MMA Fighting

Islam Makhachev's monster win at UFC 294 did the impossible — it actually made the MMA Fighting crew agree on something! Mike Heck and Jed Meshew join co-hosts Shaun Al-Shatti and Alexander K. Lee this week to sift through the wreckage of UFC 294 and put Makhachev’s knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski into perspective around (10:50). Is Makhachev the best damn fighter in the world? Did he sneak into pole position for 2023's Fighter of the Year? And will he become the first UFC lightweight in history to hit more than three defenses? Then, the gang plays a rollicking round of "What The F*** Are We Supposed To Do With Khamzat Chimaev?" around (50:36), look ahead to the loaded year-end schedule around (1:07:50), say goodbye to a big name in the rankings around (1:26:35), and much more. ***NOTE: This episode was recorded before Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic was cancelled off UFC 295 due to a Jones injury.*** Follow Shaun Al-Shatti @ShaunAlShatti Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee Follow Mike Heck @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic is OFF! Shaun Al-Shatti, Damon Martin, and José Youngs assemble to react to Jones' injury, Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tom Aspinall getting booked for UFC 295's new interim heavyweight title fight, Miocic's side of the equation, what this means for the heavyweight division, and much more. Follow Shaun Al-Shatti @ShaunAlShatti Follow Damon Martin @DamonMartin Follow Jose Youngs @JoseYoungs 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

Mayra Sheetara viu a maior vitória de sua carreira ser anulada no UFC por conta de um caso de doping, e explica a situação em entrevista exclusiva. Ela, aliás, reforça a vontade de lutar (e humilhar) Julianna Peña em disputa de cinturão. O podcast fala ainda com campeão dos moscas do UFC, Alexandre Pantoja, sobre a luta com Brandon Royval, a rivalidade com Sean O’Malley, o duelo dos sonhos no MMA, e muito mais. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda semana, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. After watching the biggest win of her UFC run vanish because of a failed drug test, Mayra Bueno Silva explains the whole situation in an exclusive interview. “Sheetara” reinforces her desire to fight (and humiliate) Julianna Peña for the vacant bantamweight title. The podcast also welcomes UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja to discuss his first title defense against Brandon Royval, his rivalry with Sean O’Malley, his dream fight, and more. Listen to Trocação Franca with Guilherme Cruz every week to hear from the biggest names on the hottest topics in the Brazilian combat sports world. Follow Guilherme Cruz: @Guicruzzz 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

Khamzat Chimaev had to work for it, but he did what he needed to do on Saturday at UFC 294 — he defeated Kamaru Usman. Heading in, Dana White said that the winner would get a title shot against Sean Strickland, but was the performance from Chimaev enough to get him his first world championship opportunity? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck attempts to answer that question, why Chimaev should get more credit than he's getting for the victory, and where Usman goes from this past weekend. Additionally, listener topics include Islam Makhachev's big finish of Alexander Volkanovski in the main event, if Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje should be next, the doctor involved in two weird endings to UFC 294 bouts, Ikram Aliskerov's future at 185 pounds, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, 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 week on The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman joins the show alongside Matt Brown and MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin to discuss the latest happenings in combat sports. Coleman offers details about his recent work with Stipe Miocic to help him prepare for Jon Jones and why the former UFC heavyweight champion will be the toughest test that Jones has ever faced in his career. In addition to his work with Miocic, Coleman also details his own path to sobriety following an arduous battle with addiction. We’ll also look back at UFC 294 from this past weekend where Islam Makhachev put an emphatic end to his rivalry with Alexander Volkanovski after he scored a stunning first-round knockout in the main event. Khamzat Chimaev also earned a razor-close victory over Kamaru Usman but what does that win say for his future in the middleweight division? Plus we look ahead at the boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou scheduled on Saturday and if the former UFC heavyweight champion has a realistic shot in this fight. 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

What's next for Islam Makhachev following his incredibke knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 on Saturday? What about Khamzat Chimaev after gutting out a majoity decision win over former UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman? Following Saturday's return to Abu Dhabi for rhe UFC, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee attempt to answer those questions from a matchmaking perspective. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Volkanovski and Usman following their defeats, along with Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker after their bizarre no contest, Ikram Aliskerov following his brutal finish of Warlley Alves, Said Nurmagomedov, 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

