Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Daniel Cormier Show - BEST OF DANIEL CORMIER: Every 2025 Islam Makhachev Interview with DC
Date: December 27, 2025

Episode Overview

This "best of" compilation highlights a series of in-depth, candid, and humorous interviews Daniel Cormier conducted with UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. In these conversations, Cormier and Makhachev discuss defending titles, family life, legacy, the struggle to be considered the greatest, and the realities of competing at the highest level in MMA. The tone is authentic and playful, filled with camaraderie, friendly jabs, and deep respect.

Main Themes and Purpose

• Behind-the-scenes insights into Islam’s training camps, family values, and mental preparation.
• Reflections on legacy, records, and the meaning of greatness in MMA, especially in the context of his close relationship with Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier.
• Analysis of upcoming and past fights—technical breakdowns, opponents’ strengths, and the pressure of defending the title.
• Playful banter and friendship between the two, highlighting the lighter side of fighter life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Training Camp, Family, and Balance

• Las Vegas vs. Dagestan Camps ([05:31]–[10:16])

  • Islam explains why he trained for his recent fight in Las Vegas, praising the UFC Performance Institute (PI) and its resources ("Thank you, everyone from UFC PI, they help us a lot. And we have everything what we need." – Makhachev [09:52]).
  • Decision factors include climate, facilities, and logistics for bringing a large team.

• Family Life and Support

  • Makhachev discusses the birth of his third child and immediately departing for training ([06:14]).
  • Aspires to have a big family: “I want seven. Seven children. Full wrestling team." – Makhachev ([06:22]).
  • Talks about his father, a hardworking village farmer, and his mother's inability to watch his fights due to worry ([07:05]–[07:47]).
    • "My mama go outside the house and she walk around the city." – Makhachev ([07:52]).

2. The Mental Game, Pressure, and Legacy

• Fighting and Not Underestimating Opponents ([11:23]–[16:51])

  • Makhachev notes he may have underestimated Arman Tsarukyan in their first bout, not knowing him well beforehand.
  • On Dustin Poirier: “I'm surprised how he defends my wrestling... but I am not black belt and I still finish him in the last round.” – Makhachev ([16:14], [35:15])

• On Chasing Records and Khabib's Shadow

  • "How much does Islam have to do to surpass Khabib as the greatest lightweight of all time?" – Cormier ([18:21])
    • Islam responds: "It's not my goal. Just one thing I want to do honestly: to be champion many, many years. That's it. No records, nothing. Just defend my belt, be champion." ([18:31])

• Breaking Records

  • Cormier highlights Islam's win streak and closeness to Anderson Silva’s UFC win record ([16:51]).
  • They tease each other about bonuses and legacy, with Islam insisting on humility and focus rather than chasing accolades.

3. Fight Preparation and Technical Analysis

• Rematches and Expectations ([11:00]–[13:12], [28:25]–[34:31])

  • Discussed strategy and adjustments when facing Arman Tsarukyan again, who now has greater experience.
  • On Jack Della Maddalena: Islam voices respect, notes public underestimating his opponent, and refuses to look at betting odds ([28:57]–[29:39]).

• Wrestling vs. Striking

  • “I can strike with anyone. You know, I strike with Dustin, all fight almost. I strike with Volk. You know, I'm not wrestler. I'm a best MMA fighter.” – Makhachev ([34:15])
  • On whether anyone can stop his takedowns: “No, it's not possible. Maybe some of someone here can defend, but not everything take down.” ([35:47])

• Opponent Preparation

  • Islam questions the effectiveness of bringing in special coaches and training partners for one camp, emphasizing the importance of long-term development ([33:02]–[33:27]).

4. Friendship, Banter, and AKA Memories

• Playful Rivalry and Gym Stories ([19:24], [28:03], [31:02]–[38:41])

  • Islam and DC exchange jabs about late arrivals, weight, and their appearance during and after their fighting careers.
  • “No chance, bro. Islam, you are the man, bro. I appreciate you spending time with me.” – Cormier ([19:52])
  • Anecdotes about in-gym challenges, training camps in Dagestan, wrestling matches, and help offered to each other’s families and teams.

• On Fellow Fighters (Khabib, Luke Rockhold, etc.)

  • Debates ranking among AKA alumni.
  • Discussion about Khabib's physical shape post-retirement: "Khabib is not skinny, bro. Khabib weighs so heavy right now. And big." – Daniel Cormier ([39:02])
  • Stories of Luke Rockhold and his recent career choices, with Islam suggesting he should "come to Dagestan" to set his mind right ([43:01]).

5. Looking Ahead: Double Champ Status and Legacy

• Chasing the Second Belt ([36:19]–[37:16])

  • Makhachev outlines why acquiring a second UFC belt matters mainly for legacy, not money: “People fight for the second belt just for the legacy, most of them.” ([36:38])
  • Banters with DC about defending titles and records. DC reminds Islam how much he has already achieved, but points out the unique moments when he, Cormier, held two belts ([37:09]).

• Appreciation and Reflection

  • Makhachev reflects on coming to AKA, seeing pictures of Cormier, Velasquez, and others, never expecting to join them on the gym's wall of fame ([41:28]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• ❝ My mama go outside the house and she walk around the city. ❞
  – Islam Makhachev on his mother avoiding his fights ([07:52])

• ❝ It's not my goal... Just one thing I want to do honestly: to be champion many, many years. ❞
  – Islam Makhachev on surpassing Khabib ([18:31])

• ❝ I'm not wrestler. I'm a best MMA fighter. ❞
  – Islam Makhachev on his evolving style ([34:15])

• ❝ You did this, dude... You won the belt against Charles. You beat Dustin Poirier. Oh man, did you beat Alexander Volkanovski...? ❞
  – Daniel Cormier, trying to keep track of Islam's title defenses ([21:09])

• ❝ I have the title. I have the money. Now what now is the legacy now the second belt. ❞
  – Islam Makhachev on his motivation ([36:38])

• ❝ I just miss the opportunity to spend all that time that we had in the gym where you train and you talk and you hang out. The camaraderie. ❞
  – Daniel Cormier on what he misses from fighting ([42:11])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Las Vegas Training Camp vs. Dagestan
  [05:31]–[10:16]

• Reflecting on Family, Support, and Upbringing
  [06:14]–[07:47]

• Discussion of Arman Tsarukyan, Underdogs, and Rematches
  [11:00]–[13:12], [28:43]–[34:17]

• On Breaking Records and Pursuing Legacy
  [16:51]–[19:15], [36:19]–[37:16]

• Friendly Banter and AKA Stories
  [19:24], [28:03], [31:02]–[38:41]

• On Khabib’s Legacy and Physical Transformation
  [38:41]–[39:22]

• Final Thoughts on Legacy and Being Part of the AKA Wall
  [41:28]–[42:11]

Conclusion

This episode offers an engaging, humanizing portrait of Islam Makhachev as both champion and individual. Daniel Cormier masterfully draws out both serious reflection and lighthearted camaraderie, omitting hype and focusing on real challenges, growth, and the bonds forged through fighting at the highest level.

For anyone following Islam’s story or interested in the camaraderie unique to MMA, this episode is a must-listen for its blend of honest reflection, technical insight, and vibrant humor.