Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

"Daniel Cormier TV – DC says Alex Pereira beating Jon Jones at heavyweight could make him UFC GOAT"

Date: October 8, 2025
Host: Daniel Cormier (DC), with appearances by Colin Cowherd
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Episode Overview

This episode of Daniel Cormier’s segment on The Herd dives deep into the recent UFC 320 event, focusing on Alex Pereira’s dominant win and his audacious callout of Jon Jones for a heavyweight clash. DC analyzes the context and implications of Pereira’s challenge, discusses the injuries and decisions affecting recent fighters, and explores what Pereira’s ambition means in the evolution of MMA stardom and legacy. The episode is candid, passionate, and offers unique insight from a former UFC champion’s perspective.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Alex Pereira’s Spectacular Win at UFC 320

• [03:00] DC recaps Alex Pereira's latest victory, avenging his previous loss by dominating Magomed Ankalaev in their rematch to reclaim the world championship.
• [04:00] Cormier discusses Ankalaev’s rib injury:
  • Cormier had seen footage of Ankalaev getting injections before the fight.
  • Despite being limited in preparation, Ankalaev chose to compete, knowing the risks.
  • DC doubts even a healthy Ankalaev could have changed the outcome, given Pereira's “mission” mindset.

“He wanted to go out there and beat Pereira again because he understood how important it was to have a victory over Alex...but he was not at 100%. But I don’t know if he was at 120% if he would have beaten Pereira on that night.”
— Daniel Cormier, [05:25]

2. The Mindset of Alex Pereira and the Evolution of the Sport

• [06:00] Instead of pursuing rematches or contenders in his division, Pereira immediately called out Jon Jones for a fight at heavyweight.
• DC analyzes why this is significant:
  • Pereira is choosing the riskiest, most high-profile fight instead of the safest path.
  • Modern MMA prizes big, legacy-building fights—sometimes over titles themselves, a trend seen previously with Conor McGregor.
  • Jones represents the highest value win due to his status as arguably the greatest fighter ever.
  • Cormier believes this attitude exemplifies bravery and ambition in today’s top fighters.

“Alex called out the hardest fight possible, and I think it also shows where we are in today’s world of mixed martial arts, where, like with Conor McGregor, people are almost valuing the fight over the belt.”
— Daniel Cormier, [07:40]

• [09:00] DC compares possible matchups:
  • Yuri Prochazka: Beaten twice by Pereira; hard to motivate for a trilogy.
  • Carlos Ulberg: Earned a shot, but less hype for Pereira.
  • Tom Aspinall and Cyril Gane: Difficult matchups, but Jones is the “Mount Everest” challenge.
  • Tom Aspinall’s lack of star power is the main hurdle preventing him being the “must-fight” opponent.

3. Legacy Implications: Pereira Chasing GOAT Status

• [11:00] Cormier explores the historical significance if Pereira were to defeat Jon Jones as a former 185 and 205 lb champion now challenging at heavyweight.
  • Pereira’s career already stands out: “Twelve UFC fights, nine title bouts in less than four years.”
  • No other major champion has transitioned up from 185 lbs to fight at heavyweight successfully.

“Pereira has now built himself into a real 205 pounder that could potentially challenge the heavyweight greats. And I love that he’s calling the hardest fight. I love that he’s picking the most intense, worst matchup for himself, because it just speaks to the man that Alex is.”
— Daniel Cormier, [12:20]

4. State of the Heavyweight Division & Contender Picture

• [13:00] DC breaks down the challenge for Aspinall in capturing attention like McGregor or Jones had.

  • Aspinall needs to win impressively soon (vs. Cyril Gane in Abu Dhabi) to become a star everyone chases.
  • He also notes the huge reputational leap a fighter gets by facing or beating Jones.

• Cormier’s personal view on next fights:

  • Pereira vs. Jones at the White House would be a “blockbuster,” but more likely, Pereira defends the 205 lb title first (Carlos Ulberg being next in line).
  • Prochazka is not ready for a third fight with Pereira yet after two stoppage losses.
  • Ankalaev’s injury was real, but “no excuses”—Pereira was on a mission and deserves credit.

5. Fighter Integrity and Road Ahead

• DC closes by praising Ankalaev’s willingness to fight despite injury, emphasizing the importance of risk, courage, and fortitude in MMA.
• Perseverance and fighter mentality are recurring themes: true champions accept daunting challenges, regardless of physical setbacks or reputational risks.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the value of mega-fights over titles:

  “The big fight matters to these dudes. Alex is 38 years old and probably thinking at this point, how do I go and make another statement that I am the guy?”
  — Daniel Cormier, [09:10]

• On Pereira’s rapid rise:

  “Twelve UFC fights now. Nine of them have been for UFC championships. That’s a crazy number. He still hasn’t been on the roster for four years.”
  — Daniel Cormier, [11:10]

• On Jon Jones’ legacy as the ultimate challenge:

  “Because if I put Alex Pereira against Jon Jones, Pereira is the underdog...does it bring the same type of recognition or the same type of value to a victory as fighting Jon Jones?”
  — Daniel Cormier, [10:30]

• On Ankalaev’s loss:

  “He chose to fight. He wanted to fight. There were a lot of people that care greatly about him, that tried to talk him out of it, but he’s a champion and he got beat for it.”
  — Daniel Cormier, [14:45]

Important Timestamps

• [03:00] – Recap of Pereira’s win at UFC 320
• [05:25] – Details on Ankalaev’s rib injury and the fight’s lead-up
• [07:40] – Insight on the shift from title-focused matchmaking to big, legacy fights
• [09:10] – Pereira’s motivation at age 38 and what’s at stake socially and competitively
• [11:10] – Pereira’s unique UFC trajectory (12 fights, 9 titles)
• [12:20] – Praise for Pereira’s challenge and bravery
• [13:00] – Discussion of Tom Aspinall’s situation and the star power gap
• [14:45] – Conclusion on Ankalaev’s decision to fight and overall fighter mentality

Conclusion

Daniel Cormier’s episode offers a deep insider look at the shifting sands of UFC stardom, the allure of high-risk, high-reward bouts, and the personal qualities that define MMA legends. Alex Pereira’s boldness in calling out Jon Jones at heavyweight is framed not just as a career move, but as a defining moment in contemporary fight culture—a litmus test of courage, ambition, and legacy.

DC leaves listeners pondering: Who should Alex Pereira fight next, and what challenges truly shape the pantheon of UFC greats?

“The world is his oyster, as it has been since the very beginning of his career here in the UFC.”
— Daniel Cormier, [15:10]