Islam Makhachev got his closure against Alexander Volkanovski, and he did it in incredibly brutal fashion as he knocked the featherweight champion out to cap off UFC 294 and retain his lightweight title. Following a wild UFC pay-per-view event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and Jed Meshew react to Makhachev's incredible performance, his spot in the pound-for-pound discussion, if Justin Gaethje or Charles Oliveira should be next, where Volkanovski goes, and the 145-pound titleholder wanting to turn right around in January to fight Ilia Topuria despite getting finished the way that he did. Additionally, the panel discusses Khamzat Chimaev's majority decision win over Kamaru Usman in the co-main event, if there's more questions than answers following his first bout in 13 months, how a fight with middleweight champ Sean Strickland could go, the wild shenanigans from the referees, the cage side doctor, multiple fighters revealing staph infections, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Shaun Al-Shatti: @ShaunAlShatti Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Relive the magic of UFC 294's live watch party with Mike Heck, Conner Burks, plus a few special guests! Check out the original UFC 294 Watch Party video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-hOR4pkAjo 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

UFC 294 will be headlined by a rematch of arguably the best fight of 2023 for the lightweight title between Islam Makhachev and featherweight titleholder Alexander Volkanovski. With Volkanovski stepping in on 12 days' notice, will he be able to avenge to sole loss of his UFC career? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and Alexander K. Lee preview the second meeting between the pound-for-pound greats, what a win for both guys mean, and predictions for who leaves Abu Dhabi with the 155-pound title. Additionally, they'll discuss the intriguing middleweight co-main event between former welterweight champ Kamaru Usman and the returning Khamzat Chimaev, other interesting storylines for Saturday's early slate of fights, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Shaun Al-Shatti: @ShaunAlShatti 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

Islam Makhachev could hold two wins over one of the best fighters on the planet in the same year when he faces featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 on Saturday. With the current lightweight titleholder teasing a move to 170, should he be victorious against Volkanovski again, is that the best course of action? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck attempts to answer that question, along with defending the welterweight move should Makhachev choose to do so, but under one condition. Additionally, listener questions include Khamzat Chimaev's return against Kamaru Usman, which fighter outside of the top-two fights needs an impressive performance most, the UFC debut of Shara Magomedov, Muhammad Mokaev vs. Tim Elliott, if the main and co-main eventers will end their careers as top-20 all-time fighters, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, 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

DAMN! They Were Good celebrates the careers of the most exciting and influential fighters in MMA history and on this episode it celebrates the career of Anderson Silva, the unquestioned middleweight GOAT and possibly the best fighter ever. 17 years ago this past weekend, Silva claimed the UFC middleweight title with a three minute demolition of Rich Franklin at UFC 64 that began the longest title run in UFC history. For nearly seven years, "The Spider" ruled the 185-pound division with an iron fist, dazzling fans with striking skills that seemed straight out of The Matrix, before it all came crashing down against Chris Weidman in 2013. What were the most iconic performances, what were our favorite memories, and what did we miss out on over Silva's 23 year run? Listen in as the MMA Fighting crews remembers the career of one of the greatest of all time. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Shaheeh Al-Shatti: @shaunalshatti Follow Guilherme Cruz: @guicruzzz 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

While UFC 294 looks a bit different at the top than it did two weeks ago, it's still a pretty loaded card with two incredibly intriguing bouts at the top of the bill that have very high stakes outside of just wins and losses. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses Saturday's UFC pay-per-view event in Abu Dhabi headlined by Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 for the lightweight title, what a win means for both guys, and more. Additionally, topics include the Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev co-main event, who needs the win more, grading Saturday's card as a whole, along with putting a bow on the boxing debut of Dillon Danis as he was dominated by Logan Paul in a forgettable six-rounder, where Danis goes from here, if he has any shot at fighting for the UFC, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Damon Martin. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Damon Martin: @DamonMartin 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

Kamaru Usman says that the rumors surrounding a knee injury ahead of his UFC 294 matchup with Khamzat Chimaev are false, and he sent a message to those who put that idea out into the universe this week. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the open workout moment between Usman and Justin Gaethje, Usman's reaction to it all, and more. Additionally, listener topics include the UFC 294 press conference, Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski's back-and-forth, Makhachev's stance that Volkanovski only took the short notice rematch for the lightweight title for a paycheck, potential locks for Saturday's pay-per-view event, why this weekend is incredibly important for Magomed Ankalaev, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, 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

The No Bets Barred boys are back this week with a full breakdown of UFC 294 and the lightweight title rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. Co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew kick things off with a discussion of their excitement levels for the UFC's return to Abu Dhabi and the short notice replacement main event between Makhachev and Volkanovski. Then it's right into the fight breakdowns as Conner and Jed debate Volkanovski's chances to pull off the upset, Kamaru Usman's prospects of doing the same against Khamzat Chimaev, and a few choice underdog plays from both me on some undercard bouts. Tune in for episode 66 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

O Trocação Franca recebe Johnny Walker e Bruno Blindado para falar sobre suas lutas no UFC 294 e bate um papo com Edson Barboza sobre a espetacular virada sobre Sodiq Yusuff no último sábado. O programa conversa ainda com Poliana Botelho, veterana do UFC e Invicta FC, que assinou com o Bellator semanas antes de receber o diagnóstico de cancer de mama em janeiro. A atleta fala do tratamento e a projeção de lutar MMA antes do fim de 2024. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda semana, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. Johnny Walker and Bruno Silva break down their upcoming fights at Abu Dhabi’s UFC 294, and Edson Barboza discusses his thrilling comeback win over Sodiq Yusuff at UFC Vegas. Trocação Franca also chats with Poliana Botelho, a UFC and Invicta FC veteran who was diagnosed with breast cancer weeks after signing with Bellator. The flyweight talent discusses battling cancer, the treatment, and plans to resume her MMA career in the second half of 2024. Listen to Trocação Franca with Guilherme Cruz every week to hear from the biggest names on the hottest topics in the Brazilian combat sports world. Follow Guilherme Cruz: @Guicruzzz 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

Alexander Volkanovski and Kamaru Usman, unsurprisingly, enter their short notice UFC 294 matchups as pretty sizable underdogs. Between the two competitors, who has the best chance to pull off the upset at Saturday's pay-per-view event? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses Volkanovski's underdog chances against Islam Makhachev in their rematch in the main event, and Usman's against Khamzat Chimaev in the co-main event. Additionally, listener questions include Misfits Boxing's PRIME Card fallout, Dillon Danis' performance against Logan Paul and where Danis goes from there, Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker flying way under the radar, what could be next for Max Holloway, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, 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

The Fighter vs. The Writer returns with UFC legend Matt Brown and MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin discussing the latest news including the shocking announcement that the UFC will be cutting ties with USADA at the start of 2024. Brown offers his perspective from the side of the fighters as well as his biggest concern about the new updated UFC anti-doping program that was announced last week. We’ll also briefly discuss Dillon Danis’ abysmal performance in a loss to Logan Paul after he spent months talking trash and promising to back it up in the ring. With UFC 294 now just days away, we will talk about the massive changes to the card where Islam Makhachev now faces Alexander Volkanovski in a rematch while Kamaru Usman accepts a short notice fight against Khamzat Chimaev. Did Volkanovski make a mistake by taking this fight, especially after he already lost to Makhachev back in February? Brown offers his opinion as well as the chances that Volkanovski pulls off the upset. 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

For the second consecutive week, the wily veteran has defeated the promising up and comer in the main event, and this time, it was Edson Barboza that halted the divisional momentum of Sodiq Yusuff in the main event of UFC Vegas 81. Following the wild comeback victory, where does Barboza go next in one of the UFC's deepest divisions? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee attempt to answer that question from a matchmaking perspective following the UFC's latest event at the APEX in Las Vegas. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Viviane Araujo following her decision win over Jennifer Maia in the co-main event, Jonathan Martinez after his eye-opening stoppage of Adrian Yanez in the bantamweight featured contest, Michel Pereira following his 66 second finish in his middleweight debut, along with fellow main card winner Christian Rodriguez, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Edson Barboza proved that experience matters, as he dug himself out of a deep hole early in the UFC Vegas 81 main event to prevail over Sodiq Yusuff in a five-round war. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to Saturday's event at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, which includes Barboza's impressive decision win over Yusuff, the scoring of the fight, the lack of 10-8 rounds on the scorecards, and what the loss does to Yusuff's championship prospects at 145 pounds. Additionally, the panel discusses Jonathan Martinez's outstanding performance in finishing Adrian Yanez, Michel Pereira's quick finish of Andre Petroski in his middleweight debut, other impressive outings from the card, 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

Misfits Boxing's Prime Card was everything it was supposed to be. MMA Fighting's Shaheen Al-Shatti, Eric Jackman, Jed Meshew, and E. Casey Leydon react to whatever the heck happened in Logan Paul vs. Dillon Danis, Tommy Fury eking out a win over KSI, and much more from a bizarre Saturday night in Manchester. Follow Shaheen Al-Shatti: @shaunalshatti Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic 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 the APEX for it's go-home event ahead of UFC 294, while across the pond, Dillon Danis will finally compete in a fight when he faces Logan Paul in one of the co-headliners of the PRIME Card in Manchester. Which card is more intriguing heading into the weekend? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and Eric Jackman preview UFC Vegas 81, the featherweight main event between Sodiq Yusuff and Edson Barboza, along with other intriguing matchups on the card. Additionally, the panel will discuss the Misfits Boxing PRIME card, the Danis vs. Paul matchup, KSI vs. Tommy Fury, if any other bouts are of interest, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Shaheen Al-Shatti: @shaunalshatti 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

This week will go down as one of the most chaotic weeks in recent memory in the UFC and combat sports with the Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 and Khamzat Chimaev vs. Kamaru Usman revealed as short notice fights for UFC 294, along with the end of the UFC and USADA era. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his reaction to the UFC's response to USADA with Jeff Novitsky and Hunter Campbell, and the new third party handling the drug testing policy beginning in 2024. Additionally, listener questions include the UFC 294 shakeups, the road to Chimaev vs. Usman, Volkanovski's legacy should he defeat Makhachev, the possibility of Makhachev moving up to 170 in the future, where Belal Muhammad goes from here, Michel Pereira's middleweight debut on Saturday at UFC Vegas 81, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, 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

UFC 294 looks a bit different at the top with Charles Oliveira being forced to exit his main event rematch for the lightweight title against Islam Makhachev. Featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski now steps in for his shot at redemption on less than two weeks' notice. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel reacts to the new main event for next weekend's UFC pay-per-view event, if the fight is more intriguing than the original booking, if Volkanovski is in a win-win situation, and more. Additionally, topics include the new co-main event between Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman, the stakes involved in the middleweight bout, Bobby Green's big upset win at UFC Vegas 80, Saturday's UFC Vegas 81 event headlined by Sodiq Yusuff and Edson Barboza, Misfits Boxing's The PRIME Card featuring the combat return of Dillon Danis as he prepares to step in the ring with WWE star Logan Paul, USADA and UFC parting ways, Conor McGregor being a factor, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

Khamzat Chimaev will still compete at UFC 294 despite Paulo Costa being forced to withdraw following elbow surgery, but now Chimaev faces former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman on short notice. Is this new co-main event more intriguing than the original? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the Chimaev vs. Usman booking, if it's the more interesting matchup, and what is at stake for both fighters ahead of next Saturday's UFC pay-per-view event. Additionally, listener topics include Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2, UFC and USADA parting ways at the end of the year, where Belal Muhammad now goes with Usman taking the Chimaev fight, Saturday's Sodiq Yusuff vs. Edson Barboza main event, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, 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

UFC 294 has had another major change! After suffering a staph infection that necessitate another surgery, Paulo Costa is officially out of his scheduled co-main event fight against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294, and former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is stepping in. This massive change comes less than 24 hours after it was announced that Alexander Volkanovski will be stepping in on 10 days' notice to rematch Islam Makhachev in the main event of the same fight card. Given the enormity of this breaking news, MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee circled the wagons for an emergency reaction pod, discussing what just happened, what comes next, and whether these unexpected changes actually made UFC 294 a more compelling fight card. 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

Following the unpredictable UFC Vegas 80, the world's leading MMA promotion returns with UFC Vegas 81 and an unheralded fight card from the Apex, headlined by a featherweight tilt between Sodiq Yusuff and Edson Barboza. That's not the real main event this weekend though as influencer boxing returns with arguably the biggest event of the month, featuring matchups between KSI and Tommy Fury, and Logan Paul and Dillon Danis. Conner Burks is out this week for travel so the esteemed Mike Heck once again comes to the rescue to chop it up with Jed Meshew about both major events this weekend. Topics include a number of live dogs on the UFC card, of couple of intriguing prop possibilities, and Mike Heck even placing a wager on whether or not Dillon Danis shows up to the fight. Tune in for episode 65 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

O mundo do MMA virou de pernas pro ar com o anúncio da saída de Charles do Bronx do UFC 294, substituído por Alexander Volkanovski contra o campeão Islam Makhachev. E Paulo Borrachinha também pode deixar o card de Abu Dhabi após uma cirurgia no cotovelo. O Trocação Franca reage a tudo isso e muito mais, e traz ainda entrevistas exclusivas com Edson Barboza e Michel Pereira a poucos dias de suas lutas no UFC Vegas 81. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda semana, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. The MMA world went upside down Tuesday night with the announcement that Charles Oliveira is out of a UFC 294 rematch with Islam Makhachev, now replaced by Alexander Volkanovski. And Paulo Costa could be out, too! Trocação Franca reacts to all that and more. The show also features interviews with Edson Barboza and Michel Pereira ahead of Saturday bouts with Sodiq Yusuff and Andre Petroski at UFC Vegas 81. Listen to Trocação Franca with Guilherme Cruz every week to hear from the biggest names on the hottest topics in the Brazilian combat sports world. Follow Guilherme Cruz: @Guicruzzz 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

There is a new lightweight championship main event for UFC 294 as Charles Oliveira is out, and Alexander Volkanovski is in to get a second crack at Islam Makhachev next Saturday in Abu Dhabi. On a special pop-up edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the news that broke last night, if this rematch between Makhachev and Volkanovski is more intriguing than the originally scheduled bout, what this could mean for the featherweight division, and more. Additionally, listener questions include Dana White revealing Khamzat Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa is in jeopardy, who could step in and replace Costa if needed, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, 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

Paulo Costa made headlines on Monday after revealing he had elbow surgery a few weeks back ahead of his scheduled UFC 294 co-main event bout with Khamzat Chimaev, and on top of that, vowed to not only show up to face Chimaev, but beat him. Does the reveal change how you view the matchup? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the news, why Costa may not be getting enough credit heading in, and if this changes things less than two weeks from the contest. Additionally, listener topics include Bobby Green's big finish of Grant Dawson and where he goes from UFC Vegas 80, Usman Nurmagomedov's ceiling after his one-sided title defense at Bellator 300, Joaquin Buckley and Joe Pyfer getting big wins this past Saturday and what could be next for them, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, 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 week on The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC legend Matt Brown and MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin discuss the latest hot topics in combat sports including the Misfits Boxing card on Saturday as well as UFC Vegas 81. While Edson Barboza prepares to battle Sodiq Yusuff in the UFC, a lot of eyes will turn towards the influencer boxing world as KSI clashes with Tommy Fury and Logan Paul battles Dillon Danis. Brown discusses his lack of interest in the actual fights but admits that Danis’ trolling at least has him ready to watch the entire “s*** show” unfold on Saturday. In fact, Brown questions if Danis really cares much about winning or losing as much as he wants to continue gaining followers and attention. Brown also takes time to respond to Colby Covington, who took aim at him after suggesting that the two-time UFC welterweight title challenger might retire if he suffers a loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 296. Plus Brown discusses his views on his children eventually following in his footsteps to become fighters after learning that Matt Hughes’ son is about to make his professional debut this weekend. 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

Bobby Green shocked Grant Dawson with a quick and emphatic knockout in the main event of Saturday's UFC card at the APEX to add his name to an already compelling list of contenders in the sport's best division. After, arguably, the biggest win of his career, where does Green go next? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee react to Green's stunning finish of Dawson to pull off the massive betting upset at UFC Vegas 80, and discuss who "King" could face next. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Joe Pyfer after his submission win over Abdul Razak Alhassan in the co-main event, Joaquin Buckley following his lopsided decision win against Alex Morono in the welterweight featured bout, along with fellow main card winners, Drew Dober, Bill Algeo, 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

Bobby Green knocked out Grant Dawson in just over 30 seconds at the UFC APEX on Saturday, which may have overshadowed a historic night for Bellator that featured three world championship bouts. MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and José Youngs react to UFC Vegas 80 and Bellator 300, and discuss which promotion won the weekend. Additionally, they discuss Green’s massive finish of Grant Dawson to pull off the big upset, where “King” goes from here, Joe Pyfer’s future at 185, and more. Also, the panel talks Usman Nurmagomedov’s complete dominance of Brent Primus to retain the Bellator lightweight title in the main event, Cris Cyborg’s destruction of Cat Zingano and Leah McCourt appearing to be next in line for the featherweight title, the lackluster flyweight title fight between Liz Carmouche and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Shaheen Al-Shatti: @shaunalshatti 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

Usman Nurmagomedov and Grant Dawson have extremely high ceilings at 155 pounds, and both fighters will be featured in main events as the UFC and Bellator go head-to-head on Saturday. But is Nurmagomedov’s title fight against Brent Primus at Bellator 300 more intriguing than Dawson facing Bobby Green at UFC Vegas 80? MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and José Youngs preview both events, and discuss the excitement surrounding the 26-year-old Nurmagomedov, his incredibly bright future, and what they would like to see for the lightweight phenom if this is his final Bellator fight with rumors of a sale. They also discuss Cris Cyborg’s return to MMA action against Cat Zingano, and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane badly missing weight for her championship opportunity against Liz Carmouche. Additionally, the panel previews the Dawson vs. Green headliner at the UFC APEX, the low-key banger for the event, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Shaheen Al-Shatti: @shaunalshatti 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

Tony Ferguson joined Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour this week to discuss his upcoming fight with Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296 in December, and the interview created a lot of buzz due to the fact that Ferguson was quite reflective on the matchmaking, and where he is at in his career. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel is turning the programming over to the live viewers with a Q&A edition of the show. Viewers can ask questions about Ferguson's conversation on The MMA Hour, UFC Vegas 80 coming up this weekend headlined by a lightweight bout between Grant Dawson and Bobby Green, Bellator 300, featuring three world title fights, including Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Brent Primus for the lightweight title in the main event, the future of Bellator, and whatever else is on your mind in the world of combat sports. This week, the panel consists of MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and 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

It appears as if lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and upcoming welterweight title challenger Colby Covington are planting seeds for a future fight should both be successful in their next bouts. If it happens, would it be more intriguing to see Makhachev move up to welterweight, or Covington move down to lightweight? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the back-and-forth between Makhachev and Covington, what weight class would be more interesting to host it, and how it might go. Additionally, listener questions include fighter pay, contracts in ONE Championship, the star power of Sean O'Malley, if Dustin Poirier could find his way into a welterweight title shot if Covington defeats Leon Edwards at UFC 296, Alexander Volkanovski's future at featherweight, the loaded UFC bantamweight division, where Michael Page could end up in free agency, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, 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

DAMN! They Were Good celebrates the careers of the most exciting and influential fighters in MMA history and on this episode it celebrates the career of Khabib Nurmagomedov, the lightweight GOAT and possibly the best fighter in history. Five years ago this month, Khabib Nurmagomedov won the single biggest fight in MMA history, dominating Conor McGregor at UFC 229 to defend his lightweight title and silence all doubt as to his place atop the best division in the sport. It's a performance that would go on to be the crown jewel of his singular career as just two title defenses later, the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world retired, following the death of his father, Abdulmanap. Walking away just as he was establishing himself as one of the best to ever compete, Khabib's legacy still casts a shadow over the lightweight division to this day, and so in honor of the five year anniversary of his greatest achievement (and the immediate aftermath of total chaos), host Jed Meshew is joined by MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee to take a deep dive into what made Khabib so damn good and where he stands in the pantheon of MMA greats. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew 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

After a week off from MMA action, the No Bets Barred boys are back this week with a full breakdown of UFC Vegas 80 and Bellator 300. Co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew kick things off with a brief recap of their weekends off before hopping into discussion on the numerous fights this week. In the previous episode, Jed debuted his new "Magic 8-Ball" bet, which cashed big at UFC Vegas 79, so he breaks it out three times this weekend to see what the sorcery can do for his gambling bankroll. Conor, meanwhile, turns to some classic No Bets Barred bets on a weekend that features a ton of huge favorites. Plus, this week we get the rarest of all occurrences, a Robot Wolfpack Wager! Tune in for episode 64 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

Vicente Luque vai protagonizar uma luta diferente no fim do ano, enfrentando o ex-parceiro de treinos Ian Garry, e fala ao podcast como eram os treinos entre os dois, futuro da divisão, e muito mais. O Trocação Franca recebe também Larissa Pacheco, que comenta a possibilidade de enfrentar Cris Cyborg em 2024. Rickson Zenidim, que participa do Contender Series, conta como circo e telecatch moldaram o estilo de luta da família. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda semana, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. Vicente Luque faces former teammate Ian Machado Garry in the UFC, and talks to the podcast about their training sessions, the future of the division, and more. Trocação Franca also welcomes Larissa Pacheco, who discusses a potential showdown with Cris Cyborg in 2024. Plus, UFC hopeful Rickson Zenidim explains how circus pro wrestling helped shape his family’s fighting style ahead of his Dana White’s Contender Series bout. Listen to Trocação Franca with Guilherme Cruz every week to hear from the biggest names on the hottest topics in the Brazilian combat sports world. Follow Guilherme Cruz: @Guicruzzz 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

