MMA Fighting

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin discuss Kamaru Usman making a triumphant return to the octagon and if his request for a welterweight title shot should be granted. Plus we discuss if Rodolfo Bellato actually faked a knockout to stop his fight with Paul Craig and we debate if Francis Ngannou made a mistake leaving the UFC? All that plus much more! Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow onTwitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kamaru Usman reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the greatest welterweights of all time. The UFC Atlanta main event ended with Usman’s hand raised high after a vintage performance against top 10 contender Joaquin Buckley. It had been over 800 days since Usman competed at 170 pounds and it didn’t look like he missed a beat as he grounded Buckley for the better part of five rounds en route to a unanimous decision win. So where does the former champion go from here? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, join MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee as they discuss whether Usman has any other option besides the most glaringly obvious one for his next fight, and where fellow former champion Rose Namajunas goes after holding onto her spot in the flyweight contender line with an impressive win over the streaking Miranda Maverick. Plus, we make matchups for main card winners Edmen Shahbazyan, Raoni Barcelos, Mansur Abdul-Malik, and Alonzo Menifield. All that and the usual fine collection of listener picks. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@m_heckjr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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

Kamaru Usman entered the UFC Atlanta main event against Joaquin Buckley as an underdog for just the third time in his UFC career, but delivered a vintage performance in his first fight in nearly two years. After dominating Buckley, is Usman officially a threat to regain UFC gold? Following Saturday's UFC Fight Night card, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee react to the event, Usman's lopsided win over Buckley, what we learned about both fighters, and what Usman needs to do to get to a title fight. Additionally, they discuss Rose Namajunas' win over Miranda Maverick, Malcolm Wellmaker's sensational knockout, the weirdness that happened in the Rodolfo Bellato vs. Paul Craig fight, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@m_heckjr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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

Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Ssman returns to the octagon for the first time in nearly two years in the main event of UFC Atlanta as he faces Joaquin Buckley in a pivotal matchup. Can Usman make one last run at the welterweight title, or does Buckley's impressive run continue? Ahead of Saturday's UFC Fight Night Card, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and E. Casey Leydon preview the card, the main event between Usman and Buckley, talk what's at stake for both fighters, and what Usman's future could look like if he loses his fourth consecutive bout. Additionally, they'll discuss the co-main event between former champ Rose Namajunas and Miranda Maverick, if either can get into the immediate title discussion with a win, other fights that have our attention on the card, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@m_heckjr⁠⁠ 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

UFC 316 is in the books, and despite the MMA community feeling somewhat indifferent about the fight card on paper, the most recent UFC pay-per-view event delivered big moments, and certainly a lot to discuss in the fallout — including dominant championship finishes for UFC champs Merab Dvalishvili and, the UFC's newest titleholder Kayla Harrison. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel reacts to UFC 316, Dvalishvili's sensational performance against Sean O'Malley, and discuss if Dvalishvili is the bantamweight GOAT, and if not, what he needs to do to get there. Additionally, topics include Harrison's submission win over Julianna Pena to claim the women's bantamweight title, how massive the potential fight with Amanda Nunes is after their staredown on Saturday night, Patchy Mix losing a lopsided decision, his reaction to the loss, and where the performance ranks in letdowns for UFC debuts, UFC Atlanta, PFL Nashvillie, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and our old friend Shaheen Al-Shatti. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@m_heckjr⁠⁠ Follow Jed Meshew: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JedKMeshew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Shaheen Al-Shatti: @shaunalshatti Subscribe:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://goo.gl/dYpsgH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out our full video catalog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://goo.gl/u8VvLi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our playlists:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://goo.gl/eFhsvM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Like MMAF on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://goo.gl/nOATUI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Read More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin react to the fallout from UFC 316 including Merab Dvalishvili tapping out Sean O’Malley and where he stands now among the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport plus Kayla Harrison running roughshod over Julianna Pena and the chances that she does the same thing to Amanda Nunes plus Patchy Mix struggles in his octagon debut and much more. Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Merab Dvalishvili is still the UFC bantamweight champion after submitting Sean O'Malley in the third round of their rematch in the main event of UFC 316. While it appears Dvalishvili will defend his title against Cory Sandhagen next, where does O'Malley go after losing to Dvalishvili for the second straight time? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee as they discuss where Dvalishvili and O'Malley go following their UFC 316 championship headliner. Additionally, they discuss what's next for Kayla Harrison and Julianna Pena after Harrison stopped the now-former two-time champ in the second round, Joe Pyfer following his decision win over Kelvin Gastelum, Mario Bautista after his dominant decision win against former Bellator champ Patchy Mix, along with fellow main card winner Kevin Holland, and more. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@m_heckjr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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

Merab Dvalishvili put an exclamation point on his rivalry with Sean O'Malley with a dominant submission win in the main event of UFC 316. Dvalishvili has put himself in the conversation to be the greatest bantamweight of all-time, and now he's taken one step closer to that accomplishment following his performance in Newark. Following UFC 316, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to the card as a whole, Dvalishvili's performance, a likely showdown with Cory Sandhagen next, and where O'Malley could go following his second straight loss. Additionally, they discuss Kayla Harrison's title-winning submission of Julianna Pena in the co-main event, the faceoff between Harrison and Amanda Nunes, how big that fight is right now, Pena's next move, Patchy Mix losing a lopsided decision to Mario Bautista in his UFC debut, other standout moments and performances, and more. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@m_heckjr⁠ 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

UFC 316 is almost upon us. On Saturday, the UFC returns to Newark, NJ, for its latest pay-per-view offering, featuring a pair of bantamweight title fights. In the co-main event, Julianna Peña defends her newly reclaimed title against two-time Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison. Then, in the main event, Sean O’Malley looks to reclaim the bantamweight title by upsetting the man who took the belt from him last year, Merab Dvalishvili. The stakes couldn’t be higher and MMA Fighting is here to break it all down. Ahead of Saturday’s UFC 316 card, MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Mike Heck preview the event, and the major storylines at play in the two title fights this weekend. Additionally, they’ll touch on other standout matchups on the card, including Patchy Mix making his UFC debut against Mario Bautista, Kelvin Gastelum and Joe Pyfer squaring off, Vicente Luque vs. Kevin Holland, the best of the undercard action, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's been a wild week in the world of MMA, and it began this past weekend prior to the scheduled UFC Vegas 107 main event between Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber, when the latter was forced to withdraw at the last minute due to a health emergency — and that was the beginning of the road to UFC 316 fight week. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel reacts to the fallout of this past Saturday's headliner getting scratched, both fighters' comments since, and if it could be a massive fight for the UFC in the future. Additionally, they'll discuss Tom Aspinall publicly saying he's the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion and wishing Jon Jones the best in his "retirement," if the fight is officially off of life support and gone altogether, UFC 316 as a whole, if the card is good, Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley 2, Julianna Pena vs. Kayla Harrison and the rivalry growing by the day, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and multi-promotional commentator Ben "The Bane" Davis. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@m_heckjr⁠ Follow Jed Meshew: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@JedKMeshew⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Ben Davis: @BenTheBaneDavis 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 316 is finally here. Kicking off a stacked summer of MMA action, UFC 316 goes down this Saturday, headlined by a pair of bantamweight title fights. In the co-main event, Julianna Peña puts her women's bantamweight title on the line against Kayla Harrison, and then in the main event, Merab Dvalishvili gives Sean O'Malley a chance for revenge and the men's bantamweight title. And, of course, No Bets Barred is here to break it all down. This week, host Jed Meshew is joined by Morning Kombat's Long Island Luke to preview Saturday's big card. Topics discussed include whether or not O'Malley can upset Dvalishvili, Peña's chances at ruining the UFC plans yet again, Patchy Mix's debut against Mario Bautista, the best undercard action, the latest updates on The Climb, and more. Tune in for episode 129 of No Bets Barred. Follow Jed Meshew: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@JedKMeshew Follow Luke Noseda: ⁠@MainCardMinute⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to MMA Fighting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our full video catalog⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Like MMA Fighting on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠ Read More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley battle in a UFC bantamweight championship rematch at UFC 316, check out the roads each fighter took to Saturday's main event matchup. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠@mikeheck_jr⁠⁠ 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

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin preview UFC 316 and give their picks for Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley and Julianna Pena vs. Kayla Harrison plus we discuss the latest in the ongoing drama between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall plus Maycee Barber dropping out of her fight against Erin Blanchfield just before she walked to the cage plus much more. Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Erin Blanchfield did not get to compete in the main event of UFC Vegas 107, and was getting ready to walk to the octagon for the pivotal bout with Maycee Barber before the fight was cancelled at the last minute. With the likelihood of the UFC rebooking Blanchfield vs. Barber being extremely low, where does "Cold-Blooded" go next? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what could be next for Blanchfield after the shocking ending to Saturday's Fight Night card at the UFC APEX. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Mateusz Gamrot following his co-main event win over Ludovit Klein, Ramiz Brahimaj after putting Billy Ray Goff to sleep with a nasty standing guillotine, along with fellow main card winners Dustin Jacoby, Zachary Reese, and more. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@m_heckjr⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Alexander K. Lee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@AlexanderKLee⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe:⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://goo.gl/dYpsgH⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out our full video catalog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://goo.gl/u8VvLi⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our playlists:⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://goo.gl/eFhsvM⁠⁠⁠⁠ Like MMAF on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://goo.gl/nOATUI⁠⁠⁠⁠ Read More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The promotional package for the UFC Vegas 107 main event between Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber finished airing, and then the fight was cancelled minutes later after Barber suffered a last-minute "medical issue," per the broadcast. It was an unfortunate end to the night, and a tough night for both Barber and Blanchfield. Following Saturday's Fight Night event at the UFC APEX, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee react to the shocking development, Blanchfield's comments about the situation, and what it could mean for both fighters moving forward. Additionally, they discuss Mateusz Gamrot getting back in the win column in the co-main event, react to the bonus winners, Noche UFC shifting to San Antonio in September, and answer listener questions about UFC 316, and more! Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@m_heckjr⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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

Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber are set for a pivotal flyweight matchup, but what exactly is at stake? On Saturday, Blanchfield and Barber headline #UFC Vegas 107 at the World’s Mightiest APEX in Las Vegas. Both are still under 28, they represent “The Future” of the flyweight division and are already in the top 5. In normal circumstances, the winner would be a shoo-in for a title shot, but the title picture is suddenly quite muddled at 125 pounds. So are these two women competing for a title fight, and if not, what are they fighting for on Saturday? Ahead of Saturday’s #UFCFightNight card at the APEX in Las Vegas, #MMA Fighting’s Alexander K. Lee and Jed Meshew preview the event, the headliner between Blanchfield and Barber, the stakes for both fighters, and where the loser goes with a loss. Additionally, they’ll touch on other standout matchups on the card, including the co-main event between Mateusz Gamrot and Ludovit Klein, the women’s bantamweight bout between Ketlen Vieira and Macy Chiasson, and much more. Follow Jed Meshew: ⁠⁠⁠@JedKMeshew⁠⁠⁠ Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR⁠ Follow E. Casey Leydon: @ekc ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to MMA Fighting⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Check out our full video catalog⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Like MMA Fighting on Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow on Twitter⁠⁠⁠ Read More: ⁠⁠⁠http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jon Jones still hasn't put pen to paper for a fight with Tom Aspinall, but that certainly hasn't stopped the UFC great from throwing little jabs at Aspinall on the internet. On Friday, Jones told Aspinall to "shut your mouth and do what your told," but what does that actually mean? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel answers your questions on the latest with Jones vs. Aspinall, and if there's any positive thoughts in regards to confidence the fight gets made by Dana White and the brass. Additionally, questions may include UFC Vegas 107 headlined by Erin Blanchfield facing the returning Maycee Barber in a pivotal women's flyweight bout, the stakes in the contest, Mateusz Gamrot facing Ludovit Klein in the co-main event, B.J. Penn's troubles with the law, Belal Muhammad breaking his silence on his UFC 315 title loss to Jack Della Maddalena, and more! Join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and E. Casey Leydon as they answer your questions and discuss the biggest topics in the sport. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@m_heckjr⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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

After a rare week off, the UFC is back in action this weekend. On Saturday, UFC Vegas 107 goes down at the World’s Mightiest APEX, headlined by a Top 5 women’s flyweight matchup between Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber, with possible title implications on the line. But before that happens, Mateusz Gamrot and Ludovit Klein mix it up in a pivotal lightweight contest, and nine other bouts of varying import take place. And after a brief hiatus, No Bets Barred is back to break down all the action this weekend. This week, host Jed Meshew flies solo to preview this underwhelming APEX card before next weekend’s big UFC 316 event. Topics discussed include what Blanchfield and Barber are fighting for, how Klein will fare in his big opportunity to climb the lightweight ladder, which underdogs are live on Saturday, the latest updates on The Climb, and more. Tune in for episode 128 of No Bets Barred. Follow Jed Meshew: ⁠⁠⁠@JedKMeshew⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to MMA Fighting⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Check out our full video catalog⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Like MMA Fighting on Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow on Twitter⁠⁠⁠ Read More: ⁠⁠⁠http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin react to the latest news in the featherweight division where Movsar Evloev revealed he’s not getting the next title shot against Alexander Volkanovksi plus we discuss what happens to Sean O’Malley if he falls to Merab Dvalishvili again at UFC 316 plus much more Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on FacebookFollow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UFC heavyweight champ Jon Jones continues to be at the center of the news cycle as he discusses his plans for a return to the octagon, and a potential fight with interim champ Tom Aspinall. While he says he's not "retired," Jones continues to send fans on an emotional rollercoaster ride. But is Jones to blame for the insanity going on in the UFC's heavyweight title picture? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses Jones' latest comments on social media, if he's trolling the fanbase at this point, and the UFC's choice to continue with Jones as heavyweight champ while Aspinall is approaching a year on the sidelines. Additionally they'll answer questions regarding Ilia Topuria parting ways with his longtime coaches ahead of his UFC 317 lightweight title fight with Charles Oliveira, the upcoming fight cards, Patchy Mix officially signing with the UFC to face Mario Bautista at UFC 316, and much more. Join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew as they turn the programming of the show over to the fans all show long. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠⁠@m_heckjr 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

Jack Della Maddalena is the new welterweight champion and is on his way to establishing an enduring legacy at 170 pounds. All he has to do now is get through the No. 1 Pound-for-Pound fighter in the world in Islam Makhachev and then a murderer’s row of contenders. Simple enough, right? Della Maddalena made a statement with a dramatic win over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, but his run at the top could end before it begins as he’s set to face Islam Makhachev at some point in the second half of 2025. Should he get past Makhachev, Della Maddalena has a number of hungry challengers waiting in the wings, including Ian Machado Garry, Sean Brady, Joaquin Buckley, and undefeated fighters Shavkat Rakhmonov and Michael Morales. On this edition of the MMA Fighting Rankings Show, Alexander K. Lee, Mike Heck, and E. Casey Leydon review the most notable chart movement of the past two months and debate who will be remembered as the Georges St-Pierre of this stacked crop of welterweights. Plus, a look ahead to the most anticipated fights on the calendar. Follow Alexander K. Lee ⁠@AlexanderKLee⁠ Follow Mike Heck ⁠@MikeHeck⁠ Follow E. Casey Leydon ⁠@ekc⁠ Subscribe: ⁠http://goo.gl/dYpsgH⁠ Check out our full video catalog: ⁠http://goo.gl/u8VvLi⁠ Read More: ⁠http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin address accusations that Islam Makhachev moved to welterweight specifically to avoid a potential fight against Ilia Topuria. Plus the latest on Jon Jones and if the UFC should actually consider stripping him of the heavyweight title. And top prospect Josiah Harrell joins the show after he took out UFC veteran Melvin Guillard this past weekend plus much more. Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Morales picked up the biggest win of his career when he ran over past title challenger Gilbert Burns in the main event of UFC Vegas 106 on Saturday night at the UFC APEX. While many believe Morales could be a future champion, the UFC's 170-pound division is loaded up with contenders right now. Where does Morales fit into that mix after his big win? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses what's next for Morales after improving his record to 18-0. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Mairon Santos after his big win over Sodiq Yusuff, Nursulton Ruziboev following his hard-fought win against Dustin Stoltzfus, Melquizael Costa after earning his third win of 2025 in the Fight of the Night against Julian Erosa, 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

Michael Morales put the entire UFC welterweight division on notice as he ran over past title challenger Gilbert Burns in the first round of the UFC Vegas 106 main event. At just 25 years of age, the sky seems to be the limit for Morales, and he has all the time in the world to reach the top of the division. Following Morales' sensational performance, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to the main event win for the surging 170-pounder, where he could go next, and where things went wrong for Burns. Additionally, they react to the bonus winners, Jared Gordon and Luana Santos getting passed over for the additional $50,000, Patchy Mix signing with the UFC and stepping in to face Marlon Vera at UFC 316, and more. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠@mikeheck_jr⁠⁠ Follow Jed Meshew: ⁠⁠@JedKMeshew⁠⁠ Subscribe:⁠⁠ http://goo.gl/dYpsgH⁠⁠ Check out our full video catalog: ⁠⁠http://goo.gl/u8VvLi⁠⁠ Visit our playlists:⁠⁠ http://goo.gl/eFhsvM⁠⁠ Like MMAF on Facebook: ⁠⁠http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z⁠⁠ Follow on Twitter: ⁠⁠http://goo.gl/nOATUI⁠⁠ Read More: ⁠⁠http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gilbert Burns has been one of the UFC's best welterweights for years, and was seconds away from becoming a world champion. Now, on a three-fight losing streak — against the current champ, the most recent champ, and a top-three contender — Burns is a huge underdog against the talented, but relatively untested Michael Morales in the main event of UFC Vegas 106. Is this line justified, or is Burns being wildly overlooked by the MMA community? Ahead of Saturday's Fight Night card at the APEX in Las Vegas, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee preview the event, the headliner between Burns and Morales, the stakes for both fighters, and where Burns goes with his fourth straight loss. Additionally, they'll touch on other standout matchups on the card, Sodiq Yusuff making the move to the lightweight division, Paul Craig potentially fighting for his job, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠⁠@m_heckjr⁠⁠⁠ 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

Islam Makhachev is vacating the UFC lightweight title and is moving up to welterweight to challenge new champ Jack Della Maddalena later this year. Because of that, Ilia Topuria will fight for the vacant 155-pound title against Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 317 to cap off International Fight Week next month. Was this the right call? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel answers your questions about Dana White's blockbuster announcement at lightweight and welterweight, and what this means for the future of both divisions. Additionally, questions may include to fallout of UFC 315, Belal Muhammad's next move after losing his title to JDM this past Saturday, Dricus Du Plessis defending his middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev at #UFC318 in Chicago, the UFC's return to the APEX headlined by Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales, and more. Join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and E. Casey Leydon for a special fan Q&A edition of the show to let your thoughts be heard in regards to all of the crazy news and results over the past week. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠⁠@m_heckjr⁠⁠⁠ 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

Islam Makhachev is vacating his title to make a move to welterweight to face new champion Jack Della Maddalena, which also results in Ilia Topuria taking on Charles Oliveira with the vacant lightweight belt on the line at UFC 317. In the wake of UFC CEO Dana White announcing those fights and so much more — including a date and location for Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in Chicago — MMA Fighting’s Alexander K. Lee and Jed Meshew react to the huge news revealed on Tuesday. Check out the full reaction as we take a deep dive on everything just announced including multiple title fights and new main events. Follow Jed Meshew: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@JedKMeshew⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Alexander K. Lee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AlexanderKLee⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to MMA Fighting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our full video catalog⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Like MMA Fighting on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠ Read More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin discuss the fallout from UFC 315 with the UFC legend explaining why Belal Muhammad’s game plan didn’t really matter much in his loss to Jack Della Maddalena. We also talk about Della Maddalena’s chances against Islam Makhachev plus Jose Aldo retiring, the state of women’s MMA and much more. Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack Della Maddalena is the new UFC welterweight champion after defeating Belal Muhammad in the main event of UFC 315. It appears he will face lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev in his first title defense, but where does Muhammad go after his championship reign came to an end? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss where Della Maddalena and Muhammad go following their Fight of the Night battle for the 170-pound title. Additionally, they'll discuss what's next for women's flyweight champ Valentina Shevchenko and Manon Fiorot after their co-main event bout, Aiemann Zahabi following his controversial win over Jose Aldo, along with fellow main card winners Natalia Silva and Benoit Saint Denis, and more following Saturday's pay-per-view event. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠⁠@m_heckjr⁠⁠⁠ Follow Alexander K. Lee: ⁠⁠⁠@AlexanderKLee⁠⁠ Subscribe:⁠⁠⁠ http://goo.gl/dYpsgH⁠⁠⁠ Check out our full video catalog: ⁠⁠⁠http://goo.gl/u8VvLi⁠⁠⁠ Visit our playlists:⁠⁠⁠ http://goo.gl/eFhsvM⁠⁠⁠ Like MMAF on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z⁠⁠⁠ Follow on Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠http://goo.gl/nOATUI⁠⁠⁠ Read More: ⁠⁠⁠http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UFC 315 was capped off by Jack Della Maddalena becoming the brand new UFC welterweight champion following a thrilling battle with Belal Muhammad in the main event. Does the result officially lock down a champ vs. champ fight with lightweight king, and No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter Islam Makhachev? Following Saturday's pay-per-view card, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to Della Maddalena's title win, what a potential fight with Makhachev could look like, what's next for Muhammad, and who from the outside of UFC 315 lost the most with the result of the main event. Additionally, they'll recap Valentina Shevchenko's decision win over Manon Fiorot to retain her women's flyweight title, Aiemann Zahabi defeating Jose Aldo via controversial decision in, what appears to be, Aldo's final fight, other standout moments, and more. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠@m_heckjr 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

