MMA Fighting

Merab Dvalishvili could find out soon just how heavy is the head that wears the crown. Hot on the new bantamweight champion’s heels following his dominant win over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 is Umar Nurmagomedov, an undefeated Dagestani nightmare who has all the makings of a future champion... perhaps near future. But Nurmagomedov isn’t the only one shaking up the rankings. Natalia Silva just knocked off two-division threat Jessica Andrade. Caio Borralho has crashed into the upper tier of the middleweight ranks after beating Jared Cannonier. And Diego Lopes dispatched of Brian Ortega to charge up the featherweight ladder. Could one of these contenders beat Nurmagomedov to championship glory? Host Alexander K. Lee is joined by fellow MMA Fighting rankings panelists Mike Heck and Jed Meshew as we do an impromptu power ranking of the fighters who could be next in line to top the charts. We also predict what the heavyweight and Pound-for-Pound rankings could look like with Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou set to fight in the coming months, plus plus we take a look back at the illustrious career of Demetrious Johnson. Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee Follow Mike Heck @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC analyst Alan Jouban and Damon Martin react to everything that unfolded at UFC 306 including Merab Dvalishvili’s dominant win over Sean O’Malley and what’s next for each of them plus Valentina Shevchenko shutting down Alexa Grasso to cement her place among the all-time greats plus Michael Chandler finally booked a fight to move on from his long delayed matchup against Conor McGregor. Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Merab Dvalishvili is the new UFC bantamweight champion after defeating Sean O'Malley in the main event of UFC 306, while Valentina Shevchenko is once again the women's flyweight champ following her dominant win over Alexa Grasso in the co-main event. Where do the new, and now former champions go from Saturday's event at Sphere? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what's next for Dvalishvili, O'Malley, Shevchenko, and Grasso following their championship bouts in Las Vegas. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Diego Lopes after his decision win over Brian Ortega in the featured bout, Esteban Ribovics following his incredible battle with Daniel Zellhuber, along with fellow main card winner Ronaldo Rodriguez, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Merab Dvalishvili and Valentina Shevchenko are champions following UFC 306, and their wins over Sean O'Malley and Alexa Grasso. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to the action, and José Youngs shares his experience being at Sphere live for the event. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Relive the magic of UFC 306's live watch party with Mike Heck and Jed Meshew! Check out the original UFC 306 Watch Party here: https://www.youtube.com/live/FU0dZ59zkoQ Timestamps: Intro (0:00) Final round of Norma Dumont vs. Irene Aldana and reaction to nasty cut (5:00) Ronaldo Rodriguez vs. Ode Osbourne (40:36) Osbourne gets quick knockdown in Round 1 (43:18) Rodriguez wins decision (1:02:15) Daniel Zellhuber vs. Esteban Ribovics Fight of the Year contender (1:21:50) Insane Round 3 (1:34:10) Ribovics wins split decision (1:41:40) Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes (2:04:10) Lopes nearly gets Round 1 finish (2:04:30) Lopes badly hurts Ortega again in Round 3 (2:21:07) Lopes wins unanimous decision (2:23:50) Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko 3 (2:46:23) Shevchenko sweeps cards to win title (3:18:25) Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili (3:46:25) Dvalishvili wins bantamweight title via unanimous decision (4:18:15) Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With UFC 306, and the main event between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili, just hours away, the time for talking is done, and the time for fighting is soon to begin. UFC CEO Dana White promised a memorable event at the Sphere in Las Vegas, and as the intrigue for the spectacle that is Noche UFC continues to mount, so do the questions about the potential fallout between O'Malley and Dvalishvili. Ahead of Saturday's pay-per-view event, MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Mike Heck preview the card, the O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili headliner, and the longterm stakes for both athletes. Additionally, topics include the co-main event between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko, the anticipated featured bout with Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes, the card quality, predictions, along with answering your questions. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UFC analyst and color commentator Laura Sanko joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to preview Saturday's UFC 306 card at the Sphere in Las Vegas, the main event between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili, the historic trilogy bout for the flyweight title with Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko, discuss burning questions, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili will finally lock horns in the main event of UFC 306 this Saturday at Sphere in Las Vegas for the UFC bantamweight title. O'Malley is already ascending to becoming one of the top stars in the company, and if he wins, the rockets will likely be strapped to him on the way to superstardom. Will the same happen with Dvalishvili if he wins? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discuses the highly anticipated main event between O'Malley and Dvalishvili, where the winner goes, and what it does for their respective careers. Additionally, topics may include the expectations for the UFC's one-and-done at Sphere, if they can be reached, the co-main event between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko, Sean Brady and Usman Nurmagomedov's big wins at UFC Vegas 97 and Bellator San Diego, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Morning Kombat's Luke Thomas. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Luke Thomas: @lthomasnews Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UFC 306 takes place this weekend at Sphere in Las Vegas, headlined by a bantamweight title fight between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili and also featuring a women's flyweight championship trilogy bout between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko. It's an event that UFC CEO Dana White promised will be 'the greatest live sporting event of all time,' so No Bets Barred returns to break it all down. It's a new era of No Bets Barred with Connor Burks moving on from MMA Fighting, and this week host Jed Meshew is joined by Alexander K. Lee to dive into all things UFC 306, AKA Noche UFC. Topics discussed this week include Jed and AK going head-to-head in their UFC Fantasy league with opposite sides on the main event, Valentina Shevchenko's chances to finally get past Alexa Grasso, whether or not Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes will even happen, plus a few moonshot bets from AK if you're really feeling frisky. All that and more on this week’s episode. Tune in for episode 100 of No Bets Barred. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC legend Matt Brown and Damon Martin break down the UFC 306 main event between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili plus discuss if the UFC is actually rooting for O’Malley to win? Plus picks and predictions for the rest of the major fights at UFC 306 on Saturday Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean Brady picked up the biggest win of his career on Saturday in the main event of UFC Vegas 97, defeating one-time title challenger Gilbert Burns via unanimous decision. After the victory, Brady called for a top-five opponent, putting Ian Machado Garry's name at the top of the list. Will he get his wish? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what could be next for Brady after earning his second straight victory. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Natalia Silva following her massive win over Jessica Andrade in the co-main event, Steve Garcia after picking up his fifth straight win with a TKO of Kyle Nelson, Cody Durden following his submission win over Matt Schnell, along with fellow main card winner Yanal Ashmouz, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean Brady picked up the biggest win of his career on Saturday, outworking Gilbert Burns for a unanimous decision victory at UFC Vegas 97. Where does this put Brady in the welterweight title picture, and where does Burns go from here? Following Saturday's Fight Night event, MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew is joined by E. Casey Leydon to break down all the biggest storylines following UFC Vegas 97. Topics discussed include the welterweight title picture, Natalia Silva's breakout win over Jessica Andrade, Matt Schnell's unexpected retirement, some early evening referee controversy, and much more. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former UFC flyweight champion, ONE flyweight champion, and one oof the greatest MMA fighters of all-time Demetrious Johnson announced his retirement from the sport at Friday night's ONE 168 event. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to the news, reflect on one of the greatest careers in the history of the sport, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UFC returns after a rare weekend off with UFC Vegas 97, headlined by one-time welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady. Bellator San Diego also takes place on Saturday with a fantastic lightweight title fight between the undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov and Alexander Shabily. Which card has the most sizzle? Ahead of this weekend's doubleheader, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and José Youngs preview the UFC's Fight Night event, the main event between Brady and Burns, discuss who needs the victory more, as well as other notable bouts on the slate as the promotion gets ready for UFC 306 at Sphere in Las Vegas next weekend. Additionally, they talk Bellator's return, the Nurmagomedov vs. Shabily fight flying way under the radar, low-key sleeper on the card, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just when you thought the Dana White promotional push of Jon Jones' UFC greatness would slow down a touch, it got taken to another level this week with a promo dedicated to Jones being the greatest fighter in the promotion's history. Was this a move that should be taken as a positive one, or negative? On an all-new episode of Between the Links, the panel reacts to the airing of the Jones promo during Tuesday's edition of DWCS, how White has been handling the situation, along with the UFC heavyweight champ. Additionally, topics include Alex Pereira teasing a move to middleweight to fight Dricus du Plessis after his UFC 307 main event with Khalil Rountree Jr., Shavkat Rakhmonov claiming Belal Muhammad declined a title fight for October, and the back-and-forth continuing between the two, the UFC bringing UFC Vegas 97 headlined by Gilbert Burns vs. Sean Brady, while Bellator counters with Bellator San Diego with a lightweight title fight between Usman Nurmagomedov and Alexander Shabily, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Shaun Al-Shatti. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Shaun Al-Shatti: @ShaunAlShatti Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2024 NFL season kicks off this Thursday, and in light of that, the MMA Fighting crew decided to get together to draft yet again, but this time, we’re drafting Fantasy MMA for the remainder of 2024! Join Jed Meshew, Alexander K. Lee, Mike Heck, and Shaheen Al-Shatti as they select teams of 12 UFC fighters (one in each weight class plus a wild card) to score points for the remainder of 2024 and ultimately declare a winner. Which fighters are most likely to deliver big points and carry their team to a championship? Who are the sleepers, who are the snubs, and who are the potential busts? And most importantly, who is going to win the whole damn thing? Tune in to find out. Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew Follow Shaun Al-Shatti @ShaunAlShatti Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC legend Matt Brown and Damon Martin discuss Alex Pereira announcing plans to return to middleweight to fight Dricus du Plessis, Jon Jones’ legacy if he retires before ever fighting Tom Aspinall and Brown tells the story about when he almost fought a Diaz brother plus much more. Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira says he's focused on his UFC 307 title defense against Khalil Rountree, but regardless of what happens, he wants to head to middleweight one more time to face Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight title. Will it happen? Is it the right move? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss Pereira's latest comments, and get your thoughts as well. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With UFC heavyweight champ Jon Jones and interim champ Tom Aspinall continuing to heat up their rivalry on social media, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew discuss the ongoing feud, what has been going on this week, who is winning and losing, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UFC CEO Dana White just won't quit Jon Jones when it comes to the debate on the greatest fighter of all-time, as well as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world currently. Despite constant push back from the rest of the MMA community, White is keeping his feet planted on Jones topping both lists without question. In the end, is he actually right? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses White's recent post-fight press conference following DWCS on Tuesday, being adamant that Jones is in a league of his own, and what he could be planning for the future in order to prove his theory right. Additionally, topics include Caio Borralho's big win over Jared Cannonier at UFC Vegas 96, his callout of Dricus du Plessis, what is likely next for the surging middleweight, how much the PFL press conference featuring Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira generated anticipation for their October matchup, Max Holloway's underdog promo, and more. Host Mike Heck is joined by MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and The Mac Life's Oscar Willis. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Oscar Willis: @oscarswillis Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UFC legend Matt Brown discusses the ongoing debate about fighter pay in the UFC and he uses his own career as an example on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer while discussing a disparity between the UFC and other major sports leagues, the lack of a union, the ongoing antitrust lawsuit and how fighters actually maintain a lot of the blame why they’re not being paid more. Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Caio Borralho made a statement on Saturday night when he defeated Jared Cannonier in the main event of UFC Vegas 96, and did so without using his high-level grappling chops. After the win, Borralho called out middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis. Did he waste the callout, potentially taking another big fight off the table? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses what could be next for the surging middleweight contender after winning his first UFC main event. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Tabatha Ricci after defeating Angela Hill in the co-main event, TUF 32 winners Ryan Loder and Mairon Santos following their stoppage victories, Michael Morales after his impressive first-round finish of Neil Magny, Gerald Meerschaert following his record-breaking win against Edmen Shahbazyan, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Caio Borralho chose to stand with Jared Cannonier for the entirety of their five-round main event of UFC Vegas 96, and it was enough to get the job done in a wild middleweight battle. After the biggest win of his career, how close is Borralho now to a title shot? Following Saturday's Fight Night event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Eric Jackman react to the latest APEX fight card, Borralho's victory, the great battle between "The Natural" and Cannonier, and discuss where Borralho could go next. Additionally, topics include Tabatha Ricci's co-main event win over Angela Hill, Mairon Santos and Ryan Loder earning contracts after winning The Ultimate Fighter, Michael Morales and Gerald Meerschaert's impressive finishes, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Caio Borralho got his wish as he will face one-time UFC title challenger Jared Cannonier in the main event of Saturday's UFC Vegas 96 fight card at the APEX. If Borralho can pick up another big win this weekend, is he a legitimate threat to Dricus du Plessis and the middleweight title? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Eric Jackman preview the UFC's upcoming Fight Night event, along with the middleweight headliner between Cannonier and Borralho, what the latter gains with a win, and the chances Cannonier can pull off the upset. Additionally, they'll discuss the co-main event between Tabatha Ricci and Angela Hill, other names to watch out for on the card, the #TUF finale fights, answer your questions, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UFC 305 is officially in the books, and Dricus du Plessis is still the UFC middleweight champion after submitting former two-time champ Israel Adesanya in the fourth round. While du Plessis continues to surge, Adesanya has now dropped three of four. What does the future look like for both fighters following their battle in Perth? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses the fallout of du Plessis' big win, how long his reign might last, and where Adesanya goes from here. Additionally, topics include the rest of the UFC 305 storylines, Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree headlining UFC 307, Dana White saying he should get the blame for the Francis Ngannou scrub from the UFC 305 Countdown show, White saying he adamantly believes Jon Jones will fight Tom Aspinall if he beats Stipe Miocic, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between #MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Eric Jackman. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UFC Vegas 96 takes place this Saturday at the world’s most famous APEX, headlined by a middleweight matchup between Jared Cannonier and Caio Borralho, and Jed Meshew is here to break it down, plus break some news about the pod. With Conner Burks moving on from MMA Fighting, Jed takes the reins to talk about this week’s card. Can Jared Cannonier fight off Father Time and Caio Borralho? What about Angela Hill and Tabatha Ricci? And does Neil Magny have one more veteran lesson to teach Michael Morales? Plus, Jed explains what’s next for No Bets Barred (hint: we’re not going anywhere!). All that and more on this week’s episode. Tune in for episode 99 of No Bets Barred. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin react to Dricus du Plessis cementing his status as champion with a definitive win at UFC 305, where does Israel Adesanya go after another loss and what does the future hold for Michael Chandler now that his fight against Conor McGregor has been delayed again. Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

According to UFC CEO Dana White, Sean Strickland will likely be next for Dricus du Plessis after the middleweight champ finished Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 305. Will that ultimately be the fight that's made? On a special live edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and guest host Jed Meshew discuss what's next for du Plessis after his first title defense, along with where Adesanya goes from his third loss in four fights. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Kai Kara-France after his big knockout of Steve Erceg in the co-main event, along with fellow main card winners Dan Hooker, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Carlos Prates, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dricus du Plessis backed up all his talk, submitting Israel Adesanya in the main event at UFC 305 to retain his middleweight title on Saturday. Now the “Stillknocks” era is well and truly underway as the MMA Fighting crew reacts to the massive pay-per-view event from Perth, Australia. Following an wild pay-per-view event, Jed Meshew, and E. Casey Leydon react to du Plessis’s big win, and just how good the middleweight champion actually is. Additionally, they discuss where Adesanya goes from here, how Alex Pereira fits into everything, Kai Kara-France’s impressive knockout of Steve Erceg, Dan Hooker taking home a split decision over Mateusz Gamrot in one of the best fights of the year, and much more. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow E. Casey Lydon: @ekc Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Relive the magic of UFC 305's live watch party with Mike Heck and Conner Burks! Check out the original UFC 305 Watch Party here: https://youtube.com/live/kt-XMMG9C-8?feature=share Carlos Prates vs. Li Jingliang (34:54) Prates knocks Jingliang out cold in Round 2 (45:20) Tai Tuivasa vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik (1:05:12) Rozenstruik wins decision (1:24:30) Mateusz Gamrot vs. Dan Hooker (1:39:50) Hooker wins split decision to pull off big upset (2:00:00) Ripping packs autographs (2:05:55) Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Erceg (2:17:05) Kara-France knocks out Erceg in Round 1 (2:21:16) Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya (2:42:00) Du Plessis submits Adesanya in Round 4 to retain title (3:05:41) Show less Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Conner Burks: @connerburks Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Israel Adesanya has a chance to etch his name in history against Dricus du Plessis this weekend. On Saturday, du Plessis defends his middleweight title against Adesanya in the main event of UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, and in a bout that has been building for over a year with bad blood. On top of that, if Adesanya wins, he will become only the second fighter in history to win an undisputed title in one weight class three times. Can Adesanya join Randy Couture in the pantheon of MMA greats, or will du Plessis establish firm control over the 185 pound division? Ahead of this weekend's UFC pay-per-view, MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew is joined by Mike Heck to preview the big event down in Perth, including the co-main event flyweight tilt between Kai Kara-France and Steve Erceg, the lightweight scrap between Mateusz Gamrot and Dan Hooker, the heavyweight slugfest betwween Tai Tuivasa and Jairzinho Rozenstruik, and more. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UFC returns to pay-per-view this Saturday in Perth, Western Australia, and brings a highly anticipated title fight between Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya to cap off UFC 305. What is at stake for both fighters overall, and why does it feel like the heated rivalry fight is flying under the radar? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses this weekend's card, the main event between du Plessis and Adesanya, and where both guys go with a title win. Additionally, topics include other storylines at UFC 305, the fallout of a lackluster UFC Vegas 95 card, Dana White's latest update on the return of Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler's response, the PFL returning this week, big fights confirmed, and much more. Host Mike Heck is joined by MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew to answer your questions about those topics, and the biggest stories in the MMA world. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UFC 305 takes place this Saturday in Perth, Australia headlined by a middleweight title matchup between Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya, so the No Bets Barred boys are back with a full breakdown of the event. Co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew kick things off with a wide-ranging discussion on the Olympics, UFC Vegas 95, and some other topics before diving into UFC 305. Can du Plessis defend his title or will Adensanya become only the second person in history to win a title three times in the UFC? Will Steve Erceg or Kai Kara-France reinsert themselves in the flyweight title picture? Can Tai Tuivasa finally bring back the shoey celebration? All that and more on this week's episode. Tune in for episode 98 of No Bets Barred. Follow Conner Burks: @connerburks Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UFC lead commentator Jon Anik joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to preview Saturday's UFC 305 event, the main event between Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya for the middleweight title, discusses who has the most to gain and lose on the card, reacts to Belal Muhammad's welterweight title win against Leon Edwards at UFC 304, along with criticism he received from some fans about the call of the fight, talks if Shavkat Rakhmonov or Kamaru Usman is next, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UFC Hall of Famer and two-time Olympian Daniel Cormier joins The Fighter vs. The Writer this week to look back at an up and down week for the U.S. men's freestyle wrestling team, which went to Paris with expectations to break records but instead returned home without any gold medals. Cormier also speaks about the huge achievements by the women’s wrestling team and we look ahead at UFC 305, where Dricus du Plessis defends his title against Israel Adesanya in the main event. Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Serghei Spivac made quick work of the durable veteran Marcin Tybura in the main event of UFC Vegas 95 this past Saturday night at the UFC APEX. After the win, Spivac didn't have a specific name in mind, but called for someone ranked higher, and then Jailton Almeida issued a callout of his own to Spivac. Is that the way to go for "Polar Bear" after a bounce back win? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what could be next for Spivac after becoming the first fighter to submit Tybura. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Chepe Mariscal after his dominant decision win over Damon Jackson in the co-main event, Danny Barlow after defeating Nikolay Veretennikov, along with fellow main card winners Chris Gutierrez, Yana Santos, Toshiomi Kazama, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Serghei Spivac bounced back in the win column impressively as he became the first fighter to ever submit Marcin Tybura in the main event of UFC Vegas 95 — while getting back one of his early UFC losses in the process. Following the quick submission win, where does Spivac go, and was it enough to save one of the toughest-to-watch fight cards of the year? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Eric Jackman react to Saturday's Fight Night event at the APEX, Spivac's tremendous performance, and Jailton Almeida calling him out post-fight. Additionally, topics include whether or not the event was the UFC's worst of the year, the bright spots on the card including Youssef Zalal, the awful scorecard in Danny Barlow's split decision win over Nikolay Veretennikov, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A UFC heavyweight rematch tops the bill of Saturday's UFC Vegas 95 as Marcin Tybura looks to go 2-0 in the series against Serghei Spivac at the APEX. With that bout topping the 10-card slate, is this a satisfying lead-in card for next weekend's UFC 305 event in Perth? Ahead of the card, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Eric Jackman preview the latest UFC Fight Night card, the main event between Tybura and Spivac, give their predictions for the contest, and discuss the stakes. Additionally, they'll talk multiple fighters missing weight for their bouts, the co-main event between the surging Chepe Mariscal and featherweight veteran Damon Jackson, look to some of the low-key bangers on the card, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MMA Fighting's Mike Heck talks the welterweight division's title picture in the UFC, the talk of Kamaru Usman getting the first shot at Belal Muhammad over Shavat Rakhmonov, Francis Ngannou's MMA return being announced, Arman Tsarukyan potentially fighting for an interim lightweight title, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A slew of massive MMA bouts were announced for both the UFC and PFL featuring some of the sport's biggest and rising stars. In the main event of UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, Ilia Topuria defends the featherweight title against BMF champ Max Holloway, while Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev have been rebooked for the co-main event. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel reacts to the current UFC 308 lineup, the top-two fights, and where that now leaves UFC307 — which is slated to take place three weeks earlier. Additionally, topics include Francis Ngannou's MMA return announced vs. Renan Ferreira at PFL's superfight pay-per-view in October with Cris Cyborg and Larissa Pacheco serving as the co-main event, Umar Nurmagomedov defeating Cory Sandhagen in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi, and where that puts his stock at 135 pounds, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and the Co-Main Event Podcast's Ben Fowlkes. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Ben Fowlkes: @benfowlkesMMA Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UFC is back to the world's most famous APEX. This Saturday, the UFC returns Sin City for UFC Vegas 95, headlined by a heavyweight rematch between Marcin Tybura and Serghei Spivac and the No Bets Barred boys are back with a full breakdown of the event. Co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew kick things off with a brief UFc Abu Dhabi and their unfortunate weekends before diving into this Saturday's event. Can "Surging" Serghei Spivac exact revenge on Marcin Tybura? Why is one of the top-15 women's bantamweight matchups buried on the prelims? Was this card truly necessary? All that plus some more Olympics talk on this week's episode. Tune in for episode 97 of No Bets Barred. Follow Conner Burks: @connerburks Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UFC's annual pay-per-view event in Abu Dhabi has an incredible main event with Ilia Topuria defending his featherweight title against BMF champion Max Holloway at UFC 308. With plans for that matchup expected to take place earlier in October at UFC 307, that leaves a glaring hole in the headline spot for that card. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Dana White announcing Topuria vs. Holloway as the main event for the Oct. 26 card, Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev as the co-main event, and other bouts announced and confirmed. Additionally, topics include what will now headline UFC 307 on Oct. 5, if the promotion would go to Arman Tsarukyan fighting for the interim lightweight title with Islam Makhachev injured, Dana White's recent comments about Tom Aspinall, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC legend Matt Brown and Damon Martin discuss what comes next for Tony Ferguson after an eighth straight loss in the UFC, Sean O’Malley’s head coach Tim Welch getting into a war of words with Merab Dvalishvili, Umar Nurmagomedov’s win over Cory Sandhagen and Brown’s experience working with a four-time Olympic gold medalist from Cuba. Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Umar Nurmagomedov continues to live up to the hype as he added longtime contender Cory Sandhagen to his hit list Saturday in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi. Despite a stiff challenge from Sandhagen, Nurmagomedov persevered and won a convincing decision on the scorecards, possibly booking his ticket for a title shot. Is he set to face off with the winner of the UFC 306 main event between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting’s Alexander K. Lee and special guest Jed Meshew discuss what’s next for Nurmagomedov as he ran his record to 18-0. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Sandhagen after a valiant effort, Shara Magomedov coming off of his first Fight of the Night bonus, Deiveson Figueiredo after he beat Marlon Vera to improve to 3-0 at 135 pounds, as well as Michael Chiesa, Mackenzie Dern, Joel Alvarez, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Umar Nurmagomedov delivered the best performance of his career, taking a unanimous decision over Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi to stake his claim for a bantamweight title shot. The MMA Fighting team breaks down Umar's big win and the rest of the Saturday's card, including Deiveson Figueiredo continuing to climb the bantamweight ranks, Shara Magomedov authoring the best performance of his career, Tony Ferguson finally (maybe) calling it quits, and Mackenzie Dern getting back on the winning track. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov face off in the main event of UFC AbuDhabi this Saturday and the stakes could hardly be higher. Though not confirmed by UFC officials, the winner of this main event fight figures to be next in line for the #UFC bantamweight title, after Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili settle their business later this year. Will Sandhagen finally get a shot at the title or will Nurmagomedov prove the hype behind him is real? Ahead of this weekend’s UFC event, MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew is joined by Alexander K. Lee and Jose Youngs to preview the entire card, including the main event stakes between Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov, the other bantamweight main card fight between Marlon “Chito” Vera and former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, the possible last ride of former interim champion Tony Ferguson, and more. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At UFC 304, Belal Muhammad made the MMA world eat crow, upsetting Leon Edwards to claim the welterweight title in the main event. in the co-main event, Tom Aspinall continued to stake his claim as the true best heavyweight on Earth with another 60-second demolition, this time of former foe Curtis Blaydes. Plus the rest of UFC 304 had some wild stuff happen as well. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discuss Muhammad’s big win, where Edwards goes from here, and whether Tom Aspinall or Jon Jones is the true No. 1 heavyweight in the world. Additionally, topics include Paddy Pimblett getting ranked, Muhammad Mokaev getting let go, and this weekend’s UFC Abu Dhabi card, plus more. Host Mike Heck is out this week so the most decorated combatant in BTL history, Jed Meshew, steps in to moderate the matchup between two of MMA Fighting’s own, Alexander K. Lee and New York Ric. Show goes LIVE Thursday at a special start time of 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UFC is back in Abu Dhabi. This Saturday, the UFC returns to the UAE with a banger of a Fight Night card, headlined by a bantamweight bout between Umar Nurmagomedov and Cory Sandhagen and the No Bets Barred boys are back with a full breakdown of the event. Co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew kick things off with a brief discussion of UFC 304 and both of their winning weeks before diving into UFC Abu Dhabi. Can Nurmagomedov live up to his familial name or will Sandhagen reestablish himself as the top contender at bantamweight? Can Chito Vera rebound with a win against former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo? Is Shara Bullet actually good? All that plus some boxing talk and even a brief chat about Olympic wrestling on this week's episode. Tune in for episode 96 of No Bets Barred. Follow Conner Burks: @connerburks Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin discuss the fallout from UFC 304 including Belal Muhammad’s win, does Jon Jones need to pursue a fight against Tom Aspinall after his dominant performance over Curtis Blaydes plus did the UFC make the right move cutting ties with Muhammad Mokaev? All this and more on the latest episode Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Belal Muhammad is the brand new UFC welterweight champion after pulling off the upset against Leon Edwards in the main event of Saturday's UFC 304 fight card in Manchester. With a slew of potential challengers, who will be next for "Remember the Name" for his first title defense? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss where Muhammad and Edwards go following their championship headliner. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Tom Aspinall after his incredible 60-second finish of Curtis Blaydes to retain the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event, Paddy Pimblett following his impressive submission victory over Bobby Green, Gregory Rodriguez after his decision win against Christian Leroy Duncan, along with fellow main card winner Arnold Allen, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices