MMA Fighting

This weekend, the superfight of the year goes down when UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev puts his title on the line against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284. It's a battle of the top two pound-for-pound fighters in the sport and so of course the No Bets Barred boys are here to break the action down. Co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew dive right into the action, discussing their excitement level for this mega-event and their thoughts on who wins this historic matchup. Then it's on to the rest of the card, including their best bets for the co-main interim title fight between Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett, a Wolfpack Wager, and a couple of gimmick parlays, including Conor's Outback Steakhouse Aussie Parlay. Tune in for Episode 34 of No Bets Barred. Follow Conner Burks: @connerburks 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

Glover Teixeira está de volta ao Trocação Franca pela primeira vez depois de se aposentar do MMA, e falou sobre tudo em uma entrevista exclusiva: a decisão de parar, a derrota para Jamahal Hill, o legado que deixa ao esporte, o futuro do pupilo Alex Poatan, e muito mais. O podcast também entrevista Elves Brenner, estreante no UFC e parceiro de treinos de Charles do Bronx, e ainda recebe o jornalista Adriano Albuquerque, do Combate, para debater Fedor Emelianenko, Conor McGregor, e os principais assuntos de semana. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda quarta-feira, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. Glover Teixeira is back to Trocação Franca for the first time since retiring from MMA, and he talks about everything in an exclusive interview: the decision to stop, losing to Jamahal Hill, his legacy, Alex Pereira’s future, and more. The podcast also chats with UFC 284 newcomer and Charles Oliveira teammate Elves Brenner, and welcomes Combate reporter Adriano Albuquerque to discuss Fedor Emelianenko, Conor McGregor, and the hottest topics of the week. 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: 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

Conor McGregor is set to return to competition later on this year against Michael Chandler. While that will be a huge matchup for the UFC, will McGregor and Chandler opposing one another on the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter be enough for you to watch the season? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the McGregor vs. Chandler matchup, betting odds, and why he believes it will be massive for the show — even if the ratings aren't spectacular. Additionally, listener questions include Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski, the return of Jon Jones at UFC 285 against Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title, Jack Della Maddalena vs. Randy Brown at UFC 284 this Saturday, Kevin Lee re-signing with the UFC, Chris Weidman on the comeback trail, 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: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin talk about Fedor Emelianenko’s retirement, Francis Ngannou’s chances to beat a high-level boxer and what happens if Conor McGregor loses to Michael Chandler. Brown, who is a noted boxing enthusiast, offers his thoughts on Ngannou transitioning to the sport after leaving the UFC while he’s been teasing a potential showdown with heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Could Ngannou pull off the upset of the century and beat Fury? Brown isn’t so sure about that but what about Ngannou giving Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua a tougher night at the office? Brown will also give his initial breakdown to the fight that was just booked between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, which will happen after they coach against each other on the new season of The Ultimate Fighter. While McGregor remains the biggest star in the sport, could a loss to Chandler potentially spell the end of his fighting career? All this plus we break down the main and co-main events happening at UFC 284 this weekend on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Subscribe: Spotify Read More: MMA Fighting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Serghei Spivac made the most of his first UFC main event spot as he dispatched Derrick Lewis in less than three minutes to cap off UFC Vegas 68 and extend his win streak to three fights. After the quick submission win, how much of a step up should Spivac get? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee recap UFC Vegas 68 from a matchmaking perspective and discuss what could be next for Spivak following his biggest career win, along with where Lewis could go. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Devin Clark following his big win over Da Un Jung, Marcin Tybura after defeating Blagoy Ivanov, along with fellow winners Adam Fugitt, Tatsuro Taira, and more. Also, the hosts discuss Bellator's CBS debut with Bellator 290 this past Saturday, why it was a success, and how to improve upon it should they return to the network. 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

Bellator's debut on CBS has come and gone, and the career of the legendary Fedor Emelianenko is officially over, and it wasn't the happy ending most #MMA fans were hoping for. Following Saturday's Bellator 290 event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaun Al-Shatti, and Jed Meshew react to Emelianenko's first-round TKO loss to heavyweight champion Ryan Bader in the main event, Bader's classy response to how it all played out, whether or not a fight with Francis Ngannou could happen, how the card performed as a whole, Johnny Eblen's stock after a fantastic performance against Anatoly Tokov to retain his middleweight championship, Brennan Ward's sensational finish of Sabah Homasi, Lorenz Larkin's knockout of the year contender, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Shaun Al-Shatti: @ShaunAlShatti Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Saturday morning, UFC president Dana White returned to the promotion's social media channels to announce a variety of news — including the return of Conor McGregor to face Michael Chandler, not only inside the octagon, but as opposing coaches on the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and New York Ric react to that news, discuss whether or not it was the right pairing, #UFC287 having an official destination on April 8, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow New York Ric: @NewYorkRic 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

Should Aljamain Sterling defeat Henry Cejudo in their targeted title fight in May, the current UFC bantamweight champion says he will likely make the move up to 145 pounds. While some fans have been harsh to Sterling for his comments, this shouldn't come as any surprise as he's been pondering this move for quite some time. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Sterling's potential move to featherweight and whether or not — if he beats Cejudo — if he should wait to fight Sean O'Malley before making the leap. Additionally, listener topics include the UFC's promotion for UFC 284 and if it's not getting the attention it rightfully deserves, the crowd at UFC 283, Bellator 290 storylines, why Johnny Eblen has the most to gain and lose during the busy weekend in MMA, UFC Vegas 68, Cory Sandhagen vs. Marlon Vera moving to the main event of UFC San Antonio in March, 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: 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

Fedor Emelianenko has the opportunity to have one of the best retirement stories in the history of MMA as he will challenge for the Bellator heavyweight championship this Saturday. Ahead of Emelianenko's final fight against Ryan Bader in the main event of Bellator 290, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee, and Jed Meshew preview the matchup and discuss why "The Last Emperor" could get it done in his swan song, Johnny Eblen's opportunity to boost his star potential against Anatoly Tokov in the co-main event, the super fun main card opener between Sabah Homasi and Brennan Ward, the impact of being on CBS, and more. Additionally, the panel previews UFC Vegas 68 headlined by a heavyweight tilt between Derrick Lewis and Serghei Spivac, what is at stake for "The Black Beast," the return of Doo Ho Choi for the first time since 2019, Tatsuro Taira's potential, and Laura Sanko's UFC color commentary debut. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee 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

For the final time in an over two-decade legendary career, Fedor Emelianenko will make the walk to compete in an MMA fight. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel will discuss the swan song for "The Last Emperor" when he faces Ryan Bader for the heavyweight title in the main event of Bellator 290, and the fight card as a whole which will serve as the Bellator debut on CBS. Additionally, topics include Dana White's big announcement this past Friday regarding UFC 287, including Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 2 in the headliner, along with Gilbert Burns vs. Jorge Masvidal at the April 8 event, Max Holloway's return to the octagon against Arnold Allen at the UFC's April 15 event, this Saturday's UFC Vegas6 8 card headlined by Derrick Lewis vs. Serghei Spivac, and more. Host Mike Heck will be joined by MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Eric "New York Ric" Jackman. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow New York Ric: @NewYorkRic 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 a historic event for Bellator MMA this Saturday, they are putting their best foot forward in the heads up battle with the UFC, which includes the final fight of Fedor Emelianenko's legendary career, along with the sendoff "The Last Emperor" will receive. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses Saturday's doubleheader, and explains why Bellator 290 is far better than UFC Vegas 68 on paper. Additionally, listener questions include Bellator president Scott Coker's announcement of a host of MMA legends attending the event to honor Emelianenko following his heavyweight title fight with Ryan Bader, the hopes of seeing more things like that to remember the history of the sport, Bloody Elbow's future, whether or not UFC 284 is getting enough promotion, Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski, how Kamaru Usman matches up with Leon Edwards ahead of UFC 286, 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: 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

After taking a week off, the UFC is back and, for the first time in 2023, so is Bellator! UFC Vegas 68 takes place late on Saturday, headlined by a heavyweight title between Derrick Lewis and Sergey Spivak, but before that, all-time great Fedor Emelianenko makes the final walk of his career, challenging Ryan Bader for the heavyweight title at Bellator 290. And as always, the No Bets Barred boys are back as well, covering all the best betting angles for both cards. In this episode, co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew dissect both fight cards and answer important questions like: does Derrick Lewis have anything left, is Johnny Eblen as good as he looked his last time out, and should you bet Tatsuro Taira at -1150? Plus, you'll hear Conner and Jed react as the betting line on Ryan Bader PLUMMETS in real time. Tune in for Episode 33 of No Bets Barred. Follow Conner Burks: @connerburks 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

