The Herd with Colin Cowherd The Daniel Cormier Show - DC & Ben Askren on White House fights, Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall & UFC heavyweight problem
Feb 18, 2026
Ben Askren, former pro MMA fighter and Olympic wrestler, returns for a lively chat. They debate fixes for the UFC heavyweight drought. They sketch wild White House card matchups and argue who should be rushed or rested. They trade jokes about Jon Jones and riff on celebrity boxing fatigue and Cain Velasquez’s release.
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Aspinall's Eye Injury Threatens Division
- Tom Aspinall's eye injury is causing real long-term damage and uncertainty for the heavyweight division.
- Daniel Cormier and Ben Askren stress that accidental or intentional eye pokes still derail title continuity and require proactive UFC solutions.
Heavyweight Division Lacks Depth
- The heavyweight division is thin at the top with a clear separation between a few elite fighters and the rest.
- Cormier and Askren warn the UFC must activate stars like Francis, Ciryl, and Jon Jones to restore credibility and excitement.
Don't Rush Blue-Chip Prospects
- Avoid rushing elite prospects like Gable to title fights; give them progressive tests.
- Both hosts suggest paced matchmaking to protect careers and preserve long-term success.