MMA Fighting

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 Wanderlei Silva, the most intimidating fighter to ever compete in MMA. 22 years ago this Friday, Wanderlei Silva made history, becoming the inaugural Pride Middleweight Champion after beating Kazushi Sakuraba for the second time at Pride 17. That win cemented "The Ax Murderer" as not just one of the best fighters in the world, but one of the scariest, and for the next four years, the MMA world would see him do nothing but reinforce that image. Whether he was annihilating cans or kneeing Quinton Jackson through the ropes, for half a decade, Wanderlei was appointment viewing, and his willingness to test himself against anyone, including guys like Mirko Cro Cop and Mark Hunt, solidified him as an all time fan favorite. 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 the original King of Violence. Follow Guilherme Cruz: @guicruzzz 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 No Bets Barred boys are back this week with a full breakdown of UFC Sao Paulo and the main event matchup between Jailton Almeida and Derrick Lewis. Co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew kick things off with a discussion Francis Ngannou's surprise performance against Tyson Fury before diving into the betting breakdowns this week. Topics discussed include whether Lewis has a chance at pulling off the upset or if Jailton is simply too good, whether Nicolas Dalby can remain "The Brazilian Slayer," and just what are the chances of pulling of one big Brazilian parlay? Tune in for episode 67 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

Agora o bicho vai pegar: o UFC desembarca em São Paulo pela primeira vez em quase quatro anos, e o Trocação Franca destrincha o card com a ajuda de Román Laurito, comentarista de MMA na Band, faixa-preta de jiu-jitsu e baixista da banda Tihuana. O podcast traz, ainda, entrevistas com Jailton Malhadinho, Vitor Petrino, Ismael Bonfim, Eduarda Ronda, Elves Brener, Kaue Fernandes e Fabrício Andrade. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda semana, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. The UFC finally returns to São Paulo four years after its last show in the city, and Trocação Franca breaks down the card with UFC color commentator and Tihuana rock star Román Laurito. This week’s podcast also features interviews with Jailton Almeida, Vitor Petrino, Ismael Bonfim, Eduarda Moura, Elves Brener, Kaue Fernandes, and Fabricio Andrade. 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

Francis Ngannou's combat sports career took another incredible turn on Saturday when he arguably beat the lineal heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury in a 10-round boxing match in Saudi Arabia — even dropping Fury in the third round. Despite not getting the victory on the cards, Ngannou is the fight's big winner in other ways. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Ngannou's performance against Fury, how Ngannou the boxer is far more intriguing than Ngannou the MMA fighter, and how the only MMA opponent that makes any sense is the fight with current UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Additionally, listener topics include potential boxing options for Ngannou moving forward, the "fumbled the bag" critics being humbled, if the UFC lost in the long run with Saturday's result, 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 welterweight Matt Brown and MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin react to the shocking result in the boxing match between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury. Despite entering the fight as a massive underdog, Ngannou scored the only knockdown after the planted Fury on the ground with a huge left hand in the third round. In the end, Ngannou lost a razor-close split decision that many believe should have gone his way. Brown erupts when addressing Fury’s performance after he was touted as one of the best heavyweights in recent boxing history while proclaiming that the entire division “sucks” right now after Ngannou exposed them. Plus we’ll address what should come next for Ngannou after such a stunning performance — should he go back to boxing for another fight or make his return to MMA for his debut in the PFL? We’ll also talk about Jon Jones dropping out of his scheduled fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 and Brown details the difference between courage and stupidity when setting foot in the cage for a 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

With the UFC having a rare Saturday night without a fight card, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee didn't want to leave the listeners hanging, so they decided to turn the programming over to them. On a special "Ask Us Anything" edition of On To the Next One, Mike and AK reunite to answer listener questions, with topics including whether or not Khamzat Chimaev is being judged by the MMA community on a more difficult scale than maybe any other fighter in UFC history. Additionally, questions include building a fantasy RIZIN New Year's Eve card, if 2023 could surpass 2016 as the craziest year in MMA, the best seats to watch a UFC event in an arena, what sport would they cover outside of MMA if asked, the fight that they like that most dislike, and the other way around, the MMA fighter elevator test, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Francis Ngannou may not have gotten the official victory against Tyson Fury on the scorecards, but he sure feels like Saturday's biggest winner after defying the odds and taking the lineal boxing heavyweight champion to his absolute limit. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and Alexander K. Lee react to Fury edging out a heavily debated split decision over the former UFC heavyweight champion, discuss whether or not Ngannou was robbed by two of the judges, why it doesn't ultimately matter whether he was or not, if Ngannou's next fight will be in the boxing ring, if he'll return to MMA at all, how "The Predator" has been able to silence his many critics — including UFC CEO Dana White — if the targeted Fury vs. Usyk fight is more or less interesting, and so much more following the Battle of the Baddest fight card. 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

Tyson Fury is the massive favorite to defeat former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in their 10-round boxing match this Saturday in Saudi Arabia. While the outcome may seem predictable, what if Ngannou actually does defeat Fury? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and Jed Meshew discuss Saturday's main event bout, the interest levels in it, along with the fight week build seemingly falling short. Additionally, they discuss what could've been done differently to generate more interest, a potential world where Ngannou pulls off one of the all-time biggest upsets ever, how it could shake up the combat sports world as we know it, if Ngannou's stock can drop in any way with a loss, 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

While the UFC is on a rare off week, the promotion has certainly had its share of headlines following UFC 294 between Islam Makhachev's knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski, the questions surrounding the middleweight division after Khamzat Chimaev's win over Kamaru Usman, as well as the UFC 295 shakeups due to Jon Jones' injury. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck takes questions about the chaotic week for the UFC, Jones' fight with Stipe Miocic being scrapped and replaced by Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tom Aspinall for the interim heavyweight title, how big of a hit to the card losing Jones vs. Miocic could be, and comparing UFC 295 to other Madison Square Garden fight cards. Additionally, listener topics include Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, if Ngannou can be competitive, what could headline the UFC's Dec. 2 event in Austin and the promotion's expected return to China the following week, along with a slew of Free-For-All Friday questions from outside the world of MMA. 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

Islam Makhachev made a strong case for being the world's best pound-for-pound fighter after he demolished Alexander Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 294 this past Saturday. What is the biggest Makhachev question moving forward after getting closure against Volkanovski? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel recaps Makhachev's sensational performance to retain the UFC lightweight title, if Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje should be next, and how far he can go from a legacy perspective. Additionally, topics include Khamzat Chimaev's majority decision win over Kamaru Usman and the big takeaways from both fighters, Jon Jones suffering an injury scratching his UFC 295 heavyweight championship main event with Stipe Miocic, Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tom Aspinall fighting for the interim heavyweight title, if the one-two punch is more interesting than the original, Saturday's Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou boxing match and the interest levels surrounding it, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Morning Kombat's Brian Campbell. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Brian Campbell: @BCampbell Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jon Jones' injury led to Dana White's shocking annoucement this week that Jones will no longer fight Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 295, but now Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tom Aspinall will fight for the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event. Is it the more intriguing matchup than the original, and should it be for the actual title instead of the interim belt? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the UFC 295 shakeup, why Pavlovich vs. Aspinall is the more competitive fight, but also the hit the card takes not having Jones and Miocic fighting any longer, along with a positive way to look at the championship situation surrounding the fight. Additionally, topics include what a title in at UFC 295 does for Alex Pereira's legacy, Islam Makhachev knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294, Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, 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

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