Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd: THE W.A.D.E. Concept – Week in Review (Oct 12, 2025)

Overview

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" (featuring the W.A.D.E. Concept) delivers sharp, in-depth commentary on four major fight sports stories: the surprise suspension of UFC star Conor McGregor, the legal saga surrounding Rajah Jackson, insights into the Gervonta “Tank” Davis vs Jake Paul exhibition, and an analysis of Jaron “Boots” Ennis's explosive debut at 154 lbs. The host employs his signature candid, analytical style, consistently probing beneath headlines to question motives, timelines, and repercussions.

1. Conor McGregor’s 18-Month Suspension and UFC Return Timeline

(Segment starts ~02:32)

Key Points & Timeline

• Breaking News: Conor McGregor suspended 18 months for three "whereabouts" failures under the UFC’s new Combat Sports Anti-Doping Agency (CSAD), not USADA.

  • Dates: Missed tests on June 13, September 19, and September 20, 2024.
  • Eligible for return on March 20, 2026.
  • Suspension was largely kept under wraps—host suggests McGregor and UFC insiders likely knew before the public.

• Critical Analysis: Host questions the transparency and fairness of the suspension:

  • Notes that McGregor’s first missed test aligns suspiciously with pulling out of the Michael Chandler fight at UFC 303.
  • Suggests circumstances and timeline feel “a little suspect” given McGregor’s international travel and injury claims.

• Reduction in Ban:

  • Standard penalty for three whereabouts misses is 24 months.
  • McGregor’s sanction reduced by six months due to "cooperation and circumstances" (injury, non-competition at the time), though host questions if injury should be an excusing factor.

• Timeline Skepticism: Host points out the confusing logic of suspension timing, as McGregor was allegedly out of the testing pool for 9 months (Sept 2024–July 2025), yet time still counted toward his ineligibility.

Memorable Quotes

• "This is major news, but not for the reasons you think. What do I mean? The breakdown. Let’s go." (02:32)
• "Conor could still fight at the White House card, and that’s fine. But there is some interesting parts of this that make me a little bit skeptical as to what happened here." (03:35)
• “If Conor McGregor reentered the UFC’s drug testing pool in July 2025 but was already supposedly serving an 18 month sanction … how is this all working?” (09:18)
• “I don’t again, I could be just tinfoil hat on this thing, but it’s just interesting … timelines of when certain fighters get suspended and then get lifted off suspension is, we’ll just say, a little bit skeptical ...” (07:12)

Conclusions

• The host asserts McGregor will probably headline the UFC’s "White House Card" (summer 2026)—and that the timeline conveniently syncs up with this major promotional target.
• Expresses doubt about the clarity and fairness of anti-doping policy application to superstar fighters.

Notable Moment

• Host references McGregor’s abrupt “signing off” on social media one day before the news dropped, fueling speculation of a coordinated PR move (16:15).

2. Rajah Jackson Faces Potential 7-Year Prison Term

(Segment starts ~19:00)

Key Points & Timeline

• Situation Recap: Rajah Jackson (son of UFC legend “Rampage” Jackson) pleaded not guilty to felony and misdemeanor battery after a brutal, livestreamed assault on pro wrestler Psycho Stu during a LA event.

  • Footage shows Jackson slamming and repeatedly punching the unconscious victim.
  • Faces up to 7 years if convicted, with sentencing enhancement for “great bodily harm.”

• Host Reaction:

  • Strongly critical of Jackson’s lack of remorse, both during and after the assault.
  • Dismisses rumors that the incident was a “work” (planned stunt for show), citing clear camera and witness evidence.
  • Calls out the internet for excusing or downplaying the violence.

• Legal Analysis:

  • Wonders why Jackson pled not guilty with overwhelming evidence against him.
  • Suggests the plea may be a negotiating tactic for a lighter sentence.
  • Observes that Jackson’s actions were driven by ego and a need for social media validation, further condemning the lack of adult guidance.

Memorable Quotes

• “Rajah Jackson showed little to no self-control, showed at least ability to cause battery and want to cause battery to Psycho Stu. And at the very most, I thought he attempted to murder point blank period.” (20:56)
• “It’s a miracle in my opinion that Psycho Stu even breathes right now, and not through a straw, but Rajah Jackson pleads not guilty. Hilarious.” (21:14)
• “You do the crime, you gotta do the time, man. Like, I don’t know how any adult hadn’t sat down with Rajah … his own dad, Rampage, had said on podcasts, he was afraid his son was going to jail.” (25:45)

Host Verdict

• Predicts jail time is justified; skeptical that the not-guilty plea will result in acquittal.
• Next court hearing: November 24.

3. Gervonta “Tank” Davis vs Jake Paul: Camp Insights & Exhibition Stakes

(Segment starts ~31:47)

Key Points & Timeline

• Background: Tank Davis set for a high-profile “exhibition” bout with Jake Paul (November 14); segment includes analysis of an exclusive interview with Tank’s long-term coach Calvin Ford.
• Preparation & Motivation:
  • Davis was prepping for a Lamont Roach rematch before the flashy Paul fight was finalized—host explains he’s chasing the “massive bag” Jake brings, not legacy.
  • Coach Ford acknowledges Paul is “big,” but believes Tank’s skills and experience will bridge size gap—while warning against underestimating Jake Paul’s seriousness.
• Equipment Dispute:
  • Ford is concerned about glove sizes. Tank typically fights in 8 oz gloves; Paul will have significant advantage if both use larger gloves (10-12 oz).
    • Ford wants Tank in 8s, Jake in 10s for fairness, “because it’s an exhibition and they’re already fighting at weird weights.” (37:09)
    • “If they don’t have to weigh the same thing, why do the glove sizes have to be the same?” (37:15)
• Tactical Focus:
  • Training footage reveals Tank focusing on relentless body shots—host interprets this as a direct strategy to sap the much bigger Paul’s stamina.
  • Warns that Tank must remain focused: history shows taking Paul lightly leads to disaster.
• Coach & Host on Stakes:
  • Ford: “[Jake] ain’t giving you nothing... You start hitting Jake with some shit, he ain’t gonna fight back? So I said, you gotta take him serious.” (41:17)

Memorable Quotes

• “This fight might wake him up ... might bring that beast back you always talk about.” (43:34)
• “Trying to go headshot for headshot with Jake Paul when he’s probably—Jake’s 7 inches taller than he is … I don’t think that’s a great idea.” (49:19)

Host Takeaways

• Sees the gloves issue as a big concession from Davis, justified only by the financial windfall.
• Praises the mentality in Tank’s camp, especially Ford’s insistence on not underestimating the threat, be it circus or not.

4. Jaron “Boots” Ennis Announces Arrival at 154 lbs with First Round KO

(Segment starts ~54:30)

Key Points & Timeline

• Fight Recap: Ennis knocks out Usima Lima (WBA #8, IBF #6) in about 90 seconds—debut at 154 lbs.
• Technical Insights:
  • Ennis looked explosive and comfortable at the higher weight; took a punch, delivered a technically dazzling sequence (orthodox to southpaw, counter uppercut).
  • Host notes: Lima was not a “world championship caliber” opponent, but Ennis performed as he should: “This was light work for Jaron Boots Ennis.”
• Next Steps & Stakes:
  • Calls out Virgil Ortiz for a “superfight”; describes both as the “two most dangerous men at 154”.
  • Also mentions potential clashes with Xander Zayas, Abbas Barao, and Belt hunting.
  • Emphasizes: “No more of this, though… No more warm-ups at 154. We're getting straight to action here” (59:34)
• Host Perspective:
  • Ennis’ job now is to “say names, call people out, then go and get it done… hopefully that’s what’s next, but I don’t have those answers. Guess we’ll find out.” (62:08)

Notable Quotes

• On UFC Suspensions:
  • "Timeline wise, things are off. But that's just my take...comment below what you guys think." (17:26)
• On Rajah Jackson:
  • "Raja was not going to stop hitting Stu...try to hurt him to the point where he potentially murders him." (25:33)
• On Jake Paul vs Tank Davis:
  • "If Tank knocks him out...he won’t get the credit for it. That’s ridiculous. It would be ridiculously hard for Tank to actually knock Jake out." (51:40)
• On Jaron Boots Ennis:
  • "Him and Virgil Ortiz are the two most dangerous men at 154. And I think, man—even without a belt...that’s a world title fight and I need to see it." (61:48)

Final Takeaways

• Conor McGregor’s suspension is real but shrouded in uncertainty; the timeline aligns too perfectly for his expected high-profile return.
• Rajah Jackson’s legal woes are grave and self-inflicted—the host sees little chance of acquittal.
• Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis’s bout with Jake Paul is a financial “blessing” that comes with real risk, especially if he underestimates Paul; his camp’s caution is both telling and smart.
• Jaron Boots Ennis is the real deal at 154, but now needs to prove it against elite opponents—Virgil Ortiz or bust.

This episode delivers thoughtful skepticism, sharp fight breakdowns, and an unfiltered look at the business and personal dramas at the heart of combat sports right now.