Daniel Cormier TV - Sean Strickland CALLS OUT Khamzat Chimaev, TAKING Dricus Du Plessis' belt

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Daniel Cormier TV - Sean Strickland CALLS OUT Khamzat Chimaev, TAKING Dricus Du Plessis' Belt"

Episode Information:

• Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.
• Episode: Daniel Cormier TV - Sean Strickland CALLS OUT Khamzat Chimaev, TAKING Dricus Du Plessis' Belt
• Release Date: February 6, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode, Sean Strickland, a prominent UFC fighter, sits down with the interviewer to discuss his upcoming fight at UFC 312, his critiques of fellow fighters Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis, and his personal philosophies both inside and outside the octagon. Strickland provides candid insights into his motivations, training regimen, and perspectives on the current state of the UFC.

Upcoming Fight at UFC 312

Sean Strickland is gearing up for a significant rematch against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312 in Sydney. Reflecting on their previous encounter, Strickland emphasizes his determination to reclaim the UFC Middleweight Championship.

Notable Quote:

• "25 minutes of war, my man. I'm getting my fucking belt back." ([09:53])

Critique of Khamzat Chimaev

A substantial portion of the discussion centers around Strickland's outspoken criticism of Khamzat Chimaev. Strickland expresses a strong disdain for Chimaev, labeling him as lacking dignity and criticizing his associations, including ties to controversial figures.

Notable Quotes:

• "There is no lower human being on this earth than Chamayev." ([04:38])
• "You became best friends with a murderer and you took G wagons like you're not a man." ([04:45])

Strickland also touches upon Chimaev's residency status and his involvement with the U.S., questioning the legitimacy of his presence and future fights in the country.

Rematch with Dricus Du Plessis

Strickland delves into the dynamics of his rematch with Du Plessis, highlighting the improvements he has made since their first fight. He discusses the impact of a previous injury—a cut near his eye—that affected his performance during their initial matchup.

Notable Quotes:

• "The cut changed the optics so much to where you're not going to have that." ([12:37])
• "I think I'm better." ([12:59])

He asserts that with the lessons learned and adjustments made, he is better prepared and more skilled to take on Du Plessis again, ensuring a cleaner and more decisive victory this time.

Life Philosophy and Being Champion

Sean Strickland shares his introspective views on life and the significance of being a UFC champion. He reveals a somewhat nihilistic outlook, suggesting that understanding life's trivialities allows him to enjoy moments more fully without fixating on transient achievements.

Notable Quote:

• "The beautiful thing about having low self-esteem is even when you win, you feel like you lose." ([08:47])
• "Life is so trivial. ... You're happier, man. Like, you're so much happier when you just understand life is very short." ([09:30])

Despite this philosophy, Strickland emphasizes his unwavering desire to reclaim the championship belt, indicating a complex relationship between his personal beliefs and his professional ambitions.

Training and Preparation

Discussing his training regimen, Strickland highlights the rigorous preparation he has undergone over the past months. He mentions collaborating with top-tier fighters like Johnny Eblum and Bellator champions to enhance his skills and strategies for the upcoming fight.

Notable Quotes:

• "I've been thinking about this for the last six months. ... It's been a long camp." ([10:12])
• "He uses more skill, but he's a hard guy to train with, which is why I had to ask, you know, Bellator champion and come help me out." ([11:39])

Strickland credits his improved jab and defensive techniques to his intensive training, aiming to neutralize Du Plessis' aggressive fighting style effectively.

Perspectives on UFC and Fellow Fighters

Strickland offers his candid opinions on various UFC fighters, often expressing unfiltered thoughts on their skills and personal attributes. He critiques fighters who, in his view, lack technical proficiency or display unprofessional behavior outside the octagon.

Notable Quotes:

• "If you have an open, honest opinion on Chimaev, you're looking at a man that lacks all other dignity." ([05:52])
• "He's not that good. He just has a hard chin and he fights hard." ([10:44])

He also touches upon the mental and physical toll of fighting, sharing personal anecdotes about the dangers associated with the sport and his commitment to minimizing injuries.

