MMA Fighting

The UFC is back in Sydney. This Saturday, UFC 312 goes down in Sydney, Australia headlined by a pair of title fights. In the main event, Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland face off in a middleweight title rematch, while in the co-main event, Zhang Weili puts her strawweight title on the line against Tatiana Suarez. And No Bets Barred is here to break it all down. This week, host Jed Meshew is joined for the first time ever by Morning Kombat’s Long Island Luke to talk over the action at hand. Topics discussed include who leaves Sydney with UFC titles, whether Strickland or du Plessis need to make any adjustments for their rematch, if it’s finally time for Tatiana Suarez to win a title, how bad is the rest of this card, The Climb, and more. Tune in for episode 116 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 Israel Adesanya's stunning loss to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia and what should be next for him. Plus we discuss Bryce Mitchell's controversial comments and Dana White's reaction plus looking ahead at UFC 312 with our picks and predictions for the two title fights 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

While Nassourdine Imavov picked up the biggest win of his fighting career in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia, his opponent, and former two-time champion Israel Adesanya suffered his third straight loss. What's next for "The Last Stylebender" after falling short in his first non-title fight in over five years? 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 Imavov following his impressive second-round knockout victory in the headliner, along with Adesanya. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for co-main even winner Michael Page after his lopsided decision victory over Shara Bullet in his UFC middleweight debut, Sergei Pavlovich following his decision win against Jairzinho Rozenstruik, along with fellow main card winners Vinicius Oliveira and Fares Ziam, 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

Nassourdine Imavov not only picked up the biggest win of his career against Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia, he didn't need the judges, or two full rounds to do it as he delivered a knockout less than a minute into Round 2. Was the stoppage call from referee Marc Goddard the correct one? Following Saturday's card in Riyadh, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and José Youngs react to Imavov's victory, discuss where it puts him in the title picture, who he could face next, along with Adesanya's future following his third consecutive loss. Additionally, topics include Michael Page's lopsided decision win against Shara Magomedov in their middleweight bout, Sergei Pavlovich's much-needed — albeit not all-that-thrilling — win over Jairzinho Rozenstruik, big wins from Farez Ziam and Vinicius Oliveira, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya returns to action this Saturday in his first non-title fight in many years as he faces the surging Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia. What does Adesanya's next move look like based on the result? Ahead of this weekend's UFC Fight Night card, #MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew preview the middleweight headliner — which kicks off a slew of massive fights in the 185-pound division — along with the co-main event between Shara Magomedov and Michael Page, how the rest of the card stacks up compared to next weekend's UFC 312 event, the low-key banger, and much 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

Israel Adesanya finds himself in unfamiliar territory as he enters the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia on a two-fight losing streak. Can the former UFC middleweight champ avoid a third straight loss against Nassourdine Imavov? On a special fan Q&A edition of Between the Links, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jed Meshew answer your questions about the Adesanya vs. Imavov matchup at UFC Saudi Arabia, along with Shara Magomedov vs. Michael Page and the rest of Saturday’s card. Additionally, they’ll answer questions about topics such as the PFL’s latest event that saw Usman Nurmagomedov hang on to his title against a game Paul Hughes, the GFL draft and what we learned, BKFC’s KnuckleMania 5 event, and much 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

The UFC is heading back to Saudi Arabia. After taking a week off following UFC 311, the world's premier MMA promotion returns to Riyadh for its second event in Saudi Arabia, this time headlined by a middleweight matchup between former two-time champion Israel Adesanya and rising contender Nassourdine Imavov. And No Bets Barred has you covered with a full betting breakdown of the card. Host Jed Meshew kicks things off with a brief look at how he did at UFC 311 before diving into this week's card. Topics discussed include whether Adesanya still has enough juice to get past Imavov, what exactly will the middleweight bout between Shara Bullet and Michael "Venom" Page look like, the latest bet on The Climb, and more. Tune in for episode 115 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 discuss BKFC KnuckleMania V and the potential for Conor McGregor to actually make his return in a bare-knuckle fight against Mike Perry or Jeremy Stephens plus we talk about Israel Adesanya coming back with something to prove at UFC Saudi Arabia off two straight losses and if Michael 'Venom' Page is making a mistake going up to middleweight to face a killer like Shara Bullet 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

