MMA Fighting

In the fifth episode of On to the Next One, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee put on their matchmaker hats following Saturday night’s UFC 252 event at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. Future fights were discussed for heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic following his unanimous decision win over Daniel Cormier in the main event, co-main eventers Marlon Vera and Sean O’Malley, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Daniel Pineda, Merab Dvalishvili, Vinc Pichel, 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

MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jose Youngs break down the top storylines from UFC 252 on Saturday night in Las Vegas, including Stipe Miocic’s successful heavyweight title defense against Daniel Cormier in the main event. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jose Youngs break down all the top storylines heading into UFC 252 on Saturday in Las Vegas, including the trilogy fight for the heavyweight championship between Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode of What the Heck, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck speaks with Michael Chandler (11:50) to recap his first-round finish of Benson Henderson in the main event of Bellator 243 this past Friday night, and becoming a free agent. Bellator women's flyweight Valerie Loureda (43:38) discusses her second-round TKO win over Tara Graff at Bellator 243, the viral dance celebration, and the difficult road to get to the fight. UFC featherweight Youssef Zalal (1:05:24) talks his unanimous decision win over Peter Barrett at UFC Vegas 6 this past Saturday and becoming the first fighter on the roster to win three fights in 2020. EA UFC 4 creative director Brian Hayes (1:31:25) gives you an inside look at the video game's worldwide release on Friday, changes made compared to EA UFC 3, and answers some FAQ from social media about the game. Finally, we replay our exclusive interview with former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington (1:53:58) as he gives an update on the targeted Sept. 19 matchup with rival Tyron Woodley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For this episode, MMA Fighting’s José Youngs, Alex Savas, and Esther Lin break down some of the top stories in MMA. Some topics include a preview of Saturday’s UFC 252 card, the upcoming rubber match between UFC champion Stipe Miocic and former champ Daniel Cormier, Sean O’Malley’s return against Marlon Vera, and more. The three will look back on action packed UFC Vegas 6 card, which included Derrick Lewis’ TKO over Aleksei Oleinik, as well as Bellator 243, which included stoppage wins for Valerie Loureda and Michael Chandler. Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Follow Esther Linn: @allelbows Follow Alex Savas: @AlexSavas 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Colby Covington joined MMA Fighting's Mike Heck for an exclusive interview to provide an update on the targeted Sept. 19 fight with Tyron Woodley, his thoughts on Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 and the current landscape of the welterweight division, the UFC 252 main event between Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier, 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Check out episode 11 of Between the Links as Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting’s Jose Youngs and Alex K. Lee as they give their takes on which three fighters had the best performances from this past weekend’s UFC Vegas 6 and Bellator 243 events. In addition, the panel discusses who Michael Chandler should fight next now that he is a free agent—and where he will ultimately land—where the UFC 252 heavyweight championship main event between Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier ranks on the all-time title fight list, give their grades on Saturday night’s event overall on paper, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the fourth episode of On to the Next One, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee put on their matchmaker hats following Saturday night’s UFC Vegas 6 event at the UFC APEX. Future fights were discussed for headliners Derrick Lewis and Alexey Oleinik, co-main event winner Chris Weidman, Darren Stewart, Yana Kunitskaya, Beneil Dariush, Kevin Holland, 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

MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Jose Youngs, Alex K. Lee and E. Casey Leydon break down the top storylines from Saturday night’s UFC Vegas 6 event at the UFC APEX, including Derrick Lewis’ second-round finish of Alexey Oleinik in the heavyweight main event. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Follow E. Casey Leydon: @ekc Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With UFC Vegas 6 just hours away, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jose Youngs and Alex K. Lee break down the top storylines, including the heavyweight main event between Derrick Lewis and Alexey Oleinik. 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

Ahead of his co-main event fight at UFC 252, "Suga" Sean O'Malley speaks with Damon Martin about his new contract, Marlon "Chito" Vera, his recent war of words with Cody Garbrandt and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode of What the Heck, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck speaks to Marlon Vera (3:56) to preview his UFC 252 co-main event fight against Sean O'Malley on Aug. 15. Mike Hamel (23:21) discusses making his Bellator debut on short notice against Adam Borics at Friday night's Bellator 243 event. Kevin Holland (42:25) recaps his chaotic week as he prepares to face newcomer Joaquin Buckley at UFC Vegas 6 this Saturday night. Finally, Ashley Yoder (56:26) talks her strawweight matchup with Livinha Souza at UFC 252 in Las Vegas. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For this episode, MMA Fighting’s José Youngs, Guilherme Cruz and E. Casey Leydon break down some of the top stories in MMA. Some topics Guilherme’s experience on UFC Fight Island, last weekend’s UFC Vegas 5 card, the large number of changeups to the final fight lineup, Derek Brunson’s TKO over Edmen Shahbazyan. The three will also look ahead to this weekend’s UFC Vegas 6 card, headlined by a heavyweight title between Derrick Lewis vs. Aleksei Oleinik and a middleweight fight between Chris Weidman vs. Omari Akhmedov. Also on tap, is a preview of Bellator 243, headlined by a lightweight rematch between Michael Chandler and Benson Henderson. Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Follow E. Casey Leydon: @ekc 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Check out episode 10 of Between the Links as Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and journalist Anthony Walker to discuss where Edmen Shahbazyan goes after the first loss of his career to Derek Brunson in the main event of UFC Vegas 5. In addition, the panel discusses which card is better this weekend between UFC Vegas 6 and Bellator 243, which upcoming UFC title fight is the most competitive, Cody Garbrandt’s potential move to 125 to challenge Deiveson Figueiredo, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Ant Walker: @AntWalkerMMA 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

