The Herd with Colin Cowherd - 3 Rounds w/ Daniel Cormier - Top 3 UFC fights of 2023: Does Gaethje top Islam vs. Volkanovski?

Episode Date: May 27, 2023

DC is back with a special edition of 3 Rounds, and you won't believe which UFC fight Daniel Cormier has at #1 on his list for the best fight of 2023! Cormier reveals why even Khabib Nurmagomedov told him that Alexander Volkanovski would be a problem for Islam Makhachev. Plus, DC gives insight into how Justin Gaethje turned the fight around against Rafael Fiziev. Also, does DC give Jon Jones a spot in the countdown after defeating Ciryl Gane in his return to win the heavyweight championship? #Volume #HerdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed Human. Another podcast from some SNL, late-night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer, Streeter Seidel, help an a cappella band with their between songs banter.

Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque.

Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, this is Robert from the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast. Joe and I are both lifelong Star Wars fan, so we're celebrating May the 4th with a brand new week of fun, thought-provoking Star Wars-related episodes.

Join us as we tackle science and culture topics from a galaxy far, far away, such as the biology of tontons and wampas on the ice planet hot, or the practicality and corporate business sense of the Sith rule. of two. Listen to Stuff to Bole Your Mind on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The volume. Yo, what up, guys? Welcome back to three rounds. So last week, it was fun to be back doing the show. As I always say, I think each and everyone for tapping into my content. Thank you.

Today I'm going to do something a little different. So we're going to go three rounds still. But as we head to the mid point of the year, I'm going to go three rounds. rounds on the best fights of the year starting from three going all the way to number one in round three this will be fun because we've had some tremendous battles over the first part of the year so let's get to the fight all right guys now for round one as we get into the best fights of the year we will start from three going all the way down to number one at number three it's a fight that could have been number one on anybody's list but the two fights that I have coming up later, I feel because of the stakes and because of the competitors may have propelled it a little bit further ahead of this one.

But this one was very important because this one was the first time we have seen Shavkat Rokmanov challenged by one of the best fighters in the world. And when you talk about a prospect passing with flying colors, he did absolutely that as he fought Jeff Neal, who for his part had a great. accounting of himself and showed how tough and durable he is. These guys fought in Las Vegas and fought UFC 285. As John Jones made his return, these guys were on the pay-per-view and boy, did they deliver. Jeff Neal landed 60 of 145 significant strikes, 47 percent. And every single strike that he landed in that fight was a significant one because he only landed 69 total he had a minute and 12 of control time a lot of that along the side of the octagon rock monoff was absolutely amazing landing 113 of 179 six strikes 63 percent 120 of 186 total strikes with three minutes and 45 seconds of

control time but it wasn't a build as we will see in what of the later fights. This was Rock Monoff dominating from round one all the way to the end. Landing 43 shots in the first round, 67% out of 64. Landing 35 of 70 in round 2 for 50% landed. And in round 3, landing an up, dude, that round 3, the kid was amazing. He landed 35 of 45 of his significant strike. 77% of his six strikes to end the fight in what proved to be the toughest fight of his career.

It was only tough because of how tough Jeff Neal is. Not many people could have stood up to the beating that that dude would stood in that fight. He never quit on himself. Every single round, Jeff Neal walked out there. he went out there with the sole intention of getting his hand raised. Unfortunately, he was in there with a better fighter. Shavkat Rakhmanov, while he may not have the intrigue or the mystique or the cachet of Hamzat Chamaev, he would seem to be as dangerous because he doesn't have to beat you quick to really make a statement.

He dominated Jeff Neal. He dominated a prepared Jeff Neal. He dominated a willful Jeff Neal. He dominated a Jeff Neal that came into Las Vegas with his coaches and his team out there to stop the hype train. Some of the shots that Jeff Neal absorbed over the course of that fight would have made any other fighter on the roster crumble. He was just unwilling to give up on himself. We had seen Jeff Neal struggle before. When he fought Wonder Boy Thompson, he struggled.

and he struggled with the Linda Wonderboy, he struggled with the traps that was put in front of him. And when he started to struggle with those same things against Shavkat, he bit down on the Mouth Guard and said, I'm going to turn this into a fight. I got to be honest with you. When that happened, I was a bit worried for Rokmanov. I didn't know if Rokmanov possessed the MF

to really deal with that type of fight. Not only did he possess it, he had more of it than we ever could have expected. that thing, that dog that ultimately can allow you to become a champion at some point. He showed that in spades. He showed that he is going to be a problem for anybody they put him in an octagon with. This fight was bananas. Go back and watch it.

Anytime you got a fight that tells two stories. One story being the toughness and durability of Fighter A, the other story being the domination. of Fighter B matchmaking at its finest. That's what you got at UFC 285. But for as good as that fight was, it's not my best fight at the first part of the year. We'll get to that in a little bit.

