Podcast Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Episode: THE W.A.D.E. Concept - WEEK IN REVIEW - Conor McGregor LEAKED, Usyk Vs Dubois MADNESS, Misfits return AND MORE...
Release Date: July 21, 2025
1. Conor McGregor's Controversial Leak
The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the latest scandal involving UFC superstar Conor McGregor. Known for his flamboyant persona both inside and outside the octagon, McGregor finds himself at the center of controversy after sending unsolicited nude photos to singer Azealia Banks.
Host: "Conor McGregor just sent himself an unsolicited nude picture in the DMs of Azealia Banks. This is real."
Timestamp: [02:03]
The host breaks down the incident, highlighting McGregor's questionable decision to send intimate photos to someone with a history of controversial behavior. The discussion touches on whether this act was a misguided attempt at publicity or a genuine lapse in judgment.
Host: "I think he should have pressed delete on all those pictures before he ever sent them out because now you even have my personal uncle Chael so befuddled in his video that he can't think of anything else throughout his day."
Timestamp: [06:45]
The segment concludes with reflections on McGregor's decline in public respect and behavior, suggesting that his actions could have long-term repercussions on his legacy.
2. Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) Press Conference
Transitioning to the world of bare-knuckle boxing, the podcast covers a recent BKFC press conference featuring Conor McGregor and Mike Perry. The host provides a vivid description of McGregor's erratic behavior during the event.
Host: "Conor already had the blow rained down on him by the cocaine gods... he turns more red than the Kool Aid man before he jumps through your wall."
Timestamp: [07:50]
Mike Perry, representing BKFC, delivers an electrifying promo, emphasizing the organization's disdain for traditional gloved boxing and promoting the raw intensity of bare-knuckle matches.
Mike Perry: "Bare Knuckle FC has no love for the big glove. Let's get going."
Timestamp: [07:28]
The discussion highlights the juxtaposition between McGregor's unhinged antics and Perry's professional approach, underscoring the precarious state of McGregor's career.
3. KSI and LSF's Mismanagement in Boxing
A critical analysis follows, focusing on YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI's recent decisions and the potential mismanagement by his trainers at Misfits Boxing (LSF). The host questions the wisdom behind KSI's generous payment to his trainers, suggesting it may have led to his burnout and physical injuries.
Host: "It's genuinely insane to do that because it incentivizes the way he's being trained, the way they are pushing him."
Timestamp: [16:36]
The segment delves into how excessive financial incentives might have pressured KSI to endure grueling training regimens, resulting in compromised health and diminishing performance.
Host: "They made him feel like this was his life and he's an adult, he's a big boy. He accepted that."
Timestamp: [08:46]
The host expresses concern over KSI's future in the sport, contemplating whether he'll continue boxing or retire due to the intense strain.
4. Return of Misfits Boxing – Misfits 22: Ring of Thrones
The podcast shifts focus to the resurgence of Misfits Boxing with their latest event, Misfits 22: Ring of Thrones, scheduled for August 30th at the AO Arena in Manchester.
Host: "Misfits22 just dropped and here is the poster. Ring of Thrones main Event Darren Till vs Luke Rockhold."
Timestamp: [18:00]
Key matchups include Darren Till versus Luke Rockhold and Tony Ferguson versus Super Salt Poppy. The host provides expert predictions, favoring Darren Till's superior boxing skills over Rockhold, who, despite his MMA pedigree, has struggled in pure boxing bouts.
Host: "Darren Till is, is the better boxer of the two and he's probably going to show it."
Timestamp: [19:10]
The co-main event featuring Tony Ferguson is discussed with skepticism regarding Ferguson's suitability for boxing, predicting a likely knockout by Super Salt Poppy.
Host: "I think that Salt Poppy's probably going to knock Tony Ferguson out for sure."
Timestamp: [08:15]
The episode emphasizes the event's potential to reignite Misfits Boxing's popularity, especially in the UK market, while also addressing the mixed legitimacy of the matchups as a blend of entertainment and serious competition.
5. Usyk vs Dubois Rematch Analysis
A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the highly anticipated rematch between heavyweight champions Alexander Usyk and Daniel Dubois.
Host: "Alexander Usyk just dominated Daniel Dubois, right? The second time he's done that."
Timestamp: [65:00]
The host reflects on their first encounter, where Usyk secured a controversial victory, and anticipates a more decisive outcome in the rematch. Emphasis is placed on Usyk's technical prowess, superior footwork, and strategic mindset, which outclass Dubois's aggression and power.
Host: "Usyk's feet and movement and timing and distance control that heavyweight maybe has never seen, at least hasn't seen for a very long time."
Timestamp: [70:30]
Notable moments from the fight are recapped, including Usyk's effective jabs and counterpunches that ultimately led to Dubois's stoppage.
Daniel Dubois: "I continue feeling I hungry for boxing training. Not training, too, but my training."
Timestamp: [55:18]
The analysis concludes with the host's prediction favoring Usyk's continued dominance in the heavyweight division, possibly elevating him to one of the greatest heavyweights ever.
Host: "He might be the greatest not only of this generation, but of all time."
Timestamp: [85:00]
6. Manny Pacquiao's Latest Fight
The final segment covers Manny Pacquiao's unexpected return to boxing at the age of 46 after a three-year hiatus. Facing Mario Barrios, Pacquiao achieved a majority draw, sparking debates about his enduring skill versus Barrios's performance.
Host: "Manny Pacquiao off the three year layoff 46 didn't look great against Usyk in his last one... But tonight, majority draw."
Timestamp: [90:00]
The host praises Pacquiao's resilience and technique despite his age, while critiquing Barrios for his lackluster performance and inability to capitalize on opportunities during the fight.
Host: "It's a win for Manny because damn if he can do that off a three year layoff at 46. That's, that's pretty telling."
Timestamp: [95:30]
Speculation arises regarding Pacquiao's future in boxing, with suggestions that a potential exhibition bout against Floyd Mayweather could be on the horizon.
Host: "If you want to do Floyd and Manny, I'm on board. I'm watching that shit now."
Timestamp: [99:00]
The segment concludes with mixed feelings—admiration for Pacquiao's tenacity and disappointment over the sport's perceived decline in competition quality.
Conclusion
This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides a comprehensive overview of a tumultuous week in combat sports. From Conor McGregor's off-the-cuff scandals to Alexander Usyk's reaffirmed supremacy in heavyweight boxing, the podcast offers incisive commentary intertwined with expert predictions and critical analyses. Manny Pacquiao's surprising return serves as a nostalgic yet controversial highlight, encapsulating the ever-evolving landscape of the sport.
Notable Quotes:
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Host on Conor McGregor's Leak: "Conor McGregor just sent himself an unsolicited nude picture in the DMs of Azealia Banks. This is real."
Timestamp: [02:03] -
Mike Perry on BKFC: "Bare Knuckle FC has no love for the big glove. Let's get going."
Timestamp: [07:28] -
Host on Usyk's Greatness: "He might be the greatest not only of this generation, but of all time."
Timestamp: [85:00] -
Host on Manny Pacquiao: "It's a win for Manny because damn if he can do that off a three year layoff at 46. That's, that's pretty telling."
Timestamp: [95:30]
This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the week's top sports stories in combat sports.