The Daniel Cormier Show - DC & Ben Askren on White House fights, Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall & UFC heavyweight problem

Welcome to a fresh Funk and the Champ with Daniel. That vacate‑if‑released rumor isn’t real, and calling Tom Aspinall a quitter after that eye poke is wild—how do you see the poke and the layoff, Ben?

It stinks, and I wish it would cool off a bit, but I don’t buy that long‑range eye pokes are intentional; if you can hit an eye on purpose, you’d just punch it.

Most pokes are accidental, and while Tom’s convinced it wasn’t, I’m not. He’s dealing with real eye issues, so how long should the UFC wait before booking an interim to keep heavyweight moving?

It’s rough that the three best heavyweights—Jon Jones, Francis Ngannou, and Tom—aren’t fighting each other, because that’s what everyone wants.

Heavyweight feels stuck because the middle of the pack had rough nights—Tai, Derrick, even prospects like Waldo. It makes the gap to the top four, including Ciryl, look huge when we need elite on elite to reset the narrative.

Let’s get Francis back, figure out Jon’s health, and fast‑track Gable Steveson with a couple of winnable fights so he can chase a title within a year or so.

I think Gable will be UFC champ, but rushing blue‑chip talent can backfire. I had nine fights before Bigfoot, and there’s a lot you only learn under fire.

Outside heavyweight the window is short, so contenders need to hurry, while big guys can be great later.

True—look at older champs and contenders—so let’s build Gable the right way even if he looks ready.

Part of the talent drain is fewer regional shows, so maybe fewer big prospects are even getting started.

Wrestling RTC money keeps a lot of heavies in the room. A guy like Austin O’Connor chose a stable, well‑paid coaching gig over the gamble of fighting.

On the White House card, the smartest play is parallel fights in the same divisions. If the headliner falls out, you’ve got a credible backup on deck.

Give me Ilia versus Justin Gaethje, maybe Islam against Ian Garry if he moves, and Conor versus Masvidal would be a blast on that stage.

Do we really need all Americans on that card, or are we cool with the Brits crashing the party since they’re pretty dang good now?

I’ll still take a USA versus UK theme for the fireworks, even if it’s just a cheeky nod.

Switching gears, I’m out on a Tyson–Mayweather exhibition; pads make Mike look scary, but that’s not the same as chasing a slick mover like Floyd for rounds.

Same here—size, age, and exhibition rules scream low jeopardy, and interest already cooled off.

Fans want real jeopardy, which is why Jake Paul stepping in with Anthony Joshua hit different, even if he shot takedowns and left with a wrecked jaw.

I didn’t watch live, but I respect that he took a true fight, and for the record they once tried fining me for using MMA moves while Jake himself was diving on legs.

His jaw was broken badly, so we’ll see if he fights again, but he’s gotten solid for someone who didn’t need to do any of this.

Before we wrap, Oklahoma State or Iowa this weekend?

I’m taking Oklahoma State with Iowa banged up. I’m thrilled Cain Velasquez is free, ready to rebuild, and I can’t wait to help my guy however I can; until next time, peace.