Did the PFL just have its coming out moment? On Saturday, Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes went to war for 25 minutes in the main event of PFL Road to Dubai Champion Series. Nurmagomedov eked out a majority decision win, but Hughes won the moral victory after giving the undefeated Dagestani all he could handle for 25 minutes, resulting in the current frontrunner for Fight of the Year In the immediate aftermath of such an incredible fight, MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Casey Leydon hold an impromptu post-show, discussing the incredible main event, whether its the best fight in PFL history, if this is the sort of event that could get PFL to finally break through with the broader MMA fandom, and more. 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 UFC taking a week off, this weekend belongs to the other combat sports promotions in the world and they’re taking advantage of it. On Saturday, BKFC returns for its big Knucklemania 5 event in Philadelphia, headlined by a five-round scrap between Eddie Alvarez and Jeremy Stephens. But before that goes down, PFL hosts its first event of 2025 with a Champions Series card in Dubai headlined by a sensational lightweight title fight between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes. MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee take a deep dive into both big combat sports cards this weekend, including who wins the BKFC headliner, how the BKFC heavyweight title fight between Mick Terrill and Ben Rothwell might go, which other fights they’re looking forward to on Saturday, answer viewer questions, and more. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UFC 311 is in the books and both Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili remain UFC champions. It was a hectic fight week that saw top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan withdraw the day before the event, allowing Renato Moicano to step in on short notice. Unfortunately for Moicano, he was unable to capitalize on his opportunity as Makhachev dismantled him quickly, submitting Moicano in the very first round. The co-main event was less dominant but no less impressive as Dvalishvili out-worked Umar Nurmagomedov over five rounds, taking a clear decision in his first-ever title defense. Mike Heck is on vacation so on this week’s all-new edition of Between the Links, Jed Meshew takes over the hosting chair and is joined by MMA Fighting’s Alexander K. Lee to break down all the big takeaways from UFC 311 and answer fan questions. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin react to the results from UFC 311 including Islam Makhachev making short work of Renato Moicano and Merab Dvalishvili silencing his doubters with a stunning performance to beat Umar Nurmagomedov. 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

GFL founder Darren Owen joins the channel to discuss their debut year for the promotion and to answer viewer questions about anything and everything, hosted by MMA Fighting's Mike Heck. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr 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 Makahchev made short work of Renato Moicano in the main event of UFC 311 to retain the lightweight title, while Merab Dvalishvili silenced the doubters and handed Umar Nurmagomedov his first loss to keep the 135-pound world title. After the first pay-per-view card of the year, where do both champions go? 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 Makhachev and Dvalishvili after their impressive performances, along with Moicano and Nurmagomedov after coming up short in their first championship bouts. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Jiri Prochazka after knocking out Jamahal Hill in the third round of their featured bout, Jailton Almeida following his quick finish of Serghei Spivac, Reinier de Ridder after tapping Kevin Holland in the main card opener, 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

Islam Makhachev delivered against short notice opponent Renato Moicano in the main event of UFC 311 on Saturday night at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., so much so, that Dana White finally had to admit that the lightweight champion is the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter on the planet. Following the UFC's first pay-per-view event of 2025, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to Makhachev's quick win, what could be next, and how Arman Tsarukyan could fit into things at 155 after his withdrawal. Additionally, they discuss Merab Dvalishvili's successful title defense against Umar Nurmagomedov in the bantamweight championship co-main event, where Nurmagomedov goes from his first career loss, the incredible battle between Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill, both fighters' stocks rising after the fight between former light heavyweight champs, and much 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

Relive the magic of UFC 311's live watch party with Mike Heck and Jed Meshew! Check out the original UFC 311 Watch Party here: https://www.youtube.com/live/6nUruBPB9RE 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

The UFC is kicking off their 2025 pay-per-view calendar year with a huge card for UFC 311 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., but now there's a brand new main event for the lightweight title as Dana White announced that Arman Tsarukyan is out, and Renato Moicano is in to face Islam Makhachev. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to the crazy turn of events with the new main event, where the division goes depending on the result, and discusses what a Makhachev win does for his and the division's legacy against Moicano. Additionally, they'll discuss the co-main event between bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and challenger Umar Nurmagomedov, Jiri Prochazka vs. Jamahal Hill, the rest of the stacked main card, the low-key banger, and answer listener questions. 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

MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the #Breaking news that Arman Tsarukyan is out of UFC 311, and Islam Makhachev faces Renato Moicano in the new main event. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr 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

PFL founder and chairman Donn Davis joins the channel to discuss changes to 2025 for the promotion and to answer viewer questions about anything and everything, hosted by MMA Fighting's Mike Heck. Watch replay: https://youtube.com/live/OHEPm3hSflc Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr 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 first Pay-Per-View event of 2025 is here! This Saturday in Inglewood, Calif., UFC 311 goes down, headlined by a pair of title fights in the best divisions in MMA. In the co-main event, Merab Dvalishvili puts his bantamweight belt on the line against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov, and then in the main event, pound-for-pound No. 1 Islam Makhachev defends his lightweight title in a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan. All that caps off an electric night of fights and No Bets Barred is here to break everything down. This week, host Jed Meshew is joined by Action Network's Billy Ward to dive into all things UFC 311. Topics discussed include Tsarukyan's chances at pulling off the upset, how Dvalishvili can retain his 135 title, differing opinions on the light heavyweight bout between Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill, the latest update on The Climb, and more. Tune in for episode 114 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

It's officially UFC 311 fight week as the UFC brings two big title fights to the octagon. In the main event, Islam Makhachev is set to defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch, while Merab Dvalishvili puts his newly won bantamweight championship on the line against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel previews Saturday's big pay-per-view event, the two championship bouts, the highly anticipated light heavyweight bout between Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka, and the rest of the card as a whole. Additionally, they'll give their thoughts on the shocking airplane incident involving Khabib Nurmagomedov, Mackenzie Dern's big win over Amanda Ribas at UFC Vegas 101, Leon Edwards vs. Jack Della Maddalena to headline UFC London in March, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Morning Kombat’s Luke Thomas. 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

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin preview UFC 311, Matt reveals how Arman Tsarukyan could pull off the upset and we discuss if Islam Makhachev deserves to be mentioned in the GOAT conversation at lightweight alongside his coach and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov 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

Mackenzie Dern finds herself in a very interesting spot at 115 pounds following her impressive submission victory over Amanda Ribas in the main event of UFC Vegas 101. Where does the highly skilled jiu-jitsu ace go after her second straight win in a division where she's fought almost every contender already? 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 Dern after exacting some revenge against Ribas nearly five years after their first matchup. Additionally, future fights are discussed for Santiago Ponzinibbio following his third-round finish of Carlston Harris in the co-main event, Cesar Almeida after his Knockout of the Year frontrunner moment against Abdul Razak Alhassan, along with fellow main card winners Roman Kopylov, Christian Rodriguez, Punahele Soriano, and more following the promotion's 2025 debut card. 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

Mackenzie Dern gets it done in the UFC Vegas 101 main event, getting some revenge against Amanda Ribas in the process. The big question is — which is one Dern had a hard time answering as well — where does she go from her second consecutive victory and not a lot of fresh and realistic matchups? Following the first UFC event of 2025, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and José Youngs react to Dern's spectacular third-round submission victory over Ribas and the potential options in front of her moving forward. Additionally, they discuss Santiago Ponzinibbio's much-needed victory over Carlton Harris in the penultimate bout, Cesar Almeida's brutal knockout of Abdul Razak Alhassan, the controversial last-second TKO stoppage win for Roman Kopylov against Chris Curtis, Punahele Soriano's quick knockout of Uros Medic, and other standout moments. 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

The first event of 2025 goes down this Saturday in Las Vegas when UFC Vegas 101 takes place at the UFC APEX, headlined by a five-round strawweight rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas. Dern and Ribas originally faced off in 2019, with Ribas handing Dern the first loss of her professional career. So, ahead of this weekend’s event, MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee preview Saturday’s lineup, discuss what’s at stake in the main event and whether Dern can avenge her previous loss to Ribas, highlight other pivotal fights on the main card, give shine to some low-key bangers and prospects on the undercard, answer viewer questions, and much 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

After nearly a month away, the UFC is back to kick off their 2025 with a return to the world's most famous APEX in Las Vegas for UFC Vegas 101 headlined by a rematch between Amanda Ribas and Mackenzie Dern. But that's not all going on in the UFC and MMA news cycle in this new year. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses Joe Rogan saying Jon Jones is asking for $30 million to fight Tom Aspinall and what's real, and what isn't. Additionally, topics include the UFC Seattle main event between Henry Cejudo and Song Yadong, former champion Dominick Cruz's return — and possibly final fight — set in the co-main event against Rob Font, Saturday's UFC Fight Night event and what is at stake in the headliner, other news and notes, and much more. Also, a big announcement regarding next week's programming. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Guilherme Cruz. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Guilherme Cruz: @guicruzzz 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 MMA Fighting UFC Fantasy league is back for Season 2! Join the MMA Fighting staff as they draft fighters to determine bragging rights for the first half of 2025. Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Follow Damon Martin: @DamonMartin Follow Guilherme Cruz: @guicruzzz 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

The first fight card of 2025 is upon us! That's right, the new year finally kicks off with its first fight card and while it's not the biggest name card of all time, UFC Vegas 101 still features some pretty decent matchups, capped off by a strawweight rematch between Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas. So let's get 2025 off to a good start with the latest edition of No Bets Barred! This week, Host Jed Meshew is joined by MMA Fighting's Alexander K. Lee to dive into all the fights at UFC Vegas 101. Topics of discussion include Dern's chances to pull off the upset and get her revenge on Ribas, why Chris Curtis is being so disrespected by oddsmakers, which prospects on the card have the most upside, and the latest leg in Jed's great white whale: The Climb! Tune in for episode 113 of No Bets Barred. 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

MMA Fighting's Mike Heck is joined by Dark Side of the Cage executive producer Tim Healy to preview the brand new Vice TV series that kicks off this Wednesday, which includes topics such as the stories of Kimbo Slice, Ronda Rousey, Nick Diaz, Matt Hughes, "War Machine," and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr 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

Following a chaotic and unpredictable 2024 in the world of MMA, 2025 is shaping up to be even crazier — both in and out of the cage. Could this be a year that will see Conor McGregor actually fight in the UFC? Does Jon Jones remain an active fighter? Will Khamzat Chimaev finally get his hands on UFC gold? On a very special edition of On To the Next One, those questions — and a lot more — are presented during the 2025 predictions extravaganza. Hosts Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee will go through a slew of buy/sell questions presented by listeners about a variety of topics, including McGregor, Jones, Chimaev, Francis Ngannou, Dana White, Dustin Poirier, Tom Aspinall, Israel Adesanya, Nick Diaz, and much more. Additionally, they will make their choices for who will end the year as UFC champions in each division, along with their bold and spicy predictions for the world of MMA in 2025. 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 heads into a pivotal 2025 as they set up their new television distribution deal for 2026. While the promotion has become the biggest star in MMA, what could the new year look like for the UFC's big names such as Conor McGregor, along with champs Jon Jones, Alex Pereira, Ilia Topuria, and more? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and José Youngs answer questions about the 2025 outlooks for those names, and other intriguing names in and out of the UFC. Additionally, they'll discuss topics such as the PFL and GFL's 2025 campaigns, what some of the biggest stories to watch are, intriguing questions in the MMA world ahead, and much more on the site's first live show of the new year. 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

2025 is official here! 2024 was a big year in MMA, with over 40 UFC events and dozens of other big-time combat sports action taking place over the past 52 weeks, but now it's time to turn the page and look ahead to 2025. And what better way to do that than with No Bets Barred making its return?! Host Jed Meshew is joined by MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to review 2024 from a gambling perspective, check out how Jed's futures bets did (spoiler alert, not bad!), and hand out the illustrious No Bets Barred Fighter of the Year award. Then it's on to new business and Jed and Mike give their predictions for who will be UFC champion in each of the 11 weight classes at the end of 2025. Tune in for episode 112 of No Bets Barred. 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

With 2024 being such a crazy year in the world of mixed martial arts, we felt it was important to look back at the predictions that were made heading into a memorable year for the sport. In part one of our two-part predictions extravaganza, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee look back on some of the responses they had to listener questions in regards to what 2024 was going to bring. Topics include Jon Jones' activity and the future of the UFC heavyweight championship, the PFL's potential success after acquiring Bellator, if Paddy Pimblett would end the year as a ranked lightweight in the UFC, Francis Ngannou, Jake Paul's MMA debut, the UFC's antitrust lawsuit impact, UFC champions in each division, bold predictions for the year, and more. In addition, we will need you help for part two: Our 2025 predictions extravaganza episode. Submit your "buy or sell" questions the same way you send your matchmaking suggestions to Mike or AK on Twitter, Instagram, or email by Thursday, Jan. 2 — and, please, be as creative as you'd like. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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