Tony Ferguson joined Ariel Helwani on Monday's edition of The MMA Hour to discuss his highly debated UFC 296 matchup with Paddy Pimblett, and it seemed like Ferguson was a lot more realistic and reflective than we have been used to seeing as of late. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses his takeaways from Ferguson's interview ahead of his bout with Pimblett, where "El Cucuy" would go depending on the result of the fight, and why all of the pressure is on Pimblett to win. Additionally, listener topics include rumored matchups, Matt Brown's comments about Colby Covington should he lose to Leon Edwards at UFC 296, Canelo Alvarez's outstanding performance on Saturday, Cedric Doumbe's viral finish at PFL Europe this past Saturday, why ONE Championship needs to focus on being themselves and not how they stack up against the UFC, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, 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 week on The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC legend Matt Brown and MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin react to the latest fight announcements including several title fights and an intriguing matchup between Tony Ferguson and Paddy PImblett. While there was some backlash to that matchup, Brown defends the fight while proclaiming Pimblett as the perfect opponent for Ferguson as he tries to put an end to a recent losing streak. Brown also addresses the upcoming welterweight title fight while admitting that Colby Covington could be a nightmare matchup for Leon Edwards. Then again, Brown addresses Covington’s future if he can’t get the job done against Edwards, which would be his third straight loss in a UFC title fight. We’ll also react to the booking between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Stephen Thompson, which has Brown reminiscing about his own past fight against “Wonderboy.” All this and much more on the latest installment 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

MMA Fighting's José Youngs, Eric Jackman, Jed K. Meshew, and E. Casey Leydon join forces to preview the super middleweight title fight between undisputed kingpin Canelo Alvarez and the surging Jermell Charlo. Is the Charlo moving up two weight classes going to play a factor against the hard hitting Alvarez? Is the Mexican superstar really on the decline or are fans looking too much into his last performance? These are just some of the questions the three will answer for you ahead of the catchweight fight inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic Follow Jed K. 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 is the biggest star in the history of the sport, and is part of the most meteoric rises we've seen in the UFC. But lately, the feelings of greatness that have surrounded "The Notorious" has shifted to frustration among MMA fans, and have left them wondering: How have we gotten to this point? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck takes listener questions about the reactions towards McGregor these days, why they may feel this way, his impact on the sport, and how McGregor was part of one of the all-time great octagon performances. Additionally, listener questions include Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington, what the division would look like if Covington were to capture the welterweight title, if 2023 is the most chaotic year in UFC history, the PFL not airing Saturday's card in the U.S., and more. Also, an instant reaction to the reports of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, 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

UFC CEO Dana White kept very busy this past weekend announcing big fights, most notably for UFC 296 at the end of the year, including a matchup that has gotten a lot of reaction between Paddy Pimblett and Tony Ferguson. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel reacts to the announcement of Pimblett vs. Ferguson and if it was the right booking, along with other notable bouts for the UFC's December slate, including Stephen Thompson vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov, Vicente Luque vs. Ian Machado Garry, Rob Font vs. Deiveson Figueiredo, and more. Additionally, they'll discuss the fallout of UFC Vegas 79, Mateusz Gamrot's injury TKO win over Rafael Fiziev in the main event, Bryce Mitchell's massive win, the overall MVP of the event, Johnny Eblen's case for being best middleweight in the world following his Bellator 299 stoppage win over Fabian Edwards, Francis Ngannou's open workout ahead of his fight with Tyson Fury next month, Israel Adesanya being charged with drunk driving prior to his UFC 293 loss to Sean Strickland and more. Host Mike Heck will moderate the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

The UFC's fourth quarter pay-per-view schedule is loaded up with UFC 294, UFC 295, and UFC 296 bringing big title fights, intriguing matchups, and high stakes. As great as all three lineups are, if you could only watch one of these cards, which one would it be? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his thoughts on which card stands out the most, which card will be the biggest, and much more. Additionally, listener topics include Khamzat Chimaev's future should he defeat Paulo Costa at UFC 294 in October, Michael Chandler potentially waiting for Conor McGregor, Dana White's Contender Series card this week, Sean O'Malley vs. Marlon Vera, the UFC reportedly heading to China in December, Rob Font vs. Deiveson Figueiredo, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, 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

Tudo mudou para Deiveson Figueiredo. Após anos brigando contra a balança, o ex-campeão dos moscas do UFC parte rumo a um desafio diferente nos galos, e encara o duríssimo Rob Font logo na estreia. Em um papo exclusivo, Deiveson fala dos planos futuros, sua data de aposentadoria, a previsão de três cinturões brasileiros no UFC até o fim do ano, e muito mais. O podcast traz ainda um papo com o embalado Philipe Lins, que encara Ion Cutelaba no UFC. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda semana, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. Everything’s changed for Deiveson Figueiredo. After years of battling the scale, the former UFC flyweight champion is moving on to a new challenge at bantamweight when he faces top-ranked Rob Font in his divisional debut. Figueiredo discusses his future plans, his retirement date, and predicts three UFC belts for Brazil before the end of 2023. The podcast also features an interview with Philipe Lins, who battles Ion Cutebala for his fourth straight UFC win. Listen to Trocação Franca with Guilherme Cruz every week to hear from the biggest names on the hottest topics in the Brazilian combat sports world. Follow Guilherme Cruz: @Guicruzzz 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

Dana White and the UFC matchmakers have been busy announcing a slew of championship bouts, fights with high divisional stakes, as well as a lightweight bout that left the MMA community reacting in a fiery way between Paddy Pimblett and Tony Ferguson for UFC 296. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the Pimblett vs. Ferguson matchmaking, along with Michael Bisping's thoughts about the fight being a "lose-lose" for Pimblett, and more. Additionally, listener questions include the Dec. 2 Fight Night card that alreadt has Rob Font vs. Deiveson Figueiredo, Jared Cannonier vs. Roman Dolidze, and Sean Brady vs. Kelvin Gastelum, when the vacant UFC women's bantamweight fight could take place, what the Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington main event for UFC 296 could mean for Belal Muhammad, Stephen Thompson vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Vicente Luque vs. Ian Machado Garry also announced for the UFC's December pay-per-view, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, 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

Mateusz Gamrot picked up the biggest win of his UFC career in the main event of UFC Vegas 79 on Saturday, but it certainly didn't happen the way he would've liked it to with Fiziev suffering a knee injury throwing a kick in the second round. Regardless, Gamrot got the victory, and then called for a fight with a former lightweight champion next. Will he get his wish? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what could be next to Gamrot following his victory over Fiziev at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Bryce Mitchell following his unanimous decision win over Dan Ige, Marina Rodriguez after her dominant finish in the rematch against Michelle Waterson-Gomez, along with fellow main card winners Bryan Battle, Charles Jourdain, and more in the capper event of a 17 week stretch for the UFC. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mateusz Gamrot wins again, but at what cost? With opponent Rafael Fiziev suffering an unfortunate injury in the UFC Vegas 79 main event, we were given an unsatisfying end to an otherwise entertaining night of action. Other than the disappointing finish to the card, what stood out most from Saturday’s action? Following the UFC's return to the APEX, MMA Fighting's Alexander K. Lee, José Youngs, and E. Casey Leydon react to Fiziev’s injury, Bryce Mitchell putting on a gritty performance against Dan Ige to bounce back from his first pro loss, and Marina Rodriguez doing her best impression of a buzzsaw against fan favorite Michelle Waterson-Gomez. Additionally, the crew debates what to think of Mitchell’s post-fight speech, how to judge damage vs. control, the responsibility of the referee and the corner to stop a fight, a surprising first for veteran Tim Means, and much more. Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Follow E. Casey Leydon: @ekc 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

For the first time in six weeks, the UFC is back in the cozy confines of the APEX, which hosts a banger of a lightweight contender fight between Rafael Fiziev and Mateusz Gamrot. Both men have been scraping and clawing their way up the rankings, so will a win lead to a breakthrough into the top 5? And will the loser find themselves a long way from contention? MMA Fighting’s Alexander K. Lee, José Youngs, and E. Casey Leydon preview this weekend’s event, which features a fan-friendly headliner as well as several veteran names on the card. Fiziev and Gamrot jockey for position in a tight lightweight race, Bryce Mitchell looks to bounce back from his first loss when he takes on the battle-tested Dan Ige, and Marina Rodriguez and Michelle Waterson-Gomez face off in a rematch of their May 2021 affair. Is the final chapter of Waterson-Gomez’s career nearing its end? What about Tim Means, who competes in his 50th pro fight when he meets Andre Fialho on the prelims? Plus, we share a few thoughts on Saturday’s Bellator 299 card in Dublin, Ireland, headlined by undefeated middleweight champion Johnny Eblen defending against Fabian Edwards. Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Follow E. Casey Leydon: @ekc 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

The MMA community is still scratching their heads following the main event of Noche UFC this past Saturday between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko. The fight was a classic, but it will go down as the night Mike Bell scored the fifth round 10-8 for Grasso to lead to a split draw, costing Shevchenko a second reign as UFC champ. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel will discuss the fallout of the flyweight title fight between Grasso and Shevchenko days later, if opinions changed in any way since Saturday night, what the next move will be at 125, and more. Additionally, they'll discuss Dana White's reaction to the result, and the themed event as a whole, other standout fighters and moments from the card, the announcements of Jiri Prochazka vs. Alex Pereira at UFC 295, and Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington at UFC 296, and more. Plus, the second half of the show, the panel answers your questions about UFC Vegas 79, and other news in the world of MMA. Host Mike Heck will be joined by MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew to discuss the biggest stories of the week in the space. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices