Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: THE W.A.D.E. Concept - WEEK IN REVIEW - UFC 318 MADNESS, Daniel Dubois EXPOSED and Misfits 22 Presser BREAKDOWN...

Release Date: July 28, 2025

1. UFC 318 Recap and Analysis

(02:17 – 13:35)

The episode dives deep into the aftermath of UFC 318, where Max Holloway secured a victory over Dustin Poirier in what many describe as Poirier's retirement fight in New Orleans. Host Dustin Poirier provides a comprehensive breakdown of the fight dynamics and its implications for both fighters' futures.

• Fight Dynamics: Poirier describes the fight as bittersweet, highlighting the competitive spirit where fans wanted both fighters to succeed. Ultimately, Holloway emerged victorious with two judges scoring it 49-46. Poirier acknowledges Holloway's superior performance, especially at the 155-pound weight class, noting, “Max showed the best version of himself tonight” (12:01).

• Technical Breakdown: Poirier emphasizes Holloway's strategic use of body kicks and variety in his striking, which outpaced Poirier’s evasive maneuvers. He remarks, “Max’s volume is insane. He doesn't get tired and he's stronger now at 55” (10:45).

• Poirier’s Performance: While recognizing Poirier's resilience and toughness, he critiques his reluctance to engage fully in exchanges, stating, “Dustin was never willing to meet an exchange. It was only, let's reset my turn” (05:30).

• Future Implications: Holloway's win revitalizes his career at lightweight, positioning him among the top contenders and setting the stage for potential rematches with fighters like Ilya Topuria. Poirier reflects on his own career prospects post-retirement, mentioning interest in becoming a commentator or analyst for ESPN (13:20).

2. Daniel Dubois Controversy and Analysis

(13:35 – 39:53)

The conversation shifts to the highly scrutinized fight day of heavyweight boxer Daniel Dubois against Alexander Usyk. Poirier critiques the influence of Dubois's father, Stanley Dubois, on his professional life, suggesting that Stanley's decisions may have adversely affected Daniel's performance and mental state during the fight.

• Background Investigation: Poirier shares insights into Dubois's upbringing, revealing he was homeschooled and heavily influenced by his father from a young age. He states, “Daniel Dubois is one of 11 children, mostly homeschooled, and his father has been the driving force behind his boxing career” (14:10).

• Fight Day Issues: Highlighting the chaotic scene before the fight, Poirier criticizes Stanley Dubois for hosting a distracting party hours before the match, which reportedly made Daniel uncomfortable. “Stanley Dubois made some very odd decisions that potentially affected Daniel Dubois’ ability to fight” (25:45).

• Performance Critique: Despite Poirier’s respect for Usyk’s prowess, he argues that external distractions likely impeded Dubois's focus and preparation. He echoes sentiments from Tony Bellew, who questions Dubois's motivations and underlines the necessity for Daniel to assert control over his professional decisions: “Daniel needs to decide what it is he wants” (34:53).

• Future Outlook: Poirier advises Dubois to mature and take ownership of his career, separating personal and professional spheres to prevent further distractions. He concludes, “If he makes the right decisions and grows up a little bit, there’s still a path for him in heavyweight boxing” (39:00).

3. Misfits 22 Press Conference Breakdown

(39:53 – 78:00)

The episode transitions to an in-depth analysis of the Misfits 22 boxing press conference, featuring prominent fighters like Darren Till, Luke Rockhold, Tony Ferguson, Salt Papi, and influencers such as Joey Essex. Poirier offers critical observations on the dynamics and potential outcomes of the upcoming fights.

• Main Highlights:

  • Darren Till vs. Luke Rockhold: Poirier discusses the intense rivalry and psychological warfare between Till and Rockhold. He notes Till's aggressive trash-talking and Rockhold’s composed demeanor. “Darren Till owned that press conference. He’s on fire today” (50:00).

  • Tony Ferguson vs. Salt Papi: The commentary highlights Ferguson's determination to prove himself in boxing against influencer Salt Papi. Poirier is cautiously optimistic but acknowledges the unpredictability of Papi's influence and boxing skills. “This one right here folks is going to be special” (43:36).

  • Joey Essex vs. Numbero: Reflecting on the crossover between MMA fighters and social media influencers, Poirier observes the strategic promotions and fan base engagements. He commends Numbero’s adaptation to boxing and Essex’s robust fan following, likening the latter to reality TV phenomena like "Love Island." “This is what influencer crossover boxing should be” (40:27).

• Notable Interactions:

  • Trash-Talking Exchanges: The press conference is marked by heated exchanges, particularly between Darren Till and Luke Rockhold, embodying the "circus-like" atmosphere of influencer boxing. Quotes like Till’s “Put you down” and his assertions about Rockhold’s fitness and preparation are highlighted (52:58).

  • Athlete Evaluations: Poirier assesses the fighters’ readiness and potential performance, expressing respect for their dedication while critiquing occasional lack of commitment or professionalism in the promotional aspects. “They're both professionals, they're not going to swing on each other. There’s just a bit of a macho off between these two” (76:37).

• Event Promotion:

  • Upcoming Fights: Poirier emphasizes the excitement surrounding Misfits 22, anticipating thrilling matchups and the blending of MMA credibility with boxing’s entertainment value. He encourages listeners to tune in, stating, “August 30th AO arena Misfits 22 Ring of Thrones is the date, is the time, is the place that all these questions will have answers” (78:58).

Conclusion

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Dustin Poirier delivers a multifaceted analysis covering recent developments in the UFC, the tumultuous situation surrounding boxer Daniel Dubois, and the burgeoning influencer boxing scene epitomized by Misfits 22. Through detailed fight breakdowns, critical evaluations of athlete management, and engaging discussions on the intersection of sports and entertainment, Poirier provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of key sporting narratives shaping the week.

Notable Quotes:

• Dustin Poirier on Holloway vs. Poirier: “Max showed the best version of himself tonight” (12:01).
• Poirier on Dubois's Father: “Stanley Dubois made some very odd decisions that potentially affected Daniel Dubois’ ability to fight” (25:45).
• Tony Bellew’s Insight Shared by Poirier: “Why are you boxing for this? Is it to impress someone?” (34:53).
• On Misfits Press Conference Energy: “Darren Till owned that press conference. He’s on fire today” (50:00).
• Poirier on Influencer Boxing: “This is what influencer crossover boxing should be” (40:27).

This structured summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting the main discussions and incorporating relevant quotes to provide a clear and engaging overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.