MMA Fighting

We’re at the midway mark of the MMA calendar, so what better way to commemorate this milestone than by looking ahead to what the rest of 2022 might hold. There was no shortage of compelling storylines in the past six months, so how will they impact future events? Host Alexander K. Lee and the MMA Fighting panel of Steven Marrocco, Damon Martin, and Jed Meshew make their bold predictions on what could be in store soon for some of the biggest names in the business, including Francis Ngannou, Tyson Fury, Valentina Shevchenko, Julianna Peña, Amanda Nunes, Kamaru Usman, and Nick Diaz. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Subscribe: Spotify Read More: MMA Fighting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re at the midway mark of the year and that means it’s time to take stock of the MMA mayhem we’ve witnessed so far. Will our picks for the Best Fight, Best Knockout, and Best Submission of the first half of 2022 stand the test of time when the calendar comes to a close? How did Khamzat Chimaev going toe-to-toe with Gilbert Burns affect their standing in the eyes of the fans? What was better, Molly McCann’s spinning elbow or Michael Chandler’s front kick from Hell? And how do Charles Oliveira and Jessica Andrade’s incredible chokes stack up against each other? Host Alexander K. Lee brings in the esteemed MMA Fighting panel of Steven Marrocco, Damon Martin, and Jed Meshew to talk about the best highlights that we’ve seen so far in 2022. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Subscribe: Spotify Read More: MMA Fighting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paddy Pimblett will in fact fight on the UFC's return to London on July 23 against up and coming lightweight prospect Jordan Leavitt. Was this the right booking for the polarizing fighter from England? On this episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck — along with the listeners — react to the announcement of the bout from the promotion live on the air and discuss the matchmaking for "The Baddy" in his third octagon appearance. In addition, listeners ask about how to book the top of the bantamweight division and whether or not Aljamain Sterling's next title defense should be against Henry Cejudo, what to do with Nate Diaz at this point (if anything at all), Max Hollloway's next move if he loses to Alexander Volkanovski for a third time at UFC 276, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8 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 the UFC, Bellator, PFL, and other major North American MMA organizations on an off-week, rather than debate open scoring and the same old topics, the MMA Fighting crew is doing something a little bit different. This week on an all-new edition of BTL, host Mike Heck is joined by Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee to draft their 2022 all-star teams — which will be based on what has transpired throughout the year thus far. Selections will take place in all weight classes, men and women, as the panel shines a positive light on the mid-year accomplishments throughout the sport, which includes surging contenders such as Khamzat Chimaev, and new champions such as Deiveson Figueiredo, Carla Esparza, and others. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew 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

Glover Teixeira may be the champion heading into his UFC 275 matchup with Jiri Prochazka, but not many people are giving him a chance to retain. Could that be a little bit shortsighted? On this episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck pumps the brakes (for the most part) on the open scoring debate, deems it the first annual All-Star Weekend for the sport, and opens up the lines to discuss Teixeira's chances to defend the title against the always-exciting challenger on June 11, spicy hot take predictions for the rest of the year, Valentina Shevchenko's chances to become a two-division champion, if Jon Jones will compete in 2022, desert island fighters, and much more. In addition, UFC welterweight contender Sean Brady (55:39) provides an update on when he might return, talks two top-10 fighters turning him down, and his Fury Pro Grappling match with Ben Saunders this Saturday. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8 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

Uma das maiores esperanças de cinturão para o Brasil no UFC, Alex Poatan deverá ter sua oportunidade pelo título dos médios caso passe por Sean Strickland no UFC 276, mesma noite em que Israel Adesanya defende o trono contra Jared Cannonier. Em longo papo com o Trocação Franca, o algoz de Adesanya no kickboxing falou sobre o importante duelo com Strickland, os comentários de Paulo Borrachinha, o sucesso financeiro no MMA comparado ao GLORY, por que não quer ser dono de academia quando se aposentar, e o cardápio “porcaria” que come antes do camp: hamburger, pastel e cachorro quente. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda quarta-feira, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. One of Brazil’s top stars in the UFC, Alex Pereira will potentially get his chance for middleweight gold with a win over Sean Strickland at UFC 276 — the same night Israel Adesanya defends his throne against Jared Cannonier. In a lengthy chat with Trocação Franca, the man that KO’ed Adesanya in kickboxing breaks down his upcoming fight, Paulo Costa’s recent comments on the matchup, his financial success in MMA compared to GLORY, why he doesn’t want to own a gym when he’s retired, his unorthodox diet off camp (which includes hamburgers, hotdogs and pastéis), and more. 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

The scorecards from the UFC Vegas 55 main event between Ketlen Vieira and Holly Holm created a lot of controversy, thus continuing a heated debate in regards to whether or not open scoring is the answer. On this episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Vieira's win over Holm this past Saturday and why the former bantamweight champion wasn't robbed by the judges. In addition, questions are answered about Vieira's title hopes following the biggest win of her career, open scoring and why there could be more issues people aren't thinking about, what the fight, KO, and submission of the year are near the halfway point, the good and the bad of this past Friday's Eagle FC 47 event, why Scott Coker and Bellator needs to co-promote with Eagle FC — and do so quickly — and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8 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 new episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC welterweight Kevin Holland and new Bellator interim welterweight champion Logan Storley join the show. Holland will discuss his latest heroics after he rescued a truck driver from an overturned tractor-trailer in Texas. Beyond moonlighting as a superhero, Holland will also detail his move down to welterweight and how he’s feeling now that he’s fighting regularly at 170 pounds. He’ll discuss his upcoming fight against Tim Means and the toughest matchups he could face in the welterweight rankings as he seeks to eventually become a title contender. Fresh off a win over Michael “Venom” Page, Logan Storley will respond to the criticism he faced following that victory, which included his opponent and Bellator MMA president Scott Coker. Storley will also address reigning Bellator champion Yaroslav Amosov, who is currently fighting for his home country of Ukraine, and his hopes for a rematch after they battled to a razor-close decision in their first encounter. 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 picking up back-to-back main event wins over former women's bantamweight champions, Ketlen Vieira wants her opportunity at UFC gold following her win this past Saturday over Holly Holm. But has she done enough to earn one? This week on On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee put on their matchmaking hats to discuss where Vieira and Holm go after the controversial result to the UFC Vegas 55 headliner. In addition, future matchups are discussed for Michel Pereira after his split decision victory over Santiago Ponzinibbio in the Fight of the Night, Chidi Njokuani following his Performance of the Night earning knockout of Dusko Todorovic, Tabatha Ricci and Jun Yong Park after earning decision wins to kick off the main 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

Ketlen Vieira picked up the biggest UFC win of her career, but it certainly will go down as a controversial one. Following Vieira's split decision win over Holly Holm in the main event of UFC Vegas 55, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee react to the five-round contest, figure out if Holm was robbed by the judges, and other storylines coming out of Saturday's card at the APEX. 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

Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira will battle it out in a pivotal main event in the UFC bantamweight division. With a victory for Holm, could she find her way back into a championship bout once again? MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee, and Jed Meshew discuss the UFC Vegas 54 headliner, the co-main event between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Michel Pereira, along with the event’s other interesting storylines. 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

Khabib Nurmagomedov had a lot to say recently in regards to the UFC's lightweight division and its most recent champion Charles Oliveira — most notably it being unfair to compare Oliveira's 155-pound run to his at this point. Does Nurmagomedov have a point, or is it closer than he's willing to admit? On this episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Nurmagomedov's recent interview with ESPN and his thoughts on Oliveira's lightweight GOAT status, as well as Islam Makhachev being the actual champion of the division in his eyes. In addition, listeners ask about Conor McGregor's potential return, Michael Chandler's recent comments in support of the UFC when it comes to the fighter pay debate, the PFL instituting a 50-50 split for their new PPV Super Fight division after getting a $30 million investment from a group including former MLB star Alex Rodriguez, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8 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

Dustin Poirier has made it perfectly clear that he wants to fight at UFC 277 on July 30 in Dallas, but he can’t seem to get a matchup booked. If “The Diamond” does get his wish, who would be the likely opponent? This week on Between the Links, the panel will discuss the options to fill that spot and who might be the favorite to land that fight. In addition, the panel reacts to Jan Blachowicz’s win over Aleksandar Rakic this past Saturday at UFC Vegas 55 and if it was enough to put him in a title fight next, the Bellator 281 main event between Logan Storley and Michael Page and if Page was robbed by the judges, UFC Vegas 55 headlined by Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira this Saturday, Eagle FC 47 this Friday with a Junior dos Santos vs. Yorgan De Castro main event, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting’s Jed Mehsew and UFC featherweight Billy Quarantillo. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Terrance McKinney: @twrecks155 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 wants it. Nate Diaz wants it. The fans want to see it. Everybody seems into a potential Poirier vs. Diaz matchup, but for some reason, the UFC isn't putting it together. Why? On this episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses that, along with other potential options for Poirier is the promotion ends up putting him on the UFC 277 card on July 30. In addition, other topics include if Henry Cejudo should get an immediate title shot in his expected return to the octagon, the potential of a Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev vacant title fight, Khabib Nurmagomedov's thoughts on Oliveira's current run, Dana White's Contender Series returning in July, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8 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 is a new biweekly podcast where we celebrate the careers of some of our favorite fighters in MMA history, and there is no better place to start than with Carlos Condit. Condit is one of the most exciting fighters in the history of MMA. One half of arguably the single greatest fight of all-time, Condit delivered countless unforgettable moments in a career that spanned multiple generations of the sport. Jed Meshew, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and Alexander K. Lee get together to remember those moments and celebrate the career of the only man violent enough to bear the moniker, "The Natural Born Killer." Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew 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

Conner Burks and Jed Meshew dive deep into UFC Vegas 55 and throw bets down on nine of the 11 fights on the card, including a surprising bet on the main event fight between Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira, and +1400 flyer bet on an underdog special. 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

Primeira mulher a conquistar dois cinturões no UFC, Amanda Nunes mudou tudo a caminho da revanche com Julianna Peña. Em entrevista exclusiva ao Trocação Franca, a Leoa explicou a saída da American Top Team, como a presença de possíveis rivais na academia a incomodou, se toparia revanche com Cris Cyborg, e muito mais. Na sessão Fight Week, entrevistas com Ketlen Vieira, Santiago Ponzinibbio e Jailton Malhadinho, que lutam sábado no UFC. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda quarta-feira, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. Amanda Nunes has changed everything heading into her rematch with Julianna Peña. In an exclusive interview with Trocação Franca, the first woman to win two UFC belts explains why she left American Top Team, why she was bothered by potential opponents training in the same gym, her thoughts on a rematch with soon-to-be free agent Cris Cyborg, and more. Today's episode also includes interviews with Ketlen Vieira, Santiago Ponzinibbio, and Jailton Almeida ahead of Saturday’s UFC event. 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

Dustin Poirier is looking for a fight at UFC 277 on July 30 against "anybody that makes sense." With the lightweight title picture still a bit foggy with Charles Oliveira being stripped of the championship and needing an opponent for the vacant title, should Islam Makhachev volunteer his services to face Poirier and further separate himself from the pack? On this episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck is asked about the potential of Makhachev raising his hand to face "The Diamond" in Dallas following Poirier's recent appearance on The MMA Hour. In addition, questions include Jan Blachowicz's championship aspirations following his UFC Vegas 54 main event win against Aleksandar Rakic, Tatsuro Taira's debut win and what his ceiling could be, Logan Storley's win over Michael Page at Bellator 281 in London this past weekend, journalism in MMA, the current scoring criteria, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8 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

Beneil Dariush returns to The Fighter vs. The Writer this week to discuss his growing frustration with Charles Oliveira as the now former UFC lightweight champion decides what’s next in his career while teasing his interest in a showdown with Conor McGregor. With a seven-fight win streak and a past fight with Oliveira that already fell apart, Dariush details his problem with “Do Bronx” suddenly targeting somebody like McGregor rather than accepting a fight against him or Islam Makhachev to crown a lightweight champion now that the title has been vacated. Dariush will also give his thoughts on Oliveira’s win over Justin Gaethje and an update on his return to action. Also on the show this week, ex-UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos stops by to preview his upcoming fight against Yorgan De Castro, which serves as the main event for Eagle FC 47 on Friday. Dos Santos will explain how he ended up with Eagle FC, his expectations for the future now that he’s returning to action and he’ll also address his exit from the UFC and how he’s found a new kind of happiness with his freedom to fight whenever and wherever he wants. 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

Jan Blachowicz has made a case to get back to a UFC light heavyweight title fight following his third-round TKO win over Aleksandar Rakic, but will the promotion go in that direction after Blachowicz dropped the belt less than a year ago? This week on On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee give their thoughts in where the former champion goes following his main event victory at UFC Vegas 54 at the APEX. In addition, future matchups are discussed for Ryan Spann after quickly submitting Ion Cutelaba in the co-main event, Davey Grant following his third-round finish of Louis Smolka, Katlyn Chookagian following her split decision win against Amanda Ribas in the event's Fight of the Night, along with fellow main card winners Manuel Torres and Allan Nascimento. 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

Jan Blachowicz is back in the win column, even though his UFC Vegas 54 victory over Aleksandar Rakic ended in an unfortunate way. Was it enough to put in him the position to try and regain the #UFC light heavyweight title against the winner of the UFC 275 main event between Glover Teixeira and Jiri Prochazka? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jose Youngs, and Alexander K. Lee attempt to answer that question, react to the post-fight bonuses, Katlyn Chookagian picking up another victory at 125 pounds in a fun scrap with Amanda Ribas, and other storylines coming out of Saturday's card at the APEX. 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

Jan Blachowicz will compete in a non-title fight for the first time in nearly two years when he faces Aleksandar Rakic in the main event of UFC Vegas 54. Will a win get him right back into a championship fight, or will he still have more work to do? MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee, and Jed Meshew discuss the stakes in the pivotal headliner in the UFC light heavyweight division, where a win takes Rakic, the other main card fights that have their attention outside of the main event, along with other top storylines ahead of Saturday’s promotional return to the APEX. 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

If Alexander Volkanovski can defeat Max Holloway once again this summer, could he be factored into the conversation to face Charles Oliveira after that for the vacant UFC lightweight championship? On this week's Free-For-All Friday edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck takes questions about Volkanovski's potential to challenge for a second title should he be victorious for a third time against Holloway at UFC 276 on July 2. In addition, listeners chime in regarding Islam Makhachev and Beneil Dariush and whether or not the UFC should still go forward with plans to make that bout to determine the No. 1 contender in the division, the face-to-face interview hosted by Daniel Cormier with Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo, a hot take surrounding the Carla Esparza vs. Rose Namajunas fight at UFC 274, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8 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 may have won the UFC 274 main event with a first-round submission of Justin Gaethje, but he’s still no longer the UFC lightweight champion. This week on Between the Links, the panel will react to that being the case after Oliveira’s historic weight miss this past weekend, and who top lightweight in the promotion should face next. In addition, the panelists will discuss where Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson go from their memorable matchup in Phoenix, if Bellator 281 is a better overall card than the UFC’s offering this weekend, the upcoming UFC 276 lineup and if it moves the needle for an International Fight Week event, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Conner Burks. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Conner Burks: @connerburks Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rose Namajunas and Pat Barry recently joined The MMA Hour to react to Namajunas' loss to Carla Esparza at UFC 274, and it's certainly been met with a lot of opinions. On this episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck answers questions about that interview from Wednesday's show with Ariel Helwani, along with Namajunas' post-fight comments regarding the scoring of the bout. In addition, listeners ask about what is next for Charles Oliveira, if the UFC should still move forward with a planned matchup between Islam Makhachev and Beneil Dariush, Michael Chandler's star power following his sensational KO of Tony Ferguson, recently announced fights, and more. Finally, former UFC and Bellator fighter Houston Alexander (56:08) joins the show to preview his BKFC Fight Night: Omaha bout this Friday, and his motivation to continue fighting at the age of 50. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8 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

Fresh on the heels of UFC 274, the No Bets Barred podcast returns to dissect UFC Vegas 54 and find value in a smaller card (by modern UFC standards). Co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew break down the main event between Jan Blachowicz and Aleksandar Rakic, debate the merits of putting money on Ryan Spann, and celebrate the clock-like consistency of Katlyn Chookagian. And while there are no Wolfpack Wagers this week, Conner and Jed do find themselves on opposites side of a fight for the first time, meaning the head-to-head battle finally begins... 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

Charles Oliveira is no longer the UFC lightweight champion following his submission win over Justin Gaethje, but he is the No. 1 contender for the title he lost at the beginning of Saturday's main event. When he gets his chance to reclaim the championship, who should get the shot? On this episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his thoughts on UFC 274, along with Oliveira's historic weight miss. In addition, questions come in regarding whether or not Islam Makhachev is the automatic choice to face Oliveira next for the vacant title, how Conor McGregor could factor into the discussion, where Gaethje goes from the submission loss, Rose Namajunas' corner during her strawweight title loss to Carla Esparza, Brandon Moreno vs. Kai Kara-France at UFC 277 for the interim flyweight title, recent fight announcements, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8 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 episode 35 of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown joins the show to react to the biggest moments at UFC 274 including Charles Oliveira being stripped of his title but then submitting Justin Gaethje in the main event. Brown will reveal his own story about the one time he missed weight in his career and how Oliveira deserved better than what happened when he lost his title before ultimately beating Gaethje just 24 hours later. Brown will also discuss Michael Chandler’s jaw-dropping Knockout of the Year candidate with his finish over Tony Ferguson while defending both Carla Esparza and Rose Namajunas for what is widely being called one of the worst title fights in UFC history. 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

O campeão tem nome e o nome dele é Charles do Bronx, e é claro que o melhor peso-leve do mundo estaria no podcast Trocação Franca após sua vitória maiúscula sobre Justin Gaethje no UFC 274. Em bate-papo exclusivo, Charles comentou a finalização diante do provocador Gaethje, o desafio feito a Conor McGregor e desafios recebidos de Nate Diaz e cia., o que levou à perda do título na pesagem, e se já pode ser considerado o maior peso-leve da história do MMA. Guilherme Cruz fala, ainda, com Bruno Caveira, que enfrenta a lenda Anderson Silva no boxe, neste final de semana, em Dubai. Na estreia da sessão Fight Week, entrevistas com Amanda Ribas, Leo Leite e Wendell Giacomo, que lutam neste final de semana no UFC, LFA e Bellator. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda quarta-feira, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. The champion has a name and his name is Charles Oliveira, and he’d obviously stop by Trocação Franca to discuss his huge win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 274, his decision to call out Conor McGregor and being called out by Nate Diaz, what led to his title loss at the official weigh-ins, and whether or not he’s already the greatest lightweight of all times. Guilherme Cruz also chats with Bruno Machado, who faces MMA legend Anderson Silva in a boxing match this weekend in Dubai. In the debut of the new segment “Fight Week”, where we interview fighters that are set to compete in the coming days, we chat with Amanda Ribas, Leo Leite and Wendell Giacomo. 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

Who will Charles Oliveira face when he fights for the title he was forced to vacate at the start of his submission win against Justin Gaethje on Saturday? This week on On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee try to make sense of a chaotic lightweight division following UFC 274 in Phoenix and attempt to figure out who "Du Bronx" may end up fighting for the title later this year. In addition, future matchups are discussed for Gaethje after falling short in his second bid to become undisputed champion, new champion Carla Esparza, former titleholder Rose Namajunas, Michael Chandler following his KO of the Year frontrunner, Tony Ferguson, Ovince Saint Preux, Randy Brown, 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

Charles Oliveira may no longer be the UFC lightweight champion, but he's made a clear statement that he is currently the best lightweight in the world. But now who should Oliveira face for the now vacant title? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaun Al-Shatti, Alexander K. Lee, and Jed Meshew attempt to answer that question following Oliveira's submission win over Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC 274, along with Oliveira no longer being the champion following a historic weight miss on Friday. In addition, the crew talks Michael Chandler's incredible KO of Tony Ferguson, the bizarre co-main event that saw Carla Esparza capture the strawweight title from Rose Namajunas, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Shaun Al-Shatti @ShaunAlShatti Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew 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

Charles Oliveira's weight miss led to him being stripped of the lightweight title before facing Justin Gaethje. Will Friday's drama have a significant impact on the result of the UFC 264 main event? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaun Al-Shatti, and Jose Youngs attempt to answer that question ahead of Saturday's UFC PPV event in Phoenix, react to the historic weight miss from Oliveira, discuss the strawweight title fight between Rose Namajunas and Carla Esparza, Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

Charles Oliveira is no longer the UFC lightweight champion. In a historic turn of events, Oliveira became the first champion to lose his UFC title on the scale after missing weight on Friday at UFC 274’s official weigh-ins. Oliveira tipped the scales at 155.5 pounds on his first attempt, then hit 155.5 pounds again after being given another hour to make weight. As a result, the UFC lightweight title has officially been vacated and Oliveira will not be eligible to win it on Saturday at UFC 274. MMA Fighting's Shaun Al-Shatti and Jose Youngs react in Phoenix to Oliveira's historic weight miss ahead of his UFC 274 fight against Justin Gaethje. 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

Conor McGregor had a fiery response for Tony Ferguson on Thursday after the former interim lightweight champion's memorable UFC 274 media day scrum. On this episode of Heck of a Morning, it's a Free-For-All Friday as MMA Fighting's Mike Heck takes question about McGregor's response to Ferguson, how Dana White will answer when asked about "El Cucuy" next, the trilogy fight being agreed upon for UFC 276 on July 2 between featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, where Holloway could go if he loses for a third time to Volkanovski, who Khamzat Chimaev could fight next if fights with Nate Diaz or Colby Covington aren't put together, where Rob Font goes from his loss to Marlon Vera at UFC Vegas 53, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8 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

Tony Ferguson did not mince words when it came to the UFC and promotional president Dana White ahead of his UFC 274 matchup with Michael Chandler. This week on Between the Links, the panel will discuss Ferguson’s memorable media day scrum, Saturday’s title fights between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje, as well as Rose Namajunas and Carla Esparza, Marlon Vera’s incredible win over Rob Font at UFC Vegas 53 this past Saturday at the APEX, the leaked photos of the UFC war room that got everyone excited — most notably looking at the UFC 276 card in July, which included Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nate Diaz as a potential matchup — and much 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 Benjamin 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 commentator Jon Anik joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to preview UFC 274 and talk the lightweight championship main event between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje, Rose Namajunas vs. Carla Esparza 2, Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson, and more. 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 the UFC war room screenshots taking social media by storm, could we actually see a fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Nate Diaz this summer? That question is discussed on an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning with MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, along with if the matchup is as one-sided as many people seem to think it will be, and if it's a smart move for Diaz to take the bout. In addition, listener questions include Tony Ferguson's memorable media day ahead of his UFC 274 fight with Michael Chandler and what an "El Cucuy" win could mean in the division, Rose Namajunas' legacy at 115 pounds as she prepares to defend her title against Carla Esparza, Francis Ngannou's future with the UFC, a potential fighter's union, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8 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 will battle Justin Gaethje in the main event of Saturday's UFC 274 event, while the strawweight title will also be on the line as Rose Namajunas defends against Carla Esparza. In the inaugural episode of No Bets Barred, Conner Burks and Jed Meshew breakdown the two title fights, and explain why Gaethje and Namajunas are the best bets to walk away with gold on Saturday. We also dive into Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson (hint, Chandler is going to win), and lament the main card bout featuring four fighters on the crispy side of cooked, Mauricio Rua, Ovince Saint Preux, Donald Cerrone, and Joe Lauzon. And finally, we talk about all the other bets we have down and debate their quality, including a special Bellator Wolfpack Wager. 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

It had been a little bit since Tony Ferguson took part in a UFC media day and he certainly didn't disappoint on Wednesday. Ferguson unleashed during Wednesday's UFC 274 media scrum and discussed his frustrations with the promotion, along with UFC president Dana White in an over 20 minute sit down with members of the media ahead of his matchup with Michael Chandler. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck is joined by colleagues Shaun Al-Shatti and Jose Youngs — who are on the scene in Phoenix — to react to Ferguson's scrum, Chandler's response to it all, the demeanors of headliners Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje ahead of their title fight, Rose Namajunas's legacy meaning so much to her, and other memorable moments from Wednesday. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

Junior Cigano volta à ação pela primeira vez desde que deixou o UFC para enfrentar Yorgan de Castro no evento promovido por Khabib Nurmagomedov, e os pesos-pesados batem ponto no Trocação Franca dessa semana. Natural de Cabo Verde e fã de novelas brasileiras, churrasco e cachaça, Yorgan fala da ajuda de Jon Jones nos treinos para o duelo com Cigano, enquanto o brasileiro comenta os planos de finalmente lutar boxe, reconhece erros nas lutas com Cain Velasquez, e analisa as chances de Francis Ngannou contra Tyson Fury no boxe. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda quarta-feira, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. With Junior dos Santos returning to action for the first time since his UFC departure by facing Yorgan de Castro at Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagle FC, both heavyweights stop by this week’s episode of Trocação Franca. Born in Cape Verde and a fan of Brazilian soap operas, barbecue, and cachaça, de Castro discusses how Jon Jones helped him gear up for his fight against “Cigano”, while dos Santos unveils his boxing plans, Francis Ngannou’s chances against Tyson Fury, and looks back at mistakes made against Cain Velasquez. 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

Could Justin Gaethje be overlooking Charles Oliveira ahead of his shot at the UFC lightweight title this Saturday at UFC 274? That question is discussed following Gaethje's recent comments ahead of this weekend's pay-per-view event in Phoenix, Ariz. In addition, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck recaps Marlon Vera's biggest career win over Rob Font at UFC Vegas 53, along with Katie Taylor's split decision win over Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden, while also taking listener questions about Vera's title hopes, why I seemingly don't seem to care — at least, at this moment — about Henry Cejudo coming back and how he could learn something from Georges St-Pierre and Khabib Nurmagomedov, Tony Ferguson's fight against Michael Chandler, the ongoing social media saga involving Canelo Alvarez and Kamaru Usman, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8 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 episode 34 of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Beneil Dariush joins the show to give an update on his health following an injury that prevented him from competing in February as well as the timeline for his return with plans to settle some unfinished business with Islam Makhachev. Dariush will also breakdown the two key lightweight fights at UFC 274 as Charles Oliveira defends his title against Justin Gaethje while Michael Chandler faces Tony Ferguson. Two-time PFL champion Kayla Harrison also joins the show to preview her upcoming return to action after she signed a new deal with the promotion following a stint in free agency. Harrison will detail what it was like being a free agent for the first time, the potential that she’ll get the chance to face Cris Cyborg in the future and a fiery response to UFC champion Julianna Pena. All this and more on the latest edition 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

Marlon Vera picked up the biggest win of his career in the main event of UFC Vegas 53, so how close is "Chito" away from getting himself into a title fight in the bantamweight division? That question is discussed following Vera's dominant decision win over Rob Font in Saturday's main event at the APEX. In addition, future matchups are discussed for Andrei Arlovski following his controversial decision win over Jake Collier in the co-main event, Joanderson Brito after quickly finishing Andre Fili, Grant Dawson following his third-round submission over Jared Gordon, as well as Darren Elkins and Krzysztof Jotko following their main card wins, 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

Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano made history on Saturday night in the boxing ring, while Marlon Vera officially inserted himself into the championship conversation in the UFC’s bantamweight division. Following Taylor’s win over Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Shaun Al-Shatti, Jose Youngs, and Alexander K. Lee reacted to the unbelievable atmosphere and fight in New York, along with the big moments from UFC Vegas 53, including Vera’s big win over Rob Font in the main event, where both guys go from the five-round headliner, Alexandr Romanov’s future, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Shaun Al-Shatti @ShaunAlShatti 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

Rob Font and Marlon Vera will still headline Saturday’s UFC Vegas 53 event despite the former missing weight for the first time in his career. Ahead of the pivotal showdown between Font and Vera, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Jose Youngs, Alexander K. Lee, and Jed Meshew react to Font’s weight miss and discuss whether it will make an impact on the fight itself, the other top storylines heading in, the historic Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano boxing match at MSG on Saturday night, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew 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

Should the UFC go with Jose Aldo as the next challenger to Aljamain Sterling's bantamweight championship? On this episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck leads a 'Free-For-All Friday,' taking your calls about a potential Sterling vs. Aldo bout and whether or not Aldo should get the shot over T.J. Dillashaw, Alexandr Romanov heading into his UFC Vegas 53 matchup with Chase Sherman as the biggest betting favorite in UFC history, the main event of Saturday's card at the APEX between Rob Font and Marlon Vera, how to improve judging in MMA, more MMA fantasy draft chatter, and more. In addition, the brand new interim Bellator bantamweight champion Raufeon Stots (1:13:10) joins the show to recap his third-round stoppage win over Juan Archuleta at Bellator 279 this past Saturday to capture the title, why he hopes Danny Sabatello defeats Leandro Higo in their upcoming grand prix matchup on June 24, Sergio Pettis, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8 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

Will UFC heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou get his wish and box Tyson Fury? That question is discussed following Fury’s sixth-round KO win over Dillian Whyte this past Saturday and the post-fight moment between the two combat sports champions. In addition, the panel will also react to the Bellator doubleheader and the UFC’s event at the APEX over the weekend and which fighter was the MVP of the slate, Henry Cejudo’s chances for a championship fight in his return to the UFC, UFC Vegas 53 this Saturday — which will be headlined by a bantamweight bout between Rob Font and Marlon Vera — the history making boxing match between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting’s Jose Youngs and Jed Meshew. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs 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

If you were promoting a brand new MMA organization and you were taking part in a multi-league draft, and all active fighters were available to be drafted, who would you choose first? That question is discussed by a lot of callers on this edition of Heck of a Morning with MMA Fighting's Mike Heck. Listeners give their thoughts where they would draft certain names such as Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya, Max Holloway, and others. In addition, questions about the UFC Vegas 53 main event this Saturday between Rob Font and Marlon Vera, interest levels in a potential boxing bout between Kamaru Usman and Canelo Alvarez, and more. Also, former WEC champion and multi-time UFC title challenger Urijah Faber (51:08) joins the show to discuss his new MMA promotion Urijah Faber's A-1 Combat and their inaugural event this Sunday on UFC Fight Pass, Maycee Barber's recent win over Montana De La Rosa at UFC Vegas 52, how he would book Aljamain Sterling's next bantamweight title defense, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 8 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

Which 25 fighters would you build a promotion around if you had the chance? With the NFL Draft upon us, that's the question we set out to answer in our inaugural 2022 MMA Fantasy Draft. Listen as Jed Meshew guides the action and the staff drafts five fighters to their respective organizations: The UFC, Bellator, PFL, ONE Championship, and Eagle FC. Other promoters include Mike Heck, Shaun Al-Shatti, Damon Martin, and Alexander K. Lee. Who will be the first overall pick? And which drafter is best set up for the next five years? Find out right now. Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Shaun Al-Shatti @ShaunAlShatti 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

Will the *real* No. 1 light heavyweight in the world please stand up? The MMA Fighting Rankings Show returns after another monster month to debate the MVP of April, Khamzat Chimaev's torrid ascension up the welterweight ranks, and predict the breakout name of an action-packed May. Then, co-hosts Shaun Al-Shatti and Alexander K. Lee are joined by old pals Damon Martin and Jed Meshew for a round of "State Your Case" as we try to make sense of the bizarro world that is the 205-pound division. The gang also makes a few long overdue mea culpas, takes a few well deserved victory laps, and much more. Catch new episodes of the MMA Fighting Rankings Show on the first Wednesday of every month. 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