Let's get the round two. All right. For round two, UFC 284, we had Islamachev defending his championship against Alexander Volcanowski. Guys, no one. And I mean no one gave Volkanovsky. a chance to beat Islam, especially after the way Islam did Charles Dubronkso Levera to become the champion.

But to anyone that would listen, Alexander Volcanovsky said it was going to be much more competitive. It was going to be a much better fight than people thought it would. And Islam almost laughed him off. Islam was Islam. He thought that he was going to run through this guy because why wouldn't he? when all he had done up to that point is dominate. But what I don't think he expected was Volcanowski to be as prepared as he was to dethrone him. And when I tell you, it was a fight, it was a absolute born burner.

Let me tell you who wasn't surprised though. Habib Nomega Medov. He told me privately, I worry about this fight. It's tough for Islam. He knew. He recognized the old team knew. the whole team knew it would be very tough. I was able to sit with these guys for ESPN together and interview them.

And they were going back and forth, and Voke was carrying such a confidence that was almost surprising. We all know Islam's confident. But Vok was carrying the confidence about him that was almost surprising to me. But why wouldn't he be? Because by the time this thing was done, and I read you the stats, it was crazy. Islam landed 57 of his 95 significant strikes.

Landed 60%, so he had a great fight. Landed 4 of 9 takedowns, and he had 7 minutes and 37 seconds of control time. Keep that in your mind. That's 737. Keep that in your mind because it's very important as I get more into this fight. Volkanowski was 70 for 143 and landed 48% of his significant strikes. He had no takedowns, but he did have 2 minutes and 55 seconds of control time. That being a reversal he had where he was able to control some time on the ground.

And clinch control played a part in some of the effectiveness that was Alexander Volkanowski. Seven minutes and 37 seconds. I believe that is ultimately what allowed for Makachev to hold on to his championship. Because when you look at round by round, these guys are very competitive. Round one, Makachev was 10 for 16. Volkanowski was 11 for 23. Round two, Makachev was 19 for 32, Vogue was 19 for 34. Round three, Islam was 16 to 22, Voke was 14 to 37.

Round four, Makachev slowed down. We had never seen that. He only landed four of nine shots. Volkanowski was six for 14. Round five, it was all Volkanowski. Eight of 16 for Makachev, 20 of 36 for Volkanowski. When you look at these numbers, you know why it was. so competitive.

But it brings me back to 737 because I believe that control time is what allowed for Makachev to hold his title. But nobody thought that that's what we were in store for when these two are matched up. Volcanovsky showed why he's one of the best fighters in the world palm for pound. And to the point that after the fight, people still had him ranked number one in the world pound for pound. That's how competitive that fight was. But let's not mistake.

what we saw. We saw Makachchev win. Makachev won the fight. And a lot of times when you get into these fights where one guy is so favored, everything the other guy does is almost judged

at a greater level. Makachev won the fight. He showed that he was able to stand with Volcanovsky the entirety of the fight and he really did get tested in so many ways that we had not seen Markachev tested before. But ultimately what we got was the two best fighters pound for pound, in my opinion,

fighting for the lightweight championship of the world, to the point that Volcanozky was offered an immediate second chance at fighting Machachev. That's how competitive the fight was. Hey, a good fight can be a knockdown dragout, and we'll get to the number one fight, and that's exactly what that was. But it also can be two of the most skilled guys in the world

competing at a level that not many can match, And I believe that is exactly what we got at UFC 284. My number two fighter in the first part of the year, Makachiev versus Volkanowski from Australia at UFC 284. Now it's time to pay some bills, guys. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque.

Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes, for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care what you're saying. Yep, that's me, Cliver Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, the reactions, my journey from basketball to college football, or my career in sports media. Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger,

than I ever imagined. And now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. One week, I'll take you behind the scenes of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment,

and the next we'll talk about life, mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast. It's a space for honest conversations, stories that don't always get told, and for people who are chasing something big. So if you've ever supported me or you're just chasing down a dream, this is right where you need to be. Listen to the Clifford show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. Hey, this is Robert from the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast. Joe and I are both lifelong Star Wars fan, so we're celebrating May the 4th with a brand new week of fun, thought-provoking Star Wars-related episodes. Join us as we tackle science and culture topics from a galaxy far, far away, such as the biology of taun tons and wampas on the ice planet hot, or the practicality and corporate business sense of the Sith rule of two. Listen to stuff to blow your mind on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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New York City, Los Angeles, the beautiful Bay Area. Get out and do something fun and use the Game Time app to get it done. Last minute tickets, the Game Time app's got you. Also use that promo code DCTV and we'll give you 20. off for your first purchase. Now it's time to get to round three. My number one fight for the first half of 2023. It wasn't very long ago that we flew across the pond and went to London.