Notable Quote:

• "I've took so much damage early in my career that I really prioritize limiting it, you know, now." ([15:01])

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Sean Strickland reaffirming his commitment to regaining the UFC Middleweight Championship. He expresses confidence in his abilities and readiness to face Du Plessis, promising an intense and skillful performance aimed at securing the belt once again.

Final Quote:

• "Sean Strickland tries to become a two-time UFC middleweight champ this weekend at UFC 312." ([16:00])

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This episode provides a deep dive into Sean Strickland's mindset as he prepares for a pivotal fight in his career. His candid remarks offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of his motivations, challenges, and the strategies he employs both inside and outside the octagon.

Transcript

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[Bobby Bones]

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[Sean Strickland]

The volume.

[Daniel Cormier]

We'Re back in Australia for UFC 312 Strickland and Dupless C face off for a second time. And for all the big fights, you know that your boy DC partners up with the DraftKings sportsbook to give all new customers a fantastic offer. Bet only $5 or more when you sign up using my promo code, DCTV and get $200 in bonus bets instantly. Look, the first time these two fought in Canada was a very, very close fight and this time will be just as good, if not better. The co Main Event the great Zhang Weili returns to take on the chosen one, Tatiana Suarez. So why not get it on the action at the DraftKings sportsbook? Again, all new customers bet only $5 or more and get $200 in bonus bets instantly when you sign up using my promo code, DCTV. Go to DraftKingsportsbook right now. Where the crown is yours.

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[Interviewer]

Hey, what was going on with you and Bisman up there earlier. I saw a clip of you and Bis.

[Sean Strickland]

Oh, no.

[Interviewer]

Why you with Mike, man?

[Sean Strickland]

N. Dude. Hey, Mike. Mike's a legend, dude. Like, I remember the first time I trained him, dude. He's a legend. I mean, he's the guy that I looked up to, too. I mean, he's an.

[Interviewer]

But he still got a little piss.

[Sean Strickland]

In the vine, dude. But, I mean, you know, I'm calling Kendall Black here, right?

[Interviewer]

My man. Thank you for stopping by again, guys. I'm here with Sean Strickland as he challenges for the UFC Middleweight Championship this weekend. Back in Sydney.

[Sean Strickland]

Let's go.

[Interviewer]

I mean, right where you were last time when you became the champ, when you got off the plane. Any memories come back to, like, this is the spot that I actually ultimately.

[Sean Strickland]

Came to champion, you know, man, it's a beautiful city. Like, the people here are great. I always say, like, Australians are the white trash of English, and in Ireland, and, you know, I'm kind of white trash, too, so I feel like when I come here, I'm just with my people.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Sean Strickland]

You know, we all drive four by fours. We all love low gear, you know, so I'm just back and back in the common land with my people.

[Interviewer]

They were cheering you more than Izzy last time we were here. Now, to me, was crazy.

[Sean Strickland]

I couldn't understand, you know, with Izzy, I've actually, like, if you watch Izzy do interviews, I think he's kind of stunted, like. And, well, let me say, when I say this, like, you watch him say jokes, like, he did an interview with Nina, and he's like, oh, you look like a witch. And it's like something like a little kid would say. You're kind of like, maybe because you had too many nannies. So I don't think Izzy's necessarily a bad guy. I just think you're stunted, you know? And now once I've accepted that, I like him a lot more.

[Interviewer]

You like him a lot more.

[Sean Strickland]

But I mean, like, even in a sense of humor, like, it's not autism, it's like, you know, it's like. I think it's what happens when you get brought up with nannies.

[Interviewer]

I don't know. I didn't have a nanny.

[Sean Strickland]

Yeah, I know. I hear.

[Interviewer]

Yeah. I did not have one. Yeah, well, you get back here, right? Was ever worry that you weren't going to get this fight, especially when Hamza wins that last fight in the way that he did and everybody's talking about it, right? They're feeding it they're telling us Hamza look good that might might jump.

[Sean Strickland]

He's even allowed in the country. That man's on the homeland security watch list. Calm down, dude. Are you kidding me? He became best friends with a dictator. I mean, dude, there is no lower human being on this earth than Chamayev. Like, you know, there is no lower human being on this earth than Chamayev. You became best friends with a murderer and you took G wagons like you're not a man, dude. You shouldn't be allowed in this country. But I'll fight you. I'll fight you. Don't worry.

[Interviewer]

What happened before you guys used to train together and everything. What happened? Because right now, like, I remember speaking to you about your Maya prior and it wasn't as, you know, like this.

[Sean Strickland]

You know, so Chamay would come to the gym. I know there's a clip like, oh me like being sarcastically, you're the best. You're the best. Like, he would just go and ragdar. Lowlevel pros like, dude, I mean there's one guy, a 55er and he would like, he's like, oh, he kind of has the same like style and he looks like my opponent. I'm like, yeah, dude, but he's had three fights. He like, stop beating the out of this guy. There's so many guys in the gym you can fight. Stop beating this guy up. Jama Jama is just a bully, man. And I mean even like the crypto scam, like history does not. If you have an open, honest opinion on Chimaev, you're. You're looking at a man that lacks all other dignity.

[Interviewer]

So you didn't ever think that he was going to jump you for the belt?

[Sean Strickland]

I don't even know if fudgeing again. Like I said, I mean you can't become friends with, you know, a murderer and then expect to even be. Let me the reason why he's in Saudi Arabia right now.

[Interviewer]

Really?

[Sean Strickland]

Yeah. Why do you. Why do you think he has a fought in the us?

[Interviewer]

You know, so many people say that. Like Chael said that Chill said he's like, he can't come to the. To the United States. But I'll be thinking, Chill's lying to me all the time.

[Sean Strickland]

No, I mean again, I think Chill's.

[Interviewer]

Lying all the time.

[Sean Strickland]

No, I mean like, it's. It's fact, dude. Like you, you. Your family fled in this oppressive, horrible place. And then you go back and you take G wagons and. And then next thing you know, you're like, oh, fuck this guy's actually a bad man. I got to leave. It's just hard, man. You know, it's just hard, like, when so many people lack dignity. And I understand it's easy to do, but, like, you see all these people, it's like, you know, back in the basketball player, you know, the. The funky looking guy, really, really funny dude. Like, when he goes and, like, buddies up with, like, Kim Jong Un, he's like, he's not a bad guy, as he's killing everybody in an oppressive regime. Having. Having character and dignity at the cost of your own financial well being is one of the hardest things to do as a professional athlete. But you must do it.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, well, you're not fighting Hamza this weekend. Yeah, right. You're fighting against Dreker's Duplex here. Rematch. And obviously I can. Now I can't. If you win, I cannot wait for you and Hamza to fight. You need fireworks, right? Because the things I used to. I'm pretty sure he takes well.

[Sean Strickland]

What I say, though, is let history record it as fact, and if I tell a lie, please, please tell me. But no, I mean, Dracus, dude, he fights like a shore bus, dude. No, I'm. Seriously, he goes. He goes full sin, dude. Like, I mean, really, it's like if you were to go watch two little special kids fight, oh my. They would resemble Dracus. Like, he's just head down, full sin. But it's. It's highly effective, you know, but unlike last time, dude, you're not gonna headbutt me. And I'm gonna pick you apart for five rounds.

[Interviewer]

So you. You and Dracus fought before. Very close fight. Many people thought you won, as did you.

[Sean Strickland]

You know, man, let me say, optics matter in fights. And when in the cut, I mean, you're. I mean, you've been. You've had cut. Yeah, your eyes, dude. I mean, they had eight stitches in the muscle. Like, my vision was gone, so it took me a couple rounds to adjust to that, you know, cowardice. Maybe I was being a. Maybe I just, you know, all of the above. But it won't happen again.

[Interviewer]

When you left Canada, right? So before you and I spoke and we talked about the way life had changed, right? And the belt mattered. It mattered. But then you kind of were almost dismissive, right? Like, yeah, sure, I've got more money and a little more notoriety, but ultimately it's just a belt. But then when the belt was gone. We talked about this the other day, Chael and I. It's all you want now, can you feel the difference in not being the champion now? And that's why you're like, I want what I felt when I had that belt.

[Sean Strickland]

I don't know, man. I think the. The beautiful thing about having low self esteem is even when you win, you feel like you lose. So I don't know. I. Life is so trivial. And like, like, I'll even tell my girl this. We get, like, in a fight or something stupid, and I'm like, everything that we find important means nothing in the grand scheme of things. And I love fighting because it's a job. I love the fans. But, like, man, when you actually look at what life is and what matters in life and things become in perspective, it's almost better because you can enjoy moments more. Because if you put everything into this, whether it be a new car, like, whatever, promotion. When you put so much into something, it like, dilutes moments because you're so. You're so fixated. But the moment you realize, like, life is trivial. This moment we're having now, it doesn't matter which way it goes. You just. You're happier, man. Like, you're so much happier when you just understand life is very short.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Sean Strickland]

That being said, 25 minutes of war, my man. I'm getting my fucking belt back.

[Interviewer]

That's what I'm saying, right? It's like sort of belt.

[Gambling Disclaimer]

While.

[Interviewer]

While it is right in the grand scheme of things, being a champion is. Is very important to you, but ultimately, you've done it before, and that can never be taken away from you. You will always be a champ.

[Sean Strickland]

I worked my ass off. I mean, I. Johnny Eblum come down, ufc. Sign that, man.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, he's good.

[Sean Strickland]

Yeah, he's good. Fights a savage, you know, he's 33. He has probably, you know, three hard years left, and he's a guy that I really. I want to see him UFC more than anything. I just want him to get a shot. He's a savage, you know, he wouldn't help me, but, yeah, no, I. 100. I want my belt, dude. I worked my ass off for it. I've been thinking about this for the last six months. I feel like I've been in camp for like 12 months to six months. It's been a long camp.

[Interviewer]

When you look at Dricus and now listen, he's one of those guys that we all want to underrate him. Oh, he's not so good.

[Sean Strickland]

Retard. Iron store button.

[Interviewer]

Everyone's like, when he knocked down Robert Whitaker. Oh, something's wrong with Robert, he's not the same guy.

[Sean Strickland]

No, it's one of those. It's like. It's one of those weird things where, like, he's not that good, but he has this. He fights really hard, and when you have a chin made of granite and he's big and you. You're big and you fight hard, you can do a lot. But I mean, like, no, he's not that good. He just. He has a hard chin and he fights hard. And, man, I'll tell you what, dude, like, if anything, you have to have a little bit of admiration for a man who lacks in skill and just makes up at heart.

[Interviewer]

But it seems like. It seems like also, like, after Izzy fight, I was like, okay, I'm done. Ever doubting Drek is duplessie because he obviously makes that thing work for him, that style he makes work for him.

[Daniel Cormier]

So when you were training, after being.

[Interviewer]

In there with him, right, Knowing that the punches come from different angles, it's.

[Sean Strickland]

Really hard to find someone to mimic.

[Interviewer]

That's what as a.

[Sean Strickland]

To get someone just to come forward with, like, no regard for their safety. That's a real hard thing to do, you know? But like I said, I had Johnny. Johnny's a. I. I think Johnny breached Strike us. Oh, yeah, dude. Me and Johnny, we log rounds, and I think he beat strike us. Really? Yeah. Me and him, dude, we're like. We're neck to neck, toe to toe, and he comes forward. He's like a. He's a better version of Dragus. I. I imagine, like, he uses more skill, but he's a hard guy to train with, which is why I had to ask, you know, Bellator champion and come help me out.

[Interviewer]

So you're good with your hands up, your. Your. Your shell, your hands. Your jab is good. Like, you. The way you put that jab on people as they enter. Can you find Drake is more now after being in here with them. Do you have a better idea how to find him? Yeah, with that jab.

[Sean Strickland]

I mean, he is very predictable. I think the word again. You know, I don't like to make excuses. Every fighter who's ever lost has an excuse. But it would. It would have been the. The snowball effect if it wasn't for that cut.

[Interviewer]

Really.

[Sean Strickland]

I mean, once that eye was gone, dude, I mean, you see I'm rubbing my eye. Yeah. See, I'm getting hit now more on that side of my face. I think it. On this side. All this side. Yeah. It really made things complicated for me. And, you know, and. And no Hate on them returning short bus fights hard. I. I think that we're gonna have a war. You're throwing, you're throwing those little gloves. Everybody has a shot to win. But I just think I'm better.

[Interviewer]

You think you're better. And do you think that you kind of. Can you separate yourself from him? Like avoid so much of that chaos, those crashes to where it looks competitive when you're the one that's landing. But because he's crashing into.

[Sean Strickland]

And that's. And that's what it was you. The cut changed the optics so much to where you're not going to have that. You're not going to have that. This fight. You're not. I mean, again, maybe we are. Dude, the guy puts his head down and goes fucking full sin. But I just don't think you're going to have that. Despite.

[Interviewer]

Does it have to look a little cleaner this performance for you? Like, look clear. There's already.

[Sean Strickland]

I got hit too much. I mean I would. I didn't get hit till after the, the headbutt, but I, I don't like getting hit. Every time you get hit, it's like a. It's like you're playing a game and you're losing the game. Yeah.

[Interviewer]

You want to hit them back bad.

[Sean Strickland]

Yeah, but not only that, dude, it just shows you like lack of skill every time you get hit. It just shows that like lack of intelligence, lack of skill, lack of reading, lack of predicting. I just, I take it as like the biggest. You piece of.

[Interviewer]

Be better every time.

[Sean Strickland]

Every time.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, dude. You're gonna get hit and fight, so just.

[Sean Strickland]

You're gonna get hit in fights. But. And also two guys, I mean you talk to these old dogs in the sport and like you, you know, well spoke. He's a wrestler, real smart man. There's all the wrestling, but you talk to a lot of these like these best. Randy Couture, though. I mean Randy Couture, he's a. Elegant speaking. He has every brain cell left in Evan's head. But you talk to a lot of guys. I don't know if it's partying or drugs, but I mean some of these are half retarded. Like, I mean again, you could attest to this. You talk to some of these people, especially after they retired. They are half. It don't matter how much millions you have if you're so initial.

[Interviewer]

But it's bad though, dude.

[Sean Strickland]

Like you, you talk to these guys and it's like, it's like they're like drunk and I just.

[Interviewer]

Dude, I, I, you think that by getting hit, you don't want to end up like, I don't.

[Sean Strickland]

And dude. And I'm like, I'm from like the old generation, dude, where we would actually spar.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, we, yeah.

[Sean Strickland]

I've took so much damage earlier in my career. Like, I remember I was trained with Lawrence Larkin. I was 19, he was in the UFC. I kind of looked up to him, did he hit me with this six peach combination? And I remember driving home like, I'm gonna die. And I like, I called a friend and say, hey, can I come sleep on your couch? And I remember, like at the time you're allowed to, you got a concussion. Yeah, yeah. I'm not so severely concussed. And at the time, like science is changing where you could, you should sleep. As long as you don't have a brain bleed. More likely you don't. But I remember like laying on, laying on the couch saying, hey, I gotta go to sleep. Just check on me every hour, like thinking, man, if I die, I'm so miserable, throwing up. If I die right now, I'm good, dude, I'm going to sleep. So I've took so much damage early in my career that I really prioritize limiting it, you know, now.

[Interviewer]

Well, you had an opportunity to become the champion again this weekend, man. And as always, I appreciate your times. Thanks for checking in with me, guys. Sean Strickland tries to become a two time UFC middleweight champ this weekend at UFC drove as to take at UFC 312. Hey, look, look, look, Chris. UFC PR is coming to get him, guys. Sean Strickland takes on Drake is duplexier. UFC 312 this weekend. Make sure you tap in everything he's doing. Until next time, guys. Peace.

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[Bobby Bones]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirror ball trophy from Dancing with a Star. So where else you gonna find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything. Listen to Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.