In the third episode of On to the Next One, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee put on their matchmaker hats following Saturday night’s UFC Vegas 5 event at the UFC APEX. Future fights were discussed for headliners Derek Brunson and Edmen Shahbazyan, co-main eventers Jennifer Maia and Joanne Calderwood, Vicente Luque, Bobby Green, 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

MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Alex K. Lee and E. Casey Leydon break down the top storylines following UFC Vegas 5 Saturday night at the UFC APEX, including Derek Brunson’s third-round finish of Edmen Shahbazyan in the middleweight headliner. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Follow E. Casey Leydon: @ekc Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With UFC Vegas 5 just hours away, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jose Youngs break down the top storylines of Saturday night's event at the UFC APEX, including the main event between Derek Brunson and Edmen Shahbazyan. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week’s episode of What the Heck, Mike Heck chats with Carla Esparza (5:37) as she recaps her UFC on ESPN 14 win over Marina Rodriguez, talks being ready for a big fight next, which includes a title fight with Zhang Weili. Manel Kape (22:44) explains why he’ll no longer be making his octagon debut at UFC 252, his thoughts on Deiveson Figueiredo’s flyweight title win, and why he loves the idea of Cody Garbrandt potentially dropping down to 125. UFC heavyweight Tanner Boser (39:34) recaps his second-round TKO win over Raphael Pessoa at UFC on ESPN 14, talks a potential matchup with Maurice Greene, a recent Twitter contest he introduced, and more. In addition, Curtis Millender (56:53) previews his upcoming fight with Sabah Homasi at Bellator 243, and Jesse Ronson (1:08:14) explains how his first-round submission win over Nicolas Dalby at UFC on ESPN 14 almost didn’t happen. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For this episode, Sarah Kaufman joins José Youngs and E. Casey Leydon to discuss some of the hot topics in MMA. Some topics include: The fallout from UFC's first month on Fight Island; Khamzat Chimaev’s TKO over Rhys McKee , a preview of UFC Vegas 5, which is headlined by a middleweight fight between Derek Brunson vs. Edmen Shahbazyan, Joanne Calderwood's co-main event against Jennifer Maia, and the recently announced lightweight title unification fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje in October. Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Follow E. Casey Leydon: @ekc Follow Sarah Kaufman: @mmasarah 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 Show Less Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Moments after UFC president Dana White made the announcement, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jose Youngs react to the lightweight title fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje being booked for Oct. 24. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former four-division world boxing champion Roy Jones Jr. joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to discuss his eight-round boxing exhibition fight with Mike Tyson Sept. 12, his reaction to the booking, still being open to a boxing match with Anderson Silva, 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Check out episode 9 of Between the Links as Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Alex K. Lee and Jed Meshew discussing Robert Whittaker's win over Darren Till in the UFC on ESPN 14 main event, Dan Hardy and Herb Dean's confrontation, grading Bellator's return this past Friday, a look ahead to the UFC's return to Las Vegas on Saturday night, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee 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 Mike Heck and Alex K. Lee give their takes on what should be next for some of the notable names following UFC on ESPN 14. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alex K. Lee give their takes on what should be next for some of the notable names following UFC on ESPN 13 and UFC Fight Island 2. 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

MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Jose Youngs and Alex K. Lee break down the top storylines following UFC on ESPN 14 Saturday night in Abu Dhabi, including Robert Whittaker’s unanimous decision win over Darren Till in the main event. 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

MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and José Youngs break down all the top storylines heading into Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 14 card headlined by a middleweight matchup between Robert Whittaker and Darren Till, and featuring a number of notable names including Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Fabricio Werdum, Alexander Gustafsson, and Carla Esparza. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @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

Check out episode 17 of What the Heck on MMA Fighting as Mike Heck chats with Calvin Kattar (3:48) to discuss his UFC on ESPN 13 main event win over Dan Ige, Alexander Volkanovski's win over Max Holloway, how he matches up with both of those guys, and more. Top UFC flyweight contenders Alex Perez (22:29) and Brandon Moreno (48:26) state their cases for Deiveson Figueiredo's first title defense following the new champion's first round finish of Joseph Benavidez at UFC Fight Island 2. Finally, Modestas Bukauskas (1:10:27) recaps his first-round TKO win over Andreas Michailidis at UFC on ESPN 13, the controversy that seemed to surround it, and what he wants next. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

José Youngs, Alex Savas, and E. Casey Leydon discuss some of the hot topics in mixed martial arts. Some possible topics include fallout from UFC Fight Island 2, Deiveson Figueiredo’s title win over Joseph Benavidez, Jack Hermansson’s submission over Kelvin Gastelum, the recently announced middleweight title fight between Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa, and more. The three will also look ahead to this weekend’s card, headlined by a middleweight fight between Robert Whittaker vs. Darren Till. Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Follow E. Casey Leydon: @ekc Follow Alex Savas: @AlexSavas 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Check out episode 8 of Between the Links as Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Alex K. Lee and Steven Marrocco as they discuss Deiveson Figueiredo's impressive flyweight title victory at UFC Fight Island 2 and what it means for the flyweight division. In addition, the panel discusses the Fight Island experience thus far, Dana White's hesitation to name Aljamain Sterling the no. 1 contender for Petr Yan's bantamweight title, and the return of Bellator MMA this Friday at Mohegan Sun. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Steven Marrocco: @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

MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alex K. Lee give their takes on what should be next for some of the notable names following UFC on ESPN 13 and UFC Fight Island 2. 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

MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jose Youngs and Alex K. Lee break down the top storylines from Saturday night's UFC Fight Island 2 event in Abu Dhabi, including Deiveson Figueiredo's submission win over Joseph Benavidez to become the new flyweight champion in the main event. 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

Bellator president Scott Coker speaks with MMA Fighting's Mike Heck about the promotion's return to action July 24, hosting several events at Mohegan Sun, the 'Fightsphere,' testing procedures, an update on the featherweight grand prix, and Bellator's interest in Paige VanZant now that she is a free agent. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With UFC Fight Island 2 just hours away, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alex K. Lee break down the top storylines from Saturday night's card in Abu Dhabi, including the main event for the vacant flyweight title between Deiveson Figueiredo and Joseph Benavidez. 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

MMA Fighting's Damon Martin speaks with Paige VanZant and Austin Vanderford about UFC 251, the experience of Fight Island, Dana White's post-fight comments following VanZant's first-round submission loss to Amanda Ribas, her upcoming free agency, and more. 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

Check out episode 16 of What the Heck on MMA Fighting. This week, Mike Heck chats with Gilbert Burns (5:50) to discuss the UFC 251 main event between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal, losing his opportunity to fight Usman following a positive COVID-19 test, and being next in line to fight for the title. UFC lightweight Devonte Smith (35:55) talks his recovery following a torn achilles tendon that required surgery. Note: This interview took place the morning before a tragic incident took place in Columbus, Ohio when Devonte’s 23-year-old sister Dariene Smith was caught in a crossfire and tragically lost her life. If you would like to donate to help with funeral costs, and in support of her two children left behind, you can do so via GoFundMe. The UFC’s newest bantamweight signee John Castaneda (1:00:18) previews his octagon debut against Nathaniel Wood set for July 25. Finally, top-10 UFC bantamweight Rob Font (1:18:47) gives an update on when he may return to action following surgery due to an injury suffered in his victory over Ricky Simon. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jose Youngs break down the top storylines following Wednesday night’s UFC on ESPN 13 event in Abu Dhabi, including Calvin Kattar’s unanimous decision win over Dan Ige in the featherweight headliner. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For this episode, Jose Torres and Din Thomas join José Youngs and E. Casey Leydon break down some of the top stories in MMA. Some possible topics include — fallout of UFC 251, Kamaru Usman’s succuesful title defense against Jorge Masvidal, Alexander Volkanovski’s controversial win over Max Holloway, Petr Yan’s win over Jose Aldo, and more. The four will also look ahead to this weekend’s card, headlined by a featherweight fight between Calvin Kattar and Dan Ige, and discuss Din Thomas’ experience during quarantine. Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Follow E. Casey Leydon: @ekc Follow Din Thomas: @DinThomas Follow Jose Torres: @ShortyTorresMMA 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee and Guilherme Cruz break down all the top storylines heading into Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 13, which is headlined by a featherweight matchup between Calvin Kattar and Dan Ige. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee 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