Belal Muhammad and Valentina Shevchenko are set for their first title defenses. This Saturday, at UFC 315 in Montreal, Quebec, Muhammad puts his welterweight title on the line against Jack Della Maddalena in the main event, while Shevchenko starts her second women’s flyweight title run against Manon Fiorot. Will both new champions keep their belts are are the welterweight and women’s flyweight divisions in for more changeover? Ahead of Saturday’s pay-per-view event, MMA Fighting’s Alexander K. Lee and Jed Meshew preview UFC 315, weigh how good the card is versus how much interest its drawing, breakdown the two title fights atop the card, talk about Jose Aldo’s fight with Aiemann Zahabi and the weight class shenanigans, answer listener questions, and more. Follow Jed Meshew: ⁠⁠⁠@JedKMeshew⁠⁠⁠ Follow Alexander K. Lee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@AlexanderKLee⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to MMA Fighting⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Check out our full video catalog⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Like MMA Fighting on Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow on Twitter⁠⁠⁠ Read More: ⁠⁠⁠http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UFC 315 goes down this Saturday in Montreal with two title fights, including the Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena main event for the UFC welterweight title, as well as Valentina Shevchenko vs. Manon Fiorot for the women's flyweight title. While the card — most notably the pay-per-view portion — is pretty good, the buzz doesn't seem to be in the air for this particular event. Why is that? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel talks the big storylines ahead of UFC 315, the fan reaction to the card, the two title fights, and who could steal the show. Additionally, they'll recap the big moments from this past weekend, boxing's tough weekend, #ufcdesmoines, Cory Sandhagen's big main event win, Bo Nickal suffering his first pro loss and the backlash he's received, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Alexander K. Lee and Morning Kombat's Brian Campbell. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠@m_heckjr⁠⁠ Follow Alexander K. Lee: ⁠⁠@AlexanderKLee⁠ Subscribe:⁠⁠ http://goo.gl/dYpsgH⁠⁠ Check out our full video catalog: ⁠⁠http://goo.gl/u8VvLi⁠⁠ Visit our playlists:⁠⁠ http://goo.gl/eFhsvM⁠⁠ Like MMAF on Facebook: ⁠⁠http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z⁠⁠ Follow on Twitter: ⁠⁠http://goo.gl/nOATUI⁠⁠ Read More: ⁠⁠http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UFC is back in Montreal. This Saturday, the UFC is headed back to the 514 for UFC 315 which goes down at the Bell Centre and is headlined by a pair of title fights. In the co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko puts her newly reclaimed flyweight title on the line against the surging Manon Fiorot, and then in the main event, Belal Muhammad puts his welterweight strap up against rising contender Jack Della Maddalena. And, of course, No Bets Barred is here to break it all down. This week, host Jed Meshew is joined by Canada's favorite son, Alexander K. Lee, to dive into all things UFC 315. Topics discussed include whether Della Maddalena can offer Muhammad any real resistance, whether Shevchenko should be an underdog to Fiorot, the GOAT Jose Aldo, which underdogs are live on Saturday, the latest updates on The Climb, and more. Tune in for episode 127 of No Bets Barred. Follow Jed Meshew: ⁠⁠@JedKMeshew⁠⁠ Follow Alexander K. Lee: ⁠⁠⁠@AlexanderKLee ⁠⁠Subscribe to MMA Fighting⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Check out our full video catalog⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Like MMA Fighting on Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow on Twitter⁠⁠ Read More: ⁠⁠http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before Belal Muhammad defends the UFC welterweight title for the first time against Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 315, check out MMA Fighting’s UFC 315 Timeline to look back on how both fighters got to their championship bout this Saturday at Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠@mikeheck_jr⁠ 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

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin react to Reinier de Ridder knocking out Bo Nickal and the criticism Nickal has received after the loss. Plus, we’ll look ahead at UFC 315 and discuss the toughest possible matchup for Belal Muhammad at welterweight and why women’s MMA has seemingly been struggling lately with no new stars emerging plus more. Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cory Sandhagen did everything in his power Saturday to prove he deserves bantamweight title consideration. In the UFC Des Moines main event, Sandhagen dominated two-time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo and looked to be cruising to a decision or a clean finish when the bout was stopped just before the end of Round 2 due to a Figueiredo injury. Even with that unfortunate ending, there should be no question Sandhagen is worthy of a championship shot. But does the UFC see him as the No. 1 contender? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, Alexander K. Lee goes solo to discuss what’s next for Sandhagen with bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili set to defend in a rematch against Sean O’Malley at UFC 316 on June 7. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Reinier de Ridder after he humbled Bo Nickal, what to do with Nickal following his first loss in MMA, veteran welterweight Daniel Rodriguez, main card bantamweight winners Montel Jackson and Serhey Sidey, and the returning Mason Jones. Plus, some great listener picks to round out an otherwise dreary combat sports weekend. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠⁠@m_heckjr⁠⁠ 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

Cory Sandhagen ended the night with a lopsided performance, and then a finish of Deiveson Figueiredo in the main event of UFC Des Moines. Despite the TKO victory coming via injury, Sandhagen's showing was outstanding, and believes he's done enough to earn a title shot. Is he correct? Following Saturday's UFC Fight Night event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to the event, along with The Ring's doubleheader that left a lot to be desired, and may have created one of the roughest weekends for boxing in quite some time. Additionally, they discuss Sandhagen in the bantamweight title picture, Reinier de Ridder's handing Bo Nickal his first pro loss with a nasty body shot knockout, other highlights from the fight card, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠@mikeheck_jr⁠ Follow Jed Meshew: ⁠@JedKMeshew⁠ Subscribe:⁠ http://goo.gl/dYpsgH⁠ Check out our full video catalog: ⁠http://goo.gl/u8VvLi⁠ Visit our playlists:⁠ http://goo.gl/eFhsvM⁠ Like MMAF on Facebook: ⁠http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z⁠ Follow on Twitter: ⁠http://goo.gl/nOATUI⁠ Read More: ⁠http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UFC returns to Iowa for the first time in nearly 25 years this Saturday for UFC Des Moines, headlined by a bantamweight contest between Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo. Just one sleep away from the event, MMA Fighting's Alexander K. Lee and Jed Meshew preview Saturday's card, discuss what's at stake for Sandhagen and Figgy Smalls, break down the pivotal co-main event matchup between Bo Nickal and Reiner de Ridder, dive into the best undercard action this weekend, take fan questions, and more. 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

It was a crazy weekend in the combat sports world this past weekend with MMA and boxing delivering big moments — such as Eddie Hall's crazy 30-second knockout win at KSW 105, Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn's instant classic, and Ian Machado Garry's gutsy decision win over Carlos Prates in the main event of UFC Kansas City. This weekend, it's another busy time for the combat sports world, and the #UFC is returning to Des Moines, Iowa for a Fight Night card headlined by Cory Sandhagen vs. Deiveson Figueiredo. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel fields questions from the listeners about all of the action in the combat sports world, including Saturday's UFC event, the plethora of boxing events featuring the likes of Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Canelo Alvarez, and what fight stands out most. Additionally, topics may include the UFC's welterweight division, UFC 317 still not having a main event with the card less than two months away, Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall, and much more. Join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew for a special Q&A edition of the program. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠@mikeheck_jr⁠ Follow Jed Meshew: ⁠@JedKMeshew⁠ Subscribe:⁠ http://goo.gl/dYpsgH⁠ Check out our full video catalog: ⁠http://goo.gl/u8VvLi⁠ Visit our playlists:⁠ http://goo.gl/eFhsvM⁠ Like MMAF on Facebook: ⁠http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z⁠ Follow on Twitter: ⁠http://goo.gl/nOATUI⁠ Read More: ⁠http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UFC is heading to Iowa for the first time in nearly 25 years. This Saturday, UFC Des Moines marks the UFC's first trip to the Hawkeye State since UFC 26 in 2000 as the promotion brings a stacked Fight Night card to the capitol city, headlined by a bantamweight matchup between Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo. So, of course, No Bets Barred is here to break it all down. This week, host Jed Meshew is joined by The Action Network's Billy Ward to dive into the UFC Des Moines card. Topics discussed include why "Figgy Smalls" is such a big underdog in the main event, how Jed's boy Reiner de Ridder might fair against super-prospect Bo Nickal, what other underdogs are live bets for this week, the latest discussion on The Climb, and more. Tune in for episode 126 of No Bets Barred. Follow Jed Meshew: ⁠@JedKMeshew⁠ Follow Billy Ward: ⁠@PsychoWard586⁠ ⁠Subscribe to MMA Fighting⁠ ⁠Check out our full video catalog⁠ ⁠Like MMA Fighting on Facebook⁠ ⁠Follow on Twitter⁠ Read More: ⁠http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin react to the UFC Kansas City card and Ian Machado Garry calling for the next title shot following his win over Carlos Prates. Plus we’ll discuss Anthony Smith’s retirement fight and Brown explains why he’s against fighters making those kinds of announcements before calling it a career. We also discuss the pressure on Bo Nickal, Tom Aspinall waiting for Jon Jones and much more. Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ian Machado Garry showed once again he can hang with anyone in the welterweight division, gutting out a five-round win over the white hot Carlos Prates in Saturday’s UFC Kansas City main event. But should fans be concerned about Prates nearly putting Garry down in the fifth? Does Garry need to fight again to cement a title opportunity? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what’s next for Garry as he plans a trip to Montreal to be the backup for Belal Muhammad’s welterweight championship defense against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Zhang Mingyang after he sent Anthony Smith into a bloody retirement, featherweight dark horse contender David Onama, Randy Brown following his Knockout of the Year-candidate against Nicolas Dalby, plus middleweights Abus Magomedov, Ikram Aliskerov, and more. All that and the Eddie Hall matchup that HAS to happen. Follow Mike Heck: ⁠@m_heckjr⁠ 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

Ian Machado Garry looked like he was cruising to a flawless victory in the UFC Kansas City main event through nearly 18 minutes, but Carlos Prates turned things around in a big way — nearly finishing Garry in the fifth. In the end, Garry gets back in the win column, and is now the backup fighter for the welterweight title fight at UFC 315. Following Saturday's Fight Night event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to Garry's victory, being named the backup fighter by Dana White, and Prates' stock following his first promotional loss. Additionally, they discuss Anthony Smith's first-round stoppage loss in his final fight against Zhang Mingyang in the co-main event, Randy Brown's Knockout of the Year contender, and other notable moments from the UFC's return to Kansas City. Follow Mike Heck: @mikeheck_jr Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UFC is back in Missouri and it brought a banger of a main event. On Saturday, UFC Kansas City goes down from T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, headlined by a welterweight scrap between Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates. Garry is coming off his near upset of Shavkat Rakhmonov in December, while Prates is one of the faces of the Fighting Nerds revolution that has taken the UFC by storm. So, who wins this main event and what’s at stake on Saturday? Ahead of this weekend’s action, MMA Fighting’s Alexander K. Lee and Jed Meshew preview the main event between Garry and Prates, discuss what’s at stake for the winner, wax poetic on the career of Anthony Smith as he makes his final walk to the octagon, highlight some low-key bangers, and even spend some time talking about the World’s Strongest Fight between Mariusz Pudzianowski and Eddie Hall at KSW 105 on Saturday. Plus, Lee and Meshew answer fan questions and reaction to some breaking news! 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

Even after a UFC-less weekend, the news cycle is buzzing about what could headline UFC 317 — the promotion's annual International Fight Week card in #LasVegas. With former featherweight champ Ilia Topuria teasing news, could he be involved in the main event, and if not, what could be the big fight on the card? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses that topic, how Topuria could be involved, and the UFC's conundrum with the event coming up in two months without a main event. Additionally, they'll discuss UFC Kansas City this Saturday headlined by Ian Machado Garry vs. Carlos Prates, the fight of the weekend between Eddie Hall and Mariusz Pudzianowski at KSW 105, Dricus du Plessis' statement about injury rumors, and much more. Host Mike Heck is joined by MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew for a special fan Q&A episode of the program to discuss the big amount of news in the sport. Follow Mike Heck: @mikeheck_jr Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the 2025 NFL Draft set to take place this week, it's once again time for the MMA Fighting team to don the hats of the premier combat sports promotions in the world and select the 28 fighters they would most want to have on roster to build a promotion around. Listen as Jed Meshew guides the action and the staff drafts seven fighters to their respective organizations: the UFC, PFL, BKFC, and newcomer GFL. Other promoters include Mike Heck, 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? Tune in to find out. Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee Follow Damon Martin @DamonMartin Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UFC is back! This Saturday, the UFC returns after a week off for its third trip to Kansas City, with a dynamite welterweight matchup between Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates headlining the card. UFC Kansas City also features the retirement fight for Anthony Smith, and a stacked main card, so, of course, No Bets Barred is here to break it all down. This week, host Jed Meshew flies solo to break down all the action. Topics discussed include a brief recap of his successful UFC 314 venture, who he likes in the main event between Garry and Prates, whether or not Smith can end his career on a high note, which underdogs are worth a look at on Saturday, the latest step in The Climb, the majestic Mariusz Pudzianowski vs. Eddie Hall matchup over at KSW, and more. Tune in for episode 125 of No Bets Barred. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin preview the UFC Kansas City main event between Carlos Prates and Ian Machado Garry, we pay tribute to Anthony Smith ahead of his final fight, Matt's concern for Paddy Pimblett after revealing his 40-pound weight gain after beating Michael Chandler plus we look back on CM Punk's ill fated attempt at becoming a UFC fighter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paddy Pimblett battered, bloodied, and eventually stopped Michael Chandler in the co-main event of UFC 314 this past Saturday in #Miami, and now the ceiling appears to have been raised as to how high Pimblett can go in the UFC's best division. Can Pimblett find his way to UFC gold, and what's the next step to get him there? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel recaps Pimblett's outstanding performance against Chandler, his championship potential, and where "The Paddy" goes next. Additionally, topics include Alexander Volkanovski regaining the featherweight title against Diego Lopes in the main event, the featherweight GOAT discussion with this latest accomplishment, Jean Silva destroying Bryce Mitchell, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and José Youngs. Follow Mike Heck: @mikeheck_jr Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paddy Pimblett proved the doubters wrong again. UFC 314 was all about the featherweights, with Alexander Volkanovski beating Diego Lopes to claim a vacant title at the top of the card, and Yair Rodriguez, Jean Silva, and Dan Ige all picking up meaningful wins. But it’s Pimblett who arguably made the most headlines, defeating veteran contender Michael Chandler in dominant fashion and cementing himself as a top 10 fighter in the lightweight division. But just how high should he go? Pimblett’s standing led to a surprisingly heated debate among the MMA Fighting rankings panel of Alexander K. Lee, Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and E. Casey Leydon and you can listen to it yourself in our latest episode of the Rankings Show. Did Pimblett beat a legitimate top 10 fighter or was he simply the beneficiary of facing the worst version of Chandler we’ve seen inside the octagon? Plus, we discuss the movers and shakers at 145 pounds, whether the Patricio Pitbull-UFC era came too late, and rank the most intriguing fights of the second quarter of the UFC schedule. Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee Follow Mike Heck @MikeHeck Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew Follow E. Casey Leydon @ekc Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices