MMA Fighting

On an all-new edition of Between the Links, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jed Meshew bring you the third annual BTL Promotional Festivus — where they grade the UFC for their 2024 performance, both in and out of the octagon, along with their airing of grievances for things that happened negatively throughout the course of the year. Additionally, the duo do the same for PFL, ONE Championship, BKFC, and give their thoughts on things they did better from the year prior, other ideas to bring into 2025, and what could be the breakout promotion in the space for the upcoming year. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

Join the MMA Fighting staff as we look back at 2024, celebrating the biggest highs, breakout stars, and most unbelievable moments from one of the UFC and MMA's craziest years. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee 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

On the year-end edition of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin give their picks for the 2024 Fighter of the Year and start looking ahead at some of the biggest storylines in 2025. Will Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones actually happen? Will Conor McGregor fight in 2025? What happens to the PFL and a new upstart organization like the GFL? All this and much more on our special edition of The Fighter vs. The Writer to close out the year 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

Oleksandr Usyk remains the heavyweight champion of the world. On Saturday, Usyk took home a unanimous decision win in his rematch with Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Now 2-0 against “The Gypsy King,” Usyk is firmly entrenched as the best heavyweight boxer in the world, and possibly the best of his generation. Following Saturday’s epic boxing event, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to Usyk’s big win and where we go from here. Topics discussed include whether the judges got things right, how A.I. judging got things wrong, what’s next for Fury, where Usyk rates among the greatest heavyweights of all time, a few holiday questions, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

While some of the MMA year-end awards are easy to choose, others are not. In 2024, two UFC champions made compelling cases for Fighter of the Year — light heavyweight title holder Alex Pereira, and featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. While Pereira had one more win than Topuria this year, is that enough to earn "Poatan" the crown? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and José Youngs previews the site's upcoming 2024 year-end awards, and give their rankings for Fighter of the Year, discuss whether or not Pereira or Topuria should win the award, along with Knockout of the Year, Fight of the Year, and Submission of the Year. Additionally, they'll answer some listener questions about the fallout from UFC Tampa, the UFC's massively successful year, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs 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

Conor McGregor says he's agreed to his next fight, but it's not in the UFC. On Monday morning, McGregor says he's agreed to a boxing match in India with WWE star Logan Paul, and then he'll head back to the UFC. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee react to McGregor's latest head-scratching comments, discuss if there's any smoke to the tweet, and that this means for his UFC future. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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 what comes next for Colby Covington after a lopsided loss at UFC Tampa and if his days as an elite contender are already over. Plus we discuss how far Joaquin Buckley could go at welterweight and discuss Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk 2 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

Joaquin Buckley is officially a player in the UFC's welterweight championship conversation after battering Colby Covington en route to a third-round TKO win in the main event of UFC Tampa. After an incredible 4-0 run in 2024, where does "New Mansa" go heading into 2025? 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 Buckley after the biggest win of his career. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Cub Swanson after his Fight of the Night knockout of Billy Quarantillo, Manel Kape following his phenomenal finish of Bruno Silva, Dustin Jacoby after his highlight-reel knockout of Vitor Petrino, along with fellow main card winners Daniel Marcos and Navajo Stirling, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

Joaquin Buckley may not have ended 2024 with a bang, but he did close the show with a sensational performance. On Saturday, Buckley earned a third-round TKO victory over Colby Covington in the main event of UFC Tampa after battering “Chaos” en route to a doctor’s stoppage due to a nasty cut on Covington’s right eye. Following Saturday’s event, the final UFC card of the year, MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and E. Casey Leydon react to Buckley’s big win, his unique callout of Kamaru Usman, where Covington goes from here, Cub Swanson’s possible swan song, Manel Kape’s case for a flyweight title shot, and the rest of the night filled with incredible knockouts and finishes. 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

UFC Tampa goes down this Saturday at Amalie Arena in the final UFC fight card of 2024. Headlined by a five-round welterweight matchup between Colby Covington and Joaquin Buckley, the event is stacked with 12 other big matchups to end the year on a strong note. It’s the final UFC fight card of 2024, so ahead of this weekend’s event, MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Mike Heck preview Saturday’a lineup, discuss how close the main event winner will be to a title shot, what’s at stake in the co-main event between Cub Swanson and Billy Quarantillo, debate if Manel Kape can sneak into a flyweight title shot with a win, highlight other pivotal matchups, give shine to some low-key bangers, answer viewer questions, and more. Catch the UFC Tampa preview show above. An audio-only version of the show can be found below and on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your favorite podcasts. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

