Buckley's Bold Callout of Conor McGregor

In the latest episode of the ESPN MMA show 'Good Guy / Bad Guy,' hosts Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen dissected Joaquin Buckley's recent callout of Conor McGregor following Buckley's victory in front of his home crowd in St. Louis at UFC on ESPN 56. Starting around the 3:40 mark, the discussion centered on whether this was a monumental misstep by Buckley. The hosts questioned the logic behind targeting McGregor, a fighter in a different weight class and one who has not competed recently at welterweight, suggesting that Buckley may have squandered a prime opportunity to call out a more relevant opponent.

Cormier and Sonnen highlighted the immediate backlash from the MMA community, with many labeling it as one of the most ill-advised callouts in recent memory. They noted that while Buckley aimed to generate buzz, the move appeared to backfire as it drew criticism for lacking realism or strategic foresight. The segment emphasized how such a callout could potentially alienate fans and peers who expected a challenge against a top welterweight contender instead.

Can Buckley Rise as a Welterweight Contender?

Transitioning at the 16:30 timestamp, the conversation shifted to Buckley's potential in the welterweight division. Despite the controversial callout, both hosts acknowledged his impressive performance against Nursulton Ruziboev, securing a unanimous decision win. They discussed whether Buckley, with a record of 19-6 in MMA and 9-4 in the UFC, has the skills to climb the ranks and become a serious contender at 170 pounds.

The analysis pointed to Buckley's athleticism and striking power as key assets, but raised concerns about his fight IQ and decision-making outside the octagon. The hosts suggested that focusing on matchups against ranked welterweights could better position him for a title run, rather than chasing high-profile but unlikely fights. This segment underscored the importance of strategic career moves for Buckley to capitalize on his recent momentum.

Revisiting Max Holloway's Iconic Knockout

At approximately the 19:35 mark, the episode took a detour to reflect on Max Holloway's knockout at UFC 300, which occurred a month prior. Cormier and Sonnen debated whether this moment still holds up as the greatest knockout of all time in UFC history. They praised the dramatic finish against Justin Gaethje, highlighting Holloway's composure and precision in the final seconds of the fight.

The discussion captured the emotional impact of the knockout on fans and fighters alike, with both hosts agreeing that it remains a standout moment due to its context and execution. However, they also considered other historic knockouts, leaving the question open-ended for viewers to weigh in on whether Holloway's feat truly tops the list.

Five Rounds of Hot Topics

Beginning around the 25:50 timestamp, the show moved into a rapid-fire segment called 'Five Rounds,' covering various MMA topics. Among the key points was a discussion on whether Jon Jones should focus solely on his upcoming fight with Stipe Miocic, rather than entertaining other potential matchups. The hosts stressed the significance of this legacy fight for Jones and the heavyweight division.

Another topic explored was Carlos Ulberg's potential to make a significant run at light heavyweight. Cormier and Sonnen analyzed Ulberg's recent performances and speculated on his ceiling in a competitive division. This segment provided a broad overview of current storylines in the sport, keeping the conversation dynamic and engaging.

Celebrating MMA History with Chael Sonnen

Closing out the episode near the 33:30 mark, the focus turned to a nostalgic reflection on Chael Sonnen's MMA debut, which occurred 27 years ago during the week of this broadcast. The hosts commemorated this milestone, discussing Sonnen's early career and his evolution into a prominent figure in the sport. This segment offered a personal touch, celebrating the longevity and impact of one of the show's hosts within the MMA landscape.