Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode Title: Daniel Cormier TV - Justin Gaethje on Rafael Fiziev REMATCH, Max Holloway KO, Islam Makhachev
Release Date: March 7, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, the spotlight is on UFC lightweight contender Justin Gaethje as he prepares for a highly anticipated rematch against Rafael Fiziev. Joined by former NHL player Nate Thompson, the conversation delves deep into Gaethje's fight strategy, his mindset following past performances, and the dynamics of the UFC fight ecosystem.

Main Discussion

1. Upcoming Rematch: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev

Justin Gaethje opens the discussion by addressing his forthcoming rematch against Rafael Fiziev. Reflecting on their first encounter in London, Gaethje acknowledges Fiziev's speed and the challenges it posed.

• Justin Gaethje (05:13): "I'm here with the highlight Justin Gaethje, who takes on Rafael Fiziev this weekend. Dude. Another rematch?"

• Nate Thompson (07:07): "In this sport, winning gets you more opportunities than coming off a loss. I'm coming off a loss right now. So ultimately, getting back in the win column is very important."

Gaethje emphasizes the importance of learning from past fights to enhance performance. He reveals his confidence in overcoming Fiziev, citing improvements in his training regimen and strategic adjustments.

2. Fighter Dynamics and Replacement Contenders

The conversation shifts to the withdrawal of Dan Hooker from the fight lineup and the subsequent ripple effect among potential contenders wanting to step in.

• Justin Gaethje (05:25): "But Dan Hooker, this is a fight that everybody thought would be as violent as anything would happen. Whenever you heard that Hooker was out, how disappointed were you?"

• Nate Thompson (06:12): "People wouldn't call out Justin Gaethje. People wouldn't say, I want in. Do you think that all comes from the last result where people are like, he's not as dangerous as he used to be? Yeah, I think I can get him now."

Despite multiple fighters expressing interest, Gaethje notes that many declined due to weight class mismatches or other reasons, leaving Rafael Fiziev as the primary contender.

3. Mindset and Preparation for the Fight

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Gaethje's mental preparation and resilience, especially after experiencing a knockout loss in his recent bout.

• Justin Gaethje (07:02): "But no, you people wouldn't call me out Justin Gaethje. People wouldn't say, I want in. Do you think that all comes from the last result where people are like, he's not as dangerous as he used to be? Yeah, I think I can get him now."

• Nate Thompson (10:43): "Nothing."

Gaethje shares his approach to handling unexpected changes and maintaining focus despite setbacks. He attributes his ability to stay composed to his support system, including his manager and coach, who help him navigate fight confirmations and strategic decisions.

4. Training Insights and Strategic Adjustments

Gaethje discusses specific changes he's implementing in his training to counter Fiziev's speed and striking prowess. Emphasizing a balance between offense and defense, he highlights the importance of controlling Fiziev's feet and capitalizing on opportunities to land decisive strikes.

• Justin Gaethje (13:34): "I think it was kind of just the way that I approached the fight. I was like, I got to be careful. This fool's very fast. I wasn't sure how fast he was until I got in there, but I think is, you know, in my mind, I was going to fight him two inches farther than I fought anybody else."

• Nate Thompson (15:55): "I'm ready to go. I'm ready. It doesn't matter who it is. It's me against me."

The duo also touches upon Gaethje's grappling skills, debating the likelihood and potential effectiveness of takedowns in the upcoming fight.

5. Personal Anecdotes and Light-hearted Banter

Interspersed with the fight talk are moments of camaraderie and humor, particularly around golf outings and friendly rivalries between Gaethje and Thompson.

• Justin Gaethje (08:20): "Have you played it?"

• Nate Thompson (08:24): "Yeah. It is great. I played Patrick Mahomes the golf tournament."

Their interactions provide a glimpse into Gaethje's life outside the octagon, showcasing his competitive spirit extending into other activities like golf.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Justin Gaethje (07:02): "It's about being confident in your ability to take the shots, see the shots, knockouts."

• Nate Thompson (10:34): "Nothing."

• Justin Gaethje (15:55): "Pump, that is."

• Nate Thompson (16:06): "I'm ready to go. It's me against me."

Conclusion

The episode provides an in-depth look into Justin Gaethje's preparation for his rematch with Rafael Fiziev, highlighting his strategic adjustments and mental fortitude. Gaethje's candid conversation with Nate Thompson not only sheds light on the intricacies of fight preparation but also underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in the high-stakes world of MMA. Listeners gain valuable insights into what to expect at UFC 313, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown between two top contenders.

Additional Content

Throughout the episode, numerous advertisements and promotions are interspersed, including endorsements from T-Mobile, Backyard Butchers, DraftKings, and podcast promotions featuring Steph Curry, Greg Rosenthal, and Julie Swearbanks. However, these sections are omitted from the summary to focus solely on the core content and insightful discussions between Justin Gaethje and Nate Thompson.

Listen to this episode on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on UFC 313 and more exclusive MMA content.