Daniel Cormier WARNS Charles Oliveira: "DON'T FIGHT Rafael Fiziev" after Ilia Topuria knockout

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Daniel Cormier WARNS Charles Oliveira: "DON'T FIGHT Rafael Fiziev" after Ilia Topuria Knockout
Release Date: August 9, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

---

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the focus shifts to a critical analysis of the upcoming fight between Charles Oliveira and Rafael Fiziev. The host delves into the implications of Oliveira's recent knockout loss to Ilia Topuria and raises concerns about Oliveira's rapid return to the Octagon.

Key Discussion Points

1. Excitement vs. Caution in Oliveira’s Return

The host begins by expressing initial excitement over the announcement of Charles Oliveira facing Rafael Fiziev. However, this excitement is quickly tempered by the recent setback Oliveira experienced—a severe knockout by Ilia Topuria.

• Quote: “Charles Oliveira last month got knocked out bad by Ilya Topuria. And everybody likes Charles Oliveira. We all do. He's a nice guy. He's a tremendous fighter.” ([03:57])

2. Rapid Scheduling Concerns

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the timing of Oliveira's return. Scheduled to fight Fiziev on October 11th, just three months after the knockout, the host draws parallels to Alexander Volkanovski's rushed comeback after his knockout loss to Islam Makhachev.

• Quote: “It will be like three months from that knockout to when he steps back into the Octagon to fight again. For me, that's scary.” ([04:30])

3. Fighter Recovery and Team Responsibilities

The host emphasizes the importance of adequate recovery time after a knockout, citing personal experience and highlighting how fighters like Justin Gaethje took significant time off to heal properly.

• Quote: “Justin Gaethje will fight time and time again, but he recognized I need time.” ([06:15])

4. Analysis of Rafael Fiziev as an Opponent

Rafael Fiziev is portrayed as a formidable and explosive striker, making the upcoming fight particularly perilous for Oliveira, especially considering Oliveira's recent vulnerability.

• Quote: “Rafael Fiziev, who's so dangerous, so explosive and has a full training camp.” ([11:00])

5. The Pressure from the Team and the UFC

The host questions the motivations behind scheduling the fight so soon, suggesting that the UFC is eager to host a major event in Brazil and that Oliveira is a crucial star for drawing in audiences.

• Quote: “But you wonder why so soon for Du Bronx? I get that it's in Rio, but October 11th is when Charles will fight against Fizid.” ([05:10])

6. Personal Reflections and Broader Implications

Drawing from personal anecdotes, including being knocked out in 2017 and the subsequent cautious approach to returning, the host underscores the potential long-term consequences of Oliveira's rushed comeback.

• Quote: “I got punched in the face for months after I got knocked out because I knew that I needed to try to save this because there's like another part of life after fighting.” ([14:10])

Insights and Conclusions

The host expresses deep concern for Charles Oliveira's decision to return to fighting so quickly after a significant knockout. Highlighting the risks of brain health and career longevity, the discussion underscores the importance of patience and proper recovery. While acknowledging Oliveira's status as one of the UFC's top fighters, the host warns that rushing back could jeopardize his promising career, drawing from historical examples within the sport.

• Quote: “It doesn't mean you should rush back to try to do it again, because there's reason.” ([12:45])

Final Thoughts

Despite the concerns, the host concludes with a commitment to watch the upcoming fight with a mixture of excitement and apprehension, hoping that Oliveira can prove the skeptics wrong without compromising his well-being.

• Quote: “I'm excited because Charles Oliveira is fighting. I'm the same as you, but I think we're all going to go in there watching with a little bit of a concern.” ([13:30])

---

Conclusion

This episode provides a thoughtful and critical perspective on Charles Oliveira's upcoming fight against Rafael Fiziev, emphasizing the importance of fighter health and strategic career management. The host's insights offer valuable considerations for fans and stakeholders within the UFC community.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “Charles Oliveira last month got knocked out bad by Ilya Topuria. And everybody likes Charles Oliveira. We all do. He's a nice guy. He's a tremendous fighter.” ([03:57])
• “It will be like three months from that knockout to when he steps back into the Octagon to fight again. For me, that's scary.” ([04:30])
• “Justin Gaethje will fight time and time again, but he recognized I need time.” ([06:15])
• “Rafael Fiziev, who's so dangerous, so explosive and has a full training camp.” ([11:00])
• “But you wonder why so soon for Du Bronx? I get that it's in Rio, but October 11th is when Charles will fight against Fizid.” ([05:10])
• “I got punched in the face for months after I got knocked out because I knew that I needed to try to save this because there's like another part of life after fighting.” ([14:10])
• “It doesn't mean you should rush back to try to do it again, because there's reason.” ([12:45])
• “I'm excited because Charles Oliveira is fighting. I'm the same as you, but I think we're all going to go in there watching with a little bit of a concern.” ([13:30])

---

This summary is based on the provided transcript and does not include advertisements, intros, outros, or non-content sections, ensuring a focused and comprehensive overview of the episode's main discussion.

Transcript

[Unknown Host]

This is an iHeart podcast. 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.

In the heat of battle, your squad relies on you. Don't let them down. Unlock elite gaming [e-mail] dominate every match with next level speed, seamless streaming and performance that won't quit and push your gameplay beyond limits with Intel Core Ultra processors. That's the power of Lenovo. With intel inside. Maximize your edge by [e-mail] during their back to school sale. That's lenovo.com lenovo Lenovo.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and safeway now through August 12th. Get great savings on your favorite self care items and earn four times points when you shop in store or online. Shop for items like Neutrogena Cleansing and Makeup removing towelettes, Dove Men 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner, Dove Shampoo, Tresemme Shampoo Method Body Wash and Suave Body wash and earn 4 times points. Use these points for discounts on groceries or gas. Offer ends August 12th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

[Manny]

Why are TSA rules so confusing?

[Ryan Seacrest]

You got a hoodie on? Take it all.

[Manny]

I'm Manny.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I'm Noah, this is Devin and we're.

[Manny]

Best friends and journalists with a new podcast called no Such Thing where we get to the bottom of questions like that. Why are you screaming at me? I can't expect what to do now if the rule was the same, go off on me, I deserve it, you know?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Lock him up.

[Manny]

Listen to no Such thing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown Host]

No Such Thing the volume. You know it's the summer and as you know, summer means baseball. So once again I'm partnering up with our good friends at the Draft King Sportsbook to bring all new customers a fantastic offer. All you got to do Go to the Draft King Sportsbook Sign up using my promo code dctv bet only $5 or more. We'll give you $200 in bonus bets instantly. You can bet on so many different things when it comes to baseball at the Drop Kicks board book. I'm talking home runs, strikeouts and bet your favorite team to win. So once again, all new customers go to the DraftKings sportsbook. Sign up using my promo code DCTV. Bet only $5 or more. We'll give you $200 in bonus bets instantly when you're dealing with baseball. So DraftKings sportsbook the Crown is yours and so is your favorite team in MLB.

Gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER in New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text hopeny467-369 in Connecticut. Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boot Hill Casino and resort in Kansas, 21 and over. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void In Ontario, new customers only. Bonus bets expire 168. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG Co Audio.

What'S up guys? It's Friday, August 8th. I'm in Vegas for UFC Fight Night tomorrow, but today I wanted to get a new episode out to you guys, brought to you by Total Wireless, the official wireless provider of UFC. They're in your corner with unlimited 5G data that will not slow you down. I wanted to bring this episode because I saw yesterday or a couple of days ago a fight announcement for Charles Oliveira versus Rafael Fiziev. And immediately I got excited, right? Because anytime du Bronx fights, I get excited. The world gets excited. It's. It's fun. But then you start to digest the idea that Charles Oliveira last month got knocked out bad by Ilya Toria. And everybody likes Charles Oliveira. We all do. He's a nice guy. He's a tremendous fighter. He has done so many great fun things. But then you wonder why so soon that that was my thought once I calmed down from the excitement of oh my goodness, Charles Oliveira is fighting again against Rafael Fazeev. It's going to be a barn burner because both of these guys are great strikers. And also it's Charles Oliveira dropping the ladder per se. For a guy that's behind him to have an opportunity. I don't know if we can even really consider Fiziev like a guy behind him Anymore because he's fought Gatesy twice. He's. He's been in there with some high level guys and experienced guys. So he may be more of just one of the guys now. But I thought to myself, why so soon for Du Bronx? I get that it's in Rio, but October 11th is when Charles will fight against Fizid. Charles got knocked out at International Fight Week by Ilja Topuria. Bad. It will be like three months from that knockout to when he steps back into the Octagon to fight again. For me, that's scary because I remember one of our great champions, Alexander Volkanovski, taking a fight against Islam, getting knocked out, rushing back October, November, December, January to fight Ilia. Ilia knocks him out. It's. It's very different. The approach that fighters take to when they want to return after suffering a knockout like this. I understand the Du Bronx. It's about getting the fight in Brazil. It's about going back to Rio. It's been a while. It will be a year and a half since the UFC's gone to Brazil. They need the biggest star from Brazil to main event, the card. I get all of that. But the wonder for me is when the people around Charles get the call that he wants, that they want him to fight, then why not go to Charles and go, hey, it might be a little too soon. We have seen this happen before, and in most cases, it doesn't end well for the guy that is Volkanovski and so many others. You have the guy that wants to rush back because they feel that they have to prove I'm still me and I want to get back in the Octagon. I got to get back to doing what I do. But there are other cases where guys take the correct time. When you get knocked out like that, you should take a little bit of time before you go back into the octagon. I remember 2017. I fought Jon Jones. I got knocked out in Anaheim. That was in July, or maybe it was after Stipe. I got a fight offer right after and I just said, nah, I need to let my brain heal. I've got to let my mind settle. After going out like that, I knew that for me to go back and fight that soon, it would not have gone well. So I waited. So I waited to make sure that I was healthy and my brain was back okay. Before I stepped back into the Octagon. Justin Gaetz did the same thing. Justin Gaetz got knocked out by Max Holloway. We didn't see JG until March. He took Almost a full year off, and he's about as tough a man as there is in the world. Justin Gaethje will fight time and time again, but he recognized I need time. Luigi just sent me this text. Charles said that the reason he got knocked out was because he was showing off against Ilya, trying to move forward. He wanted to prove he could go forward. I don't know if that's why. I think he probably. He went forward because that's how he fights. It's just the truth. You don't go in there with a guy that's as dangerous as Ilia to Poirier and decide, I'm going to do something different. He went forward because against all the biggest punchers in the division, he went forward. He walked down Justin Gaethje, he walked down Dustin Poirier, he walked down Michael Chandler, he walked down everybody. That's why he's been so fun to watch over the course of this run that he's been on recently. That's why it wasn't because, you know, fighters, we make up reasons as to why things happened. Reasons that at times are made up to just settle us and reassure us, oh, you're fine. Because people are sensitive. No one more than fighters, because we have a idea of ourselves as fighters. The same as you, the general public, have of the fighter. You imagine he's a very tough guy, big, strong, can pretty much get through anything. It's exactly how the fighter views himself. So when that. When that dynamic shifts, when you are proven that there's just someone that's better, even if it's just Fortnite, you start to find reasons or try to explain away why it happened. It's not why you just got God. But at the end of the day, it doesn't mean you should rush back to try to do it again, because there's reason. And this is not just me talking, Right? Said, why on earth did Charles accept this fight? The fight saves UFC Rio, but it doesn't really help Charles, and it could destroy his career. It's not an important mission, but a very difficult one. This is not to Moicano. And honestly, Chao agree with me that we think it's just fast to rush back and fight. But who are we to tell Charles Oliveira what to do, right? Charles is one of the most popular guys on the roster. Charles is one of the best fighters on the roster. Charles is one of the toughest guys in the world. I respect Charles Oliveira tremendously. I think he's amazing, and I think that's probably why I Have these questions because even from afar, whereas you might not have a great relationship with someone, they might not be one of your best friends, you almost feel like you know Charles. And because you feel like you know Charles, you feel like you care about Charles. There are certain athletes that we build a connection to as fans that you care about them and their well being. And Charles Oliveira fighting in three months after that knockout, to me just does not seem like the best decision. And I always wonder about the team that's around them when, when people make decisions like that. Because the fighter is always going to fight. That's what he does. He's a fighter. You tell Charles, meet some guy on the corner to fight him. He'll fight him. Charles, you got to fight October 11th. He'll fight him. But where's the guy, you know that goes, hey, hey, Diego Lima goes, hey, Charles, not quite yet. Or the manager, and not quite yet. Especially when Charles has made a boatload of money now. He's done really well in his career. He's established, he's going into the hall of Fame. He's one of the greats. And I just don't want to see something crazy happen again that we saw happen last time. Because remember, guys, when Charles was the champ, he got knocked down a lot. He got hit and hurt a lot, but he was always able to get up and continue to fight against the Poirier. He was like knocked out before he even hit the ground. That's how bad of a knockout it was. So to see him back in three, three, three months, it's, it's, it's concerning, but I'm going to watch it. I'm going to watch Charles Oliveira fight, because that's what I do. I'm excited because Charles Oliveira is fighting. I'm the same as you, but I think we're all going to go in there watching with a little bit of a concern, like, oh, man, let's see how we get through this. I've spoken to people right from the physiev side where they say, I can't believe he's taking this fight. When we got offered the fight as a team, we said, sure, we'll do it, but we can't imagine Charles Wood. But again, Charles has. And now we have a fight. We have a fight with one of the greatest fighters we've seen in a real long time. And then Luis just texted me, man, Charles is my guy. I think most people feel like that about Du Bronx, but again, it just, it just gives me these memories of Volk. Now, if Charles proves us wrong, good for Charles. But I think it's very, very fast for him to be stepping back to the Octa, especially with a guy like Rafael Posiev, who's so dangerous, so explosive and has a full training camp. Fighters, I would encourage you if you get knocked out, take some time going forward. I hope this isn't like a I don't have to look back at this three months from now and go, oh, it happened to Charles, but is very scary. Your body needs to recharge when that button gets pressed. You need some time off. John knocked me out in July 2017. I didn't go back into that octagon until 2018 and into January. I knew that I needed months and months and months of nothing. I didn't get punched in the face for months after I got knocked out because I knew that I needed to try to save this because there's like another part of life after fighting. So we'll see. Guys, enjoy your weekend. I appreciate your love and support as always. Until next time, like subscribe and tell your friends about my YouTube channel. I'll catch you guys next week. UFC 319 from Chicago goes down big time. Check ins DDP, Khamzat, Chamayev, Aaron Pico and so much more. And I got another appearance at Total Wireless in Chicago. Make sure you guys come see me. Until next time. Peace. 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. And 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.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway now through August 12th. Get great savings on your favorite self care items and earn four times points when you shop in store or online. Shop for items like Neutrogena Cleansing and Makeup removing towelettes, Dove Men 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner, Dove Shampoo, Tresemme Shampoo Method Body Wash and Suave body wash and earn 4 times points. Use these points for discounts on groceries or gas. Offer ends August 12th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

[Danielle Fishel]

This is Danielle Fishel from Pod Meats World. Parents, quick question. When is the last time you won snack time? The other day I handed my son a perfectly portioned Pinterest level snack and he traded it for a Mott's Applesauce pouch. I'm not mad, just impressed. And that's why Mott's no Sugar added Applesauce pouches are perfect to keep on hand. They're made with real apples pepper packed in a super easy pouch, perfect for tossing in a lunchbox, keeping in the car, or grabbing as you're running out the door. Plus, they're a good source of vitamin C and kids love them. Win win. Make sure your kid wins snack time with Mottz. Real apples make real good applesauce. Learn [e-mail] Lenovo is built for creators.

[Unknown Host]

Who don't wait for inspiration. They chase it with inventive tech built in AI tools and seamless performance. Lenovo devices powered by by Intel Core Ultra processors are designed to bring your wildest ideas to life faster. That's the power of Lenovo with Intel inside. Enjoy flexible financing, rewards on every purchase and free shipping. And students get special offers when you create an [e-mail] lenovo.

Lenovo this is an iHeart podcast.