MMA Fighting

Although Derrick Lewis and Serghei Spivac were unable to battle it out in the main event of UFC Vegas 65, Kennedy Nzechukwu and Ion Cutelaba got the bump up, with Nzechukwu coming through with a vicious finish to cap off the card. On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee put on the matchmaking hats and attempt to figure out what is next for Nzechukwu following the biggest win of his career in the short notice main event of Saturday's card at the APEX following Derrick Lewis being forced to withdraw from the card due to an illness. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Muslim Salikhov following his brutal stoppage win over Andre Fialho, along with fellow winners Waldo Cortes-Acosta, welterweight standout Jack Della Maddalena, Charles Johnson, 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

Prior to the main card of the UFC's return to the APEX beginning, it was revealed that an illness to Derrick Lewis led to the cancellation of his scheduled main event with Serghei Spivac — which considering the weirdness of the lineup as a whole, it almost made sense in some ways. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and E. Casey Leydon react to Saturday's UFC Vegas 65 event, the news of Lewis' withdrawal and the light heavyweight bout between Kennedy Nzechukwu and Ion Cutelaba getting bumped up to the main event spot, Nzechukwu's second-round finish and post-fight interview, Jack Della Maddalena's sensational performance, Muslim Salikhov's nasty finish of Andre Fialho, Natalia Silva's spinning kick to the face of her opponent to kick off the card, James Krause's absence from the corner of Miles Johns, and much more. 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

Popular UFC heavyweight Derrick Lewis admits he has his back against the wall ahead of his UFC Vegas 65 main event bout with Serghei Spivak, but is it a do-or-die fight for "The Black Beast" in terms of being a contender in the division? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee, and E. Casey Leydon discuss the stakes for Lewis in Saturday's bout and what a win would do for the career of Spivak in the contender conversation. Additionally, topics include the new calmer Ion Cutelaba at the post weigh-in faceoffs ahead of his co-main event bout with Kennedy Nzechukwu, Jack Della Maddalena's ceiling in the welterweight division, the under the radar bouts on the card, 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

With Colby Covington keeping the next move of his fighting career close to the vest, it appears the UFC is hoping to book a huge fight between the former interim champion and Khamzat Chimaev. In the current state of the welterweight division, does Covington need that fight to earn that third crack at undisputed gold? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck attempts to answer whether or not Covington needs a win over Chimaev to get to a championship opportunity, or if another Leon Edwards win over Kamaru Usman in 2023 could potentially slot "Chaos" right in there. Additionally, listener topics include the UFC's bantamweight division, where Michael Chandler goes from his UFC 281 loss to Dustin Poirier, what could be next for Arnold Allen now that an interim featherweight title fight is booked at UFC 284, Derrick Lewis' chances to get back on track in the main event of UFC Vegas 65, 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 commentator Jon Anik sits down with MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to recap Saturday's incredible UFC 281 event, Alex Pereira's stunning comeback finish of Israel Adesanya to win the middleweight title in the main event, Zhang Weili regaining the strawweight title, talks the fan reaction to Carla Esparza throughout the week, Dustin Poirier's third-round submission win against Michael Chandler and how "The Diamond" might be on the short list of fighters who don't need a world title, Renato Moicano's incredible promo, signing a new multi-fight deal with the UFC, and more. Additionally, Anik remembers two-time UFC title challenger Anthony Johnson. 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

Alex Pereira added to the list of 2022 UFC title challengers who were down on the scorecards heading into the fifth and final round only to come through with a shocking finish to become a world champion. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel will recap Pereira's stunning fifth-round comeback TKO win over Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 281, what the middleweight division now looks like with Pereira on top, and if the promotion should do the immediate rematch with Adesanya. Additionally, topics include Zhang Weili's finish of Carla Esparza to regain the strawweight title, Dustin Poirier's incredible win over Michael Chandler and other storylines from this past Saturday's event, this weekend's Bellator 288 event with two title fights, Derrick Lewis' return to action at UFC Vegas 65, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and José Youngs. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew 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

After a chaotic battle with Michael Chandler in the featured bout of UFC 281 this past Saturday at Madison Square Garden, what could be next for Dustin Poirier in the lightweight division? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses potential options for Poirier and how close he could be to getting another chance to fight for the UFC lightweight title. Additionally, topics include the PFL announcing that the PFL World Championship pay-per-view will cost $49.99, the potential for an Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya immediate rematch, if Derrick Lewis could make another heavyweight championship run if he's victorious in the UFC Vegas 65 main event, Erin Blanchfield's ceiling after stopping Molly McCann, 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 281 has come and gone but that doesn't mean the MMA world can rest because it's a major MMA double-header this weekend with the UFC returning for UFC Vegas 65 in Las Vegas, and Bellator offering up Bellator 288 in Chicago. So with two marquee events going down, as always, the No Bets Barred boys are here to cover all the betting angles. First, co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew recap their great days at UFC 281, before hopping right into a breakdown for the big fights at UFC Vegas 65, including debating if Derrick Lewis can get his mojo back against Sergey Spivac, if Andre Fialho can make it 3-2 in 2022, and if Jack Della Maddalena will continue his impressive rise. Then the boys hop over to Bellator 288 where they make an irresponsible number of bets, including yet another All-In bet from Jed. Tune in for Episode 25 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

Alex Pereira is not only the undisputed UFC middleweight champion after beating Israel Adesanya, he is now a top-10 Pound-for-Pound fighter. But does that make sense? How can Pereira - with just eight MMA fights to his name - be higher ranked than longstanding luminaries like Charles Oliveira, Jiri Prochazka, Max Holloway, Patricio Pitbull, and Demetrious Johnson? The MMA Fightings Rankings Show is back to analyze the aftermath of UFC 281, which featured two dramatic title changes and some harsh reality checks for a litany of fighters. Host Alexander K. Lee attempts to guide the esteemed panel of Steven Marrocco, Damon Martin, and Jed Meshew as they figure out what to do with the Pound-for-Pound list after yet another stunning championship upset, ponder the fate of Dominick Reyes while running through a lengthy list of the cruelest reversals of fortune in MMA history, and then give their best guesses for a trio of Over/Under questions, including what to expect from Pereira's and Zhang Weili's championship runs. Follow Shaun Al-Shatti @ShaunAlShatti Follow Alexander K. Lee @alexanderklee Follow Steven Marrocco @MMAFightingSM Follow Damon Martin @DamonMartin Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UFC middleweight champion has a name, and it's Alex Pereira after a stunning fifth-round, come-from-behind knockout win over Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 281. While Pereira's win opens up the door to some interesting and fresh matchups, a rematch between the new champ and Adesanya would be massive, but is it the fight to make in the immediate aftermath of the UFC's return to Madison Square Garden? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck attempts to answer that question from a matchmaking perspective and explains why a rematch makes sense in multiple ways. Additionally, listener questions include the sad news of Anthony Johnson's passing on Sunday, Dustin Poirier's win over Michael Chandler and where he goes from UFC 281, the matchmaking of Erin Blanchfield vs. Molly McCann and why it was the right call even in hindsight, Frankie Edgar's tough retirement fight against Chris Gutierrez, 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 returns after an action-packed weekend at UFC 281 where Alex Pereira pulled off a stunning comeback to knockout Israel Adesanya to become the new middleweight champion. UFC welterweight Matt Brown joins Damon Martin on the podcast as they discuss the fallout from the event when Pereira earned a third win over Adesanya after beating him twice previously whey they were competing in kickboxing. Brown will give his thoughts on the fight and why he believes the stoppage in the fight between Pereira and Adesanya was a little bit early in his estimation. We’ll also discuss the jaw-dropping performance from Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler as they went to war in one of the most memorable fights of 2022. Where does Poirier go next after this win and has Chandler hit his ceiling in the UFC if he’s not willing to engage in these all out wars? Plus, the podcast pays tribute to Anthony “Rumble” Johnson after his tragic death at just 38 years old while Brown looks back at the time he was scheduled to face the prolific knockout artist in his career. 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

After the shocking ending to the main event of UFC 281, it seems pretty clear that Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya will run it back in a massive middleweight championship fight after Pereira dethroned the long reigning titleholder to improve to 3-0 in their combat sports rivalry. Is that unequivocally the fight to make with the division looking like it has opened up for the first time in a long while? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what's next for Pereira and Adesanya following their memorable battle at Madison Square Garden. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for the two-time champion Zhang Weili, and the former champ Carla Esparza after Weili submitted Esparza in the co-main event, Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler following a third-round submission win for "The Diamond" in the Fight of the Night, along with Chris Gutierrez, Dan Hooker, 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

Needing a finish heading into the fifth and final round, Alex Pereira landed his most powerful shots when he needed them the most and stunned Israel Adesanya to become the brand new UFC middleweight champion of the world to cap off a memorable UFC 281 event. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to Pereira's comeback win, whether or not the stoppage was too early, and discuss the potential of a massive rematch. Additionally, they talk Zhang Weili stopping Carla Esparza to regain the strawweight title, the chaotic Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler fight — which was won by Poirier via a third-round submission — Frankie Edgar retiring with a devastating knockout from the perfectly timed flying knee of Chris Gutierrez, along with other notable moments from the UFC's return to Madison Square Garden in New York. 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

The history between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira is well known ahead of their main event title clash at UFC 281. Will Saturday night be the moment for Adesanya that changes their history moving forward? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss the fascinating UFC middleweight title fight and how they see it potentially playing out. Additionally, topics include the co-main event between Carla Esparza and Zhang Weili for the strawweight championship, the MMA community not giving the champion much of a chance, the featured lightweight bout between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler, Frankie Edgar's final fight against Chris Gutierrez, and much 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

Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler will battle it out in a highly anticipated lightweight showdown at UFC 281. While there are contenders in the division on long winning streaks, or are looking for their shot at a big fight to get them in the title picture, could the Poirier vs. Chandler winner find themselves in a title fight in their next octagon appearance? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses what's on the line for both guys, if a championship bout opportunity is on the line for the winner, and if a loss takes either out of the title picture for good. Additionally, listener questions include Carla Esparza vs. Zhang Weili, Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira's official weigh-ins, if Pereira showing up last minute was a mind game, MMA drama on Twitter, Henry Cejudo, 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

This Saturday, one of the most intriguing title fights of the year takes place at Madison Square Garden for the middleweight championship between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira at #UFC281. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel will break down the third combat sports meeting between the two fighters, discuss what the most burning questions are in the matchup, and what would be the best outcome for the #UFC from a business perspective. Additionally, they'll talk the strawweight title fight between Carla Esparza and Zhang Weili, and if Esparza is being supremely overlooked, the lightweight featured bout between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler, which fighters need wins the most outside of the top-three fights, Frankie Edgar's final fight against Chris Gutierrez on Saturday, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Sherdog's Ben Duffy. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Ben Duffy: @benjaminduffy 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 281 is built with many fascinating matchups, storylines, and questions ahead of Saturday's return to Madison Square Garden. While making fight predictions is one thing, predicting something outside of the box is something entirely different, and there are many avenues to take when it comes to the main event between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira, and the rest of the fight card as a whole. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses his thoughts on some of the major bouts on the slate for Saturday. Additionally, listener responses are focused on some bold predictions for Adesanya vs. Pereira, Carla Esparza vs. Zhang Weili, Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler, along with questions about the disrespect Esparza has received from fans heading in, Molly McCann's potential title aspirations if she upsets Erin Blanchfield, 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 281 is here with two title fights, a potential Fight of the Year contender, and a bevy of other bouts, and you know what that means: the No Bets Barred boys are here to cover all the betting angles on the card! First, co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew celebrate the return of Flyweight Unders at UFC Vegas 64 before jumping in for in-depth analysis of the middleweight title grudge match between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira, the strawweight title tilt between Carla Esparza and Weili Zhang, and the lightweight barnburner between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler. In the end, Conner and Jed end up with nearly two dozen bets, including an especially juicy parlay, and Jed once again shoving All-In on one particular fighter. Tune in for Episode 24 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

MMA Fighting's Damon Martin, Jed Meshew and Steven Marrocco react to news that former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has been granted bail at $1 million in his attempted murder case. Follow Damon Martin on Twitter: @DamonMartin Follow Jed Meshew on Twitter: @JedKMeshew Follow Steven Marrocco on Twitter: @MMAFightingSM 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

Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira will meet in the highly anticipated main event of UFC 281 this Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York. With the storied history between these two athletes, and with the stakes as high as can be, which fighter needs to win this bout more? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the fascinating headliner between Adesanya and Pereira, what could happen if either guy wins, and whether or not there could be some takedowns in the bout. Additionally, listener topics include the fight between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler, the run of opponents Chandler has had since coming over to the UFC, Bellator 288 coming up Nov. 18, the craziness of the UFC's bantamweight division with Aljamain Sterling, Sean O'Malley, Henry Cejudo, and Marlon Vera, the MMA Fighting UFC 281 Watch Party going down on Saturday, 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

It’s UFC 281 fight week on The Fighter vs. The Writer with Matt Brown back as co-host to help break down all the key storylines and matchups taking place on Saturday. Brown will give his thoughts on the main event as Israel Adesanya defends his middleweight title against Alex Pereira after they clashed twice previously in kickboxing, Brown offers his thoughts on the matchup and why he’s “very confident” that Adesanya will get his revenge after falling to Pereira twice previously. The veteran UFC welterweight will also give his picks some of the biggest matchups on the card including Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler. The podcast also pays tribute to Frankie Edgar as he prepares to retire from competition after his fight at UFC 281. Brown will also address why so many fighters face tremendous difficulties when retiring from mixed martial arts and staying away after calling it a career. UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparza also joins the show to preview her fight against Zhang Weili and how she feels as a sizeable underdog going into her first title defense since winning the belt back in May. All this and much 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

Alex Poatan desafia Israel Adesanya pelo título dos médios no UFC 281, sábado, em Nova York, e contou ao Trocação Franca que vê o campeão e sua equipe desestruturados psicologicamente por terem que enfrentá-lo no octógono. Na entrevista exclusiva, o ex-campeão duplo do Glory falou sobre a ascensão meteórica no MMA, relação com fãs e redes sociais, o status de ídolo no Brasil, e muito mais. O podcast entrevista ainda o peso-leve Renato Moicano, que também luta no UFC deste sábado. Alex Pereira challenges Israel Adesanya for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 281 Saturday in New York, and told Trocação Franca he sees the champion and his entire team mentally shook for having to face him inside the octagon. The former Glory two-division champion discussed his meteoric rise in MMA, dealing with fans and social media, being treated as an idol in Brazil, and more. The podcast also features an interview with Renato Moicano, who also competes Saturday at UFC 281. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Subscribe: Spotify Read More: MMA Fighting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amanda Lemos had herself a night at the UFC APEX and delivered with the biggest performance of her career in the main event against Marina Rodriguez. As impressive as her victory was, did it put Lemos in a position where she is the new No. 1 contender at 115 pounds? 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 Lemos' third-round TKO win over Rodriguez in the strawweight headliner. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Neil Magny following his third-round submission win over Daniel Rodriguez in the co-main event, along with fellow main card finishers Shayilan Nuerdanbieke, Tagir Ulanbekov, Grant Dawson, and more in the aftermath of the promotion's go-home event heading into UFC 281. 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

Amanda Lemos was a big underdog heading into the UFC Vegas 64 main event with Marina Rodriguez and not many people were picking her to get it done. On Saturday, Lemos silenced the critics and may have earned herself a chance to fight for a UFC world title in her next appearance. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee react to Lemos' third-round finish of Rodriguez, discuss how much she rose her stock with the performance, and what might need to happen to get to a strawweight championship bout with UFC 281 going down next weekend at Madison Square Garden. Additionally, topics include Neil Magny's late submission win over Daniel Rodriguez, Grant Dawson's outright dominance of Mark Madsen, and other odds and ends from Saturday's event. 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

Marina Rodriguez and Amanda Lemos will battle it out in a pivotal main event matchup in the UFC strawweight division this Saturday at the APEX. With the timing of the fight coming a week before the 115-pound title bout between Carla Esparza and Zhang Weili, is there anything Rodriguez can do that could get her a title opportunity of her own for her next appearance? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaun Al-Shatti, and Alexander K. Lee to preview the headliner of UFC Vegas 64 between Rodriguez and Lemos, as well as the stakes involved for both competitors — most notably Rodriguez should she be victorious. Additionally, topics include the co-main event between Neil Magny and Daniel Rodriguez, other matchups on the card not getting enough shine on the road to UFC 281, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Shaun Al-Shatti: @ShaunAlShatti 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

Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler will finally settle their score at UFC 281 on Nov. 12 at Madison Square Garden. With a new lightweight champion in Islam Makhachev, what kind of impact will this fight have on the division? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the stakes in that highly anticipated matchup in New York, along with the back-and-forth between Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski in setting up their potential champ vs. champ matchup. Additionally, listener questions include the Bellator vs. RIZIN event on Dec. 31, Saturday's UFC Vegas 64 main event between Marina Rodriguez and Amanda Lemos, other standout fights on the card, 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

Jake Paul defeated Anderson Silva on Saturday to remain undefeated in the boxing ring, and proved a lot of doubters wrong in the process. Heading into the bout, a lot of people felt like a massive fight would be Paul vs. Nate Diaz, but coming out of it, is the interest level in that fight as high as it was? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel will discuss Paul's win over the former UFC middleweight champion, if a fight with Diaz is still interesting, and where Paul should go from here. Additionally, topics include the state of the UFC featherweight division following Arnold Allen's injury TKO win over Calvin Kattar at UFC Vegas 63, and if Allen has earned himself an interim title shot, along with this Saturday's UFC Vegas 64 event headlined by Marina Rodriguez vs. Amanda Lemos, reaction to the full UFC 281 lineup — which takes place next weekend at Madison Square Garden — and more. 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: 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

Israel Adesanya will look to add longtime rival Alex Pereira's name to his championship resumé at next weekend's UFC 281 event at Madison Square Garden. If "The Last Stylebender" is victorious against Pereira, what would be next for him considering he's beat most of the top guys in the division — some twice. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his thoughts on what could be next for Adesanya with a successful title defense in New York, and if he would consider moving to 205 quicker than most would've anticipated. Additionally, listener questions include the UFC lightweight division, most intriguing UFC 281 preliminary fight, Arnold Allen wanting an interim title shot following his win over Calvin Kattar and why a fight between Allen and Max Holloway is a bad idea, Henry Cejudo, 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 281 right around the corner, the UFC is back this weekend with another Fight Night event at the Apex to whet out appetites, UFC Vegas 64, and as always, the No Bets Barred boys are here to cover all the betting angles on the card. First, co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew lament Jake Paul's win over Anderson Silva and their own poor performances at UFC Vegas 63. Then they get into breaking down this Saturday's card which, despite its lackluster nature, still ends up fielding nearly a dozen bets each from Conner and Jed, including multiple Flyweight Unders! Tune in for Episode 23 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

Anderson Silva perdeu para o YouTuber Jake Paul nas regras do boxe, com direito a knockdown no último assalto, em uma performance decepcionante. O Trocação Franca disseca o que rolou no duelo com a presença do jornalista Coutinho, do Canal Encarada, e ainda debate Marina Rodriguez x Amanda Lemos, a importância de uma vitória de Alex Poatan para o futuro do UFC em 2023, e o atual card do UFC Rio. O podcast entrevista, ainda, o campeão Deiveson Figueiredo e a dupla que lidera o UFC deste sábado, Marina e Amanda. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda quarta-feira, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. Anderson Silva lost to YouTuber Jake Paul in a boxing match, getting knocked down in the final round after a disappointing performance. Trocação Franca discusses everything that happened inside the ring with the assistance of Canal Encarada’s Coutinho, plus we talk Marina Rodriguez vs. Amanda Lemos, how crucial it is for Brazil that Alex Pereira beats Israel Adesanya, and the current UFC 283 lineup. The podcast also interviews UFC champ Deiveson Figueiredo and UFC Vegas 64 headliners Rodriguez and Lemos. 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

Arnold Allen and Jake Paul picked up main event wins on Saturday in completely different ways in two separate sports during a busy weekend in the world of combat sports. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Arnold's win over Calvin Kattar at UFC Vegas 63, where he goes from here, and thoughts on some of the burning questions following the bout. Additionally, topics include Jake Paul's decision win over Anderson Silva on Saturday, the UFC's latest slew of releases and fighters parting ways with the company, Josh Thomson's double down on his comments about the MMA media, Muhammad Mokaev's ceiling, 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

Matt Brown returns to co-host the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer along with Belal Muhammad fresh off his win over Sean Brady at UFC 280. Brown will offer his reaction to Jake Paul’s unanimous decision win over Anderson Silva as the 25-year-old social influencer turned boxer picked up the biggest victory of his career over the UFC legend Brown will also answer conspiracy theories claiming that Paul’s knockdown was actually a phantom punch that put Silva down in the final round. Also on the show, Muhammad returns after his convincing performance in Abu Dhabi while explaining the scenario that led to his knockout win over Brady. Muhammad also addresses his next fight where he’s hoping to face Khamzat Chimaev as he offers some cutting criticism towards Colby Covington, who still remains ranked ahead of him in the welterweight division. 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

While Arnold Allen picked up the biggest win of his career over Calvin Kattar at UFC Vegas 63, the way he did it likely wasn't enough to get featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski excited enough to forego his path towards a massive fight with Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. So what does the UFC do now to keep the 145-pound division moving forward? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what could be next for Allen after picking up a second-round injury TKO win over Kattar to improve to 10-0 inside the octagon. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Max Griffin following his unanimous decision win over Tim Means in the co-main event, along with fellow main card winners Waldo Cortes-Acosta, Tresean Gore, Khalil Rountree, and more in the aftermath of the promotion's first event post-UFC 280. 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

Jake Paul added another former UFC champion to his résumé. The 25-year-old YouTuber turned professional boxer defeated Anderson Silva on Saturday night at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., dropping the 47-year-old Silva in the eighth round and ultimately winning a unanimous decision in a competitive affair. MMA Fighting’s Shaun Al-Shatti and José Youngs react to Paul’s victory over the UFC legend, what it means for Paul and Silva moving forward, and much more. Follow Shaun Al-Shatti @ShaunAlShatti 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

For the second time in a three-month span, an important UFC featherweight main event bout ended with an unfortunate injury leaving fans and viewers with more questions than answers. In the main event of UFC Vegas 63, Arnold Allen got the biggest win of his career against Calvin Kattar, but it certainly wasn't the way he wanted it to happen. Following Saturday's event at the UFC APEX, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to Allen's injury TKO win over Kattar, discuss if Kattar's corner is to blame for allowing their fighter to begin the second round, and what the win does for Allen in regards to the top of the 145-pound division. Additionally, they talk bonus winners, the scoring of Khalil Rountree's split decision win over Dustin Jacoby, under the radar standout performances, and more. 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

Calvin Kattar and Arnold Allen will compete in the main event of UFC Vegas 63 in a compelling matchup in the UFC featherweight division, but with the potential of champ Alexander Volkanovski moving up to lightweight to challenge Islam Makhachev, are there still big stakes for Kattar and Allen? Ahead of Saturday's event at the UFC APEX, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss the headliner, where the victor could go with an impressive win, and whether or not an interim title fight could be in play. Additionally, they discuss the co-main event between Max Griffin and Tim Means, Dustin Jacoby vs. Khalil Rountree, and other under the radar storylines. 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 as if UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will chase history and a second world title against Islam Makhachev in the near future, but what kind of impact will that have on an interesting 145 pound division? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, it's a Free-For-All Friday as MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the current state of the featherweight division and how Volkanovski's potential move up shapes things — especially with Calvin Kattar and Arnold Allen getting ready to compete in the main event of Saturday's UFC Vegas 63 card. Additionally, listener topics include Aljamain Sterling's next move, Jon Jones still lobbying for a UFC 282 matchup with Stipe Miocic, Josh Thomson, Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva, the UFC lightweight division, options for Belal Muhammad, 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

Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva is nearly upon us — can the legend mount one final magical moment? Shaun Al-Shatti and José Youngs break down all the storylines from downtown Phoenix ahead of Silva's moment of truth against Paul on Saturday. Follow Shaun Al-Shatti @ShaunAlShatti 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

Islam Makhachev is the new UFC lightweight champion after his dominant win over Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 280 this past Saturday. Is this the beginning of an all-time dominant title reign in the promotion's top division? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel will react to Makhachev's victory, how long his reign could last, and a potential matchup with featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski. Additionally, topics include Aljamain Sterling's win over T.J. Dillashaw in the co-main event, Dillashaw's injury, and what could be next for the bantamweight champ, along with a very busy Saturday in combat sports ahead with Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva taking place, UFC Vegas 63 headlined by Calvin Kattar vs. Arnold Allen, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between the returning Jed Meshew and Drake Riggs. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Drake Riggs: @DrakeRiggs_ 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

Anderson Silva and Jake Paul's boxing match is going down in just two days, and while Silva isn't necessarily fighting to represent MMA, the MMA community will be rooting for the former UFC middleweight champion. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the bout between Silva and Paul, and how he sees the fight playing out. Additionally, the show kicks off with a response to Josh Thomson's video about the MMA media and demanding to "do our f****** job" in regards to the upcoming Bellator vs. RIZIN card in December, along with listener questions regarding the rumored Khamzat Chimaev vs. Colby Covington fight, Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones, the fallout of UFC 280, 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

Following the massive UFC 280 fight weekend, the UFC is back with another Apex offering, UFC Vegas 63, and that means the No Bets Barred boys are back as well, with all the best bets for Calvin Kattar vs. Arnold Allen. First, co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew recap their disappointing weekends from UFC 280 before jumping into their bets for this weekend. UFC Vegas 63 is a tough card with a lot of close matchups and plenty of dog-or-pass fights, but Conner and Jed still find a way to get a handful of bets down each, including continuing to ride the Flyweight Under and Heavyweight Over bets that have treated them so well recently. Tune in for Episode 22 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

No matter how you scored it personally, Sean O'Malley defeated Petr Yan at UFC 280 — which as Dana White said before this past Saturday's card, should earn him a title shot against fellow main card winner and champ Aljamain Sterling. The now un-retired former champ Henry Cejudo has apparently entered the chat, but is that the right way to go? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck weighs in on the bantamweight title situation and explains why he believes O'Malley should get the fight with Sterling over Cejudo, and why the champ should be pushing for that fight over any other. Additionally, listener questions include UFC 280 reaction as a whole, Islam Makhachev's dominant title win over Charles Oliveira in the main event and a potential fight with featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski, Beneil Dariush and Belal Muhammad's big wins and where they could go from here, 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

Charles do Bronx não é mais o melhor peso-leve do mundo, e o Trocação Franca repercute tudo o que rolou no UFC 280 com a participação do jornalista Gustavo Faldon, enviado da ESPN a Abu Dhabi para cobrir a luta com Islam Makhachev. O podcast traz, ainda, entrevistas com Luiz Carlos Dórea, treinador de Anderson Silva para o duelo com Jake Paul, e os irmãos Gabriel e Ivan Oliveira, técnicos que estarão em lados opostos na luta entre Andrei Arlovski e Marcos Pezão no UFC deste sábado. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda quarta-feira, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. Charles Oliveira is no longer the best lightweight in the world. This week, Trocação Franca debates everything that went down at UFC 280 with Gustavo Faldon, ESPN Brazil's reporter who flew to Abu Dhabi to cover the fight with Islam Makhachev. The podcast also delivers interviews with Luiz Carlos Dorea — the boxing coach for Anderson Silva’s clash with Jake Paul — and Gabriel and Ivan Oliveira, ATT trainers who will be in opposite sides when Andrei Arlovski faces Marcos Rogerio de Lima at UFC Vegas 63. 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

Sean O’Malley upset Petr Yan on Saturday at UFC 280, but did he really? When it comes to rankings, what’s the protocol when an unranked fighter sneaks one out from his division’s No. 2 contender with one of the most controversial decisions of the year? That’s right, the MMA Fighting Rankings Show is back after another crazy weekend at UFC 280! Co-hosts Shaun Al-Shatti and Alexander K. Lee are joined this month by Mike Heck and Jed Meshew to debate the fallout of the UFC’s latest trip to Abu Dhabi, O’Malley’s place in the new bantamweight pecking order, Islam Makhachev’s future after ascending as the king of the lightweight division, T.J. Dillashaw’s road following a disappointing showing against Aljamain Sterling, and more. The gang also take a moment to call out the sport’s worst offenders of the rankings squatting epidemic sweeping the UFC. Follow Shaun Al-Shatti @ShaunAlShatti Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew 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

Following an action-packed weekend at UFC 280, Alan Jouban joins the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer to help break down everything that unfolded in Abu Dhabi. Jouban, who worked as an analyst on the broadcast team, looks back at Islam Makhachev’s dominant performance as he defeated Charles Oliveira to become UFC lightweight champion while also giving his thoughts on Aljamain Sterling’s win over T.J. Dillashaw. Jouban also discusses Sean O’Malley’s controversial victory over Petr Yan and if he should get the next title shot over former champion Henry Cejudo, who is returning from retirement. Also on the show this week, Matt Brown joins the podcast to help preview the upcoming boxing match between Jake Paul and Anderson Silva. While Paul has largely run roughshod over the competition at this stage of his career, Silva represents by far his toughest challenge to date. But which Silva will show up? Will the same Silva who beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. step in the ring with Paul or will the legendary Brazilian decide to play with his food as he’s done in so many past fights that have cost him? Listen to what Brown has to say about the matchup while giving his prediction for the fight. 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

Islam Makhachev is the new UFC lightweight champion after a dominant second-round submission win over former champion Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 280, which extended his win streak to 11. Following the victory, Makhachev faced off with featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski for a potential superfight — but is that ultimately the direction he'll go? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss who Makhachev will defend his title against for the first time, and where Oliveira goes after having his incredible unbeaten streak snapped. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling — who picked up a second-round finish in the co-main event — former champ T.J. Dillashaw, Sean O'Malley and Petr Yan after a controversial split decision win for "Sugar," along with other notable winners Beneil Dariush, Manon Fiorot, Belal Muhammad, 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

The Islam Makhachev era has arrived. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and Jed Meshew react to Makhachev's second-round submission win over Charles Oliveira in the main event of Saturday's card at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, and his long-awaited coronation atop the lightweight ranks. The gang also reacts to Aljamain Sterling's second-round TKO win over T.J. Dillashaw, Sean O'Malley stunning upset of Petr Yan along with the controversy surrounding the decision, Beneil Dariush vs. Mateusz Gamrot, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Shaheen Al-Shatti: @ShaunAlShatti Follow Jed K. 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

Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev will finally battle it out this Saturday to cap off an incredibly stacked UFC 280 lineup for the vacant UFC lightweight title. Ahead of the promotion's return to Abu Dhabi, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and Alexander K. Lee break down the fascinating main event between Oliveira and Makhachev, the storylines, the stylistic differences, and more. Additionally, the gang previews the under the radar co-main event for the bantamweight title between Aljamain Sterling and former champ T.J. Dillashaw, the stakes for Sean O'Malley as he prepares for his matchup with Petr Yan, Katlyn Chookagian's weight miss, making the case for Belal Muhammad to have the most pressure on him when he meets Sean Brady, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Shaun Al-Shatti: @ShaunAlShatti 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

On the eve of UFC 280, which is a blockbuster card with several high stakes matchups, which of the fighters has the most pressure on them to win on Saturday in Abu Dhabi? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses what's on the line for some of the big fights at UFC 280, including the main event between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev. Additionally, listener questions include Belal Muhammad's future with a big win over Sean Brady, the bantamweight title fight between Aljamain Sterling and T.J. Dillashaw, Khamzat Chimaev, Jon Jones, the impact of Katlyn Chookagian's weight miss ahead of her bout with Manon Fiorot, the MMA Fighting UFC 280 Watch Party — which takes place Saturday at 1:45 p.m. ET live on the MMA Fighting YouTube channel — 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

Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev will finally collide in one of the most anticipated matchups of 2022 in the main event of UFC 280 this Saturday in Abu Dhabi to crown a new UFC lightweight champion. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel will discuss the high stakes 155-pound matchup between Oliveira and Makhachev, and what is on the line in terms of all-time greatness. Additionally, topics will include the bantamweight title fight between Aljamain Sterling and T.J. Dillashaw and why it's flying under the radar, Petr Yan vs. Sean O'Malley and the other massive bouts on the card, Jon Jones potentially fighting at UFC 282 in December, Alexa Grasso's big win at UFC Vegas 62 and her current place in the flyweight title discussion, and more. Host Mike Heck will moderate the matchup between MMA Fighting's Alexander K. Lee and Morning Kombat's Brian Campbell. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee 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