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

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])

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.