Former UFC interim champ Colby Covington steps in on short notice this weekend for his first fight in a year when he faces the surging Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Tampa. What is on the line for Covington and Buckley in a very interesting welterweight division? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew answer fan questions about the Covington vs. Buckley matchup, Covington's media day, UFC Tampa, and more. Additionally, topics may include the fallout from UFC 310, Alexandre Pantoja's dominant title defense against Kai Asakura and what could be next for the flyweight champ, Shavkat Rakhmonov's competitive win over Ian Machado Garry, the official announcement of the Global Fight League and the surprising roster of fighters, and much more on our monthly fan Q&A episode. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

The final UFC event of 2024 is upon us. This Saturday, UFC Tampa takes place at Amelie Arena in Tampa, FL, headlined by a welterweight contest between Colby Covington and Joaquin Buckley. It's the final event of the year and No Bets Barred is here to break it all down. MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew takes a deep dive into UFC Tampa and his favorite bets on this final card. Topics discussed include whether Covington still has the juice to compete against a top talent like Buckley, if Cub Swanson is too old to stick around against Billy Quarantillo, the sneaky great lightweight banger between Joel Alvarez and Drakkar Klose, the next level up in THE CLIMB, and much more. Tune in for episode 111 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 fallout from UFC 310 including Shavkat Rakhmonov’s win and Alexandre Pantoja calling out Demetrious Johnson. Brown also addresses Merab Dvalishvili getting into an altercation with a fan and he recounts his own incident punching a fan in Brazil. Brown also reacts to Dana White saying he wants fighters like Anthony Smith and Chris Weidman to retire after losses on Saturday. 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

Alexandre Pantoja had little to gain and a lot to lose at UFC 310, but he made the most of a tricky situation and turned in another sterling performance. The reigning flyweight champion notched the third straight defense of his flyweight title, taking the best shots that octagon newcomer Kai Asakura had to offer before putting him to sleep with a rear-naked choke submission in the second round. Asakura was already an out-of-left field challenger, so what’s next for Pantoja, who has beaten many of his rivals, some of them twice over? 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 Pantoja following the Pound-for-Pound great’s latest exploits. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry following a back-and-forth co-main event contest that may have raised both fighters’ stocks, Ciryl Gane after a controversial win in his rematch with Alexander Volkov, along with fellow main card winners Bryce Mitchell and Doo Ho Choi, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to Alexandre Pantoja's incredible submission win over Kai Asakura to retain the flyweight title, Shavkat Rakhmonov's hard fought decision win over Ian Machado Garry, and more from UFC 310. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

Relive the magic of UFC 310's live watch party with Mike Heck and Jed Meshew! Check out the original UFC 310 Watch Party here: https://www.youtube.com/live/iDVpwPmWskI Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

UFC 310 goes down this Saturday in Las Vegas, and it's a stacked lineup across the board. In the main event, Alexandre Pantoja puts his UFC flyweight title on the line against Kai Asakura, while Shavkat Rakhmonov faces Ian Machado Garry in a battle of undefeated welterweights for a title shot. Ahead of this weekend's pay-per-view event, MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Mike Heck preview the lineup, the main event between Pantoja and Asakura, as well as the incredibly high stakes in the Rakhmonov vs. Garry five-round co-main event. Additionally, they discuss other pivotal bouts on the main card, some of the low-key fights that aren't getting the attention they deserve, answer viewer questions, and more. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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 310 goes down this Saturday in Las Vegas, and in the main event, Alexandre Pantoja welcomes former RIZIN champ Kai Asakura to the promotion in his third defense of the UFC flyweight title. In the co-main event, Shavkat Rakhmonov puts his welterweight title shot on the line against fellow undefeated contender Ian Machado Garry. Despite the lack of star power, is UFC 310 one of the best cards on paper of 2024? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel previews Saturday's pay-per-view card, the main event between Pantoja and Asakura, and discuss where the winner goes from there. Additionally, topics include the significance of the Rakhmonov vs. Garry No. 1 contender fight, what it means for the winner in terms of perception from the fan base and community, other standout fights, the PFL's World Championship card this past Friday, what they need to do to be successful in 2025 and beyond, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Morning Kombat's Luke Thomas. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Luke Thomas: @lthomasnews 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

The final pay-per-view of the year is here! This Saturday, UFC 310 takes place in Las Vegas, headlined by a flyweight title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and UFC-debutant Kai Asakura. Also on the card, two undefeated welterweights collide when Shavkat Rakhmonov faces down Ian Machado Garry in a title eliminator bout. It's the final big event of the year and No Bets Barred is here to break it all down. MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew is joined by The Action Network's Billy Ward to dive deep into UFC 310. Topics discussed this week include Asakura's chances to even make 125 pounds successfully, whether Shavkat can continue his finishing streak, if the Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov rematch is destined to end like the first, the big featherweight bout between Movsar Evloev and Aljamain Sterling, a bevy of gimmick bets, the next level up in THE CLIMB, and much more. Tune in for episode 110 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

Before Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura battle at UFC 310, check out the roads each fighter took to the UFC flyweight championship headliner at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. 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 Fighter vs. Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin break down the key fights at UFC 310 and Brown details why Asakura might face struggles in his octagon debut plus we discuss former champions Aljamain Sterling and Chris Weidman being on the prelims and Brown details why that upsets some fighters so much 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

Following Friday's PFL World Championship card, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to the new season champions, the nearly 10-hour fight card, Dakota Ditcheva's incredible performance, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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 a special Thanksgiving week edition of Between the Links, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew take your questions about Conor McGregor and him being found liable in a sexual assault civil case on Friday, Petr Yan's incredible performance at UFC Macau, Jon Jones giving a return update, PFL fighters blasting the promotion ahead of their World Championship card on Friday, MVP's statement following Paul vs. Tyson, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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 discuss fighters from Bellator getting frustrated about a lack of fights and if this speaks to a larger problem happening at PFL plus we react to the Conor McGregor trial in Ireland where he was found liable of sexual assault from allegations dating back to 2018 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

Where does Petr Yan go after his win in an instant classic over Deiveson Figueiredo to close the show at UFC Macau? Following Saturday's UFC Fight Night event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what's next for Yan, along with Yan Xiaonan, Muslim Salikhov, Gabriella Fernandes, Carlos Ulberg, Mingyang Zhang, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

Petr Yan looks ready to make another bantamweight title run. On Saturday, Yan picked up a unanimous decision win over Deiveson Figueiredo in the main event of UFC Macau, in a vintage performance from the former 135-pound champion. Though Figueiredo was highly competitive throughout, Yan simply out-worked the former flyweight champ to take a clean sweep of the judges' scorecards, 50-45 and put himself back in the thick of the bantamweight title conversation. Following Saturday's early morning card, MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee react to Yan's terrific performance, Yan Xiaonan's return to the win column in the co-main event, the bevy of sensational knockouts that filed the rest of the card, 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

For the first time in 10 years, the UFC is returning to Macau! This Saturday, UFC Macau goes down at Galaxy Arena in Macau, headlined by a bantamweight contest between former champion Petr Yan and former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo. 3-0 since jumping up to 135 pounds, “Figgy Smalls” is on the precipice of earning a title shot against Merab Dvalishvili if he can get a much-needed win over Yan this weekend. Ahead of Saturday’s return to Macau, MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew is joined by Alexander K. Lee to break down all the action for this weekend’s card. Topics discussed include Figueiredo’s chances at pulling off the upset, how Yan Xiaonan might look in her first fight back since failing her title shot against Zhang Weili, whether Carlos Ulberg can get past Volkan Oezdemir, 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

Jake Paul and Mike Tyson headlined a boxing event that was streamed by over 100 million people on Netflix this past Friday. While the card was a gigantic success, and the rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano delivered a Fight of the Year contender, the Paul vs. Tyson main event was underwhelming, and the Netflix experience appeared to be even worse. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel reacts to the Paul vs. Tyson fight card, the good, the great, and the awful, if more of these events will happen, and what is next for Paul after the lackluster decision victory. Additionally, topics include Jon Jones' easy win over Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 309, the reaction from the MMA community, where Jones ranks pound-for-pound and if he'll fight Tom Aspinall — or anybody else — Charles Oliveira's lopsided win over Michael Chandler, Saturday's UFC Macau event headlined by Petr Yan vs. Deiveson Figueiredo, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Morning Kombat's Brian Campbell. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew 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 309 is in the books and it's on to UFC Macau! This Saturday morning, UFC Macau takes place headlined by a bantamweight matchup between Petr Yan and Deiveson Figueiredo with potential title implications on the line, and No Bets Barred is here to break it all down. MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew begins the show with a brief recap of UFC 309 and Jon Jones's emphatic victory over Stipe Miocic before diving into his favorite bets for this weekend's action. Topics discussed include Figgy Smalls's chances at jumping Umar Nurmagomedov in the bantamweight title queue, Yan Xiaonan's hopes to rebound against Tabatha Ricci, whether Carlos Ulberg can ascend to the ranks of true contender against Volkan Oezdemir, a couple of gimmick parlays, the next level up in THE CLIMB, and much more. Tune in for episode 109 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

Jon Jones is back. So is Francis Ngannou. And Tom Aspinall? He’s been here all along. So with all three big men scoring pivotal wins in 2024, who is the one true king of the heavyweight division? Is it Jones, the relative neophyte who is just 2-0 in the weight class, but still carrying the aura that comes with being undefeated throughout his career? Is it Ngannou, the lineal heavyweight champion who left the UFC without ever dropping his belt? Or is it Aspinall, the man who defended an interim heavyweight title while Jones sat on the sidelines waiting for a Stipe Miocic fight that lost intrigue with every passing day? Theoretically, there’s no wrong answer, but the MMA Fighting rankings panel of Alexander K. Lee, Damon Martin, Jed Meshew, and E. Casey Leydon give their best arguments as to why each fighter has a claim to be No. 1. Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee Follow Damon Martin @DamonMartin Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew 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, UFC legend Matt Brown and Damon Martin discuss the fallout from UFC 309 where Jon Jones dismantled Stipe Miocic in the main event but what exactly did that do for his career and legacy? Plus we discuss a potential conspiracy theory about Jones’ future and whether that involves a fight against Tom Aspinall 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

Jon Jones made it look easy against the greatest heavyweight in UFC history on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, and now there appears to be more questions about Jones' future coming out of UFC 309 than heading in. Does Jones face interim champion Tom Aspinall next in a unification bout, or does he get the fight he wants with Alex Pereira? 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 Jones following his one-sided third-round TKO victory over the now-retired Miocic in the main event. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler following Oliveira's decision win in the co-main event, Bo Nickal after his victory over Paul Craig in the middleweight featured bout, along with fellow main card winners Viviane Araujo and Mauricio Ruffy, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

Jon Jones made it look easy in the main event of UFC 309 as he dominated Stipe Miocic for 14 minutes before delivering a devastating spin kick to the body that sent Miocic crumbling to the mat, which led to the former two-time champ announcing the end of his hall of fame career. The big question remains: Will Jones fight Tom Aspinall to unify the heavyweight championship of the UFC? Following Saturday's fight card at Madison Square Garden, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to Jones' brutal stoppage of Miocic, his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, and Miocic announcing his retirement. Additionally, they discuss Charles Oliveira's dominant win over Michael Chandler in the co-main event and the wild fifth round, Bo Nickal's win over Paul Craig that led to a chorus of boos from the MSG crowd, other notable performances from the fight card, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

Relive the magic of UFC 309's live watch party with Mike Heck and Jed Meshew! Check out the original UFC 309 Watch Party here: https://www.youtube.com/live/KLpgrYCDcOE Timestamps: Intro (0:00) Donald Trump's entrance (9:30) Mauricio Ruffy vs. James Llontop (32:05) Ruffy wins decision, calls out Benoit Saint Denis (58:00) Karine Silva vs. Viviane Araujo (1:12:45) Araujo wins decision (1:32:05) Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig (1:44:00) Nickal wins decision, booed heavily in post-fight interview (2:05:00) Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler (2:21:45) Chandler nearly pulls off miraculous comeback in Round 5 (2:47:30) Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic (3:19:00) Jones finishes Miocic with nasty spin kick to the body in Round 3 (3:36:35) Jones post-fight interview (3:39:55) Miocic announces retirement (3:44:00) Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

Jake Paul and Mike Tyson went a full eight rounds in their highly promoted main event boxing matchup at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. While the 58-year-old Tyson left the squared circle without taking major damage, the bout certainly seemed underwhelming to the vast majority of viewers on Netflix. Where do both guys now go from here? Following Friday's event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to Paul's unanimous decision victory over Tyson, discuss why, although it wasn't a memorable contest, it was the right decision, Tyson's boxing future, and who Paul could face next. Additionally, they discuss the incredible rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, the controversial scorecards, if a third fight could be next for both women, other highlights from the card, the many streaming issues audiences had throughout the night during the main card, Dana White's big fight announcements during the Paul vs. Tyson main event, and much more. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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' road to UFC 309 has been an interesting one, while Stipe Miocic has seemed to cruise through another UFC fight week en route to another chance at the heavyweight title. Has all of the Tom Aspinall chatter, the MMA fans, and the negativity surrounding Jones gotten to the current champ? Ahead of Saturday's return to Madison Square Garden, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck is joined by former UFC heavyweight, and past Jones opponent, Parker Porter to discuss the return of Jones as he competes for the first time in nearly two years, facing the former two-time champ, who makes his first appearance in nearly four years, where each fighter goes with a win, and if Tom Aspinall could still be left out of the undisputed title conversation. Additionally, topics include the thrilling lightweight rematch between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler, other storylines heading into Saturday, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will fight Friday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in, what will likely be, one of the most-viewed fights in the history of combat sports as the event streams on Netflix. While many believe the much younger Paul will beat the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion, what would "El Gallo" actually gain from winning a fight many fans have so many concerns about? Ahead of Friday's blockbuster card in the Lone Star State, MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Mike Heck preview the Paul vs. Tyson event, the headliner between Paul and Tyson, what could happen if Paul gets his hand raised, and on the flip side, what Paul's boxing future looks like if he were to lose to Tyson. Additionally, they'll discuss the impact this event could have on Netlfix diving into live content and the sports world, the incredible co-main event rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, other low-key storylines, and answer fan questions. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

The biggest weekend of the month is finally here! It's a combat sports double-header this weekend as on Friday, Jake Paul faces Mike Tyson in their specialty boxing match in Arlington, Texas, and then on Saturday Jon Jones finally defends his UFC heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 309. So with so much action, No Bets Barred returns to break it all down. MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew dives deep into both fight cards on this mega-weekend, with betting breakdowns for all the best action. Topics discussed include how bad Jones vs. Miocic will be, whether Tyson has any chance against Jake Paul, Michael Chandler's odds of avenging his previous loss to Charles Oliveira, the latest update on THE CLIMB, and much more. Tune in for episode 108 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

It's a massive week in the combat sports world as UFC 309 goes down this Saturday at Madison Square Garden, headlined by Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic for the UFC heavyweight title. On Friday night, Jake Paul and Mike Tyson compete in a boxing match, the first ever event of its kind to stream on Netflix. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel answers questions in regards to both big events, Jones vs. Miocic, what to hope for, and expect in the Paul vs. Tyson bout, and which fight will be more competitive. Additionally, they'll talk Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler, the biggest storylines outside of the main events, and much more. Host Mike Heck is joined by MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew on a special Tuesday edition of the program for a mega fan Q&A. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

UFC lead commentator Jon Anik previews Saturday's UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden, the UFC heavyweight championship headliner between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, discusses Jones' recent no-sell of Tom Aspinall for a potential Alex Pereira fight, where Aspinall goes if Miocic pulls off the massive upset, the co-main event between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler, other storylines he has his eye on, Ilia Topuria and Khamzat Chimaev's stoppage wins at UFC 308, and reacts to the passing of longtime colleague and friend Derek Thompson with MMA Fighting's Mike Heck. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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, UFC legend Matt Brown breaks down the keys to victory for both Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic ahead of their showdown at UFC 309 and we discuss if Jones is actually ducking Tom Aspinall after declaring he has no interest in that fight plus we preview Michael Chandler vs. Charles Oliveira 2 and 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

Before Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic battle at UFC 309, check out the roads each fighter took to the UFC heavyweight championship headliner. 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

Carlos Prates put an emphatic exclamation point on UFC Vegas 100 with a ferocious face-plant knockout of Neil Magny in the main event. With Prates putting together an impressive 4-0 campaign in 2024, where does the exciting fight-finisher go in the loaded welterweight division heading into 2025? 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 Prates following another bonus winning stoppage win in his first UFC main event. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for former ONE champ Reinier de Ridder after his scrappy submission win over Gerald Meerschaert in the co-main event, Gaston Bolaños following his decision victory in the featured bout, along with fellow main card winners Gillian Robertson, Mansur Abdul-Malik, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

Carlos Prates has had one of the best first year's you'll see from a UFC fighter, as he improved his record to 4-0 with four finishes, four post-fight bonuses, and now a main event win over a top-15 fighter in Neil Magny at UFC Vegas 100. Where does the exciting welterweight contender go from the biggest win of his career? Following Saturday's UFC Fight Night event at the APEX, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to Prates' face-plant knockout of Magny in the first round, discuss Prates' ceiling in the division, and who he could face next after callouts of Jack Della Maddalena and Geoff Neal. Additionally, topics include Reinier de Ridder's successful UFC debut against Gerald Meerschaert, why the middleweight co-main event was the best bout on the card, other standout showings from the finish-heavy event, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

The UFC will host their 100th UFC Fight Night event at the APEX in Las Vegas this Saturday for UFC Vegas 100, and in the main event, welterweight veteran Neil Magny will look to slow the incredible momentum of Carlos Prates. What is at stake in Saturday's headliner? Ahead of this weekend's slate, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew preview the event, the Magny vs. Prates headliner, what Prates could gain with his fourth win of the year in the octagon, and the chances Magny has to pull off the upset. Additionally, they'll discuss the overall quality of the card, the middleweight tilt between Gerald Meerschaert and former ONE champ Reinier de Ridder, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

After getting knocked out for the first time in his career in the main event of UFC 308 by Ilia Topuria, Max Holloway's featherweight career appears to be over for good, as he recently confirmed he'll be making the move to the #FC lightweight division. Is it the right move for the current BMF champion? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel reacts to Holloway's full-time lightweight jump, discuss who he could face next at 155, and if a third meeting with Dustin Poirier is the fight to make. Additionally, topics include Brandon Moreno's sensational performance at UFC Edmonton and what's next for the former two-time champ, other standout moments from this past Saturday's card, Rakhmonov wanting a fight with Kamaru Usman for the interim welterweight title at UFC 310, if the UFC should just wait for Belal Muhammad to heal up, UFC Vegas 100 this Saturday headlined by Neil Magny vs. Carlos Prates, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Alexander K. Lee and EuroSport's Marcel Dorff. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

Fresh off the heels of UFC Edmonton, the world's leading MMA promotion heads back to the APEX for a historic event: UFC APEX 100, headlined by a welterweight matchup between Neil Magny and Carlos Prates. And No Bets Barred is back to break it all down. Host Jed Meshew runs solo this week to break down this legendary event with all his favorite plays. Topics discussed include Prates's incredible run through 2024 and whether Magny can pull off the upset yet again, how much does former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt have left in the tank, the return of "Brazilian Killer" Nicolas Dalby, and the debut of Jed's boy, former two-division ONE Champion Reiner de Ridder. And speaking of ONE, they also have an event taking place this weekend with ONE 169 going down on Friday, headlined by a heavyweight title fight between Anatoly Malykhin and Reug Reug. Jed also breaks down the big fights from ONE, plus the latest edition of "THE CLIMB" and more on this week's episode. Tune in for episode 107 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 debate whether or not a potential fight between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Kamaru Usman should be for an interim title plus we discuss if Jon Jones' legacy takes a hit if he beats Stipe Miocic but then retires before facing Tom Aspinall 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

Brandon Moreno needed a bounce-back win badly at UFC Edmonton, and he delivered an absolute masterpiece of a performance as he dominated Amir Albazi for five rounds in the main event. The two-time champion would love to get back to a title fight, but was the outstanding showing enough to get him the winner of the UFC 310 fight between three-time opponent Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura? 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 Moreno after his lopsided victory over Albazi. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Erin Blanchfield following her decision win over Rose Namajunas in the co-main event, Brendson Ribeiro after his decision win against Caio Machado, Jasmine Jasudavicius following her third-round submission victory over Ariane da Silva, along with fellow main card winners Dustin Stoltzfus and Mike Malott, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

Brandon Moreno finally got back in the win column and he did it in style. On Saturday night the UFC returned to Canada and in the main event, Moreno stopped a two-fight losing streak with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Amir Albazi in the main event of UFC Edmonton. Plus, earlier in the evening, Erin Blanchfield got back in the win column with a hard-fought decision over former two-time strawweight champion Rose Namajunas. Following Saturday’s event, MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee react to the big outcomes that took place at UFC Edmonton and where Moreno and Blanchfield go from here. Plus, the crew discusses the rest of 13-fight card that very nearly broke the record for longest UFC event of all-time, 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