You know, that arena was on fire. And they had so many celebrities. It was such a great environment for Leon Edwards versus Camaro Usma number three. It's so easy to forget that first fight between the two. But it was UFC 286 from London, packed house, and then the co-main event, the highlight. Justin Gachi steps to the octagon to fight, Raphael Fazeve. Haphael Faziv asked for this fight. Everybody wants to fight Justin Gachi until it's time to fight Justin Gachi.

I mean, the guy. is just an absolute savage and one of the hardest puzzles to solve in all of mixed martial arts. They walk to the octagon and I'm sitting there with Michael Bisping and John Anakin. It's very evident from the moment the fight starts for Zeeve had a speed that has a speed advantage. So as a guy that's friends with Gatia, I'm thinking to myself, wow, he's in trouble. he's finally getting caught up to by the younger guys. He may not have the ability to keep up to these dudes anymore. But in true Justin Gaci form, he starts to overperform.

Justin ultimately lands 103 of 171 significant strikes. 60%. He landed one takedown, which is not something he does very well. He landed 106 of 174 total strikes. So of the 174 total strikes, Justin Gagey threw, 103 of them were significant strikes. He took Fiziv down, but he let him right back up. He has no interest in wrestling.

It's like he doesn't care, NCAA All-American. Fizade, for his part, was 97 of 169, 97 of 169 total. So every single strike Fassiv threw was a significant strike. It was very early that you saw Fassieb held the advantage. Round one, Gaichi, 23 or 36. He kept missing. And that's when the worry set in for guys that aren't team Gaichi.

Fazeva's 32 or 49, but it was the impact in which Fazeva's landing that really did have Justin Gachey on his heels. Now, Gachi, for his part, told me he goes, dude, I started way too slow. I was trying to be patient and that was the game plan, but I put myself behind the eight ball. So I had work to do. Round two, a much more competitive round. Gaichi then 27 to 48, Fazeve, 32 of 49. Round three, all Gaichi, 53 of 87, 38 of 70 for Zeev,

who, for his part, did not slow down very much in the biggest moment of a career. He showed that he belonged. And that's something that we're seeing a lot more of today, right? We saw it with Sean O'Malley when he fought against Peoria, we didn't know how he would handle that level of competition. He showed that he belonged, regards to what you started the decision.

Faziv did the same thing. Very rarely do you lose and you don't lose anything. Raphael Faziv lost nothing because he fought with so much heart, with so much courage in the face of an adversity that not many people survive. And I think what speaks to Justin Gagie in truth is looking at the third round,

the hardest round, the round where you're most fatigy, he had more output doubling almost what he had done prior. In round one, he threw 30-something strikes. He was behind Fazeve. Fiziv was able to jump out ahead of him. 48, he's building now. By round three, Justin Gage, he threw 90 strikes.

He beat him, he battered and bruised him. He took him down. Justin Gachie did what he does. And that's take your will to fight. So even though Fazeve was there and still trying, you could really see that it was done. I've never met a person like Gachi in the face of adversity and in the face of dire circumstances.

He lives for it. He loves the chaos. He loves living in the moment of being in just a train wreck. That fight was amazing. And people were on their feet from the moment it started. Go back and watch these feet. fights guys. They're all amazing. But this one here was easily my best fight to start the first part of the year. And now for my final thought. Guys, as we heading to the second part of the year,

it's only going to get better. We have the return of John Jones. We have to return of Kana McGregor. We have the return of so many of the best fighters in the world. It sounds like Al Jermaine Sterling is fighting again. We are going to get to watch Alexander Volkanowski, Islam Bahadchev, Hamzaa Jamaya, get excited, guys. Because for as good as it been so far, it's only going to get better as we head into the second part of 2023. Lastly, big congratulations to all my Gilroy wrestlers who signed Russell scholarships this year. Best class that we have had to this point, seven kids going to university. So when you look at them on Instagram, I posted a photo.

Give those kids a like. Give them a big congratulations because these are lifelong dreams that have been accomplished. We all got good work to do, guys. I'm just lucky to play a part in those kids' journeys. Until next time, like, subscribe, and tell your friend to tell a friend that D.C.'s got a YouTube channel and that he's dropping fire content.

See you guys on the next one. Peace. Another podcast from some SNL late-night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman helped make you funnier. This week, my guest,

SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's, Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Hey, this is Robert from the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast. Joe and I are both lifelong Star Wars fan, so we're celebrating May the 4th with a brand new week of fun, thought-provoking Star Wars-related episodes. Join us as we tackle science and culture topics from a galaxy far, far away, such as the biology of tontons and wampas on the ice planet hot, or the practicality and corporate business sense of the Sith rule of two. Listen to Stuff to Bole Your Mind on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.