The Herd with Colin Cowherd

The Daniel Cormier Show: Reacts to Kayla Harrison OUT vs. Amanda Nunes at UFC 324 with Neck Injury

Release Date: January 15, 2026
Host: Daniel Cormier (DCTV Host)

Overview

This episode centers on the major MMA news that Kayla Harrison is officially out of her highly anticipated fight against Amanda Nunes at UFC 324 due to a serious neck injury. Daniel Cormier reacts candidly to the development, examining both the implications for the featherweight division and Amanda Nunes’ future. The episode explores the history and importance of the Harrison vs. Nunes matchup, what’s next for both fighters, and the state of women’s MMA.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Kayla Harrison’s Injury and Its Impact

• Neck Injury Confirmation:
  • Kayla Harrison suffered a neck injury (herniated disc) and underwent surgery in New York. She will be sidelined for at least six months, though Cormier questions the optimism of that recovery window (03:00).
• Official Status:
  • UFC has not yet commented, but reliable sources confirm Harrison is out and will not defend her championship on January 24.
• Emotional Impact:
  • Cormier expresses genuine disappointment, emphasizing how monumental the Harrison vs. Nunes fight was for women’s MMA.
    • Quote:

      “That’s a bummer. That’s a real bummer that Kayla Harrison is out because there is no bigger female fight in the world than Amanda Nunes versus Kayla Harrison.” (04:40)

• Reflecting on Surgery:
  • Skeptical about a short comeback window, Cormier shares personal experience with back surgery’s long-term effects.
    • Quote:

      “Six months for a neck injury, especially if there is surgery, is very hopeful… after back surgery, I was never the same… For a neck… six months, if ever to being who you were, is a very wishful way of thinking.” (06:20)

The Magnitude of Harrison vs. Nunes

• The matchup’s appeal was built on their contrasting styles—Harrison’s grappling vs. Nunes’ striking—and the shifting female MMA landscape.
• Nunes’ legacy and Harrison’s rise were building “the biggest female fight in the world.”
• The fight was also to mark UFC’s debut on Paramount, adding to its importance (04:30).

Amanda Nunes’ Retirement and Motivation

• Nunes’ Previous Exit:
  • After her last dominant win (against Irene Aldana in Canada), Nunes retired, feeling a lack of competition (08:30).
• Comeback Sparked by Harrison:
  • Harrison winning the title motivated Nunes to return.
    • Quote:

      “Once Kayla was the champion, it excited her. It made her want to come back and fight again.” (10:20)

With Harrison Out: What’s Next for Nunes and the Division?

• Potential Opponents:
  • Norma Dumont is proposed as a willing replacement and is “riding hot right now,” but Cormier doubts that matchup excites Nunes (11:05).
• Interim Title Discussion:
  • Suggests an interim title fight is the logical move if Harrison’s absence extends.
    • Quote:

      “She has got to go and fight for the interim title. If they make it an interim title fight. One, it helps the UFC because she’s a big name, but two, it also gets her back in there…” (16:35)

• Nunes’ Dilemma:
  • Questions whether Nunes would be interested without Harrison as the challenge, and if a “tune-up” fight before Harrison’s return would benefit her (15:44).
  • Raises the risk of Nunes returning for a one-off, then re-retiring and vacating the belt again.

Context and Broader Implications

• The division’s status has fluctuated, at one point discussed as being eliminated, but now thrives on the presence of Harrison, Nunes, and new names like Dumont.
• Cormier relates to the difficulty of returning to championship form post-injury and inactivity (06:20).

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

On the Fallout of the Cancelled Fight

“There is no bigger female fight in the world than Amanda Nunes versus Kayla Harrison… the history, the draw, the enormity of the fight…”
— Daniel Cormier (04:40)

On the Challenges of Recovery

“Six months for a neck injury…is very hopeful… I was never able to train at the level that I trained prior to said back surgery.”
— Daniel Cormier (06:20)

On Nunes' Motivation

“Once Kayla was the champion, it excited her. It made her want to come back and fight again.”
— Daniel Cormier (10:20)

On the State of Women’s Bantamweight

“Once again, a great champion. Kayla Harrison, the greatest of all time. Amanda Nunes coming back. And now Norma Dumont’s in the conversation. The female bantamweight division is back.”
— Daniel Cormier (18:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:44] – Show begins, breaking news on Kayla Harrison’s injury
• [03:00] – Details of the injury and immediate consequences
• [04:40] – Emotional reaction to cancellation and fight history
• [06:20] – Cormier reflects on injury recovery and athlete psychology
• [08:30] – Recap of Nunes’ retirement, dominance, and initial boredom
• [10:20] – How Harrison’s rise reignited Nunes’ competitive drive
• [11:05] – Discussion on possible alternatives (Norma Dumont)
• [15:44] – Interim title logic and what Nunes should do next
• [18:30] – Broader context: the division’s vital resurgence

Summary of Takeaways

• Harrison vs. Nunes was set to be a historic clash, now derailed by Harrison’s significant neck injury and surgery.
• Daniel Cormier doubts a quick comeback for Harrison is realistic but holds hope in her elite resilience.
• The UFC’s feather/bantamweight division is thrown into uncertainty, with interim titles and potential new challengers entering the mix.
• Nunes faces a crossroads: wait for Harrison to heal or take a different fight that may not offer the same motivation.
• Cormier portrays the scenario as both a setback and an opportunity for the division to find new stars and storylines.
• The episode closes with Cormier inviting audience opinions on what Amanda Nunes should do next.

For MMA fans and observers, this episode spotlights the unpredictability of the fight game, the pressure elite athletes face, and the constant search for meaningful competition and legacy.