MMA Fighting

Dustin Poirier's final chance to capture undisputed UFC gold is finally upon us. Can he finish his story against pound-for-pound No. 1 Islam Makhachev at UFC 302? Join Shaun Al-Shatti, Jed Meshew, Alexander K. Lee, and E. Casey Leydon as we preview UFC 302, Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier, Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa, and more. Where would a Poirier upset rank among MMA's all-time feel-good moments and how would Poirier's legacy within the lightweight pantheon change if he pulls off the improbable? What's at stake for Makhachev, who can tie the UFC's all-time mark for consecutive lightweight title defenses with a win? Ahead of Saturday night, we dive deep into every angle of UFC 302's featured bouts, make picks and predictions, answer fan questions, and much more. Follow Shaun Al-Shatti: @ShaunAlShatti 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

Dustin Poirier will step into the UFC octagon this Saturday in what will likely be his final chance to become an undisputed world champion. To pull it off, he'd have to defeat the incredible Islam Makhachev in the main event of UFC 302. Can Poirier do it, and if so, what happens to the top of the lightweight division? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses the Makhachev vs. Poirier headliner, the divisional landscape based on who wins, along with where either would rank all time at 155 with their hand being raised. Additionally, they'll talk the co-main event between Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa, the stakes for both guys involved, Dana White announcing that Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler will have a press conference in Dublin next week ahead of their UFC 303 fight, the addition of Ian Machado Garry vs. Michael Page, and Carlos Ulberg stepping in to face Jamahal Hill on the June 29 card, Nick Diaz's return set for UFC Abu Dhabi, along with Marlon Vera vs. Deiveson Figueiredo, and Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa for the August event, and more. Host Mike Heck will be joined by MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew to discuss those topics and answer your questions. 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

Michael Chandler has been waiting for over a year to finally get his hands on Conor McGregor but that day finally comes at UFC 303 on June 29. Ahead of the highly anticipated showdown, Chandler speaks to MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin about the long wait and if there were ever any moments where he actually considered bowing out and facing someone different rather. He also addresses McGregor’s return from a broken leg and how all eyes are going to be on the Irish superstar in the days leading up to the fight and why he actually sees that as an advantage. Chandler also explains how he defused McGregor’s trash talk when they were filming The Ultimate Fighter together and his expectations to use that same game plan against the former two-division UFC champion as they start meeting at press conferences and media obligations heading into UFC 303. Chandler also gives his prediction on the UFC 302 main event when Dustin Poirier attempts to dethrone Islam Makhachev. All this and more in a special one-on-one interview with Chandler ahead of UFC 303. 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

UFC 302 takes place this Saturday in New Jersey with Dustin Poirier once again challenging for the lightweight title, this time against the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Islam Makhachev, and the No Bets Barred boys are back to break it down. Co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew kick things off with a brief discussion about the optimal UFC schedule before diving into the UFC 302 talk. . Will Poirier finally claim undisputed UFC gold and finish his story or will Makhachev deny him yet again? Can Paulo Costa pull off the upset on Sean Strickland to get himself back into title contention? Just how fun will Kevin Holland vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk be? All this and more are discussed on this week's episode. Tune in for episode 89 of No Bets Barred. Follow Conner Burks: @connerburks 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 303, which features the return of Conor McGregor as he faces Michael Chandler in the main event, has added a much-needed bout to the lineup with surging contender Ian Machado Garry battling longtime Bellator star, now UFC welterweight Michael Page. How much does the fight help the card? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the Garry vs. Page booking, and why the lineup certainly needed the new booking. Additionally, listener questions include the future of the lightweight division if Dustin Poirier upsets Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 and what it could mean for Arman Tsarukyan, Kevin Holland's middleweight return, Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway, the BMF title, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces. 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

Ahead of UFC 302 on Saturday, The Fighter vs. The Writer returns as UFC legend Matt Brown and MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin break down the biggest storylines from the card. First things first, we react to the latest from Ronda Rousey after the former UFC champion said she felt vilified by the media after her exodus from combat sports and how she expects she would get booed if she actually made an appearance at UFC events. Does Rousey have a point about how she was treated or is she still struggling to face her shortcomings at the end of her career? Brown has his take on Rousey’s exit from the UFC and the string of comments she’s made about her losses after releasing her autobiography. We’ll also get into the biggest fights at UFC 302 including Islam Makhachev defending his title against Dustin Poirier in the main event. Does Poirier have a great chance to pull off the upset on Saturday or will this be another dominant performance from Makhachev? What about Sean Strickland returning against Paulo Costa? What does Strickland need to do to win and how can Costa thwart the former UFC middleweight champion? All this and more on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer! 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

UFC lead commentator Jon Anik joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to preview Saturday's UFC 302 event in Newark, the main event between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier for the lightweight title, discusses whether or not he believes it will be Poirier's final fight, Makhachev not getting enough credit for his run, the Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa co-main event, Conor McGregor's return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303, the bouts announced for UFC 304, 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

Ahead of UFC 304 in July, Curtis Blaydes previews his rematch against Tom Aspinall after their first fight ended in just 15 seconds and now the interim heavyweight title is on the line. Blaydes also addresses Jon Jones picking Stipe Miocic has his next opponent and his expectations that the winner of that fight will almost certainly retire afterwards. He also discusses Ciryl Gane allegedly turning down the title fight against Aspinall in July as well as the dangers that come along with competing in the heavyweight division, especially when it comes to the idea that he somehow has a glass jaw 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

With the UFC and major promotions off this past weekend, MMA Fighting’s matchmaking show decided to give back to fans of the program with a special “Ask Us Anything” show. On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee take listener submitted questions about Conor McGregor's 2024 and if he'll fight more than his scheduled UFC 303 main event with Michael Chandler, MMA pet peeves, when Khamzat Chimaev and other contending names could fight for a title, best prospects in the sport throughout the weight classes, the possibility of the UFC introducing a women's atomweight division in the future, MMA referees and when to show authority in fights, and much more. On To the Next One will return with a live matchmaking show on the MMA Fighting YouTube channel on Sunday, June 2 following UFC 302 headlined by Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier. 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 is freaking fun! On the latest episode of This is CineMMA, the MMA Fighting movie review get their funny bones tickled as we watch the 2012 comedy “Here Comes the Boom,” starring Kevin James, Henry Winkler, and former UFC champion Bas Rutten. When disillusioned teacher and former wrestler Scott Voss (James) finds out that a friend needs almost 50 grand to save the school’s music department, he teams up with the eccentric Niko (Rutten) to get himself back into fighting shape in the hopes of making some quick cash. Scott’s inspiring underdog story eventually lands him a chance to fight for the UFC, where the stakes couldn’t be higher. After a season of episodes filled with doom and gloom, Alexander K. Lee, Jed Meshew, E. Casey Leydon, and special guest Mike Heck have their spirits raised by the heartwarming tale, which also might be the most accurate MMA film ever made. How does the movie get everything so right? Would Scott Voss actually be a contender in the UFC? And is Bas Rutten the best MMA fighter/actor yet? Put on your viking helmet and get PUMPED as we answer these questions and more. Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow E. Casey Leydon: @ekc 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

Belal Muhammad discusses his recently booked fight against UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards and how he expects this to be one of the "easiest matchups" of his entire career. Muhammad also addresses the strange circumstances surrounding UFC 300, his reaction to Colby Covington finally calling him out after asking for that fight for several years and Conor McGregor's interest in the welterweight title. Plus, Muhammad details working with Islam Makhachev ahead of UFC 302 and possibly drawing Khabib Nurmagomedov out of retirement to corner him against Edwards in Manchester. 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

The Professional Fighters League began 2024 with a ton of questions and momentum following their acquisition of Bellator. Less than halfway through the year, the perception of the organization is in a much different place — and more so after a week of bad PR, most notably due to Donn Davis' comments about Kayla Harrison. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Davis' comments about Harrison, multiple fighters calling out the promotion for different reasons, Gegard Mousasi threatening legal action before getting released a day later, and the lack of buzz amongst the MMA community. Additionally, listener topics include Carlos Ulberg stepping in to face Jamahal Hill at UFC 303, Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad 2 at UFC 304, Aljamain Sterling's next opponent, Dustin Poirier's prediction of knocking Islam Makhachev out at UFC 302 next weekend, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces. 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

Conor McGregor has had quite a bit to say over the past few days on the build to his UFC 303 main event with Michael Chandler, and a lot of names were mentioned — both positive and negative. Have the comments from the UFC's biggest star led you to feel any differently about his fight with Chandler, as well as his UFC future? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel reacts to McGregor's recent Q&A, the comments that he's made, where he would go with a win over Chandler, and a possible welterweight title fight vs. Leon Edwards if the champ retains against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304. Additionally, topics include Oleksander Usyk's massive win over Tyson Fury this past Saturday in Saudi Arabia to become the undisputed boxing heavyweight champion, the fallout from UFC Vegas 92 and Bellator Paris, Dana White being compared to the past NBA commissioner David Stern in regards to building stars in MMA, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and José Youngs. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Subscribe 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

Chael Sonnen is set to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame and so the MMA Fighting crew takes a look back at his extraordinary career, as DAMN! They Were Good celebrates “The Bad Guy.” For the first half of Sonnen’s career, “The American Gangster” was an also-ran, a guy with an unexciting style who nobody cared about. He fell short in the UFC when he got the call and then came up short when he fought for the WEC middleweight title, and it looked for all the world like Sonnen would join the ranks of forgotten journeymen that fill MMA. But then something happened. Sonnen decided that anonymity wasn’t good enough, and he changed his stars, incorporating pro-wrestling style bombast to make himself marketable. His fighting style never changed but his mic work did and suddenly, Sonnen was the biggest thing in the sport, kicking up a rivalry with Anderson Silva that defined the early 2010s of MMA. And while Sonnen never ultimately won a major title in MMA, he did leave an indelible impression on the combat sports world. What were our favorite moments and the best highlights from Sonnen’s career? How did Sonnen pull off this incredible turnaround? And who exactly is Homer Moore? All this and more are discussed on the latest episode of DAMN! They Were Good. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Shaheen Al-Shatti: @shaunalshatti 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

Leon Edwards discussed the possibility of a fight against Conor McGregor later this year if both men can emerge victorious in their scheduled bouts, and McGregor gave his stamp of approval on the idea as well. If McGregor beats Michael Chandler at UFC 303, and Edwards defeats Belal Muhammad at UFC 304, could that be the next welterweight title fight? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his thoughts on the likelihood of that fight being made if everything falls into place, and the alternatives if either were to lose. Additionally, listener topics include the greatness of Olesander Usyk's victory over Tyson Fury this past Saturday in Saudi Arabia, Lerone Murphy's big win over Edson Barboza in the main event of UFC Vegas 92, PFL seemingly losing buzz by the day, where Patchy Mix ranks at 135 pounds worldwide after his split decision win at Bellator Paris this past Friday, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces. 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 Fighter vs. The Writer returns with a new episode as UFC legend Matt Brown and MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin discuss the latest in combat sports including Oleksandr Usyk beating Tyson Fury to become the new undisputed heavyweight champion in boxing. Usyk nearly scored a finish over Fury in the ninth round but the referee opted to give "The Gypsy King" a standing 10 count rather than swooping in for a stoppage. Did the referee cost Usyk a knockout victory with that move? Plus, Usyk's win has been praised as one of the biggest in recent history in boxing but does that actually put him at the top of the pound-for-pound list? Brown explains why he just can't put Usyk there. We also discuss the recent criticism that Jon Jones has faced for picking Stipe Miocic as his next opponent rather than fighting interim UFC champion Tom Aspinall. We'll also react to Jake Paul talking trash to Mike Tyson at their most recent press conference and Brown details why he believes that's a huge mistake on Paul's part. All this and more on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer! 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

Lerone Murphy shined in his first UFC main event as he battered and dominated Edson Barboza at UFC Vegas 92 this past Saturday at the APEX. Following the biggest win of his career, what is next for Murphy — whether he gets his wish to fight at UFC 304 in Manchester, or not? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what is next for Murphy from a matchmaking perspective following his breakout performance. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Khaos Williams after knocking out Carlston Harris in the co-main event, Themba Gorimbo after his decision win against Ramiz Brahimaj, along with main card finishers Adrian Yanez, Angela Hill, 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

Following the UFC featherweight headliner between Edson Barboza and Lerone Murphy, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Eric Jackman react to Saturday's UFC Vegas 92 at the APEX. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic 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 MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Eric Jackman as they react to Oleksandr Usyk's victory over Tyson Fury in an instant classic to become the undisputed heavyweight champion. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic 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

Edson Barboza will look to put a halt to another surging contender in the UFC featherweight division as he faces Lerone Murphy in the main event of Saturday's UFC Vegas 92 event at the APEX. Should Barboza get it done, where will he go in the loaded 145-pound division? And if Murphy can keep his long winning streak alive, how high is his ceiling? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and José Youngs take a deeper look at the upcoming UFC Fight Night event, the headliner between Barboza and Murphy, and the stakes attached to it. Additionally, they discuss Khaos Williams' return to the octagon, Adrian Yanez looking to bounce back in the win column after a tough 2023 campaign, how the card as a whole stacks up on the final stop to UFC 302, answer listener questions, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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