MMA Fighting

Two men who hold championship belts in the UFC's heavyweight division have been going back-and-forth on social media. Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall are stating their cases, but which fighter is right, and which one is wrong? Moderator Mike Heck is joined by Eric Jackman, representing Jones, and Jed Meshew, who is representing Aspinall, as they explain why their fighter is correct in the situation, what they could be doing differently, the UFC not getting any blame for some reason, and offering up their honest opinions about the situation. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Francis Ngannou left the UFC and has made it work better than anybody in recent memory, and with another massive boxing match ahead of him against Anthony Joshua in March, many want to know if Ngannou will still have any interest in returning to MMA competition. If you're the PFL, are you worried Ngannou may not have that interest? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses Ngannou's MMA future following his appearance on The MMA Hour, and why things could get real interesting if he beats Joshua. Additionally, listener topics include the Dustin Poirier vs. Benoit Saint-Denis and Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan fight announcements, Sean O'Malley's star power, what could be next for Justin Gaethje, Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall's back-and-forth on social media, 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 the first new episode in 2024 with UFC legend Matt Brown and MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin reacting to the latest news in combat sports including Conor McGregor announcing his return. Just days ago, McGregor touted his plan to fight Michael Chandler — at middleweight — at the upcoming International Fight Week card in June but Brown still doesn’t buy it. Brown explains why he’s always doubted that McGregor would ever fight again and that opinion hasn’t changed even with this latest announcement. We’ll also discuss Francis Ngannou returning to boxing for a showdown against Anthony Joshua in March. Does Ngannou have a realistic shot at pulling off a win over Joshua and what would that mean for his future in MMA? Plus, Brown teases his potential return at the historic UFC 300 in April and what fights might actually end up headlining that card. All that and much 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

Johnny Walker tem planos ousados para 2024. De revanche marcada com Magomed Ankalaev para o UFC deste sábado, ele contou ao Trocação Franca que quer garantir chance pelo cinturão de Alex Poatan no histórico UFC 300, em abril. O podcast traz, ainda, entrevistas com Jean Silva, Nikolas Motta e Felipe Bunes, que lutam no mesmo card. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda semana, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. Johnny Walker has bold plans for 2024. Set to rematch Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Vegas, Walker told Trocação Franca he’s targeting a UFC 300 title bout with Alex Pereira with a win this weekend. The podcast also features interviews with UFC Vegas 84 fighters Jean Silva, Nikolas Motta, and Felipe Bunes. 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

UFC CEO Dana White promised he would be announcing some big fights, and he certainly came through with a pair of massive bouts in the promotion's best division. On Sunday night, White revealed that former interim lightweight champ Dustin Poirier will face the surging Benoit Saint-Denis in the five-round co-main event of UFC 299, which takes place March 9 in Miami, and former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira will look to stop the title push of Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 in April. Following the big news, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee, and Jed Meshew react to the pair of high-stakes 155-pound matchups, discuss which piece of business is more surprising, White saying that the Oliveira vs. Tsarukyan winner gets champ Islam Makhachev next and where that leaves Justin Gaethje, which fighter has the most to lose, early predictions, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following a chaotic and unpredictable 2023 in the world of MMA, 2024 is shaping up to be even crazier — both in and out of the cage. Could this be a year that will see stars such as Conor McGregor and Jon Jones compete multiple times? Will Khamzat Chimaev finally get his hands on UFC gold? Will Francis Ngannou continue to shake up the boxing world, and also make his MMA return? On a very special edition of On To the Next One, those questions — and a lot more — are presented during the 2024 predictions extravaganza. Hosts Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee will go through a slew of buy/sell questions presented by listeners about a variety of topics, including McGregor, Jones, Ngannou, Sean Strickland, Dana White, Colby Covington, Israel Adesanya, Nate Diaz, and much more. Additionally, they will make their choices for who will end the year as UFC champions in each division, along with their bold and spicy predictions for the world of MMA in 2024. 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

Francis Ngannou's first fight of 2024 is booked, and it will take place in the boxing ring, not an MMA cage. As MMA Fighting confirmed on Friday, Ngannou will face Anthony Joshua in a 10-round boxing match that is targeted for March, although the date is currently not finalized at this time. Following Ngannou making the decision to leave the UFC as heavyweight champion in early 2023, he went on to sign with the PFL before taking Tyson Fury to the limit in his pro boxing debut in October. Now, "The Predator" gets another massive opportunity to shake things up in boxing's heavyweight division. Following the news being announced, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaun Al-Shatti, and Eric Jackman react to the news, how it benefits both fighters, discuss what it means for Ngannou's MMA future, early predictions, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Shaun 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

UFC 300 will be here before we know it, and everyone seems to have an idea of what the historic UFC pay-per-view event should look like. With Conor McGregor announcing he's fighting Michael Chandler in June, the main event — along with the full supporting cast — remains a mystery. So what would be your ideal UFC 300 lineup? On a special edition of Heck of a Morning (in the afternoon), MMA Fighting's Mike Heck takes your UFC 300 fight card suggestions. Additionally, he'll answer your questions about anything and everything as it relates to the crazy world of MMA, interim champ Tom Aspinall tweeting his thoughts about Stipe Miocic getting a title shot vs. Jon Jones over him, whether or not Nick Diaz should return at UFC 300, 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

According to Conor McGregor, his return is set against Michael Chandler at the UFC's International Fight Week in June. Although the promotion has yet to officially announce, it appears as if we'll see the sport's biggest star before the second half of 2024. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to McGregor's announcement that his bout with Chandler will not take place at UFC 300, but on June 29, along with the opening odds giving McGregor a slight edge. Additionally, the panel takes your questions about the bouts currently on the table for April's UFC 300 event, Leon Edwards saying he'll be defending his welterweight title on the card, what could be the main event, other big stories in the sport with the UFC on break until next Saturday, 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

Conor McGregor announced his octagon return against Michael Chandler, but according the former two-division world champ, it will not be happening at UFC 300 as many were predicting. With the UFC's 2024 calendar filling up rapidly, what fight will headline one of the promotion's biggest and monumental events? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the McGregor vs. Chandler announcement for June 29, if it is a mistake by the UFC to not have the fight headline UFC 300, and what the UFC could do in order to make that all-important main event spot pop. Additionally, listener topics include a potential Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad fight, if Justin Gaethje or Charles Oliveira should get the shot at Islam Makhachev, the UFC's future at the APEX, the promotion's debut in Saudi Arabia still without a headliner, 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

Who will be our 11 UFC champions by the end of 2024? The gang is BACK to predict the upcoming championship slate and debate the biggest winners and biggest upsets of the next 12 months. Follow Shaun Al-Shatti @ShaunAlShatti 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

DAMN! They Were Good celebrates the careers of our favorite fighters in MMA history. On this episode, the MMA Fighting staff takes a deep dive into the legendary career of Mirko Cro Cop. Making a name for himself in kickboxing as one of the most exciting fighters in K-1, Mirko Cro Cop transitioned to MMA in 2001 and quickly became one of the standout fighter in Pride FC. Leaving a trail of unconscious bodies in his wake thanks to his devastating left high kick, Cro Cop became one of the most accomplished and beloved heavyweights in history, most notably winning the Pride Openweight Grand Prix in 2006 and serving as one-half of the Fight of the Decade against Fedor Emelianenko. A disappointing sting in the UFC followed but Cro Cop then found new life with a late career resurgence that saw him claim a K-1 world title and win the RIZIN Openweight Grand Prix in 2016 before hanging up the gloves for good in 2019 following a stroke. What were the most iconic performances and what were our favorite memories from Cro Cop's career? Listen in as the MMA Fighting crews remembers remembers one of the most devastating strikers in MMA history. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Shaheen Al-Shatti: @shaunalshatti Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With 2023 being such a crazy year in the world of mixed martial arts, we felt it was important to look back at the predictions that were made heading into a memorable year for the sport. In part one of our two-part predictions extravaganza, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee look back on some of the responses they had to listener questions in regards to what 2023 was going to bring. Topics include Conor McGregor's activity for the year, whether or not Jon Jones would retire at some point, if Dana White would be punished for what happened at the start of the year, what the year could bring for the likes of Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, Shavkat Rahkmonov, and Khamzat Chimaev, UFC champions in each division, bold predictions for the year, and more. In addition, we will need you help for part two: our 2024 predictions extravaganza episode. Submit your "buy or sell" questions the same way you send your matchmaking suggestions to Mike or AK on Twitter, Instagram, or email by Thursday, Jan. 4 — and, please, be as creative as you'd like. 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

With just a couple of days left in the year, it’s almost time to say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024. In the sport of MMA, there was certainly a lot to like this past year — and a lot that needs to be improved upon, from the UFC, to PFL, and beyond. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jed Meshew bring you the second annual BTL Promotional Festivus — where they grade the UFC for their 2023 performance, both in and out of the octagon, along with their airing of grievances for things that happened negatively throughout the course of the year. Additionally, the duo do the same for PFL, Bellator's year prior to the merger, ONE Championship, BKFC, and give their thoughts on things they did better from the year prior, other ideas to bring into 2024, and what could be the breakout promotion in the space for the upcoming year. 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 MMA world will never forget the insanity of 2023. Join the MMA Fighting staff as we look back at the biggest highs, breakout stars, and most unbelievable moments of 2023 in a special year-end retrospective. We’re honoring all the nights that defined one of the craziest 12-month stretches this sport has ever seen — and handing out plenty of hardware in celebration of the knockouts, submissions, fights, fighters, and rookies who made sure 2023 was a year that will go down as one of the wildest ever. Follow Shaun Al-Shatti @ShaunAlShatti Follow Eric Jackman @NewYorkRic Follow Mike Heck @MickHeck_JR Follow Josè 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

2023 chegou ao fim e o mundo do MMA inicia um novo ano com mais perguntas do que o costume. O Trocação Franca recebe em seu último episódio da temporada o líder do Connect Cast, Alexandre Lemos, para analisar o esporte por diversos prismas, do papel da imprensa às próximas conquistas dentro do octógono em uma resenha de 1 hora de duração O podcast traz, ainda, Bibiano Fernandes explicando com exclusividade sua saída do ONE Championship, e o invicto Igor Tanabe comentando a carreira no RIZIN. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda semana, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. 2023 is in the books and the MMA world starts a new year with a ton of questions to be answered. Trocação Franca welcomes Connect Cast host Alexandre Lemos to close out the year and look at the sport through different angles in an hour-long chat, from the role of MMA media to in-cage performances. This week’s podcast also features an interview with Bibiano Fernandes, discussing his departure from ONE Championship, and undefeated prospect Igor Tanabe breaking down his upcoming bout at RIZIN’s NYE card. 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

The Fighter vs. The Writer returns with a special year-end episode with UFC analyst and retired fighter Alan Jouban joining MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin to discuss the biggest moments from 2023. Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski put on a possible Fight of the Year in February as two of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport battled it out in a five round classic. One month later, Jon Jones made his return to the octagon and he finally conquered the heavyweight division while taking out Ciryl Gane in the first round. By June, Amanda Nunes was defending her title and then calling it a career, which dramatically affected two different divisions in the UFC. In September, Sean Strickland pulled off one of the most epic upsets in the history of the UFC when he thumped Israel Adesanya to become middleweight champion. Follow along with us as we go through the biggest moments in 2023 and start looking ahead at what’s to come in 2024 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

Belal Muhammad knows he’s the No. 1 contender in the UFC welterweight division but he’s still waiting on reigning champion Leon Edwards to acknowledge him as the next person in line for a shot at the title. Following an action-packed UFC 296, Muhammad sits down with MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin to give his thoughts on fight week after he weighed in as the backup for the main event and what he thought about Edwards’ performance with a unanimous decision victory over Covington Muhammad will address Edwards’ post fight comments about him and his belief that the UFC will honor the promised made to him that he will get the next shot at the title. He also slams Covington for his “pathetic” remarks regarding Edwards’ father during the UFC 296 pre-fight press conference along with his abysmal showing in the title fight plus much more in this exclusive interview. Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UFC CEO Dana White dropped a slew of fight announcements on Thursday, including the first bouts for the historic UFC 300 event in April. While White didn't drop the main event, he did drop some interesting bouts such as Aljamain Sterling vs. Calvin Kattar, Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic, and the return of Bo Nickal. Do those fights make you feel as if the PPV lineup will be the most stacked card we've had in a few years? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the UFC 300 bouts, along with White announcing Robert Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa, and the moving up of Ian Machado Garry vs. Geoff Neal, Yair Rodriguez vs. Brian Ortega 2 for Mexico City, and Erin Blanchfield vs. Manon Fiorot for UFC Atlantic City in March. Additionally, listener questions include Alex Pereira potentially teasing a move up to heavyweight to try and win a third UFC divisional title, Alexa Grasso and Zhang Weili's respectful back and forth, Parker Porter's UFC release, 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

With the conclusion of UFC 296, the UFC's 2023 campaign is over, and that means it's almost time to hand out some hardware as the MMA Fighting year-end awards are just around the corner. The panel will preview the 2023 awards following a quick look back at UFC 296, Colby Covington's head scratching performance against Leon Edwards, and more. This week, the panel of MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee, and E. Casey Leydon preview the MMA Fighting 2023 year-end awards and reveal their top-five nominees for Fighter of the Year and discuss where Sean Strickland fits in after his unbelievable year, along with Fight of the Year, Knockout of the Year, Submission of the Year, and Rookie of the Year. They'll also discuss if there are any snubs, why their list came to be, if 2023 was the craziest year in the history of the sport, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee 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

While Belal Muhammad seems like a pretty clear choice to get the next shot at Leon Edwards and the UFC welterweight title, things still appear to be up in the air in regards to how the 170-pound title picture plays out. Does Shavkat Rakhmonov jump over him? Is the UFC waiting to see what happens with the Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler fight? Muhammad certainly deserves the shot, but will he get it? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses that and states his case for Muhammad to get his day in court, while also reacting to Edwards no-selling Muhammad, the champ's tweet at the surging contender, and his head coach saying he would prefer Gilbert Burns being next over Muhammad. Additionally, listener questions include Colby Covington's appearance on Fox News, UFC 300, what Sean Strickland's title reign could look like if he beats Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297, 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

O UFC encerrou seu calendário em 2023, e o Trocação Franca recebe o narrador André Azevedo para fazer um balanço da temporada e eleger os melhores (e piores) do ano. O podcast recebe também o campeão dos moscas Alexandre Pantoja, que fez uma revelação surpreendente sobre a vitória diante de Brandon Royval no UFC 296. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda semana, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. The UFC has closed its year, and Trocação Franca welcomes UFC Fight Pass Brazil commentator André Azevedo to recap the year and pick the best (and worst) of 2023. The podcast also features an interview with UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja, who makes a surprising reveal about his UFC 296 title defense over Brandon Royval. 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

The knives are out for Colby Covington, but why have the past few days felt so different than when any other polarizing MMA figure loses? Old pals Jed Meshew and Damon Martin join co-hosts Shaun Al-Shatti and Alexander K. Lee this week to unpack everything UFC 296. The gang hits the absurdity that was Strickland vs. DDP around (11:05), as well as the reckoning Covington now faces around (20:51) and where his third title loss ranks among the great ya-blew-it nights in UFC history. Then, the boys discuss Leon Edwards snatching the No. 3 spot from Jon Jones on the pound-for-pound list around (1:02:43), Shavkat Rakhmonov's ferocious ascendance to title contention around (1:19:49), the biggest rankings surprises of 2023 around (1:30:58), and much more. Follow Shaun Al-Shatti @ShaunAlShatti Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew Follow Damon Martin @DamonMartin 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

Colby Covington had the Las Vegas crowd in the palm of his hands throughout UFC 296 fight week, including the press conference where he took a controversial shot at Leon Edwards, his walk to the octagon for the main event and last minute powwow with Donald Trump — and then the fight began, and he was dominated by the champion and put forth an effort that has left the MMA community scratching their heads. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to UFC 296, Edwards' successful title defense, and if Covington will be able to bounce back in the eyes of fans following the worst performance of his career. Additionally, listener questions include whether or not Belal Muhammad should be next for Edwards, where Shavkat Rakhmonov fits in the mix after submitting Stephen Thompson, the incredible battle between Irene Aldana and Karol Rosa, Ariane Lipski's outstanding outing against Casey O'Neill, Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis fighting in the crowd, Dana White announcing a slew of fights for UFC 299 — including the newly signed Michael Page vs. Kevin Holland — 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

Following arguably the biggest card of the year at UFC 296, UFC legend Matt Brown and MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin react to everything that unfolded on Saturday night in the final pay-per-view card in 2023. Leon Edwards successfully defended his title in the main event with a shutout performance over Colby Covington. Following the loss in his third attempt at becoming undisputed champion, where does Covington go from here? Does he have what it takes to earn his way back for another title shot or has he already reached his ceiling in the UFC? With Edwards winning, is Belal Muhammad next in line or did Shavkat Rakhmonov beating Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson change the pecking order at welterweight? We’ll also discuss the fallout from Tony Ferguson suffering a seventh straight loss to Paddy Pimblett and if he should actually retire or possibly return for another 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

The fallout of UFC 296 was always a part of what made Saturday's UFC pay-per-view event so intriguing. Following the final UFC card of 2023, where does Leon Edwards and Colby Covington go following Edwards' dominant win? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee attempt to answer that question from a matchmaking perspective on the final matchmaking edition of On To the Next One for the year. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja following his unanimous decision win in the co-main event against Brandon Royval, Shavkat Rakhmonov after submitting Stephen Thompson in the featured bout, Paddy Pimblett following his lopsided decision win over Tony Ferguson, Josh Emmett after his terrifying knockout of Bryce Mitchell, 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

Leon Edwards made it look easy in his second title defense when he earned a unanimous decision over Colby Covington in the main event of UFC 296. Although it certainly won't be on anyone's Fight of the Year lists, what comes next for the UFC welterweight champion, as well as Covington, will be interesting. Following the final pay-per-view event of 2023 for the UFC, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaun Al-Shatti, and Jed Meshew react to Saturday's card, Edwards' championship retaining victory, Covington's puzzling strategy and performance, Alexandre Pantoja's successful flyweight title defense against Brandon Royval, Shavkat Rakhmonov and Paddy Pimblett's win, Josh Emmett's brutal knockout of Bryce Mitchell, Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis' brawl in the crowd during the event, and 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 296's live watch party with Mike Heck, Conner Burks, plus a few special guests! Check out the original UFC 296 Watch Party video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/n5putD8D8XY?si=xx3tHG_k-SxiAYsy 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

Things got heated between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington at Thursday's press conference ahead of their main event championship matchup at UFC 296. While Covington may have crossed the line, Edwards reacted as a melee nearly unfolded. With how fight week has gone, has the perception changed in regards to how this fight will play out? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee, and Jed Meshew preview the UFC's stacked final pay-per-view of the year, what the fallout of the Edwards vs. Covington could be depending on who wins, and what happens with Covington if he comes up short for the third time battling for an undisputed title. Additionally, they'll discuss the co-main event for the flyweight title between Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval, the big welterweight clash between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Stephen Thompson, Tony Ferguson vs. Paddy Pimblett heating back up following the press conference and what the aftermath of that bout can bring, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UFC 296 press conference saw a lot of trash talk, mostly between headliners Leon Edwards and Colby Covington, with the welterweight title challenger saying some things that many believed crossed the line. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Thursday's wild press conference, Covington's comments about Edwards' father and taking shots at Stephen Thompson, how Thompson was able to somewhat disarm Covington, what is and isn't over the line when it comes to fight promotion — if there is anything — the UFC 296 co-main event between Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval, Ian Machado Garry being forced to withdraw from the card due to illness and the potential impact of it, the welterweight title picture depending on who wins the main event, 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

With UFC 296 just a few days away, the storylines are aplenty heading into the UFC's final fight card of the year, including the welterweight championship main event between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington. Where does Edwards go with a win? Where does the division go if Covington claims his first undisputed championship? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, it's a special fan Q&A edition as MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew discuss the potential fallout of Saturday's championship headliner. Additionally, the panel will answer questions such as Ian Machado Garry being scratched from his matchup with Vicente Luque due to illness, Tony Ferguson vs. Paddy Pimblett, Belal Muhammad serving as the backup fighter for the main event and what that means, Shavkat Rakhmonov looking to keep his incredible undefeated run alive against Stephen Thompson, Jake Paul vs. Andre August having absolutely no buzz at all, 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

No Bets Barred returns with a full breakdown of UFC 296 and the welterweight title fight between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington, plus the flyweight title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval. It's the final fight card of the year and as such, co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew bring out the big guns to end 2023 right, bringing back fan favorite Tony Calatayud to help them break down one of the best cards of the year. How will a nearly two year layoff effect Covington as he attempts to finally win an undisputed UFC title? Can Royval get his revenge and a UFC belt? Is Shavkhat Rakhmonov ready for a title shot? And does Tony Ferguson have any chance of stopping his historic slide? All this and more is discussed on the final episode of 2023. Tune in for episode 73 of No Bets Barred. Follow Conner Burks: @connerburks Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Tony Calatayud: @10DayTony 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

UPDATE: Garry has withdrawn from his UFC 296 matchup against Vicente Luque after falling ill on Wednesday night. * * Ian Machado Garry is the talk of Las Vegas, but for all the wrong reasons. This Saturday, Machado Garry faces Vicente Luque on the main card of UFC 296 in Las Vegas amid swirling controversies around his personal and professional life. Earlier this week, Machado Garry invited this opportunity, saying he was going to stick it to his "haters" by beating Luque and continue to rise up the ranks, but on Wednesday, "The Future" gave his haters ample ammunition for talking trash when he skipped out on the UFC 296 Media Day. What just happened and what does this mean for Machado Garry's future? MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee discuss. 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

Ex-BBB, campeão do TUF e da PFL, “Cara de Sapato” revelou ao Trocação Franca que finalmente voltará aos palcos do MMA em 2024. Na entrevista, o lutador falou sobre a vida como celebridade pós-reality show, a compra do Bellator pela PFL, a vida fora do UFC, e muito mais. O programa recebe ainda Gilbert Durinho, que analisa as principais lutas da sua divisão no UFC 296, e Lucas Almeida, representante brasileiro no card diante de Andre Fili. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda semana, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. Former Big Brother Brasil contestant, TUF winner, and PFL champion Antonio Carlos Jr. announced on this week’s Trocação Franca that he’s finally returning to MMA for the 2024 PFL season. “Shoeface” discussed life as a celebrity post-Big Brother, PFL acquiring Bellator, and much more. Gilbert Burns also joins the program to break down the top welterweight matches at Saturday’s UFC 269 event, and Lucas Almeida discusses his upcoming bout with Andre Fili. 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

Colby Covington will fight for the UFC welterweight title this Saturday against Leon Edwards in the main event of UFC 296. Should he be victorious, Covington will capture undisputed gold for the first time in his career, if he loses, "Chaos" will fall to 0-3 in undisputed championship bouts. Depending on the result, where will Covington go after UFC 296? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses Covington's future and legacy based on how things play out, and where both he and Edwards could go following the final UFC pay-per-view event of 2023. Additionally, listener topics include Casey O'Neill's ceiling at 125, PFL's season structure, if Conor McGregor could be in play for Covington with a title win on Saturday, Edwards teasing a future move to 185, Alexandre Pantoja vs. Brandon Royval flying way under the radar, 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 special guest Alan Jouban joining MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin to break down all the storylines unfolding at UFC 296 along with picks and predictions. At the top of the card, Leon Edwards will defend his welterweight title against Colby Covington but just how big are the stakes in this fight for Covington as he gets his third shot at becoming undisputed champion. Could this be his last chance at winning the welterweight title? We’ll also talk about a potential Fight of the Night in the co-main event as Alexandre Pantoja defends his flyweight title against Brandon Royval. Shavkat Rakhmonov takes on Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and we’ll discuss where we feel like Rakhmonov fits in this division, especially if he gets a win at UFC 296. Also what does Thompson need to do to pull off the upset? Tony Ferguson will attempt to stave off a seventh consecutive loss in a row but Jouban explains why he believes the UFC gave him the best possible fight while matching him up against Paddy Pimblett. Plus with all the distractions happening around Ian Machado Garry, can he shut out the noise and just focus on his fight with Vicente Luque? 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

UFC play-by-play voice Jon Anik joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to preview Saturday's UFC 296 event, the main event between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington and what's at stake for both guys, talks the Alexandre Pantoja vs. Brandon Royval co-main event flying under the radar, what the reaction would be if Stephen Thompson upsets Shavkat Rakhmonov, the UFC booking Tony Ferguson vs. Paddy Pimblett, the potential pressure on Ian Machado Garry, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Song Yadong and Khalil Rountree closed the final UFC Fight Night event of 2023 off with importan wins, and callouts for bigger fights, including the surging light heavyweight shooting his shot at Alex Pereira and a shot at the UFC light heavyweight title. Will either Song — with his callout of former bantamweight champ Petr Yan — or Rountree get what they want? 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 Song following his main event decision win over Chris Gutierrez. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Rountree after stopping Anthony Smith in the co-main event. Nasrat Haqparast following his first-round finish of Jamie Mullarkey, Tim Elliott following his short notice opening-round submission win, Andre Muniz after putting an end to his two-fight skid in the main card opener, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While Song Yadong swept the scorecards in the bantamweight main event against Chris Gutierrez, it was Khalil Rountree who stole the show at UFC Vegas 83 with his emphatic third-round finish of Anthony Smith in the co-main event before calling out new light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. If timing is his friend, could Rountree somehow get what he wants? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Eric Jackman react to the UFC's final Fight Night event of 2023, Song's dominant win over Gutierrez, whether or not he'll get his wish and face Petr Yan next, Gutierrez's frustrations throughout the fight, Rountree hitting his stride following the biggest win of his career, and his title prospects heading into 2024. Additionally, they discuss the post-fight bonus winners, Andre Muniz getting back on track against Jun Yong Park, Tatsuro Taira picking up another stoppage victory to remain undefeated, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Song Yadong and Chris Gutierrez will battle it out in the main event of Saturday's UFC Vegas 83 event at the APEX, but the storylines seem to be centered on the co-main event in the UFC's light heavyweight division between Anthony Smith — who steps in on short notice — to face the surging Khalil Rountree. Could a win propel Smith to a title shot against Alex Pereira should the new champ want to stay active? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, José Youngs, and Jed Meshew preview the promotion's final stop before UFC 296, the 135-pound headliner between Song and Gutierrez and the stakes attached to the fight, Smith possibly sneaking into a title fight with Pereira if he upsets Rountree, Andre Muniz looking to get back on track against Jun Yong Park, Tatsuro Taira's bright future, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Arman Tsarukyan's huge win in the main event of UFC Austin, there's been a lot of debate on how to matchmake the top of the lightweight division, including who Islam Makhachev should defend his lightweight title against next — Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the loaded 155-pound division, who Makhachev should face in his next title defense, and who Tsarukyan should face following his 64 second finish of Beneil Dariush. Additionally, listener topics include the future of UFC APEX cards, UFC Vegas 83, the flyweight development of Muhammad Mokaev and Tatsuro Taira, KSW and Oktagon MMA making big moves in 2023, 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 past Saturday delivered a fun and chaotic day in the world of MMA and combat sports as Arman Tsarukyan and Mike Perry ended UFC Austin and BKFC 56 with main event stoppages. With both men vying for big fights next, where will Tsarukyan and Perry go from their big wins? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel attempts to answer those questions following the latest offerings from the UFC and BKFC, discuss what 2024 could look like for Tsarukyan, and Perry's future as the face of bare-knuckle fighting. Additionally, topics include Dana White's response to PFL's acquisition of Bellator, Donn Davis' answer the next day, Jon Jones reacting to Tom Aspinall's call for Jones to be stripped of the heavyweight title, UFC Vegas 83 this Saturday headlined by Song Yadong vs. Chris Gutierrez, who has the most to gain on the card, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Morning Kombat's Luke Thomas. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Luke Thomas: @lthomasnews Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UFC is ending 2023 with a loaded UFC 296 pay-per-view event that features two world title fights, and a slew of compelling storylines outside of the top-two bouts. Of all of the non-title fights, what is the most intriguing on the card? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the UFC 296 card, the low-key storylines, and if Ian Machado Garry vs. Vicente Luque could be the big talking point outside of the championship bouts at night's end. Additionally, listener questions include the UFC Vegas 83 main event between Song Yadong and Chris Gutierrez and if the betting lines may be too wide, Anthony Smith's future following his co-main event bout with Khalil Rountree, if Tom Aspinall will ever get the chance to fight Jon Jones, the UFC anti-trust lawsuit, 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

No auge da sua carreira e sem se deixar levar pela modinha de trash talk do MMA atual, Alexandre Pantoja quer fazer história no UFC. Campeão dos moscas, Pantoja falou ao Trocação Franca sobre a defesa de título contra Brandon Royval, na próxima semana, explicou por que finaliza de olhos fechados no MMA, se cogita subir ao peso galo para enfrentar Sean O’Malley e Deiveson Figueiredo, e muito mais. O podcast traz ainda uma entrevista com Luana Santos, que volta ao octógono sábado em Las Vegas. In his prime and uninterested in joining MMA’s trash-talk trend, Alexandre Pantoja vows to make history in the UFC. The flyweight champion returns to Trocação Franca to discuss his upcoming rematch with Brandon Royval at next week’s UFC 296, why he closes his eyes to work on submissions, if he’s into the idea of moving up to bantamweight to fight Sean O’Malley or Deiveson Figueiredo, and more. The podcast also features an interview with Luana Santos ahead of Saturday’s UFC Vegas event. 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

DAMN! They Were Good celebrates the careers of the most exciting and influential fighters in MMA history. This episode covers Mark Hunt, The King of the Walkoff KO and a criminally underrated action fighter. Moving to MMA in 2004 after a short but accomplished career in kickboxing, the "Super Samoan" had immediate success in Pride, beating Wanderlei Silva and Mirko Cro Cop to establish himself as a serious threat. Then came a down period though as Hunt lost six in a row, including a UFC debut that the company begrudgingly gave him after he refused a buyout on his contract. What followed was one of the greatest second acts in MMA history as Hunt established himself as one of the best in the world and became a bona fide star, before an ugly late career period marred by a prolonged legal battle with the UFC ultimately left Hunt with less of a reputation that he deserves. What were the most iconic performances and what were our favorite memories from Hunt's career? Listen in as the MMA Fighting crews remembers remembers the man who gave MMA the Atomic Butt Drop. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Shaheen 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

UFC returns to action this weekend with UFC Vegas 83 taking place at the Apex on Saturday evening and headlined by a bantamweight matchup between Song Yadong and Chris Gutierrez. Originally planned for Shanghai, the fight card was shifted to the Apex and despite the chance in venue, the No Bets Barred boys still have a full breakdown of all their favorite bets. Conner Burks and Jed Meshew kick the episode off with a sad eulogy for the University of Georgia Bulldogs Dynasty, as the boys' beloved Dawgs fell to Alabama (and the incompetence of Mike Bobo) in the SEC Championship game. Then it's on to fight business where the boys discuss Gutierrez's chances at pulling off the upset, Anthony Smith stepping in on short notice for the co-main event, Tatsuro Taira as a flyweight prospect, and just how smart a Song Gimmick Parlay is. Tune in for episode 72 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

Arman Tsarukyan solidified himself as a major player in the UFC's lightweight division with his incredibly impressive 64 second finish of Beneil Dariush in the main event of UFC Austin this past Saturday. The 27-year-old called for a fight with Justin Gaethje next, but will he get something of that magnitude, or will he have to fight backwards when he returns to the octagon? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Tsarukyan's unreal showing against Dariush, where he could go after picking up the biggest win of his career, and if UFC pivot in regards to the division's next title fight. Additionally, listener questions include Jalin Turner's finish of Bobby Green, the likely end of Green and Dariush's title hopes, Miesha Tate's one-sided win against Julia Avila, where Mike Perry goes from his BKFC 56 win over Eddie Alvarez, Josh Emmett needing a new opponent for UFC 296, 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

On the heels of UFC Austin and BKFC 56, The Fighter vs. The Writer returns with UFC legend Matt Brown and MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin discussing the fallout from both events. Arman Tsarukyan capped off the UFC card with a stunning knockout over Beneil Dariush but was that enough to earn him a title shot or who should he face next instead? Brown also gives his opinion on the late stoppage involving Jalin Turner and Bobby Green and his preference for referees in his own fight career. We’ll also discuss BKFC 56 where Mike Perry remained undefeated in bare-knuckle fighting with a win over Eddie Alvarez in a wild fight that only lasted two rounds. Plus we’ll detail how BKFC has managed to carve out a niche in combat sports while promotions like the PFL are still trying to gain traction while attempting to goad the UFC into a war of words. 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

Arman Tsarukyan is now likely a win away from getting to a lightweight title shot, and a potential rematch with Islam Makhachev following his absolute drubbing of Beneil Dariush in the main event of UFC Austin on Saturday. With the 155-pound division being in a wild place, Tsarukyan finds himself in an interesting spot following the biggest win of his career. 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 Tsarukyan after stopping Dariush in just over a minute in the headliner. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Jalin Turner after his brutal finish of Bobby Green in the co-main event, Deiveson Figueiredo after his dominant decision win over Rob Font in his bantamweight debut, Sean Brady following his one-sided submission win over Kelvin Gastelum, along with fellow main card winners Joaquim Silva, Dustin Stoltzfus, 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

Arman Tsarukyan sent a message to Islam Makahchev, and the rest of the UFC's lightweight division after a devastating knockout of Beneil Dariush in the main event of UFC Austin. Where does the title contender go following the biggest win of his career? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and Shaheen Al-Shatti react to a chaotic return to Texas for the UFC, Tsarukyan's incredibly impressive performance, the fascination for a rematch between Makhachev and Tsarkyan, and Dariush's title hopes officially coming to an end. Additionally, they discuss Jalin Turner's vicious finish of Bobby Green and referee Kerry Hatley's awful stoppage, Deiveson Figueiredo and Sean Brady's big wins, Miesha Tate's bounce back performance against Julia Avila, multiple slam knockouts on the card, 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