Daniel Cormier TV - DC THROWBACK: Merab Dvalishvili interview RIGHT AFTER beating Sean O'Malley at UFC 306 in Sphere

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: DC THROWBACK: Merab Dvalishvili Interview RIGHT AFTER Beating Sean O'Malley at UFC 306 in Sphere
Release Date: June 1, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: A detailed exploration of the top sports stories revolving around UFC events, featuring in-depth interviews and analyses.

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1. Introduction and Guest Appearance

After navigating through initial advertisements and sponsor messages, the podcast transitions to a lively conversation hosted by Ryan Seacrest. He welcomes listeners to the setting at Merab Dvalishvili's residence, introducing notable guests including former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and Jon Jones, a prominent figure in the UFC community.

Notable Quote:

• Ryan Seacrest [03:04]: "I'm here at Merab Dvalishvili's house, joined by Aljamain Sterling, former bantamweight champion, and Jon Jones."

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2. The Journey of Jon Jones

Jon Jones shares his inspiring journey as an immigrant striving to make it in the UFC. He recounts his initial struggles, early fights in South Carolina, and the challenges he faced in connecting with the right gym and coaches in the United States.

Notable Quotes:

• Jon Jones [04:11]: "I came to the United States as an immigrant. My goal was to fight MMA and get into the UFC, but I didn't know much about how everything works."
• Jon Jones [07:00]: "After leaving a chaotic boxing gym, I found the Sara Longo team, which was a turning point in my career."

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3. Building a Strong Fellowship with Aljamain Sterling

The conversation delves into the deep-rooted friendship and professional relationship between Jon Jones and Aljamain Sterling. They discuss how their mutual respect and shared goals kept them from fighting each other despite being top contenders in their weight classes.

Notable Quotes:

• Aljamain Sterling [09:43]: "We were just training with each other all the time. As we kept climbing to the top, our friendship meant more than any potential fight."
• Ryan Seacrest [10:20]: "I never even thought about fighting each other. It wasn't a reality until it was brought up by the organization."

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4. Analysis of Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley at UFC 306

A significant portion of the podcast focuses on the high-stakes fight between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley at UFC 306. The guests analyze the strategies, performance, and outcomes of the fight, providing listeners with expert insights.

Notable Quotes:

• Aljamain Sterling [12:43]: "Sean O'Malley was a massive presence in both of your careers. The fight was set shortly after he fought Henry Cejudo."
• Ryan Seacrest [16:05]: "I always accept worst-case scenarios. This was an MMA fight, and I was ready for everything Sean brought to the octagon."

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5. The Dynamics of the Fight and Its Aftermath

Jon Jones and Aljamain Sterling discuss the intricate details of the fight, including Merab's dominance over Sean O'Malley’s takedown defense and the overall performance that led to Merab's victory. They also touch upon the mental and physical preparations that athletes undergo before such high-profile matches.

Notable Quotes:

• Aljamain Sterling [22:24]: "Merab knocked Sean off his feet every time. His ability to control the fight was evident."
• Jon Jones [30:39]: "When I started fighting, I could feel the pain in my stomach, but I stayed focused to make the fight look easy."

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6. Future Prospects and Upcoming Fights

The discussion shifts to the future trajectories of the fighters involved, including potential matchups and the implications of Merab’s victory on the UFC rankings. They speculate on future contenders and the evolving landscape of the bantamweight division.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Seacrest [32:45]: "Fighting Calvin Keter at 145 opens the door for a title shot. It's a tough fight, but Merab is a smart and resilient fighter."
• Aljamain Sterling [34:19]: "Now that I'm the champion, everyone wants to fight me. It's how the title scene evolves."

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7. Personal Anecdotes and camaraderie

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts and guests share personal stories and humorous moments, highlighting the camaraderie between them. This segment offers listeners a glimpse into the personalities behind the fighters and their off-the-cage relationships.

Notable Quotes:

• Jon Jones [37:35]: "It's an honor to be on the show as a champion now. Me and Aljo are continuing this journey together."
• Aljamain Sterling [38:46]: "Our friendship should be commended. We've put our friendship above all, and that means a lot."

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8. Conclusion and Final Toasts

The podcast wraps up with light-hearted toasts and final remarks, celebrating the victories and affirming the strong bonds within the UFC community. The hosts encourage listeners to stay connected and look forward to future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Aljamain Sterling [37:35]: "Cheers to a long successful reign at the top."
• Jon Jones [39:27]: "God bless us, brother. It's only beginning, and cheers to our friendship."

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Key Takeaways and Insights

• Friendship Over Competition: Jon Jones and Aljamain Sterling exemplify how mutual respect and friendship can transcend the competitive nature of sports.
• Merab Dvalishvili's Strategic Victory: Merab's methodical approach and superior takedown defense were pivotal in his victory over Sean O'Malley.
• Future of Bantamweight Division: The outcomes of recent fights have reshaped the UFC rankings, setting the stage for exciting future matchups.
• Mental Fortitude: The importance of mental preparation and focus is emphasized as crucial elements for success in high-pressure fights.

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Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers an engaging and comprehensive look into the UFC world, highlighting personal stories, strategic fight analyses, and the enduring friendships that shape the sport. Through insightful discussions and candid exchanges, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the athletes' journeys and the dynamics that drive the competitive landscape of mixed martial arts.

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Note: This summary excludes advertisements and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions and insights shared during the podcast episode.

Transcript

[Ryan Seacrest]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Aljamain Sterling]

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[Merab Dvalishvili]

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[Aljamain Sterling]

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[Merab Dvalishvili]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway, now through June 24. Score hot summer savings and earn four times the points. Look for in store tags on items like Starbucks ground coffee, Red Bull energy drinks, Spam Classic Planet oat milk, Charmin bath tissue, Totino's pizza rolls and Frito Lay chips. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Shop in store or online for easy drive up and up or delivery subject to availability restrictions apply. Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.

[Jon Jones]

Gold oh, disgusting.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You know, one time. One time I one time I was at a place they tried to make me eat this goat. You don't eat goat? No, I eat goat. It's kind of disgusting. It's oily. Why you. They give me suit, like a goat suit soup, and it was like so much oil inside, inside the soup. We go in Jamaica, curry goat.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Curry goat, yeah.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You like. You like all that?

[Jon Jones]

Of course.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Okay, so could you tell me what the is an oxtail?

[Ryan Seacrest]

It's beef.

[Aljamain Sterling]

What is a oxtail? It's beef until. Is it good?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Oh, it's one of my favorites.

[Aljamain Sterling]

I've literally never eaten oxtails. I love it. Everybody talks about it, but I never eat it.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I love it.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Wow, this is crazy. You know, I've honestly wanted to get you guys together for a long time because it's a. It's a very different dynamic of a relationship. But after watching last weekend, I understand it now from the outside, considering I lived it once. All right, guys, I'm here at Marab, the Wallace Feely's house, joined by Al Jermaine Sterling, former bantamweight champion. Now today we call him Nicki Minaj because since he went up to 145, he got all that junk in the truck. He looks so big. His legs are big. This dude is huge. Not 145. I'm in Vegas for some work. Figured I'd pop in on these guys and check in. First off, congratulations, champ, on a fantastic performance last weekend. Congratulations, Aljo, on helping your guy and really supporting him in a way that most can't. Look, when I was at AKA Kane Velasquez and I were in a very similar situation to you two, weren't willing to fight. So I ultimately went down to 13205. Sorry, what makes your guys's relationship so special?

[Jon Jones]

You understand I should start. Yeah. So me, I came United States as an immigrant. You know, my goal was to fight mma. You know, of course the venture I go ufc. But that time I don't know much about like UFC to how to get UFC or mma, how everything will go. So. And when I so first I had some fights in South Carolina and then the streets was beautiful. People was nice. Like everybody so nice. And like of course when you got here, like everybody treat you like I was here one day, just fight way in same day and go win the fight. And next morning I go back Georgia. But everything, whatever time I spent here, everything was beautiful. Of course it's beautiful. But like my. In the houses, when I look, they are so clean, like no quiet. I'm like where I am now, in heaven. So I Go back. And then now I was in army. I finished army and I decided to come. After I finish, I will be free. You know, army, my country was mandatory. One year when I finished my army, I decided to come United States because I had visa. They gave me visa for the fight and I immigrate here. But I have a friend in New York. And then he said, oh, yeah, I know some gym. I spoke to the coach, he told me he can get ufc. So when I go, I see that's a boxing gym. This guy only has a girl who trains kids and girls, the girls trying to lose weight, you know, like fitness.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Like some finish gym.

[Jon Jones]

Something. Like the coach he did fought before, he was boxer. But he's crazy now. He's like. He's just slow and man, then a crazy guy, you know, Like, I never seen somebody in sport like this crazy. No, he was really crazy. And then I was feeling bad for my friend because he didn't recognize this. And I cannot tell him, bro, you crazy. This guy's stupid. He don't know what he's talking about. And I was going there every day, hitting bags and like training. All right, I will change bet I enjoy. I was already fighting, like, why I'm training, why I come here? And I was going crazy. And this guy already. Anyway, so I left him six years, six months later, because he made me fight amateur boxing four times, two times kickboxing. And anyway, so long story short. And after I left this, and maybe about like almost one years ago, I find the Sara Longo team. And it was the time when Aljo finished his college. And then. Right, and he started training at Cerrongo team.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Only wrestling.

[Jon Jones]

No, he was good fighter. He was mixed by. He. He was the guy. He studied YouTube, learn by himself, you know, break the fights down. Study, study, study, learn. When teaching us also, like something. But me, I don't speak English, you know, that time I. I have zero English. I just want to fight, you know, mma. I want to like real fights. I'm tired of cutting weight in boxing and keep boxing, you know, it's. And I saw him, he was sparring with other guy. Like, you know, what's this guy?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Was it Anthony?

[Jon Jones]

No, no. Anyways, Eddie, Eddie, Anthony. Anyways, anyway, so okay. Anyway, so anyway, and okay, when I see him, he was already, I believe, 60 or 70 pro fighter. And because I was hungry, like, I need a fight, I need a rebel wrestler. I need a real people, you know what I'm saying? Just, no, I was with losers. I was with crazy People, you know, I was with, like, you know, like, I was missing home. I was missing some people, you know, like. And then I see real people, you know, real gym, like fighter, like Al Jama Stanley. And I feel love with him all right away, you know, because, like, I can look up to him. He's a fighter already. I can.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You can start to work towards your goal.

[Jon Jones]

Yeah. And then, yeah, I just look up to him, whatever, you know, Anyway, so. And then he was the already fighter. That's all I need to. I need to fight in my people, you know?

[Aljamain Sterling]

Yeah.

[Jon Jones]

And he was the guy who was training, set up his own training schedule and sparring. And that time, it was big hope for me. By the time, you know, we did training with sparring Al Joh choke me. And he never wanted sparring with me because I wasn't enough. Yeah. So anyways, and then me, of course, he makes me humble. And I'm like. I realized, yeah, I think I have 10 fights in Georgia MMA. I beat everybody. But now I'm here.

[Aljamain Sterling]

I'm in the real fight.

[Jon Jones]

Yeah.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Aljo, when you're starting your career, as he's starting his career, and we spoke about this before he came. You said the first session, you guys are going and you're sparring, and he's very green, but he never stops. He develops this style that he carries today as a world champion, and it's brought him to the heights that he's reached. But how soon did you guys decide as friends that we're not fighting? Because out of that gym, right? You guys both live in Vegas now, but trained out of Sarah Longo, Ray Longo still corners you guys. You guys are still so loyal to that team. Both have now won these belts. How quickly did you guys realize that this friendship means more than money or whatever comes from it?

[Ryan Seacrest]

For me, I didn't even have to think about it. It was just one of those things that just happened naturally where we were just training with each other all the time. And then when we both just kept winning and kept winning, kept winning, then we both started to climb to the top. I think I entered the top five again after I lost to Caraway and Raphael's Raphael Sunso and then the Marlon Moraes fight. But then I clawed my way back to top five, and then Maraud was just entering back into. Entering for the first time into the top 15, top 10. And I just never even gave it a thought, like, oh, we might fight each other. I never thought about it.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Was there pressure from the organization? Because I can Tell you from experience, when I made my decision to go 205 was because I was in a meeting, and they said, you're number two or three now, and you're too good. You guys are both too good to stay away from each other. You're ultimately going to get to where you're going to be, have to fight for the belt. So I said, well, I'll just move weight classes. Was there never pressure to try to make you guys fight? Because I know there was outside pressure. The media talking heads were like, well, they got to fight. There's no way they're not going to.

[Ryan Seacrest]

That was not till later on. But I never. Like I said, I never even thought about it. It wasn't like a. It didn't seem like a reality until I was, like. When they first brought up, I was like, oh, I just realized we're. We're both pretty damn good. But I never. I never thought of it like, yo, I have to get ready for Marauder, because one day we might fight each other. Yeah, I thought, like, that. I always felt like I would eventually go up. And he even. Whenever we did talk about it, he also even entertained. He was like, maybe I could see if I can make 25. But I even said that I was like, I don't. There's no reason to go 25. You don't have to kill yourself. And I was like, I'm big for the weight. I know I'm gonna eventually have to go up to 145, and here I am. I would have liked to have gotten that last one on my way out, but it is what it is.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You know, sometimes change comes whenever things go sideways. Alex Pereira went to 205 because Izzy knocked him out, right? You lose your belt, you go to 145. You won your first fight against Calvin Keter, a guy who's been around forever, and it opens the door for your boy Merab. Now we got to talk about Sean o' Malley, right? Because he's a massive presence in both of your careers. Now, that fight that you had with him came very short, time after he fought Henry Cejudo. You were very vocal. I remember talking to Ryan Clark, and you had said after you beat Peter Yan or TJ Dillashaw, you needed time. I go, he needs time. But I know how this works. As a champion, when you need somebody, they call you. They. Then the money becomes bigger, and they're like, okay. Then you beat Henry Cejudo in New Jersey. Come back, you fight Sean o' Malley in Boston. Only Three and a half months later, for a big guy, that's very difficult. How long did it take you to get over what happened? And then you fast forward to last weekend, and you're back seeing him in that position, wearing that belt. What are you feeling as the fight with me? Rob's about to start.

[Ryan Seacrest]

And what I was feeling before the fight was about to start was, oh, sweet karma is about to happen.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You just knew.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I just. I just knew because I've trained with him, I fought him, I've analyzed his tapes, and I knew what I need to do to beat him. And there's a mental component to fighting. You have to be mentally there. You have to want to be in there versus someone tugging at you and say, hey, man, come do this, because it'll be good if you can help us out. This is an opportunity, opportunity of a lifetime to take his fans. Like, that's all cool and all, but at the end of the day, we know as athletes, you have to put the work in. That's one thing. Showing up is not that hard, but the hardest part is to actually be in that back room and be like, I'm ready, I'm focused.

[Aljamain Sterling]

I want to. This dude.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I'm dialed in to go. And, yeah, it is what it is. But I was, in my head, it was like, this is going to be the sweetest thing to watch. And it was very fitting for the name Sugar, you know? So I was like, this is going to be very sweet.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You're so funny. Mirage. You just headlined one of the biggest cards in UFC history. When you walked out into the sphere for the first time and saw all of it, did you look around and go, holy, this is crazy?