O Trocação Franca está de volta com uma resenha sobre os assuntos mais importantes da semana no MMA, debatendo com o jornalista Carlos Antunes sobre a revanche Alex Poatan x Israel Adesanya, a possível luta entre Charles do Bronx e Beneil Dariush, José Aldo e Francis Ngannou no boxe, e Conor McGregor no TUF. O podcast trás, ainda, uma entrevista com Neiman Gracie, companheiro de treinos de Dariush que luta no sábado, no Bellator. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda quarta-feira, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. Trocação Franca is back with a debate about the MMA hottest topics of the week. Joined by journalist Carlos Antunes, we discuss Alex Pereira x Israel Adesanya 2, a potential clash between Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush, how Jose Aldo and Francis Ngannou will fare in a boxing ring, and more. The podcast also features an interview with Neiman Gracie, a teammate of Dariush, who returns Saturday to the Bellator cage. Listen to Trocação Franca with Guilherme Cruz every Wednesday to hear from the biggest names on the hottest topics in the Brazilian combat sports world. Follow Guilherme Cruz @Guicruzzz 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

Over the last few days, a slew of massive fights have been announced for the UFC, including two big ones for UFC 287 with Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 2, and Gilbert Burns vs. Jorge Masvidal. On Monday evening, another big fight was confirmed in the featherweight division between Max Holloway and Arnold Allen for the main event of the promotion's April 15 fight card. While the matchup is great on paper, was it the right fight to make for the division? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to all of those bouts, and why the Holloway vs. Allen matchmaking is very risky right now. Additionally, listener questions include a potential Leon Edwards fight against Masvidal if both guys are victorious in their next bouts, Bellator 290, if Fedor Emelianenko is the greatest heavyweight of all-time, Shavkat Rakhmonov's next move if he defeats Geoff Neal at UFC 285, who Dustin Poirier's next opponent could be, 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: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Fighter vs. The Writer is back and this week Matt Brown and Damon Martin discuss the latest news happening around combat sports, including Fedor Emelianenko’s retirement fight happening at Bellator 290. Emelianenko is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights of all-time, but does his résumé really top everybody else to make him the best to ever do it? Also this week, we’ll discuss the recently announced fights with Alex Pereira going to war with Israel Adesanya in a rematch while Gilbert Burns prepares to clash with Jorge Masvidal. Brown will also give his thoughts on Jake Paul signing up to face Tommy Fury as well as his recent deal to join the PFL roster where he expects to make the transition into mixed martial arts. The UFC welterweight veteran offers Paul some friendly advice about making the move into MMA while adding that he’d even be willing to help him get ready for his debut. All this and more on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. the Writer! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Subscribe: Spotify Read More: MMA Fighting 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 the second episode of 2023, the MMA Fighting crew remembers the best of Fedor Emelianenko as he prepares for the final fight of his legendary career. Starting his career in 2000, Emelianenko rose to prominence in Pride Fighting Championships, claiming the heavyweight championship, and the title of "Baddest Man on the Planet" in 2003, a title he held until his loss to Fabricio Werdum in 2010. In 2017, Emelianenko moved to Bellator MMA where, after a 23-year career, he fights for the final time this Saturday, in a rematch with Ryan Bader. In honor of Fedor's impending retirement, host Jed Meshew is joined by MMAFighting's Shaheen Al-Shatti, Alexander K. Lee, and E. Casey Leydon to remember their favorite moments of the GOAT’s career. Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew Follow Shaun Al-Shatti @ShaunAlShatti Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee 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

With the UFC, Bellator, and major MMA promotions off this past weekend, MMA Fighting's matchmaking show decided to give back to fans of the program with a special "Ask Us Anything" show. On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee take listener submitted questions about the legacy of Conor McGregor as a mixed martial artist and UFC champion. Additionally, fan topics include the 2023 Royal Rumble, Bo Nickal's ceiling, ranking UFC prospects' title hopes — including Muhammad Mokaev, Ilia Topuria, and Movsar Evloev, Aljamain Sterling at featherweight, a potential matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and Colby Covington, dark horse fighters of the year, comparing careers of Dustin Poirier and Tony Ferguson, if Bellator, PFL, or ONE can take a big step towards the UFC in the top promotion conversation, and more. 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

UFC president Dana White made a slew of big fight announcements on Friday — some that were already confirmed, and others that were not — including a massive pair of fights for the UFC's April pay-per-view event, UFC 287. Following White's special announcement stream, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Shaun Al-Shatti react to the Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya rematch for the UFC middleweight title headlining the April 8 event, Gilbert Burns vs. Jorge Masvidal for the co-main event, Kevin Holland's next bout being booked, will a second title fight still be added with the Burns vs. Masvidal bout coming together as quick as it did, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Shaun Al-Shatti: @ShaunAlShatti Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The MMA community is giving their opinions on a potential matchup between Conor McGregor and Tony Ferguson for McGregor's return fight, as well as the possibility of them coaching against one another on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. Is that the fight to make? On an all-new episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck takes listener questions about that piece of business should it come to fruition, and if there are better options in play for the former two-division champion. Additionally, listener topics include UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill and the hopes for a fight with Jiri Prochazka in his first defense, Arman Tsarukyan calling out Michael Chandler, fighters claiming to be overlooked when they're really not, Bella Mir signing the UFC's first NIL deal, 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: 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

At the end of UFC 283 this past Saturday, Jamahal Hill left the arena in Rio de Janeiro as the UFC light heavyweight champion after beating Glover Teixeira in the main event. With his incredible performance, a divisive conversation began about where he sits in the overall rankings at 205 pounds. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel will discuss Hill's title win, where he ranks in the division, and what could be next for the new champion whether or not Jiri Prochazka is ready to come back for Hill's first defense. Additionally, topics include the reaction to Teixeira retiring and what he meant to the sport, Brandon Moreno stopping Deiveson Figueiredo in the UFC 283 co-main event to regain the flyweight title, Figueiredo's options at 135, other standout performances from the UFC's first PPV event of the year, other news and notes from the past week, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Morning Kombat's Brian Campbell. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Brian Campbell: @BCampbell Subscribe: 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

Jamahal Hill is the current UFC light heavyweight champion after defeating Glover Teixeira in the main event of UFC 283 in his best performance to date. Following the victory, Hill has had a chip on his shoulder and feels disrespected by the MMA community. Does he have a point, or is this just a unique situation? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck answers listener questions regarding Hill and his championship victory, and how he is being viewed amongst the top fighters in his division. Additionally, topics include the targeted bantamweight title fight between Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo at UFC 287 and the difference between the words "targeted" and "set," a potential Gilbert Burns vs. Belal Muhammad fight, where Colby Covington and Khamzat Chimaev fit, UFC San Antonio on March 25, UFC ticket prices, 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: 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

Jamahal Hill is the new UFC champion — but is he really the No. 1 light heavyweight in the world? The MMA Fighting Rankings Show returns to make sense of a wild start to 2023! Co-hosts Shaun Al-Shatti and Alexander K. Lee are joined by Jed Meshew and Damon Martin to sort through the wreckage of UFC 283 and try to make sense of the light heavyweight division. Does Hill's new status as UFC champion mean he should automatically be considered the best 205-pounder in MMA? And does Brandon Moreno's series-clinching win over Deiveson Figueiredo put him over ONE Championship's Demetrious Johnson? That gang hits those topics plus Jailton Almeida's future in two divisions, Jed rocketing Umar Nurmagomedov up the bantamweight ranks, and more. Follow Shaun Al-Shatti @ShaunAlShatti Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee Follow Damon Martin @DamonMartin Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

O UFC 283 entrou para a história do MMA com as aposentadorias de Glover Teixeira e Maurício Shogun, a entrada de José Aldo no Hall da Fama da organização e o desfecho da tetralogia Brandon Moreno x Deiveson Figueiredo, além do batizado de Jailton Malhadinho e a nova geração do MMA brasileiro. O Trocação Franca dessa semana repercute tudo isso e muito mais com Alexandre Pantoja, atleta reserva no UFC Rio e próximo da fila para enfrentar Moreno pelo título dos moscas. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda quarta-feira, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. UFC 283 will go down in history for the retirement of Glover Teixeira and Shogun Rua, Jose Aldo’s induction to the Hall of Fame, the last chapter of the Brandon Moreno vs. Deiveson Figueiredo tetralogy, and the coronation of Jailton Almeida and the new generation of Brazilian MMA. Trocação Franca breaks down all that and more alongside Alexandre Pantoja, the UFC 283 backup fighter and next man in line for Moreno’s flyweight belt. Listen to Trocação Franca with Guilherme Cruz every Wednesday to hear from the biggest names on the hottest topics in the Brazilian combat sports world. Follow Guilherme Cruz @Guicruzzz 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 283 is officially in the books with two new champions in Jamahal Hill and Brandon Moreno. The overall fallout of the card comes from many different directions, which includes whether or not the new light heavyweight champion is getting the credit he deserves. On an all-new Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck takes listener questions about Hill's dominant win over Glover Teixeira in Saturday's main event, and how he is being viewed overall in the 205-pound division. Additionally, topics include Brandon Moreno's impressive title win over Deiveson Figueiredo in the co-main event, Figueiredo moving up to 135, Lauren Murphy reacting to critics following her loss to Jessica Andrade, the Bonfim brothers delivering big time at UFC 283, Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, Aljamain Sterling's potential move to 145, 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: 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 UFC 283 in the books, The Fighter vs. The Writer reacts to the biggest moments on the first pay-per-view card for 2023, which included Jamahal Hill becoming light heavyweight champion with a dominant showcase against Glover Teixeira. UFC welterweight Matt Brown will give his thoughts on the fight as well as Teixeira’s announcement that he’ll be retiring from the sport. Brown also reacts to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua’s final fight and he offers his argument about why more coaches need to be willing to throw in the towel to save a fighter. In fact, Brown says if he was in the same situation, he would have stopped the fight between Lauren Murphy and Jessica Andrade after Murphy absorbed a tremendous amount of punishment over three rounds. Finally, Brown reveals that he’s about to start his own training camp with a fight expected to be booked in the near future and he details why he’s coming back to compete again. All this and more on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Subscribe: Spotify Read More: MMA Fighting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the first UFC pay-per-view event becomes a thing of the past, what's next for the new light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill after his incredible performance against the now retired Glover Teixeira in the main event of UFC 283 on Saturday night in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil? What about the now undisputed flyweight champion Brandon Moreno after his third-round TKO win in the co-main event, as well as his longtime rival Deiveson Figueiredo? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee attempt to answer those questions from a matchmaking perspective. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Gilbert Burns after his near flawless submission win over Neil Magny in the welterweight featured bout, Jessica Andrade following her dominant decision win over the ultra tough Lauren Murphy, Johnny Walker, and more. 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

Jamahal Hill and Brandon Moreno played spoiler in a big way at UFC 283, leaving Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with UFC gold wrapped around their waists after impressive performances against the hometown heroes. Following the UFC's first pay-per-view event of 2023, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaun Al-Shatti, and Jed Meshew react to Hill's unbelievable performance in the main event against Glover Teixeira to win the light heavyweight title, and subsequently end the legendary career of Teixeira as he announced his retirement. Additionally, they discuss Moreno likely ending the rivalry with Devieson Figueiredo after earning a third-round TKO stoppage victory to win the undisputed flyweight title, Gilbert Burns' big win, Jessica Andrade's dominance, Jailton Almeida's incredibly high ceiling, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Shaun Al-Shatti: @ShaunAlShatti 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

The first UFC pay-per-view of 2023 is upon us and two world titles are on the line. Will Glover Teixeira send the fans home from UFC 283 happy, or will Jamahal Hill spoil Teixeira's homecoming and become champion? Ahead of Saturday's event from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, José Youngs, and Alexander K. Lee discuss the vacant light heavyweight title fight between Teixeira and Hill, where the pressure lies, and if Hill is essentially playing with house money in his first opportunity at a UFC belt. Additionally, the trio talks the fourth meeting for the flyweight title in the co-main event between Devieson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno, how the rivalry has played out, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua's final fight, under the radar matchups, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs 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

At the end of Saturday's UFC 283 event, hopefully, a new light heavyweight champion will be crowned in either Glover Teixeira or Jamahal Hill. If a champ is crowned, where will that person go next in the UFC's 205-pound division? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the main event of the UFC's return to Brazil this weekend, the stakes, and how the fight could play out. Additionally, listener questions include Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane, the low ratings for Dana White's Power Slap League following the series premiere on Wednesday, what title fights could be in play for the UFC's April and May pay-per-view events, ONE Championship's U.S. debut in May, 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: 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 president Dana White revealed this past Saturday that Francis Ngannou is no longer heavyweight champion, is out of the promotion, and is an unrestricted free agent — which Ngannou also confirmed on The MMA Hour earlier this week. After hearing both sides, what are the biggest takeaways from this big news? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses the fallout of Ngannou moving on from the UFC, along with how White laid it all out following UFC Vegas 67. Additionally, topics include the UFC 285 main event between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title, along with the rumored Amanda Nunes vs. Irene Aldana and Valentina Shevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso title fights for the March 4 card, this Saturday's UFC 283 card headlined by Glover Teixeira vs. Jamahal Hill for the light heavyweight title, Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Brandon Moreno 4 for flyweight gold, the best of the rest of the UFC's first pay-per-view of the year, and more. Host Mike Heck will be joined by MMA Fighting's José Youngs to discuss the biggest stories in MMA, plus answer some of your questions on the tail end of the program. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow José 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

With Francis Ngannou no longer in the UFC, he seems to have many options in play — whether it be in boxing or MMA. Ngannou said on The MMA Hour that he wants to continue competing in MMA, but which promotion would suit him best for what he wants? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck answers listener questions about the Ngannou situation, and what promotion he could, or should, sign with moving forward. Additionally, topics include the UFC 283 main event between Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill, Usman Nurmagomedov's future and whether or not he could end up in the UFC some day, some of the low-key storylines for Saturday's pay-per-view event, if influencer MMA bouts could be a thing, 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: 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 the most exciting and influential fighters in MMA history, and on the first episode of 2023, the MMA Fighting crew remembers the best of Mauricio "Shogun" Rua as he prepares for the final fight of his incredible career. Entering into MMA in 2002 as the little brother of Murilo "Ninja" Rua, Shogun quickly made a name for himself with one of the most legendary runs ever in 2005, winning the Pride Middleweight Grand Prix with career-defining performances against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Alistair Overeem, and Ricardo Arona. Rua then joined the UFC in 2007 where after some initial struggles, he was able to capture the UFC light heavyweight title from Lyoto Machida, and he did all of this before turning 30 years old. In honor of Shogun's impending retirement, host Jed Meshew is joined by MMAFighting's Shaheen Al-Shatti and Guilherme Cruz. Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew Follow Shaun Al-Shatti @ShaunAlShatti Follow Guilherme Cruz @guicruzzz Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UFC is back in Brazil! That's right, the UFC's 2023 PPV season kicks off this weekend with the top MMA promotion in the world making its long-awaited return to Brazil for UFC 283. Headlined by a battle for the vacant light heavyweight title between Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill, UFC 283 features 15 fights with 17 Brazilians competing and the No Bets Barred Boys have the answers for which of these hometown heroes will get the job done on Saturday. In this episode, co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew dive right into this mega-card, finding common ground on the main event but then quickly ending up on opposite ends of several of the marquee matchups this weekend. They don't just stop with the big fights though as Jed ends up with a bet on every single fight on the card, including some huge long shot flyers, and Conner rips off multiple parlays. In the end, the boys end up with nearly 30 bets between them, a fitting start to the 2023 pay-per-view campaign. Tune in for Episode 32 of No Bets Barred. Follow Conner Burks: @connerburks 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

While the UFC returned to in-cage action this past Saturday in Las Vegas, the event — and the fallout from it — took a back seat to a bunch of massive news that was revealed by Dana White. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to White's UFC Vegas 67 post-fight press conference when he revealed that Francis Ngannou is no longer the heavyweight champion, or a promotional heavyweight in general after Ngannou turned down their latest contract offer, and that a new champion would be crowned at UFC 285 on March 4 when the returning Jon Jones makes his heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane in the main event. Additionally, listener topics include whether or not Ngannou leaving the UFC will hurt the promotion long term, where Ngannou could end up, the Jones vs. Gane matchup, 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: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin tackle the latest news from around combat sports including Endeavor’s lack of response to Dana White being caught on video slapping his wife and Francis Ngannou ultimately deciding to sever ties with the UFC. In the aftermath of White’s actions, he has said that he doesn’t know what kind of punishment he’s supposed to face but what about Endeavor? Does the company that owns the UFC have some responsibility to hold White accountable in the wake of his domestic violence episode? Also on the show this week, Brown and Martin discuss the ordeal surrounding Ngannou and the news that he’s officially a free agent after being unable to come to a deal with the UFC. Did the UFC make the right move in letting Ngannou walk? What could be next for Ngannou now that he’s free and clear to sign with any other promotion? Is he headed to boxing? What optiosn are available for him in MMA? We’ll also discuss Jon Jones moving to heavyweight and whether or not his biggest obstacle to becoming champion has already been removed now that Ngannou is out of the UFC. All this and more on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who will be our 12 UFC champions by the end of 2023? The gang returns to the roundtable 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 José Youngs @JoseYoungs 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

Semana agitada para o Brasil no MMA, com o UFC retornando ao Rio de Janeiro e Cara de Sapato entrando na casa mais vigiada do país para o BBB 23, e o Trocação Franca repercute tudo com a companhia dos jornalistas Luis Fernando Coutinho e Raphael Marinho. O podcast traz, ainda, entrevistas com três atletas do UFC 283: Jailton Malhadinho, Jéssica Bate-Estaca e Melk Costa. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda quarta-feira, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. It’s a busy week for Brazilian MMA with the UFC returning to Rio de Janeiro and Antonio Carlos Junior making his Big Brother Brasil debut, and Trocação Franca reacts to everything with top MMA journalists Luis Fernando Coutinho and Raphael Marinho. This week’s podcast also features interviews with UFC 283 fighters Jailton Almeida, Jessica Andrade and Melk Costa. Listen to Trocação Franca with Guilherme Cruz every Wednesday to hear from the biggest names on the hottest topics in the Brazilian combat sports world. Follow Guilherme Cruz @Guicruzzz 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

While the UFC returning to action seemed like the MMA community was returning to some sense of normalcy following a chaotic start to 2023, that all changed very quickly before Saturday came to an end as UFC president Dana White announced that Francis Ngannou was no longer the UFC heavyweight champion, or a UFC fighter at all, and that Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane will fight for the vacant heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 285 in March. On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss Ngannou becoming an unrestricted free agent, predict who his next opponent could be, and promotion he will fight for. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Sean Strickland following his short notice decision win against Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Vegas 67. Future matchups are also discussed for Dan Ige, Roman Kopylov, Raquel Pennington, Umar Nurmagomedov, and more. 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 is officially a free agent, and a new heavyweight champion will be crowned on March 4 as Dana White confirmed that Jon Jones will return at UFC 285 to face Ciryl Gane for the vacant title in the main event. Additionally, Sean Strickland went out to the octagon on less than a week's notice and defeated the surging Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of the UFC's first card of 2023. Where does Strickland go from a huge short notice win? Following UFC Vegas 67, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Shaheen Al-Shatti react to the Jones vs. Gane fight, Strickland's victory, Dan Ige's incredible walk-off KO against Damon Jackson, Umar Nurmagomedov's frightening finish of Raoni Barcelos in the main card opener, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Shaun Al-Shatti: @ShaunAlShatti 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

Sean Strickland is stepping in on less than a week's notice to compete in his second straight main event in as many UFC cards as he faces the surging Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Vegas 67. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee, and Jed Meshew discuss the late changing headliner on the promotion's first card of 2023, the stakes involved, Dan Ige looking to get back on track against the streaking Damon Jackson in the featherweight co-main event, the low-key bangers, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee 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

We are less than two months away from the UFC's first U.S. pay-per-view of the year, and as of now, there has not been a main event, or any title fight announced. While the clock is certainly ticking, will the UFC pull a big rabbit out of their hats? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the UFC 285 card — which is scheduled to take place March 4 in Las Vegas — and what could possibly serve as the main event. Additionally, listener topics include Dana White's media scrum ahead of UFC Vegas 67, Beneil Dariush throwing some shade at Dustin Poirier, Jimmy Flick's return to the octagon on Saturday after a short retirement, the importance of the post-fight call out, 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: 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 president Dana White began the UFC Vegas 67 media day on Wednesday by speaking with reporters about the video showing him slapping his wife during an altercation on New Year's Eve. While White is being open, is it sending the right message overall? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel will discuss White's media day scrum, him asking people not to defend him, and how the promotion and Endeavor continue to remain silent. Additionally, they'll discuss Khabib Nurmagomedov stepping away from MMA and how that could effect Islam Makahchev ahead of his upcoming lightweight title fight against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, A.J. McKee re-signing with Bellator and the official reveal of the lightweight grand prix, Saturday's UFC Vegas 67 event headlined by Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov, and more. Host Mike Heck and MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew will discuss those topics, plus take some of your questions at the end of the show. 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

