MMA Fighting

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC legend Matt Brown breaks down the keys to victory for both Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic ahead of their showdown at UFC 309 and we discuss if Jones is actually ducking Tom Aspinall after declaring he has no interest in that fight plus we preview Michael Chandler vs. Charles Oliveira 2 and 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

Before Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic battle at UFC 309, check out the roads each fighter took to the UFC heavyweight championship headliner. 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

Carlos Prates put an emphatic exclamation point on UFC Vegas 100 with a ferocious face-plant knockout of Neil Magny in the main event. With Prates putting together an impressive 4-0 campaign in 2024, where does the exciting fight-finisher go in the loaded welterweight division heading into 2025? 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 Prates following another bonus winning stoppage win in his first UFC main event. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for former ONE champ Reinier de Ridder after his scrappy submission win over Gerald Meerschaert in the co-main event, Gaston Bolaños following his decision victory in the featured bout, along with fellow main card winners Gillian Robertson, Mansur Abdul-Malik, 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

Carlos Prates has had one of the best first year's you'll see from a UFC fighter, as he improved his record to 4-0 with four finishes, four post-fight bonuses, and now a main event win over a top-15 fighter in Neil Magny at UFC Vegas 100. Where does the exciting welterweight contender go from the biggest win of his career? Following Saturday's UFC Fight Night event at the APEX, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to Prates' face-plant knockout of Magny in the first round, discuss Prates' ceiling in the division, and who he could face next after callouts of Jack Della Maddalena and Geoff Neal. Additionally, topics include Reinier de Ridder's successful UFC debut against Gerald Meerschaert, why the middleweight co-main event was the best bout on the card, other standout showings from the finish-heavy event, and much 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 will host their 100th UFC Fight Night event at the APEX in Las Vegas this Saturday for UFC Vegas 100, and in the main event, welterweight veteran Neil Magny will look to slow the incredible momentum of Carlos Prates. What is at stake in Saturday's headliner? Ahead of this weekend's slate, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew preview the event, the Magny vs. Prates headliner, what Prates could gain with his fourth win of the year in the octagon, and the chances Magny has to pull off the upset. Additionally, they'll discuss the overall quality of the card, the middleweight tilt between Gerald Meerschaert and former ONE champ Reinier de Ridder, and much 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

After getting knocked out for the first time in his career in the main event of UFC 308 by Ilia Topuria, Max Holloway's featherweight career appears to be over for good, as he recently confirmed he'll be making the move to the #FC lightweight division. Is it the right move for the current BMF champion? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel reacts to Holloway's full-time lightweight jump, discuss who he could face next at 155, and if a third meeting with Dustin Poirier is the fight to make. Additionally, topics include Brandon Moreno's sensational performance at UFC Edmonton and what's next for the former two-time champ, other standout moments from this past Saturday's card, Rakhmonov wanting a fight with Kamaru Usman for the interim welterweight title at UFC 310, if the UFC should just wait for Belal Muhammad to heal up, UFC Vegas 100 this Saturday headlined by Neil Magny vs. Carlos Prates, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Alexander K. Lee and EuroSport's Marcel Dorff. 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

Fresh off the heels of UFC Edmonton, the world's leading MMA promotion heads back to the APEX for a historic event: UFC APEX 100, headlined by a welterweight matchup between Neil Magny and Carlos Prates. And No Bets Barred is back to break it all down. Host Jed Meshew runs solo this week to break down this legendary event with all his favorite plays. Topics discussed include Prates's incredible run through 2024 and whether Magny can pull off the upset yet again, how much does former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt have left in the tank, the return of "Brazilian Killer" Nicolas Dalby, and the debut of Jed's boy, former two-division ONE Champion Reiner de Ridder. And speaking of ONE, they also have an event taking place this weekend with ONE 169 going down on Friday, headlined by a heavyweight title fight between Anatoly Malykhin and Reug Reug. Jed also breaks down the big fights from ONE, plus the latest edition of "THE CLIMB" and more on this week's episode. Tune in for episode 107 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 debate whether or not a potential fight between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Kamaru Usman should be for an interim title plus we discuss if Jon Jones' legacy takes a hit if he beats Stipe Miocic but then retires before facing Tom Aspinall 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

Brandon Moreno needed a bounce-back win badly at UFC Edmonton, and he delivered an absolute masterpiece of a performance as he dominated Amir Albazi for five rounds in the main event. The two-time champion would love to get back to a title fight, but was the outstanding showing enough to get him the winner of the UFC 310 fight between three-time opponent Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura? 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 Moreno after his lopsided victory over Albazi. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Erin Blanchfield following her decision win over Rose Namajunas in the co-main event, Brendson Ribeiro after his decision win against Caio Machado, Jasmine Jasudavicius following her third-round submission victory over Ariane da Silva, along with fellow main card winners Dustin Stoltzfus and Mike Malott, 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

Brandon Moreno finally got back in the win column and he did it in style. On Saturday night the UFC returned to Canada and in the main event, Moreno stopped a two-fight losing streak with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Amir Albazi in the main event of UFC Edmonton. Plus, earlier in the evening, Erin Blanchfield got back in the win column with a hard-fought decision over former two-time strawweight champion Rose Namajunas. Following Saturday’s event, MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee react to the big outcomes that took place at UFC Edmonton and where Moreno and Blanchfield go from here. Plus, the crew discusses the rest of 13-fight card that very nearly broke the record for longest UFC event of all-time, and more. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew 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

After a wild UFC 308 event this past weekend, the UFC returns to the Great White North with some high-stakes mixed martial arts action, and in the main event, former two-time flyweight Brandon Moreno looks to get back on track against surging contender Amir Albazi. Could Moreno punch his ticket to another championship opportunity with a win? Ahead of UFC Edmonton, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and José Youngs preview Saturday's UFC Fight Night card, the main event between Moreno and Albazi, where either guy can go with a win, and how disatrous a loss could be. Additionally, topics include the five-round co-main event between Erin Blanchfield and former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas, Derrick Lewis returning against the hard-hitting Jhonata Diniz, other standout matchups, 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

Breaking news on this Thursday as Belal Muhammad is out of his UFC 310 main event with Shavkat Rakhmonov due to a bone infection. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel gives their first reactions to the news, the latest information, and talk what the UFC can do to save the card. Additionally, they answer fan questions about Ilia Topuria's big win at UFC 308, what's next for the current featherweight king after knocking out Max Holloway, and if Alexander Volkanovski or Diego Lopes should be next for the belt. Additionally, topics may include Khamzat Chimaev's absolute destruction of former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the co-main event, other standout moments from the card, Dana White vs. Francis Ngannou, Donn Davis, and the PFL, UFC Edmonton headlined by Brandon Moreno vs. Amir Albazi, and much more. Host Mike Heck is joined by MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew to answer your questions all show long. 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 Edmonton takes place this Saturday, with a flyweight double feature as Brandon Moreno takes on Amir Albazi in the main event and Erin Blanchfield faces off with Rose Namajunas in a five-round co-main event. So with all that action, and more, MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew is joined by Alexander K. Lee to break it all down. On top of the two feature fights, there are 12 more bouts this weekend, many of them featuring Canadian fighters and Jed and AK discuss all the best betting options. Topics include whether Brandon Moreno can get back into title contention, if Erin Blanchfield is being underrated after suffering her first loss, how will all the Canadian fighters do on home soil, and more. Plus, Jed introducing AK to "THE CLIMB" as he continues his march towards glory. Tune in for episode 106 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

Islam Makhachev. Alex Pereira. Ilia Topuria. Any one of these incredible fighters is worthy of being called the best in the world. But who else belongs in the discussion? With the men’s Pound-for-Pound top-3 comfortably set for now, the MMA Fighting Crew looks ahead to 2025 to figure out if UFC champions Belal Muhammad, Dricus du Plessis, Tom Aspinall, or perhaps a surging contender can enter the conversation for the No. 1 spot in the near future. Host Alexander K. Lee is joined by esteemed rankings panelists Damon Martin, Jed Meshew, and E. Casey Leydon as we attempt to figure out who has the best chance of shaking up the P4P list. We also discuss the moves made in the wake of October’s two UFC events and PFL’s Battle of the Giants, including Khamzat Chimaev’s big jump, Kamaru Usman’s exit, and where the top of the heavyweight division stands with Francis Ngannou’s MMA return and Jon Jones about to fight Stipe Miocic this November. Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee Follow Damon Martin @DamonMartin 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 legend Matt Brown and Damon Martin marvel at Khamzat Chimaev dispatching Robert Whittaker inside the first round with a brutal jaw-breaking submission and if that win should vault him past Sean Strickland for the next title shot. Plus we talk about Ilia Topuria’s stunning knockout win over Max Holloway and the argument that he’s now locked up Fighter of the Year for 2024 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

Ilia Topuria and Khamzat Chimaev both accomplished something that had never been done before at UFC 308 as the rising stars capped off a wild pay-per-view event in Abu Dhabi. Now that the dust has settled, what comes next for both guys? 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 Topuria after he became the first man ever to knock out Max Holloway in the main event to retain the UFC featherweight title. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Holloway, Chimaev — after being the first UFC fighter to submit Robert Whittaker in the co-main event — Magomed Ankalaev following his decision win over Aleksandar Rakic, Lerone Murphy after earning a hard-fought decision against Dan Ige, Shara Magomedov following his wild knockout win over Armen Petrosyan, 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

Ilia Topuria may have just locked up the Fighter of the Year. On Saturday night in Abu Dhabi, Topuria became the first man to ever knock out Max Holloway, finishing him with punches in the third round of the UFC 308 main event. Following Saturday’s pay-per-view event, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to Topuria’s astonishing performance and where this puts him not only in the Fighter of the Year conversation, but in the pound-for-pound mix. On top of that, MMA Fighting discusses Khamzat Chimaev breaking Robert Whittaker’s jaw with a brutal submission and whether that allows him to leapfrog Sean Strickland for a middleweight title shot, Magomed Ankalaev’s workmanlike win over Aleksandar Rakic, the judging controversies that riddled the rest of the card, and much 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

Relive the magic of UFC 308's live watch party with Mike Heck and Jed Meshew! Check out the original UFC 308 Watch Party here: https://www.youtube.com/live/-F8ZPFzscbg Timestamps: Intro (0:00) Shara Bullet vs. Arman Petrosyan (23:58) Shara Bullet double spinning back fist KO (42:20) Lerone Murphy vs. Dan Ige (59:40) Ige drops Murphy in Round 1 (1:04:25) Murphy wins decision (1:20:42) Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic (1:36:27) Ankalaev wins decision (1:55:55) Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev (2:13:17) Chimaev dislocates Whittaker's jaw with crank submission (2:17:15) Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway (2:41:50) Topuria knocks out Holloway in Round 3 to retain title (2:55:40) 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 308 goes down this Saturday, headlined by the long-awaited featherweight title matchup between Ilia Topuria and ‘BMF’ champion Max Holloway. On top of that, the #UFC presents a highly-anticipated middleweight matchup in the co-main event, as former champion Robert Whittaker faces undefeated terror Khamzat Chimaev. UFC 308 is one of the biggest events of the year and so ahead of Saturday’s doubleheader, MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Mike Heck preview the massive card, discuss Holloway’s chances at upsetting Topuria, whether or not Chimaev can finally earn himself a title shot, just how badly Magomed Ankalaev needs a win over Aleksandar Rakic, and much 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

UFC 308 is finally here, and with that comes the highly anticipated main event for the UFC featherweight title between Ilia Topuria and Max Hoilloway. Can Topuria, once again, back up his unbelievable confidence, or will Holloway regain the 145-pound title? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, special guest Action Bronson joins the panel to discuss Topuria vs. Holloway, what the fight means for both men, and how it could all play out. Additionally, topics include the fascinating co-main event betweem former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker and the returning Khamzat Chimaev, what this fight means for both competitors, the rest of the slate, a look back at PFL Battle of the Giants and Francis Ngannou's knockout win, takeaways from UFC Vegas 99, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between Bronson and MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew. 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

PFL founder and chairman Donn Davis joins the channel following the promotion's Battle of the Giants event in Saudi Arabia to answer viewer questions about anything and everything, hosted by MMA Fighting's Mike Heck. 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

Before Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway battle at UFC 308, check out the roads each fighter took to the UFC featherweight championship headliner. 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

Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway is finally here. This Saturday, UFC 308 takes place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, headlined by the featherweight title fight that has captured the interest of the entire MMA world. On top of that, a five-round middleweight showdown between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev will finally take place. With all that going down, MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew is back to break down all the fights. This week, Jed runs solo, breaking down all the key aspects of this Saturday's card. Topics discussed include whether Topuria can back up all his trash talk, whether Chimaev can finally earn a title shot, whether Magomed Ankalaev can convince the UFC he deserves a shot at Alex Pereira, and much more. Tune in for episode 105 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 debate what should be next for Francis Ngannou following his debut win in PFL, who wins between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway and if Jon Jones might stick around for one more fight if he gets the chance to clash with Alex Pereira. All this and more on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer! 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

Francis Ngannou's head coach Eric Nicksick reacts to Francis Ngannou's sensational knockout of Renan Ferreira at PFL's Battle of the Giants, talks his emotions after seeing the finish, doing something he's never done before after a fight, what he said to Ngannou in the cage, the referee stoppage, the pre-fight meeting Ngannou held, how Ferreira sparked something in Ngannou after their final faceoff, and more. Plus, a special guest appearance from UFC 308 fighter Dan Ige. 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

Francis Ngannou left no doubt that he’s still one of the best heavyweights in the world. The question is what will he do for his next act? After a resounding knockout of Renan Ferreira in the PFL Battle of the Giants main event, Ngannou appears to have numerous options ahead of him once again, with the MMA community welcoming him back with open arms and the boxing world still beckoning. Whatever the former UFC champion decides to do for his next fight, you can be sure everyone will be watching. On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss the possibilities for Ngannou after his emotional return to the cage. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for UFC Vegas 99 winner Anthony Hernandez following a dominant win over Michel Pereira, bantamweight veteran Rob Font after a streak-busting performance, plus main card winners Charles Johnson, Cameron Smotherman, Darren Elkins, 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

Francis Ngannou reminded MMA fans how vicious he can be in the cage as he absolutely steamrolled Renan Ferreira, knocking him unconscious in the first round of the PFL: Battle of the Giants pay-per-view event in Saudi Arabia. Where does Ngannou go from here, and is that even a fair question to ask with everything the former UFC champ has gone through? Following Saturday's PFL event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and E. Casey Leydon react to Ngannou's incredible performance in his first MMA fight in nearly three years, the emotion that came over him and his team, his game plan, and Ferreira filling a pivotal role. Additionally, they discuss the fantastic co-main event between Cris Cyborg and Larissa Pacheco, where Cyborg goes from her win, how a hypothetical fight between Cyborg and Kayla Harrison would go, Paul Hughes' big upset win over A.J. McKee, if Hughes should face Usman Nurmagomedov next, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow E. Casey Leydon: @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

The UFC and PFL go head-to-head on Saturday, with the PFL putting on arguably the most important event in company history with Battle of the Giants, headlined by the MMA return of Francis Ngannou as he battles fellow knockout artist Renan Ferreira. While the stakes are certainly higher in Saudi Arabia, the UFC is bringing a fascinating middleweight main event between Anthony Hernandez and Michel Pereira. Ahead of Saturday’s doubleheader, MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Mike Heck preview both events, discuss the burning questions surrounding Ngannou vs. Ferreira, the returning Cris Cyborg facing Larissa Pacheco, Johnny Eblen vs. Fabian Edwards 2, and A.J. McKee vs. Paul Hughes. Additionally, they’ll discuss the Hernandez vs. Pereira five-rounder at the APEX, the heavily-favored Kyler Phillips facing perennial ranked bantamweight Rob Font in the co-main event, answer your questions, and much 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

Francis Ngannou's MMA return happens this Saturday as the PFL returns to pay-per-view for Battle Of the Giants in Saudi Arabia. With the PFL needing to badly get some buzz, does Ngannou have to beat Renan Ferreira — not just for himself, but for the PFL as a whole? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses Saturday's big fight card, how important it is that the card delivers as a whole, and what happens based on the result of the main event. Additionally, topics include Dana White once again ripping the UFC rankings panel after UFC 307, the promotion returning to the APEX this Saturday for UFC Vegas 99 headlined by Anthony Hernandez vs. Michel Pereira, Donald Cerrone announcing he's ending his retirement with hopes of two more UFC bouts, UFC 310 fight announcements including Belal Muhammad vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov for the welterweight title, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and UFC lightweight Grant Dawson. 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

PFL's big weekend is finally here! This Saturday, PFL Superfights: Battle of the Giants takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, headlined by a lineal heavyweight title fight between Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira. The card also features a number of other marque matchups, including Cris Cyborg taking on Larissa Pacheco, and AJ McKee facing Paul Hughes. On top of that, there's also another UFC APEX card this week so No Bets barred is back to break it all down. This week, host Jed Meshew is joined by his Watch Party co-host Mike Heck to dive into all the MMA action this weekend. Topics discussed include Ferreira's chance to pull off the upset, Cyborg vs. Pacheco, other big fights from PFL, the UFC Vegas 99 main event between Anthony Hernandez and Michel Pereira, plus much more. Tune in for episode 104 of No Bets Barred. 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

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC legend Matt Brown and Damon Martin debate the scorecards in the boxing match between Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol, Belal Muhammad’s chances to hand Shavkat Rakhmonov his first and Francis Ngannou finally making his PFL debut but can he sell pay-per-views? All this and more on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer! 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

Brandon Royval just won an incredible five-round fight against Tatsuro Taira, handing the Japanese blue-chipper his first loss. Is that enough to vault him to another title fight and possibly a third matchup with Alexandre Pantoja, who defends his title at UFC 310 in December? Or does "Raw Dawg" need to prove his No. 1 contender credentials one more time? 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 Royval after coming out on top of one of the best fights of 2024. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for cult hero "The Iron Turtle" Jun Yong Park, welterweight winners Chidi Njokuani and Daniel Rodriguez, and intriguing lightweight contender and wife appreciator Grant Dawson. We also try to figure out what lies ahead for Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's favorite fighter Themba Gorimbo after he recorded his fourth consecutive victory. 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

Former UFC women's bantamweight champion Raquel Pennington discusses her UFC 307 title loss to Julianna Pena, the controversy surrounding the scorecards, why she feels she won the first round, if there was frustration re-watching it, having new motivation, Kayla Harrison, a potential Amanda Nunes return, and more with MMA Fighting's Mike Heck. 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

Brandon Royval and Tatsuro Taira delivered the goods in the main event of Saturday's UFC Vegas 98 event at the APEX, and while Taira proved he belongs at the top of the flyweight division, it was the wily veteran who got his hand raised at the end of the night. Following the latest UFC Fight Night event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to Royval's split decision win over Taira in the incredible headliner, the one scorecard for Taira, what we learned about both fighters, and where both go following the five-round classic. Additionally, they discuss Grant Dawson's fantastic night at the office — both in his fight and the post-fight interview — who got bonuses, other standout moments from the event, and much 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

Eric Nicksick discusses the final countdown for Francis Ngannou's MMA return at the PFL's upcoming pay-per-view vs. Renan Ferreira, the different spark Ngannou has in preparation, the expectations of an Ngannou knockout, what happened between Roman Dolidze and Kevin Holland backstage at UFC 307, Sean Strickland preparing for a rematch with Dricus du Plessis for the UFC middleweight title, and much more with MMA Fighting's Mike Heck. 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 the APEX this Saturday for UFC Vegas 98, headlined by a top-10 flyweight matchup between Brandon Royval and Tatsuro Taira. Royval is a former title challenger and the current No. 1-ranked contender at flyweight, while Taira is the undefeated prospect trying to make his way to the belt for the first time. Ahead of Saturday’s Fight Night card, MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee preview the entire card, including who wins the main event and whether a title shot is next up for the winner. Additionally, they discuss under-the-radar matchups on the card, which fighters are in danger of receiving their walking papers, the state of MMA judging, and much more. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew 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

Alex Pereira did it again, as he knocked out a game Khalil Rountree in the main event of UFC 307 to retain the UFC light heavyweight title. "Poatan" now has options galore, so is sticking around at 205 the way to go, or should he move up to heavyweight to entice Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic to stick around? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses the fallout of this past Saturday's pay-per-view event, comparing Pereria's run to any other we've seen in the UFC, Julianna Pena regaining the women's bantamweight title, whether or not Raquel Pennington was robbed, and other storylines from the card. Additionally, topics include this Saturday's UFC Vegas 98 event headlined by Brandon Royval vs. Tatsuro Taira, PFL's pay-per-view price, Donn Davis continuing to frustrate the MMA community with his comments, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and UFC analyst Din Thomas. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Din Thomas: @DinThomas 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 307 is in the books which means it's time to head back to the APEX! UFC Vegas 98 takes place this Saturday, headlined by a flyweight contest between former title challenger Brandon Royval and rising super-prospect Tatsuro Taira, and No Bets Barred is back to break the whole card down. This week, host Jed Meshew is joined by former professional fighter Billy Ward of Action Network to dive into all the UFC action this weekend. Topics discussed include Royval's chances at denying the wunderkind Taira, just how past his prime is Brad Tavares, and the possible return of heavyweight overs? All that, plus, Jed unveils his newest gimmick: The Climb. Tune in for episode 103 of No Bets Barred. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Billy Ward: @Psychoward586 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

New UFC contract winner Torrez Finney discusses earning a UFC contract on his third shot on Dana White's Contender Series, the road to get there, White blasting him after his second DWCS win, nearly signing with another promotion before the call to step in on short notice for his historic third DWCS win, wanting to take some time off before UFC debut, The Rock's influence on his post-fight interviews, and more with MMA Fighting's Mike Heck. 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, Alan Jouban joins the show and states his case why he believes Alex Pereira has now surpassed Islam Makhachev as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the sport and how he wasn't all that impressed by Julianna Pena or Kayla Harrison on Saturday night Plus we discuss what's next for Pereira with this latest win and Jose Aldo's disappointing night against Mario Bautista and 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

Kayla Harrison addresses her performance at UFC 307 and reveals she suffered through an infection that forced her to go to the hospital just days before her fight agianst Ketlen Vieira. She also discusses Julianna Pena refusing to say her name and plans for a title fight next All this and more in an exclusive interview with Harrison after her win 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

Alex Pereira's remarkable run in the UFC continued with a fourth-round knockout of Khalil Rountree in the main event of UFC 307 to retain the light heavyweight championship. "Poatan" has many options in front of him, and while he says he plans to remain at 205 to defend his belt, is that what ultimately happens for one of the UFC's biggest stars? 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 Pereira and Rountree following their thrilling headliner on Saturday night in Salt Lake City. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for new women's bantamweight champ Julianna Peña and Raquel Pennington after their co-main event ended with a controversial split decision, Mario Bautista following his split decision victory against Jose Aldo, Roman Dolidze after his injury TKO win over Kevin Holland, along with fellow main card winner Kayla Harrison, 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

Alex Pereira is still the UFC light heavyweight champion after UFC 307, but he was tested by a game Khalil Rountree. In the end, "Poatan" changed the tide of the fight, and in the fourth round, Pereira delivered one of the most brutal finishing sequences in quite some time of the incredibly tough challenger. Following Saturday's pay-per-view event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to Pereira's wild victory, Rountree's stock rising immensely in defeat, and where both could go from here. Additionally, topics include Julianna Pena's controversial split decision win over Raquel Pennington to regain the women's bantamweight title, no-selling Kayla Harrison — who was victorious earlier in the evening against Ketlen Vieira — to call out Amanda Nunes, the judges and referees stealing headlines for questionable decision making, Joaquin Buckley's big night, and much 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

Relive the magic of UFC 307's live watch party with Mike Heck and Jed Meshew! Check out the original UFC 307 Watch Party here: https://www.youtube.com/live/3rxbH60eC1E Timestamps: Intro (0:00) Round 2 Wonderboy vs. Buckley (5:00) Buckley stuns Wonderboy with Round 3 KO + reaction to callout of Usman (15:20) Kayla Harrison vs. Ketlen Vieira (39:09) Harrison wins decision (1:01:00) Kevin Holland vs. Roman Dolidze (1:13:00) Dolidze injures Holland's rib leading to fight being stopped (1:17:20) Jose Aldo vs. Mario Bautista (1:31:00) Bautista wins split decision (1:51:00) Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Pena (2:11:50) Pennington drops Pena in Round 4 (2:34:30) Pena wins controversial decison to regain title (2:44:45) Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree (3:01:30) Rountree drops Pereira in Round 2 (3:19:12) Pereira stops Rountree with insane barrage in Round 4 to retain (3:29:40) 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 to pay-per-view this Saturday for UFC 307, and Alex Pereira will put his UFC light heavyweight title on the line against Khalil Rountree in the main event. If Pereira is to pick up his third win of the year, what does it do for his legacy? Ahead of Saturday's pay-per-view card, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew preview the event, the headliner between Pereira and Rountree, and what is at stake for both men. Additionally, they'll discuss the co-main event between Raquel Pennington and Julianna Pena for the women's bantamweight title, Pena getting the shot over Kayla Harrison, José Aldo's return to action, Harrison making her second octagon appearance, this time against Ketlen Vieira, the low-key storylines, and much 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 for UFC 307, and Alex Pereira has stepped in to save his third event of the year for the promotion as he defends his light heavyweight title against unlikely contender Khalil Rountree. Where does Pereira go with a win, and how shocking would it be if Rountree pulled off the upset? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel will answer your questions that include the main event for Saturday's fight card in Salt Lake City. Additionally, questions may include the rest of the UFC 307 lineup, how it stacks up from start-to-finish on paper, the co-main event between Raquel Pennington and Julianna Pena for the women's bantamweight title, Dana White's issues with his own company's rankings, and his comments about Francis Ngannou's fighter pay moving over to boxing, and much more. Host Mike Heck will be joined by special guest, Morning Kombat's Brian Campbell to answer your questions all show long. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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 307 takes place this Saturday in Salt Lake City, headlined by a light heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree Jr, and also featuring a women's bantamweight title fight between Raquel Pennington and Julianna Peña. On top of that, there are 10 other big fights so No Bets Barred is back to break it all down. This week, host Jed Meshew takes a deep dive on all 12 fights at UFC 307 and his favorite bets for each. Topics discussed include Rountree's chances at pulling off the upset, Peña's quest to become the most improbably two-time UFC champion ever, Jose Aldo being the GOAT, and plenty more. Tune in for episode 102 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

UFC 307's Julianna Peña previews her UFC bantamweight title fight with Raquel Pennington this Saturday, discusses the fight having a decade-plus build, why she deserves the shot over Kayla Harrison, if Harrison is next with a win this weekend, meeting Hulk Hogan, and more with MMA Fighting's Mike Heck. 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

Before Alex Pereira and Khalil Roundtree battle at UFC 307, check out the roads each fighter took to the UFC light heavyweight championship headliner. 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 Fighter vs. The Writer returns with UFC legend Matt Brown and Damon Martin looking ahead at UFC 307 and some of the biggest storylines in the sport including: — Michael Chandler moving on but does this spell the end for Conor McGregor? — Alex Pereira stepping into a potential "trap" fight on Saturday — Matt explains how Khalil Rountree could pull off the upset against Pereira — Are we about to enter the Kayla Harrison era in the women's bantamweight division? All this and more on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer! 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