The Herd with Colin Cowherd: "The Daniel Cormier Show – DC PREDICTS Francis Ngannou will KNOCK OUT Jake Paul EASILY after Anthony Joshua KO"

Release Date: January 2, 2026
Host: Daniel Cormier (DC)

Episode Overview

This episode features Daniel Cormier analyzing the aftermath of Jake Paul's brutal knockout loss to Anthony Joshua and discusses the rising speculation (and controversy) around the idea of Jake Paul facing MMA powerhouse Francis Ngannou in a boxing match. Cormier critiques Jake Paul's ambitions, boldly predicts what would happen if Paul fought Ngannou, and examines why simple “MMA math” doesn’t apply in boxing or combat sports in general. The tone is opinionated, direct, and plenty respectful for both combatants, while pulling no punches.

Detailed Breakdown & Key Points

1. Jake Paul’s Explosive Loss to Anthony Joshua

• Timestamp: 07:47
  Cormier kicks off with the observation that Jake Paul’s fight with Anthony Joshua was a “learning lesson that anyone could have been taught.”
• Quote:

  “Jake Paul just got his head bashed in by Anthony Joshua, right? That was about as big a learning lesson that anyone could have been taught.” (07:47)

• Paul’s jaw was reportedly broken in “multiple places,” leading to weeks with his jaw wired shut.

2. The Psychology of Jake Paul: Boldness and Bravery

• Timestamp: 08:30
  Cormier credits Jake Paul for his relentless boldness, refusing to back down even after such a punishing defeat:
• Quote:

  “You can love him, you can hate him, but he’s brave. And now he’s still trying to fight.” (08:30)

• Cormier contrasts most fighters’ instinct to lobby for a safer fight post-defeat, while Jake “immediately goes back after Francis Ngannou. It’s crazy to me.”

3. Why Would Francis Take the Fight Now?

• Timestamp: 09:30
  Cormier speculates about why Ngannou didn’t take a fight with Jake Paul before but sees a door opening after Joshua’s payday:
  • Joshua reportedly made around $80 million; Ngannou could make “20 or 30 [million], and it’s less dangerous than fighting Tyson Fury or Joshua.”
• Cormier sees the mismatch in size and danger: “For as small as Jake looked against Anthony, he’ll look equally as small against Francis.”

4. MMA Math Doesn’t Add Up

• Timestamp: 11:30
  Cormier discusses “boxing math” (extrapolating performances) and why it falls apart here.
• Quote:

  “He’s doing it by doing MMA or boxing math... There were a lot of differences in that fight, right?”

• Cormier points out Joshua stopped both Francis and Jake with a “real right hand,” so Paul’s suggestion that Francis “has no chin” holds no water.

5. Francis Ngannou’s Dangerous Power

• Timestamp: 12:35 – 13:15
  Cormier is clear: Ngannou will throw every punch with intention to knock out, just like Deontay Wilder.
• He cautions that Francis won’t be able to “carry” Jake Paul for a competitive fight; every punch is dangerous.
• Cormier mentions: “Francis doesn't know how to control and make sure the punches don't put your lights out.”

6. Odds and Realistic Expectations

• Timestamp: 20:09
  Cormier quotes opening betting lines: Ngannou as a -1500 favorite, Jake Paul as a +600 underdog.
• He explains why this makes sense:
  • “He’s Francis Ngannou. … MMA math does not work, and I don’t think it works in boxing either.”

7. Analysis of Jake Paul’s Prospects

• Timestamp: 17:56
  Cormier doubts Paul can hurt Ngannou in any real way.
• Quote:

  “I don’t think he can hurt him. I just don’t know that he can hurt Francis like he thinks he can hurt Francis.”

• Even Anthony Joshua, whose chin was doubted, just shrugged off Jake’s hardest shots.
  • “Jake landed like three massive overhand rights. Anthony Joshua just looked at him and kind of kept pressing him. It’s the same thing that would happen with Francis.” (17:56)

Most Memorable Quotes

• On Jake Paul’s mindset:

  “You could never question the boldness of Jake Paul. You could never question the toughness of Jake Paul. I question the smarts…” (20:48)

• On comparing Ngannou and Joshua:

  “You telling me that Tyson Fury, he put down, you telling me this kid’s gonna be able to fight Francis Ngannou because he did better against Anthony Joshua? MMA math does not work, and I don’t think it works in boxing either.” (21:40)

• On the reality of the would-be fight:

  “It’s only knockout for Big Frank. He won’t pull punches.” (18:30)

Segment Timestamps for Key Themes

• Jake Paul’s Loss and Response: 07:47–09:30
• Ngannou Fight Speculation & Payouts: 09:30–11:00
• Why Boxing Math Fails: 11:30–12:30
• Ngannou’s Fighting Style/Risk Factor: 12:35–13:15
• Analyzing Jake Paul’s Chances: 17:56–20:00
• Ngannou vs. Paul Betting Odds: 20:09–20:48
• Cormier’s Parting Thoughts/Listener Call-to-Action: 21:30–22:49

Tone and Final Thoughts

Daniel Cormier’s style in this episode is frank, passionate, and laced with both admiration and skepticism. He displays respect for Jake Paul’s showmanship and audacity but emphasizes the brutal realities of heavyweight boxing against a monster like Francis Ngannou.

• He stresses that combat sports don’t obey the simple “math” of who lasted longer against which opponent.
• Cormier invites listeners to share their own takes in the comments, ending the show with a call for interaction and a note of respect for both men’s courage.

Suitable for fans of sports analysis and boxing alike, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the realities of crossover spectacle fights and the risks daring fighters like Jake Paul are willing to take.