Dana White spoke with reporters on Wednesday during the UFC Vegas 67 media day to discuss the video of him being shown slapping his wife on New Year's Eve. While White took ownership for a lot of things, one thing the UFC president said that stuck out was that the promotion, the fighters, and the business of the UFC would all suffer if White were to be suspended, or ousted from his position. Is that true? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives further reaction to White's scrum, and that comment in particular – arguing that the UFC would be just fine without him in that position. Additionally, listeners give their thoughts on how this situation continues to be handled, while also asking about Francis Ngannou, ONE Championship, Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski, Khamzat Chimaev, UFC Vegas 67, 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: 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 president Dana White unexpectedly showed up at Wednesday's UFC Vegas 67 media day to address the video release that showed him slapping his wife Anne on New Year's Eve. White reiterated his wrongdoing, said multiple times that nobody should be defending him, and also revealed he will not face any repercussions from the promotion, or parent company Endeavor. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee, and Damon Martin react to White's scrum, how he's handled everything better than everyone else involved, what he did well, what was a miss, if there were any surprises, and if there's any expectations that more will be said in the future from those involved. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee 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

2023 is upon us and the UFC is back, baby! That's right, this weekend kicks off the UFC's 2023 campaign and as such the No Bets Barred Boys are back with a full gambling breakdown of UFC Vegas 67. In this episode, Conner Burks and Jed Meshew begin by celebrating the University of Georgia Bulldawgs winning BACK-TO-BACK college football national championships before hopping into a breakdown of this weekend's card. Topics include: Sean Strickland's chances coming in on short notice against Nassourdine Imavov, Umar Nurmagomedov as a massive favorite, and the 2023 prospects of Flyweight Unders. Tune in for Episode 31 of No Bets Barred. Follow Conner Burks: @connerburks 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

Dana White foi filmado agredindo a esposa na noite de réveillon e os proprietários do UFC seguem em silêncio sobre isso. O Trocação Franca dessa semana recebe o streamer e jornalista Tarso Doria para repercutir essa e outras polêmicas que mexeram com o MMA no início de 2023. O podcast também traz entrevistas com Ketlen Vieira, Raoni Barcelos e Claudio Ribeiro, que lutam sábado no UFC Vegas, e o influencer paulista FaZe Temperrr, que luta boxe com o youtuber KSI em Londres, sábado. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda quarta-feira, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. Dana White was caught on tape hitting his wife on New Years’ Eve and UFC owners are still silent about it. Trocação Franca welcomes journalist and streamer Tarso Doria to discuss that and other controversial topics that have shaken the MMA world in 2023. The podcast also features interviews with UFC fighters Ketlen Vieira, Raoni Barcelos, and Claudio Ribeiro, plus KSI opponent FaZe Temperrr. Listen to Trocação Franca with Guilherme Cruz every Wednesday to hear from the biggest names on the hottest topics in the Brazilian combat sports world. Follow Guilherme Cruz @Guicruzzz 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

What will be next for current UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck answers multiple questions involving Ngannou, if he's a free agent as some have reported, status of a potential fight with Jon Jones, if Ngannou signing with the PFL would have a huge impact, and more. Additionally, listener topics include Dana White, the promotion and parent company Endeavor continuing with their silence, Sean Strickland stepping in to fight Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of Saturday's UFC Vegas 67 for Kelvin Gastelum, a rumored lightweight matchup between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev, 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: 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 color commentator Paul Felder and veteran lightweight contender Kevin Lee highlight the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer. With Matt Brown sidelined this week, Felder steps in to help look ahead at the biggest storylines happening in the UFC in 2023 including the potential return of Conor McGregor and Jon Jones finally making his debut at heavyweight. Also on the show, Kevin Lee will address his free agency after he initially inked a multi-fight deal with Eagle FC and how he’s targeting the PFL as his next fighting home. Lee will also detail his plans to compete at welterweight and what it would take for him to go back to 155 pounds again. All this and more on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Subscribe: Spotify Read More: MMA Fighting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Could 2023 be a year that features both Conor McGregor and Jon Jones competing inside the UFC octagon? Will Khamzat Chimaev find his way to a UFC title fight? On a very special edition of On To the Next One, those questions — and a lot more — are presented during the 2023 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 Dana White, Nate Diaz, Nick Diaz, Paddy Pimblett, Dillon Danis, Francis Ngannou, Amanda Nunes, Jake Paul, Bellator, the PFL, 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 2023. 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

It appears that Dana White's Power Slap League is still going to air on TBS in January, but is that the right decision considering what has happened to begin the new year? On an all-new Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to TBS putting the Power Slap program back on their schedule despite video being released of White slapping his wife during a dispute on New Year's Eve. Additionally, listeners give their thoughts on the situation involving White, what an appropriate response and punishment should be, what could be next for Jorge Masvidal and Dustin Poirier in 2023, the UFC division that could have the most shakeup this year, 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: 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