Check out episode 7 of Between the Links as Mike Heck moderates the matchup between champion James Lynch and MMA Fighting's Alex K. Lee as they discuss the aftermath of Kamaru Usman's unanimous decision win against Jorge Masvidal in the main event of UFC 251. In addition, the panel reacts to the controversial co-main event that saw Alexander Volkanovski successfully defend his featherweight title against Max Holloway via split decision, and Saturday night's card as a whole. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Follow James Lynch: @LynchOnSports 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 Mike Heck and Jose Youngs break down the top storylines following Saturday night’s memorable UFC 251 event on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, including Kamaru Usman's unanimous decision win over Jorge Masvidal in the welterweight championship headliner. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With UFC 251 just hours away, MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz and The Mac Life's Oscar Willis break down the top storyline heading to Saturday night's event on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, including the three title fights headlined by Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal for the welterweight championship. Follow Guilherme Cruz: @guicruzzz Follow Oscar Willis: @oscarswillis 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

Check out episode 15 of What the Heck with Mike Heck on MMA Fighting. This week, Mike speaks with Stephen Thompson (6:43) about being the last fighter to defeat Jorge Masvidal ahead of Saturday night's UFC 251 main event. Leon Edwards (27:50) discusses his place in the UFC's welterweight division, having his UFC London main event with Tyron Woodley cancelled, being offered the UFC 251 main event bout with Kamaru Usman, Masvidal stepping in for Burns, and more. In addition, former Cage Warriors light heavyweight champion Modestas Bukauskas (49:56) previews his UFC debut fight on July 15, and Grant Dawson (1:16:48) talks his upcoming fight with Nad Narimani set for July 18. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week’s episode of Between the Links, Mike Heck moderates the rematch between MMA Fighting’s Jose Youngs and fellow journalist James Lynch as they discuss the new main event between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 for the welterweight title. In addition, the panel discusses where Gilbert Burns now fits in the title picture, and debate on which “Fight Island” card—besides UFC 251—is the best overall from top to bottom. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Follow James Lynch: @LynchOnSports 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

Former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and gives his reaction to Jorge Masvidal replacing Gilbert Burns to face Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC 251, talks if he was an option, who he expects will leave Fight Island with the title, wanting a rematch with Usman and much 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee react to the weekend's massive news of Jorge Masvidal stepping in to face Kamaru Usman for the welterweight title in the new main event of UFC 251. 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

Moments after it was confirmed that Gilbert Burns was forced to withdraw from his welterweight title headliner with Kamaru Usman at UFC 251 following a positive COVID-19 test, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jose Youngs react to the breaking news. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For this episode, Brave CF flyweight Jose Torres and coach Din Thomas join José Youngs and Alex Savas to break down some of the top stories in MMA. Some topics include the passing of Khabib Nurmagomedov's father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, a preview of 'UFC Fight Island,' Rose Namajunas' rematch against Jessica Andrade, possible next opponents for Zhang Weili and TJ Dillashaw, the welterweight title fight between Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns, the featherweight rematch between Alexander Volkanvoski vs. Max Holloway, the bantamweight title fight between Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo, the flyweight title fight between Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Joseph Benavdiez, and more. Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Follow E. Casey Leydon: @ekc Follow Shane Helms: @ShaneHelmsCom 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul Felder joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to recap the incredible lightweight matchup between Dustin Poirier and Dan Hooker, gives an update on whether or not he plans to return to the octagon, and previews the upcoming 'Fight Island' events--which he'll be part of the broadcast team for all four cards--beginning with a stacked UFC 251 lineup on July 11. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MMA Fighting's Damon Martin speaks with former UFC welterweight Ben Askren about fighter pay, Jon Jones and Jorge Masvidal speaking up against the UFC, unionization in MMA, and more. 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

Check out episode 14 of What the Heck with Mike Heck on MMA Fighting. This week, Mike speaks with UFC lead commentator Jon Anik (4:49) to recap the promotion's crazy stretch of events during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a look ahead to 'Fight Island,' beginning with UFC 251 on July 11. Khama Worthy (28:08) recaps his third-round submission win over Luis Pena at UFC on ESPN 12 and discusses what he wants next and in the future. Maurice Greene (51:53) walks us through his wild third-round submission win over Gian Villante this past Saturday, and gives his take on Tanner Boser's call out. Finally, Julian Erosa (1:10:38) shares his story of getting another shot with the UFC on short notice and putting away the previously unbeaten Sean Woodson this past weekend in Las Vegas. Was he the first choice to replace Kyle Nelson? 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For this episode, former WWE superstar Shane Helms joins José Youngs and E. Casey Leydon to break down some of the top stories in MMA. Some topics include fallout from UFC on ESPN 12, the epic war between Dustin Poirier and Dan Hooker, the lack of "characters" in mixed martial arts, fighters' promo skills, Fedor Emelianenko's aura from his Pride FC days, the bantamweight title fight between Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo, and more. Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Follow E. Casey Leydon: @ekc Follow Shane Helms: @ShaneHelmsCom 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices