place in the NP pay per view. Hey, the world always changes. I always get sad with change guys. But I figure we'll all be okay. The fights are free, so that means I'm happy for you guys. All you got to do is get a subscription obviously to Paramount plus, but no more pay per View. Unbelievable how much things have changed. Guys, thank you so much for this year. It has been a banner year for us at dctv. The growth that we have had far exceeded what we did last year in every single metro and it's all because of every single one of you. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas. I will still be talking to you guys on the channel but from an arena. This is it. I will see you guys in January for the next UFC numbered card and the first UFC number card on Paramount plus cbs. Thank you guys. I love each and every one of you. Until next time like subscribe and tell your friends about DC's YouTube channel. Peace.

[Podcast Announcer]

Love the night reach for Zen After Dark, a limited cocktail inspired series. For those who get up when the sun goes down, try Zynn's Mojito Spiced Cider and Espresso Martini Nicotine pouches. Find them at select retailers. Available while supplies last. Zyn After Dark Bring on the night.

Warning. This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.

[Tech Advertiser]

PCs powered by Snapdragon X Elite processors are made to go the distance with with blazing fast performance, next level efficiency and multi day battery life. Snapdragon processors are built to tackle it all from highlight reel editing to intense player research so you can be at the top of your game wherever the day takes you. Learn [e-mail] laptops snapdragon the heart of your PC battery life varies significantly based on device settings, usage and other factors.

[Podcast Announcer]

Okay, only 10 more presents to wrap. You're almost at the finish line. But first.

There the last one.

Enjoy a Coca Cola for a pop pause that refreshes.

[Business Software Advertiser]

Running a business is hard enough. Don't make it harder with a dozen apps that don't talk to each other. One for sales, another for inventory, a separate one for accounting. That's software overload. Odoo is the all in one platform that replaces them all. CRM, accounting, inventory, E Commerce, hr. Fully integrated, easy to use, and built to grow with your business.

[Sophie Cunningham]

Thanks.

[Business Software Advertiser]

Thousands have already made the switch. Why not you try Odoo for free at O-O-O.com that's odoo.com this podcast is.

[UFC Host / Promoter]

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. And 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.

[Sophie Cunningham]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Podcast Announcer]

Guaranteed Human.