MMA Fighting

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

Belal Muhammad silenced the doubters, and there's no doubt people will remember his name now as he is the new UFC welterweight champion following a spectacular performance against Leon Edwards in the main event of UFC 304. Following an interesting pay-per-view event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and Eric Jackman react to Muhammad's win, discuss Edwards' showing in defeat, and if Shavkat Rakhmonov is next for the new champ. Additionally, they discuss Tom Aspinall's highlight-reel finish of Curtis Blaydes to retain the interim heavyweight title, if he will face the winner of Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic next, Paddy Pimblett's breakout performance against King Green, the wild Mohammad Mokaev vs. Manel Kape saga, and much more. 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

Relive the magic of UFC 304's live watch party with Mike Heck and Conner Burks! Timestamps: Intro & Nathaniel Wood vs. Daniel Pineda (5:00) Arnold Allen vs. Giga Chikadze (43:36) Allen wins decision (1:05:30) Reaction to Ben Rothlisberger broadcast blunder (1:06:36) Gregory Rodriguez vs. Christian Leroy Duncan (1:15:35) Rodriguez wins decision (1:36:54) King Green vs. Paddy Pimblett (1:54:23) Pimblett submits Green in Round 1 (1:59:00) Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes (2:19:22) Aspinall knocks out Blaydes in Round 1 (2:23:08) Ripping Midnight pack (2:30:44) Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad (2:45:35) Muhammad wins unanimous decision to capture title (3:22:10) Check out the original UFC 304 Watch Party video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/9r1iH9P_gNc?si=FBG8lZYu85UxE8OF 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

Leon Edwards gets a home country fight in his third defense of the UFC welterweight title as he looks to close his chapter with Belal Muhammad when they meet for the second time in the main event of UFC 304 this Saturday in Manchester. Will "Rocky" continue to build his impressive résumé, or will "Remember the Name" pull off the upset? Ahead of this weekend's pay-per-view event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and Jed Meshew preview the card, the main event rematch between Edwards and Muhammad, the stakes attached for both outside of the belt, and if the winner will face Shavkat Rakhmonov next. Additionally, they'll discuss the interim heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes, if we believe Dana White in regards to the winner possibly fighting Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic next, Paddy Pimblett vs. King Green, predictions, and more. Follow Shaun Al-Shatti: @ShaunAlShatti 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's next pay-per-view event is just hours away, and the burning questions continue to rise in regards to the two championship bouts, and where each fighter goes should they leave UFC 304 with title belts around their waists. While Dana White said that the Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes winner will get the chance to face Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic next, will it actually happen? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the big storylines surrounding the promotion's return to Manchester, England, Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad 2, the co-main eventers needing to forget about Jones, Paddy Pimblett's pending free agency ahead of the fight with King Green, the current UFC 306 lineup at Sphere and if it's lived up to the hype, 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

This Saturday, Leon Edwards defends the UFC welterweight title against Belal Muhammad in the main event of UFC 304, while Tom Aspinall puts his interim heavyweight championship on the line for the first time when he meets Curtis Blaydes in the co-main event. What is at stake for the four competitors, and is it do-or-die for the challengers? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discuses the two championship bouts for this weekend's pay-per-view event in Manchester, if there's any more chances at UFC gold for Muhammad and Blaydes if they aren't victorious, and the impact of championship losses for Edwards and Aspinall. Additionally, topics include King Green vs. Paddy Pimblett, Manel Kape vs. Muhammad Mokaev getting the early prelim treatment, Jake Paul stopping Mike Perry this past Saturday in Tampa, Conor McGregor's reaction, Paul calling out Alex Pereira, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Morning Kombat's Brian Campbell. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Brian Campbell: @BCampbell 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 play-by-play commentator Jon Anik joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to preview Saturday's UFC 304 fight card, the main event between Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad, discusses if this is Muhammad's only chance to fight for the belt, Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes and the long-term stakes, Paddy Pimblett's contract status ahead of his matchup with King Green, 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

Laura Sanko looks ahead at some of the biggest storylines happening at UFC 304 including Belal Muhammad seeking to dethrone Leon Edwards in what might be his only shot at becoming champion, Tom Aspinall attempting to cement himself as the best heavyweight in the sport with Jon Jones still lingering out there plus Paddy Pimblett facing by far the toughest test of his career against King Green. 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

The UFC is back across the pond! This Saturday, UFC 304 takes place in Manchester, England and for the first time ever, and English UFC card will feature two English champions. In the main event, Leon Edwards puts his welterweight title on the line in a rematch with Belal Muhammad and in the co-main event, Tom Aspinall puts his interim heavyweight title up in a rematch with Curtis Blaydes. On top of that, there are 12 other big time matchups, 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 brief discussion of last week before diving into UFC 304. Will Belal Muhammad make good on his one chance to win the belt? Can Tom Aspinall continue his streak of first-round finishes? Will Paddy Pimblett make the leap against perineal contender King Green? And just how many Cage Warriors champions are competing on this card exactly? All this and a lot more are discussed on this week's episode. Tune in for episode 95 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

After stopping Mike Perry in the sixth round of their boxing headliner this past Saturday, Jake Paul called out UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira — which most believe is a brilliant callout because Dana White and the UFC wouldn't allow it to happen. But what if White showed up to the press conference after UFC 304 and gave a "be careful what you wish for" type response and gave Pereira his blessing? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Paul's win and callout, and discusses what could happen if White calls Paul's bluff. Additionally, listener topics include UFC 304, Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad 2, what the welterweight division looks like if Muhammad wins the title, what Tom Aspinall is risking when he defends his interim heavyweight title against Curtis Blaydes in Saturday's main event, 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, Tyron Woodley joins the show to break down what happened in the Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry fight and why he still likes Paul facing Mike Tyson next. Woodley also teases his return to action with hopes to book a fight before the end of the year. 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

Virna Jandiroba may have punched her ticket to a UFC strawweight title fight against champion Zhang Weili with an incredibly impressive second-round submission victory over past title challenger Amanda Lemos in her first ever UFC headliner. Did Jandiroba's performance at UFC Vegas 94 jump her over Tatiana Suarez at 115 pounds? 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 Jandiroba following the biggest win of her career. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Steve Garcia after his 96-second finish of Seung Woo Choi in the co-main event, Kurt Holobaugh following his decision win over Kaynan Kruschewsky, Bruno Silva after his incredible comeback win over Cody Durden, along with fellow main card standouts Doo Ho Choi, Hyder Amil, 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

While many in the MMA community hoped Mike Perry would be the one to stop Jake Paul, it wasn't meant to be as Paul delivered a one-sided performance against the durable BKFC star en route to a sixth-round finish. Paul then called out UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, and new BKFC owner Conor McGregor says he's firing Perry. What in the world is going on? Following a weekend doubleheader, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and Eric Jackman recap the Paul vs. Perry event, along with UFC Vegas 94 and discuss the crazy fallout of Paul's win, how the Mike Tyson fight now looks, if Pereira would get the chance to fight Paul, and Perry's fighting future. Additionally, the panel talks Virna Jandiroba's massive main event win and if a title shot is next, Steve Garcia and Hyder Amil sending messages to the featherweight division, Lucas Bahdi's incredible knockout of H20 Sylve, and much more. 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

Is Mike Perry about to spoil the Jake Paul party? Join Shaun Al-Shatti, Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and E. Casey Leydon as we preview a double-header weekend between Paul vs. Perry and UFC Vegas 94. The gang breaks down the circus that has taken over Tampa, Perry's star-making moment, whether Paul is making a mistake by casting BKFC's King of Violence as a bridge fight, and more. We also touch on UFC Vegas 94's strawweight headliner between Amanda Lemos and Virna Jandiroba, whether a title shot is on the line for Jandiroba, what else is worth watching on the card, answer fan questions, plus much more. Follow Shaun Al-Shatti: @ShaunAlShatti 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 304 lightweight bout between Paddy Pimblett and King Green might be the most intriguing fight on the entire pay-per-view slate with Pimblett taking another step up. On top of that, Pimblett says he's fighting out his contract which puts a lot at risk for him potentially. On an all-new Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses that, Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry, the UFC Vegas 94 card, PFL continuing to fall way behind the UFC in terms of buzz, 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

Mike Perry finally gets his chance to face Jake Paul in the boxing ring this Saturday in Tampa. While it seems as if the BKFC star is in a great situation, what happens if he beats Paul — and how bad would it be for the YouTube star if he loses? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel answers your questions about the Paul vs. Perry matchup, the stakes involved, and if Paul is putting the Mike Tyson fight in jeopardy. Additionally, topics include Nate Diaz filing a lawsuit against Fanmio stemming from his boxing win over Jorge Masvidal, Rose Namajunas' victory against Tracy Cortez at UFC Denver, Dana White providing an update on UFC 306 and Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler, this weekend's UFC event at the APEX, and more. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew discuss those topics and more on a special Q&A edition of the program. 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

Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler seemed to be on the same page this past weekend in regards to the rebooking of their matchup, but UFC CEO Dana White says he hopes it can happen before the end of the year. Will we see the fight happen before the calendar shifts to 2025? Will it happen at all at this point? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to White's comments about the fight on Monday's edition of The Pat McAfee Show, if December makes the most sense, and White giving more details about UFC 306 at Sphere in Las Vegas. Additionally, topics include Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, how Tom Aspinall should handle his interim title reign moving forward if he beats Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, Tracy Cortez's ceiling after her UFC Denver main event loss to Rose Namajunas, Nate Diaz's lawsuit against Fanmio, 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, Matt Brown and Damon Martin discuss Dana White’s recent statements on Ronda Rousey and why her evolution may have been stunted by her obligations outside the cage, Nate Diaz filing a lawsuit and our picks for Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices