Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Daniel Cormier TV – Merab Dvalishvili on FINISHING Petr Yan in Rematch, Umar Nurmagomedov, Dating Life

Date: December 5, 2025
Host: (Appears to be Robbie Cannon for this segment)
Guest: Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili, UFC Bantamweight Champion

Episode Overview

This episode features a lively and insightful interview with UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili. The focus is Merab's unparalleled activity in 2025, preparing for a record fourth title defense, his evolution as a fighter, strategies for upcoming fights—especially the Petr Yan rematch—feelings on rivals like Umar Nurmagomedov, and lighthearted reflections on his dating life. Throughout, Merab’s discipline, joy for fighting, and humility shine, making for an engaging conversation accessible to both hardcore fans and newcomers to MMA.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Merab’s Relentless Activity and Mindset

• Fighting Four Times in a Year

  • Merab shrugs off the notion that fighting so frequently is abnormal for him:

    “No, actually, no. This is very normal for me. I love fighting and this is no problem. I would love to fight every, every week, you know, but you know what I hate? I hate weight cut.” (03:06)

  • The host marvels at the toll of repeated weight cuts. Merab clarifies he had three weight cuts last year, demonstrating his remarkable resilience (03:26).

• Training Habits: Sparring on Fight Day

  • Merab prefers real sparring over traditional fight-day shakeouts, often with no headgear:

    “For me, the best training is sparring. Real sparring, you know…” (03:57)
    “Now he likes to get cut. It makes him feel ready.” (04:50)

  • He finds headgear restrictive—“It’s not the same, you know... when you have a headgear, maybe you get hit when you shouldn’t because it doesn’t hurt as bad...you don’t wrestle the same.” (05:02)

2. Championship Mentality & Fighter of the Year Candidacy

• The host posits that Merab should be considered Fighter of the Year regardless of his next bout’s outcome, given three successful title defenses:

  “That’s up to you guys like you, you know … My job is to train hard and fight hard. It’s up to media, up to you guys to decide if I am or not.” (05:54-06:07)

• Discipline vs. Balance

  • Merab discusses disciplined training camps contrasted with post-fight indulgence, emphasizing the necessity of balance for long-term happiness:

    “If I’m, like, strict every day—I will be tired too. I’m a regular person, but because of my balance in life and training … that’s why I wanted to long term, not like a quick ... I want a long term.” (08:43)

3. Work Ethic & Confidence

• The host references coaches and fighters like John Wood and Aljamain Sterling, who highlight Merab’s legendary work rate:

  “Nobody works like him. Guys that I respect tell me that there’s not a person in the world that can outwork you in the gym.” (10:07)

• Merab humbly acknowledges there are people who beat him technically but credits his own hard work for comfort and confidence in fights:

  “But exactly because I work hard in the gym ... that’s why I’m so comfortable in the fight.” (10:12)

4. The Petr Yan Rematch – Adjustments & Gameplan

• Recapping the Previous Fight
  • The host breaks down Merab’s relentless 50 takedown attempts, but notes Yan’s strong defense.
• Strategy for the Rematch
  • Merab:

    “I think this time I am much better to control. I control guys down … And yeah, my goal is to, you know, stop him and finish him. Either it’s striking or … on the ground, maybe TKO him.” (11:46–11:56)

  • On what Yan needs to do:

    “He has to [knock me out] … Otherwise, no, I’m coming. I’m going to attack his head or his legs … I’m going to bite him!” (12:31–12:39)

5. Relationships with Rivals: Petr Yan, Umar Nurmagomedov

• On Petr Yan

  • Merab now respects Yan after prior animosity:

    “I was cheering for him … You know, when you fight somebody ... then he wins, that makes you look [good].” (12:55–13:34)

• On Umar Nurmagomedov

  • Discusses how Umar allowed someone else to tweet from his account, calling Merab a “fake champion” and feeling disrespected by that:

    “He let somebody use his Twitter to send you message. Yeah. To disrespect me. He called me fake champion.” (14:24–14:35)

6. Reflecting on the Rematch Dynamic

• The host asks if rematching a tough opponent like Petr Yan gives Merab an edge, as seen in his finishing Sean O’Malley after a decision win their first fight:

  “That’s the goal. Yeah, I want to finish him, but who knows?” (21:40)

7. On Activity Level and Criticism

• The host references Chael Sonnen stating four title fights in a year is almost “disrespectful to the sport” for being unheard of.
• Merab’s response:

  “Hey, but like I said, I love fighting. If there is no weight cut, I would like to fight more often. So, yeah, I guess it’s possible. Depends how you want it. Depends how you love it. And I love. I really love. I really enjoy.” (22:19–22:26)

8. Life Outside the Cage—The Search for “Wife Material”

• On dating, Merab confirms no more apps—still searching, but hasn’t found “the one." He values quality and character over looks:

  “There is so many great women, but there is not only one. My wife yet.” (23:09) “No, just … wife material. And yeah, it’s a priority. It’s just … wife material.” (23:46–23:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On fighting frequency:
  “If there is no weight cut, I would like to fight more often … I really love. I really enjoy.” – Merab Dvalishvili (22:22)

• On confidence from hard work:
  “Because of… I work hard in the gym, I know I put work. I was not lazy. I don’t skip the training … that’s why I’m so comfortable in the fight.” – Merab Dvalishvili (10:12)

• On wearing headgear in sparring:
  “It’s not the same … when you have a headgear, you maybe … you don’t see much. You don’t wrestle same.” – Merab Dvalishvili (05:02)

• On rivals disrespecting him via social media:
  “He let somebody use his Twitter to send you message. Yeah. To disrespect me. He called me fake champion.” – Merab Dvalishvili (14:24–14:35)

• On what his “wife” needs to be:
  “No, just … wife material. And yeah, it’s a priority. It’s just … wife material.” – Merab Dvalishvili (23:46–23:50)

• On championship activity:
  “One of the best champions the UFC has ever seen. One of the most active champions and all around great guys.” – Host (24:37)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• On training & sparring style: 03:38–05:22
• Fighter of the year candidacy: 05:33–06:07
• Balancing discipline & happiness: 07:39–09:23
• Legendary work ethic & confidence: 10:07–10:58
• Yan rematch adjustments: 11:43–12:39
• Relationship with Petr Yan: 12:48–13:34
• Umar Nurmagomedov conflict: 13:38–14:35
• Rematch dynamics (finishing skills): 21:04, 21:40
• Criticism of high activity: 22:19–22:56
• Dating life & wife material: 23:09–24:02

Summary Table

| Topic | Timestamps | Main Points | |-------------------------------------|---------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Training & Sparring Preferences | 03:38–05:22 | Real sparring, no headgear, fighting is normal | | Fighter of the Year Debate | 05:33–06:07 | Leaves accolades to media, stays focused | | Discipline and Balance | 07:39–09:23 | Balance enables happiness and longevity | | Gym Reputation & Confidence | 10:07–10:58 | Outworks everyone; comfort from hard work | | Yan Rematch Strategy | 11:43–12:39 | Improved control; aims for finish | | Petr Yan Relationship | 12:48–13:34 | Mutual respect emerged post-fight | | Umar Nurmagomedov Social Dispute | 13:38–14:35 | Feels disrespected by third-party tweets | | Rematch Dynamics | 21:04, 21:40 | Rematch gives edge, seeks finish | | On High Activity | 22:19–22:56 | Loves fighting, wants even more activity | | Dating Life | 23:09–24:02 | Still searching, values wife material |

Final Thoughts

This interview captures the essence of Merab Dvalishvili: a tireless, joyful competitor whose work ethic, discipline, and balanced perspective set him apart. His willingness to fight frequently, adapt his style, and learn from rivals, coupled with his humility and life philosophy, provides a full picture of a champion not just in the Octagon but in attitude and approach to life. The conversation is full of positive energy, humor, and candor, making it a must-listen for MMA fans and those interested in elite performance mindset.