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.