Podcast Summary:

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – The Daniel Cormier Show
Episode: DC says IT'S CRAZY Justin Gaethje & Pimblett are fighting INSTEAD OF Arman Tsarukyan
Date: December 11, 2025
Host: Daniel Cormier (DC)
Podcast Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Overview

In this episode, Daniel Cormier passionately discusses the UFC lightweight division shakeup, focusing on the upcoming matchup between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, and questions why Arman Tsarukyan—widely regarded as a top contender—is being sidelined. Cormier analyzes the fighters’ trajectories, organizational decisions, and the behind-the-scenes moves affecting title contention. The conversation dives into promotional politics, athlete perspectives, and the state of the division.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Surprise over Gaethje vs. Pimblett Booking

Timestamps: 04:47–07:09

• Cormier reveals he learned about the Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett booking secondhand, despite his close friendship with Gaethje.

• He jokes about how secretive Gaethje was about the fight announcement.

  Notable Quote:

  “So Justin and I are friends. So I call him and start giving him. I go, hey, so I'm just a normal person now, I gotta find out about the fight from just a normal per[son]... He tried to pretend that he had no idea. I don't buy that for a second.” — Daniel Cormier (05:18)

• Cormier notes that Gaethje had previously implied he’d either get a title shot or contemplate retirement, making the Pimblett matchup unexpected.

• He remarks on Paddy Pimblett’s impressive physical conditioning well ahead of the fight:

  “Paddy Pimlett, by the way, looked in phenomenal shape in Las Vegas and he's still eight weeks away from the fight. He is not Fatty Patty at all, guys.” (07:09)

2. Tsarukyan’s Status as a Contender

Timestamps: 06:08–07:42 / 11:09–15:05

• DC outlines that fans and many within the MMA community assumed Arman Tsarukyan’s dominant win over Dan Hooker had cemented his claim to a title shot.

• He highlights the sense that Tsarukyan “was next” in line, especially with Islam Makhachev leaving the division and Ilya Topuria dealing with personal issues:

  “We as the MMA community operated as if him going out there and fighting Dan Hooker was going to be enough to warrant him getting a championship opportunity.” (06:32)

• The announcement of an interim title bout upended these expectations, raising questions about the UFC’s decision-making priorities.

3. UFC Promotional Decisions & Dana White’s Comments

Timestamps: 10:53–14:38

• Cormier talks about the consequences of Tsarukyan losing a main event fight in Los Angeles on short notice—a “massive black eye for a fighter and a promotion.”

• He discusses the internal calculus the UFC employs around rewarding or sidelining fighters after missed opportunities:

  “When these fights are put together and they're built for something, sponsors are brought on... Getting a fight ready to go to market is a big deal. So anytime a fight gets canceled 24 hours before a fight, it's not good.” (11:09)

• The host details Tsarukyan's efforts to get back in the UFC’s good graces: successfully weighing in as a backup for a title fight, and dominating Dan Hooker.

• However, Dana White’s cryptic public statements—“Armin knows”—signal that there may be conditions or hurdles Tsarukyan must clear out of the spotlight:

  “When Dana says Armin knows, what did they talk about privately, that we don't know?... Maybe these guys have spoken about something and he has parameters set in front of him...” (13:49, 14:03)

4. Assessment of Tsarukyan’s Abilities and Path Forward

Timestamps: 14:38–15:54

• Cormier praises Tsarukyan’s skillset, suggesting many believe he’s the top lightweight after Makhachev.

• He sees Tsarukyan’s “nightmare” style as a major threat to everyone near the belt.

• DC warns, however, that unless Tsarukyan keeps active, he risks being leapfrogged by interim or BMF titleholders.

• He finds it “crazy” that a fighter widely considered the number one contender is stuck in limbo.

  Notable Quote:

  “I think it's crazy. I think this guy's number one contender if you get an opportunity.” — Daniel Cormier (15:47)

5. Fan Engagement and Call to Action

Timestamp: 15:54–16:22

• DC directly invites listeners to weigh in via comments and polls:

  “Let me know what you guys think. Jump in those comments. Tell me what you think about Arman Tsarukyan and where he should be fighting and who he should be fighting. And Luis is going to throw a poll in that we want to kind of know. Arman Tsarukyan or Ilia Toporia. Let us hear those thoughts.” (15:54)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Cormier’s disbelief at the matchmaking:
  “I think it's crazy. I think this guy's number one contender if you get an opportunity.” (15:47)
• On behind-the-scenes UFC politics:
  “When Dana says Armin knows... I'm like, well, maybe these guys have spoken about something and he has parameters set in front of him that will then tell him when it's his time to fight for the UFC championship.” (14:03)
• On Pimblett’s preparation:
  “He is not Fatty Patty at all, guys. He looked in great shape as he's getting ready to fight JG.” (07:11)

Important Timestamps

• 04:47 – DC reacts to Gaethje/Pimblett fight announcement
• 06:08 – Tsarukyan’s contender status and community expectations
• 07:09 – Cormier’s comments on Pimblett’s shape
• 11:09 – On main event cancellations and UFC business mechanics
• 13:49 – “Armin knows” and speculative organizational hurdles
• 15:05 – Why Tsarukyan’s style makes him so dangerous to the division
• 15:47 – DC’s key opinion: “Number one contender” statement

Conclusion

Daniel Cormier voices strong skepticism and frustration over the UFC’s recent matchmaking decisions, highlighting the displacement of clear contenders like Arman Tsarukyan for more marketable match-ups such as Gaethje vs. Pimblett. He dissects the business, promotional, and athletic factors at play, speculates about internal communications between UFC executives and fighters, and emphasizes Tsarukyan’s elite status in the division. DC ends by urging the community to participate in the discussion and share their views on who truly deserves the next title shot.