The Herd with Colin Cowherd The Daniel Cormier Show - DC & Ben Askren on Ngannou & Rousey CARD REVEALED, Colby Covington, DC's INSANE theory
Mar 27, 2026
Ben Askren, former Olympic wrestler and MMA fighter turned coach and commentator, joins Daniel Cormier. They spar over fighter pay and UFC royalty mechanics. They break down the Rousey, Ngannou, Nate Diaz Netflix fight card and debate which fighters are truly irreplaceable. Expect sharp takes on competition, promotion value, and a playful two truths and a lie bit.
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UFC Royalties Are Usage Based
- UFC fighters do receive royalties for things like video game likeness, and payouts vary by how often the character is used.
- Daniel Cormier describes yearly royalty statements and occasional large checks that declined after retirement, showing the system's usage-based mechanics.
Activity Maintains Fighter Market Value
- Inactivity lowers a fighter's bargaining power and perceived value even after marquee wins.
- Ben Askren notes Colby Covington fought infrequently over six years, which likely diminished his leverage despite big past fights.
Collective Walkouts Need Full Participation
- A fighter strike only works if 100% of roster walks; a partial holdout is ineffective because replacements exist.
- Ben Askren and Daniel Cormier note most fighters are replaceable and only a small percent can afford to sit out long.