[Jon Jones]

You know what? No.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You didn't notice it?

[Jon Jones]

No, I do. But. Okay, when. So when Then I announced this fight at the spear, I'm like, wow. I was, oh, my. I hope I do there. You know, I want to fight there. And then that's why I was pushing and making all the skits. And I know Mali also want to fight there. And then he was making all this video. And then. And then when Hunter called me about, like, two months ago, and he told me that, yes, Mehrab, you're fighting for the bust. And just don't do anything stupid, like, don't pull out this part, I'm like, no, Hunter, I promise I'm not. And it was. For me, that time was, wow, I'm excited. I'm actually main event at the spear, and I was happy, but next day, I was just focused for Fighting.

[Aljamain Sterling]

But what about when you walked out there on Saturday? It was crazy. I mean, you are a hundred foot tall inside there. Like, there's a picture of you when they introduced. You're 100 foot tall.

[Jon Jones]

I don't like, I was just. I heard my music, I had fun, and I looked at people, like, around here. I. I don't really go.

[Aljamain Sterling]

I even saw Sean kind of go, yeah, if you watch his walk out, he kind of was like, I don't have this. Like, you didn't have that feel.

[Jon Jones]

Once I go there, I'm like. And he was talking, like, normal. Like, you know, I was. You know, because in Lockham, I was very normal. Like, I had. We go there very early. I have to wait and I don't want to warm up too early, and I don't want to like nervous because it's okay now it's not time.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Where's the. Where's the ropes for brunette? The kid that walked me in here. I don't know his name.

[Jon Jones]

And so, and then, so. And then almost. It's time to warm up and almost get ready. And I was. I started talk with Tim. Okay, let's. Let's talk about reasons why we have to beat this, you know, like, make myself a little bit mad or a little bit in a fight, because I was very normal. You know, for me, it was like, scary.

[Aljamain Sterling]

A little bit like, oh, why am I not mad?

[Jon Jones]

Yeah, why? Exactly, exactly. And I'm making myself, like, you know, motivated, more motivated. And. And I was normal again. And I was just.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Was the fight what you expected or was it harder? Was it easier? Like, was it what you thought it was going to be?

[Jon Jones]

So I always accept worst and, like, war, and I was ready for, I mean, everything. It's an MMA fight, and I know Sean's training jiu jitsu, wrestling, striking, boxing, you know, and he's a tough guy. He's champion. And I was ready for everything. But. But I can. I can make fight easy. And that's what I did. I make fight easy. Right.

[Aljamain Sterling]

But was it surprising to you guys that he was the. He was the underdog? Like, he opened as the favorite, but then the world bet Sean o' Malley to be the favorite. Even though Merab had that ability to control the fight, were you surprised that he was the underdog?

[Jon Jones]

I don't pay attention to much. This. I know. Beginning. I was favor. No.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Yeah, you were favorite in the beginning.

[Jon Jones]

Big, big favor beginning. And I don't know, maybe because I opened my eye.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Yeah, you open your eye and then you cut yourself with the scissors. It was bad, man. It was really bad. Dana White said, you're the craziest. That's so bad.

[Jon Jones]

I'm sorry, Dana. I mean, you have a crazy fighter champion now.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Yeah.

[Jenny Garth]

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[Aljamain Sterling]

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[Jon Jones]

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[Aljamain Sterling]

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[Jon Jones]

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[Unknown]

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[Jon Jones]

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[Merab Dvalishvili]

Mintmobile do Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and safeway now through June 24th. Score hot summer savings and earn four times the points. Look for in store tags on items like Pringles, Ritz crackers and chips, sliced soda, Wonder Buns and bread and Natural Choice lunch meat. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pick up or delivery subject to availability restrictions. Apply. Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.

[Unknown]

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[Aljamain Sterling]

So Alja, when you're in there, right, because you've been very vocal about the idea that things weren't ideal going into that fight, watching Sean struggle in the way that he did, I was looking at you and you were very animated. You were a lot. You, you were coaching and coaching hard. You said you felt like sweet karma was coming, but when you're watching it happen, like what are you, you're just smiling from ear to ear. I'm watching you smile right now. As you were smiling next to the.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Octagon, I was like, I told you motherfuckers. That's all I was thinking in my head. I was like, I told these guys, these guys are assholes. His fans particularly are just pricks, man.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Really?

[Ryan Seacrest]

A lot of his fans are just pricks, really, because he started gloating and started saying all this stuff. I, I accepted the, the loss and grace, you know, I, I shot for the stars in a not so ideal situation. If I won, great. And I try to build the fight, I try to give, you know, help us both make some money. And pay per view numbers didn't even do that great. So really I was even more.

[Aljamain Sterling]

But that's like the idea though, right, to fight a guy that's a big time star. You can make a lot of money. I know what money I made fighting Jon Jones opposed to what I was making fighting other guys. Yeah, Jon and I had the great rivalry we had back and forth like.

[Ryan Seacrest]

You guys, you don't say no names.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Probably my worst one was probably when I fought Alexander Gustafson Rumble and I always did really well. I did really well with Stipe Miocic, but it was massive difference.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Yeah.

[Aljamain Sterling]

400000 pay per views from Jon Jones opposed to everyone else. 300000 pay per views between me and Jon and Stipe. So when you get the fight and the number, how surprised were you that it didn't? Because pay per view is hard. It's a hard business.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Of course I think the old model should probably go away.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You think?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Yeah, I mean that's what I think.

[Aljamain Sterling]

People keep stealing the damn pay per views. So ridiculous.

[Ryan Seacrest]

So it's really hard to measure just because people start talking about the numbers as if that's an indicator of anything. If anything, it just shows how many people are actually streaming the fights.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Yeah. You know, so do you think that Sean o' Malley, after the fight with Moorobin, he struggled mightily on his takedown defense. I was very surprised, but I think it's because Merab knocked him off of his feet every time. You know, a lot of people try to take him down against the fence, but he's so long that he defends. Marab was hitting him at his hips and kind of picking him up and throwing him down. Do you think that he can correct that? Because you and I spoke last week and you said it doesn't matter how long I box, I'm not going to catch him in the boxing.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Yeah.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Can he close the gap on these guys in terms of the wrestling? I'm talking to you, Alja.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I think it's just a difference is just a timing thing, so whether or not he could catch up with that. He might have good fundamental basic defense, but when a guy shoots it, When a guy shoots in and he gets a clean shot off of a really well timed entry, it's gonna be hard for anyone to stop. No matter how good your hips are, if they get in, when you're throwing a punch and you're off balance, it's a lot easier.

[Aljamain Sterling]

What did you say?

[Jon Jones]

He's. I sent it to him shopping, you know, he was gonna.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Oh, he left.

[Jon Jones]

I sent it to him to bring the. Some pizza and something.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Oh, you want some pizza?

[Jon Jones]

No.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You're gonna treat yourself a little nice.

[Jon Jones]

I'm a Georgian, so whenever we have a guest, we have to feed them, you know?

[Aljamain Sterling]

Really?

[Jon Jones]

Yeah. Yes.

[Aljamain Sterling]

I'm starving too. Yeah, but I have what I'm gonna eat. I have already. I'm gonna go get dinner after I'm done with you. Yeah, I put dinner off to come to you.

[Jon Jones]

How about you?

[Aljamain Sterling]

Some Georgian, they give me some cornbread. It smells really good up. Hey, why do you guys both live here? I drive past, I was like, I wonder where my Rob lives. Look to the left. Weight room, gym, everything. Then I say, I look for aljo house. I look al Jaws. Mercedes Benz, Tesla Range Rover. Why? Why this guy? Like this celebrity guy you are? What is this guy?

[Ryan Seacrest]

One nice car, Only one.

[Aljamain Sterling]

This guy? Mercedes. Mercedes Benz, Tesla, Cybertruck.

[Jon Jones]

This crazy guy. But most important, we both have a gym in the garage.

[Aljamain Sterling]

He have a gym, too?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Yeah.

[Jon Jones]

He has a gym, too. Yeah.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You guys Are hard working guys.

[Jon Jones]

Yeah.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Okay, so I wanted your boy because you win the championship. I saw a video of people in Georgia.

[Jon Jones]

Yes.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Did you see that video? What does that make you feel, man?

[Jon Jones]

I'm grateful because of my country. My country give me power always and the extra motivation to be who I am. You know, I'm like regular Georgian. We are tough people, but. And. And we are humble, good people, but same time we can be.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Yeah, well, you said that last week you were bothered because you felt like Sean was looking down on you.

[Jon Jones]

Yes, so.

[Aljamain Sterling]

But Sean was. Sean was. It seemed like he took this pretty humbly. The defeat to his credit. He's not making excuses. He just kind of was sprawling the next day. Sprawling.

[Jon Jones]

I just watched. I was. When I was running, I was listening to his podcast and then he was different person. He was humble. And I always say. Okay, he was very humble. Like he said he.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Yeah, now.

[Jon Jones]

Now he's humble. But this team is called. Oh, yeah, I have a question for you. You never talk about it, so. So okay, I'm in. I'm in the fight. Fighting. And then this team mentioning my name and telling me something like, bro, just leave me alone. Why are you coaching me?

[Aljamain Sterling]

Just tell your gun. So he was actually coaching you, not coaching me.

[Jon Jones]

He said like, stay patient. Shoot now something. Yeah, he said, do this.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Somebody said he did that in your fight? Yeah, Yeah. I didn't hear him.

[Ryan Seacrest]

And then they took that clip ESPN and they posted it and they made it seem like that's why I threw the punch. I'm like, bro, I did not hear that.

[Aljamain Sterling]

But why. But he was coaching you.

[Jon Jones]

He was coaching.

[Aljamain Sterling]

But is that why you turned away?

[Jon Jones]

And I was so mad because I know he was trying to do same thing. Aljo. He was calling all the time to like something like this. And then, bro, we MMA fighters, we are respectful to other team in the fighters. You know, we don't do this dirty, you know?

[Aljamain Sterling]

Know.

[Jon Jones]

You know this more than everybody. And then we never will do this to like a coach your opponent, you know, like not coach, like disrespect.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Yeah, distract.

[Jon Jones]

Distract and make him like do some mistake or. Yeah, exactly. And then. And I was so mad because of me. Now he's trying to. And then I'm like, just coach your guy. Stop. Like, talk to me, you know? And then like. And then the. The referee stopped. Stopped his nurse. He said, stop.

[Aljamain Sterling]

But the hurt Dean on Saturday kept saying work.

[Ryan Seacrest]

That was pissing me off.

[Aljamain Sterling]

How was House? I mean, that was very surprising.

[Ryan Seacrest]

That was very.

[Aljamain Sterling]

What was Going on there, all the.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Fans, everyone pointed out, there's memes making fun of him, saying. Saying, I'm about to stand you up. Because he's throwing knees, he's throwing punches.

[Aljamain Sterling]

I don't understand why we're saying work. Like, I. I really don't understand what happened.

[Jon Jones]

No, it's okay. I mean, I don't. I mean, he was good.

[Aljamain Sterling]

I did, you know, that Saturday night, he was not as good as he's been.

[Jon Jones]

Yeah, okay.

[Aljamain Sterling]

That's being honest, man.

[Jon Jones]

Yeah. I don't know. I mean, I was.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I was.

[Aljamain Sterling]

I was very shocked.

[Jon Jones]

I mean, I don't have anything against these two moments when I started yelling at me and he stopped me. He said, merav, stop. I will do this. I. I wish he did before, like, without me, when he heard me, but I'm sure he wasn't thinking about my name.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Everything's moving fast.

[Jon Jones]

Yeah, exactly. And he. He don't know. Like, he's my corner or his corner. And, you know, I'm sure he's not thinking about it, but this I understand. When I was yelling, he stopped and he said, murab, you. You do your job, and I will. Okay. And he did tell after.

[Aljamain Sterling]

After stop.

[Jon Jones]

Yeah, after he did tell. And after. Tim, try again. And he stopped him, I think. And. Okay, the second time was what happened? It's funny moment.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You kiss him?

[Jon Jones]

Yeah, I'm choking. And then I heard the bell. I'm like, oh, 10 seconds. It's not enough time to finish him. And I look him like he's tapping. No, I don't think he's gonna tap, but I don't think he's gonna go sleep with it, but let me make him fun of him and then. And let me show him who's daddy here. And I kiss him and I'm waiting for same time bell. You know, the two referee told me that, you know, he punched you. And then. And then once, I'm like, it's wasted time. And I let go.

[Aljamain Sterling]

So you think the referee. So did he touch you? That's why you let him go? I thought you just let him go.

[Jon Jones]

He did.

[Aljamain Sterling]

He said the referee touched him.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I don't think so.

[Jon Jones]

I remember.

[Aljamain Sterling]

No, the. Rob just let him go.

[Jon Jones]

He said. He said, hey, hey, stop there. And then I remember you touching me, but I remember, hey, hey, stop there. And then I thought it was time, you know, because I was waiting. I know that it was under 10 seconds. And then when I. He said, hey, hey, stop dead. And I'm like, okay, it's Time, I guess time. It's. I don't hear time. And I'm like, walk in. I'm like, what the they say like. And then like I'm so pretty. I'm sorry. Okay. You know, like that was okay. I tried to.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Fifth round. The rob gets hurt.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I started, I started when they did that in the first round. Then I started, I said, her, you need to say something. And he was like, hey, I forgot what he said. He like kind of like waved me off. I was like, oh, nah, you just open the floodgate. So I start going matter. Your lace is untied.

[Jon Jones]

Your lace.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I was like, Sean, you're slipping your laces. Watch out in the cage. Showing you too close to the cage. Watch the tape that was coming now.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You hear this?

[Jon Jones]

I heard.

[Aljamain Sterling]

What is Alo doing?

[Jon Jones]

I'm like, like, I'm like like, let's go.

[Aljamain Sterling]

It was chaos. It was chaos. Fifth round, this guy gets hurt. I mean, you guys must have been like, oh my God.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I wanted to ask you too the fifth round because I know you said your stomach was hurting when you ate that, that bar.

[Jon Jones]

Yes. Okay.

[Ryan Seacrest]

So I didn't know if that was.

[Jon Jones]

From the kick or from. Usually we have a good warm up. Me and. Alright. And we did warm up. Two rounds, we go really hard. Al, let me, let me walk. Of course he was the like punch guy.

[Ryan Seacrest]

How you say punching bag?

[Jon Jones]

Punching bag. You know, I then I warm up, stopped good. And I said, I still have a time. As I said, I'm gonna do one more again. And then right before fight and then. But I had good warm up. I look good. And he let's make me look good. And so I said, okay, let's warm up again. And when I started, I'm like, I don't want to do this one again. And I'm hungry. Yeah. Like yeah, yeah.

[Ryan Seacrest]

You stopped, you stopped early.

[Jon Jones]

Yeah. I'm like, okay, I'm good, I'm good, I'm good. But I'm. But I'm maybe I need some sugar. Oh, oh, let me drink something. But when I they have this prime, I'm like, I hope I want to drink this because some sugar, you know. But like this tasty. Maybe I don't wanna, you know, like, you know, when you go five rounds, I don't want to like feel dry. Like dry, dry, tasty. I'm like, okay, maybe the john would give me something, you know, do they give you a bag, something sweet, you know, and I eat that, a yogurt or something sweet. I don't know, it's something.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Oh, like the applesauce thing. It's like a little pouch.

[Jon Jones]

Once I eat this, my stomach like, what? The running, like, what? Oh, my God. Like, of course it's about the time now go. You know, it's like you cannot take it.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You didn't go.

[Jon Jones]

No, not like. Not like that, but like I feel the pain, you know, in my stomach. Okay. Anyway, I fight and then. And then three times. It's everything. When the heat got me, I'm like, I feel disappointing, like, pain. Like, I'm like, what's going on? But now, of course, I want to be smart. I run, make sure I did extra. Maybe I wish he's gonna come and then maybe some knocking.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Maybe a punch.

[Jon Jones]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Aljamain Sterling]

He must have been a little nervous.

[Jon Jones]

Yeah. So he.

[Aljamain Sterling]

He.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I don't know what I was, cuz I was like, I can't tell. That really hurt him because sometimes in the gym we'll spar and you hit him to the body and then he'll act like he's hurt.

[Jon Jones]

I do. Yeah. I do this. I thought.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I was like, I don't know if that really hurt him or not, but Mali's coming hard right now. I was like, it's either. It's possible he's really hurt. I was like, I can't tell.

[Jon Jones]

No, yeah, he did. He did. Got me. But I wasn't like it. But I was extra, extra careful. He did land the good, good.

[Aljamain Sterling]

All right, well, I'll Joe before I let you guys go. I got you Mozar Evloya for. Oh, yeah, I will. Oh, Funk harbor sign. What is this?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Seal delivered.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Let me see.

[Ryan Seacrest]

And you can get that at phone call Rum shop.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Funk Harborrum shop. Hey, somebody give me a cup. Little ice, please. Anybody, please. Hey, two, Two, please. Two. Champ.

[Jon Jones]

Hey, three.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You. Yeah, fight.

[Ryan Seacrest]

No, we doing three. I'm taking one, bro.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Okay, three, please.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Oh, my J. Jones right now.

[Jon Jones]

Oh, wow. Let's a. Have I learned from.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Wait, no, no, hold on. Mosar of Loya. This guy, you have to fight him first Fight. Oh, I struggled. You beat Calvin Cater 145. You're off and running now you gotta have lawyer. Big time fight in Salt Lake City. What's the expectation? And what's the expectation if you get the victory?

[Ryan Seacrest]

It's a tough fight, man. A lot of people are writing him off as a boring fighter, but I think he's actually really, really good. He's a smart fighter. Never really puts himself in bad positions. And if he's. If he does he always finds a way out. He's hard to submit. Great cardio, kind of. Honestly, I feel like he's like the 145 Marauder. Like he just constantly goes, maybe not as good as of a gas tank, but I think he's pretty damn good expectations. I think if I can style on him, maybe get a finish, I think the world's you. I think that opens up the world for title shot.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Well, Holloway and Il Deor are fighting big time. Fight at 145. Who do you got now?

[Ryan Seacrest]

I don't know. It's such a tough fight. Ilya is so good.

[Aljamain Sterling]

He's good, man.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Max looked as good as ever in that last fight against Gaethje. Max is the dog and it showed. He showed the dog in him in that last 10 seconds of that fight at UFC 300.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Nobody thought he was going to do that to Justin Gage.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Why would you even want to do it? You're winning and you still.

[Aljamain Sterling]

And dude, he was like this close to getting hit by a right hand from Justin.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Yeah, and his ducks under. I think it was a right left, right over the top, right on the chin. And man, like I said, both these guys can scrap. I don't know who I'm picking in that. The one thing I will say is Max's footwork could be a little bit problematic in the early goings of the round. But if Max starts to slow down and Ilya starts to touch him to the body and then finds his chin, I can see Ilya winning that as well.

[Aljamain Sterling]

You're the champion now, so everybody wants to fight. You're out running.

[Ryan Seacrest]

They don't want to fight before, but now that he's got the belt, that's.

[Aljamain Sterling]

How it happens, right? That's how it happens, right? You have a guy like Merab, you have a guy like Kamaru Usman when he was on his run. They have to win so many fights. You don't want to be in the video. Hey, get over here, man. This morale's brother right there. Look at, he's scared. Like you won't be in the video. That's how it happens, right? Those guys like Marab, like Kamaru, they have to work harder to become the champion because nobody wants to fight him. But you're the champ now and you're the hunted. And Umar Magamorov was shown on the screen.

[Jon Jones]

Bro, bring it here, bro, bring it, bring it here.

[Aljamain Sterling]

But then someone told me, Chael Sonnen told me you said Davidson Figueiredo.

[Jon Jones]

Yeah, because he's more value Guy, I think, and a more dangerous guy. Hey, listen, it excites me more. But, you know, I fight best of the best. You know, I fight Josiah Peter Yan. What's the guy's name? Henry Sahuto. And even other guys, they're top guys. You think I'm scared of them? I choose opponent. No.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Okay, I'll give you small because you got to fight. Come on. Techniques. Hey. Oh, you don't drink.

[Jon Jones]

Okay, let me tell you this.

[Aljamain Sterling]

I like whenever he's about to start, okay?

[Jon Jones]

Last 14 years, I don't drink. I. I did. I did drink. Only beer a little bit. But alcohol like vodka, whiskey, or anything like this. But I did drink glue, champagne, cheerful.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Of Jamaican rum or wine.

[Jon Jones]

So anyway, only. Only alcohol. Basically, I drink this. This alcohol.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Okay. Congratulations, champ, on a victory. Aljo, congrats. I mean, two champions from that gym in Long. Sarah Longo and Chris Weidman. The work that you guys have done and now doing it in Las Vegas, truly tremendous. I cannot wait for Utah. We get a celebration drink for the champ. You guys got it done. Congratulations to both of you boys. Hey, your relationship should be commended. You guys really have put your friendship above all, and that means a lot to a guy like me. So it's been awesome to watch.

[Ryan Seacrest]

We got a similar story. Yeah. So it's nice. I mean, look at this. Life's good. We got houses and we take care of.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Hey, right away, you guys are, like, living right up the street from each other, too. Like, you don't get enough of each other. Hey, Marab, you have a wife? No, no wife. But now you just stay by yourself. No wife, no woman. Because only career.

[Jon Jones]

No woman.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Just only career. You got a boyfriend? All right, right, guys, That's Barab dualish V. You want to say toast?

[Jon Jones]

I want to say toast. You see, first of all, I respect and I mean, let's share for us, like, we are three champions here.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Yeah. And, hey, K. Jon Jones was at your party. How was that? You got to be very careful with this guy. This guy's all like.

[Jon Jones]

He'S good. He's good. I respect. He's a goat.

[Aljamain Sterling]

He's good. But this guy is the party goat, too.

[Jon Jones]

It's okay.

[Aljamain Sterling]

It's okay.

[Jon Jones]

God bless us. And it's what an honor to me, you. I'm in your show as a champion now, and me and Aljo, we are continuing.

[Aljamain Sterling]

I will see you in Utah for Aljo fight.

[Jon Jones]

Yes, I will be there.

[Aljamain Sterling]

But your nose, it's. Now, you could say it's clearly broken.

[Jon Jones]

You Know before long times. But right now it's broken. No, it's just scratch me. But it's over here. No, touch, touch, touch. It's very strong, brother. It's nothing broke. It's nothing broke. No, stay like this.

[Aljamain Sterling]

They need to reset this.

[Jon Jones]

No, no. It's strong. I can breathe. I strong. If Omali punch me here, you will broke his hand. It's come this way. That's how I don't touch this. Hey, big respect. You are your oh, I love to division champion. So and then now me and you, you are retired. Me and Aljo, we are continuing this. This journey. Still going Aljo. God bless us. God. God bless. God bless us, brother. Good luck to your next fight. And we only getting better. We only getting strong. And then. Yeah, brother. I love you. And then thank you, brother. It's only beginning, man. It's only beginning. And then cheers for our friendship. And I love how many times like.

[Aljamain Sterling]

It is literally the best, like we click you like when you do toast a lot like, yeah, I love this. I love this.

[Jon Jones]

Yeah. So I'm glad. I'm glad I have a friend like you. And the forever I will be with you, brother.

[Aljamain Sterling]

All right, my bad.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Cheers to a long successful rain at the top as Ben.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Wow. Another click. Let's go. Cheers. All right. Pound. That's good. That's really good.

[Jon Jones]

Only drink. I drink hardboard.

[Aljamain Sterling]

It's wrong.

[Jon Jones]

Yeah. No, I don't drink.

[Aljamain Sterling]

All right, guys, no more liquor because I can't imagine hanging out with me. Rob the Machine, the champ, Both of these guys. Al, Jermaine Sterling. Awesome, guys.

[Jon Jones]

Hey, hey. There we go.

[Aljamain Sterling]

Until next time, guys. Like subscribe. Go tap into everything he's doing. Tap into everything the new champion is doing. And I will see you guys with Aljo in Utah. I might be drunk already. Until next time, tell your friends about my YouTube channel, because I'm tapping in with guys like this from a Rob the Wallace Freely's house. Hell, I'm gonna go see Aljo's gym right now. Till next time. Peace.

[Jon Jones]

Let's go.

[Aljamain Sterling]

This podcast is 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 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.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and safeway now through June 24th. Score hot summer savings and earn four times the points. Look for in store tags on items like Pringles, Ritz crackers and chips, sliced soda, Wonder Buns and bread, and Natural Choice lunch meat. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pickup or delivery subject to availability restrictions apply. Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.

[Unknown]

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[Aljamain Sterling]

I know a lot of cops.

[Ryan Seacrest]

They get asked all the time, have.

[Jon Jones]

You ever had to shoot your gun?

[Aljamain Sterling]

Sometimes the answer is yes.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

But there's a company dedicated to a future where the answer will always be no. This is Absolute Season 1 Taser Incorporated.

[Jon Jones]

I get right back there and it's bad.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Listen to Absolute Season 1 Taser incorporated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or.

[Merab Dvalishvili]

Wherever you get your podcasts. This is an iHeart podcast.