MMA Fighting

UFC 301 goes down Saturday night in Rio de Janeiro, and Brazil is represented on the card from top-to-bottom – including Alexandre Pantoja defending his flyweight title against Steve Erceg in the main event, and Jose Aldo returning to the octagon, and his throne as "The King of Rio" as he faces Jonathan Martinez in the co-main event. Will the Brazilian fans go home happier than they did after UFC 283 in January 2023? Ahead of the pay-per-view event, MMA Fighting's Shaun Al-Shatti, Mike Heck, and Alexander K. Lee preview the fight card, and the main event between Pantoja and Erceg, discuss the challenger's underdog shot, and if Pantoja continues to be overlooked as a champion. Additonally, they'll talk Aldo's future following Saturday night, what Martinez would gain from a win over Aldo, the low-key bangers, plus answer viewer questions, and more. Follow Shaun Al-Shatti: @ShaunAlShatti 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

UFC 301 goes down Saturday night in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and there are a lot of fun matchups on the card for those in know — including an intriguing title fight at the top, and the return to the octagon of Jose Aldo. And while hardcore fans understand that the event does have the ability to be an enjoyable watch, has the build to it generated the least amount of buzz of any pay-per-view in recent memory? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck takes questions about Saturday's fight card, some of the compelling matchups, but the noticeable lack of fan excitement for it. Additionally, listener topics include Tom Aspinall's defense of U.K. fans for the UFC 304 start time, William Gomis' scary weigh-in on Friday, Steve Erceg being a bit of a darling underdog ahead of his flyweight title opportunity against Alexandre Pantoja, 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

Another UFC pay-per-view event is upon us with UFC 301, and with the incredible UFC 300 event preceding it, the card is in an unfair position. But Alexandre Pantoja defends his lightweight title against Steve Erceg in the main event. Can Erceg pull off the upset, and if he does, what does that mean for the 125-pound division? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel previews Saturday's championship contest in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, along with Jose Aldo's return to the octagon in his final promotional contracted bout against Jonathan Martinez in the co-main event, and other notable storylines. Additionally, they'll discuss Ryan Garcia reportedly failing a pair of VADA drug tests in relation to his upset win over Devin Haney, Mike Perry's quick knockout of Thiago Alves at BKFC KnuckleMania 4, what could be next for him, Conor McGregor becoming a part owner of the promotion, the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match being sanctioned as a pro bout, and more. Host Mike Heck and MMA Fighting's José Youngs answer your questions about those topics and 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

José Aldo is one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. You think you know his story? Think again! On this episode of This is CineMMA, the MMA Fighting movie review crew gets in touch with their feelings as we follow Aldo’s heart-wrenching journey from Brazilian bad boy to MMA legend in the 2016 biopic Mais Forte que o Mundo a.k.a. Stronger than the World. Some… interesting choices are made, with Aldo (José Loreto) shown rising through the ranks in the fighting world while battling demons outside of the cage. If this sounds more like a telenovela than a martial arts film, then this might be just what you’re looking for. Ahead of Aldo’s return at UFC 301, Alexander K. Lee, Jed Meshew, E. Casey Leydon, and special guest Guilherme Cruz try to make sense of a sometimes baffling narrative, separate fact from fiction, and discuss ideas that could have made the movie so much better. Is this even about José Aldo? Why is it missing some of his most famous moments? And is lumber-bashing a real hobby in Brazil? (Leg) kick back and chill with us for the answers to these questions and more. Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow E. Casey Leydon: @ekc 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

One-time UFC title challenger and current ESPN UFC analyst Megan Anderson joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to preview Saturday's UFC 301 event, the hangover from UFC 300, Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg, Jose Aldo's return against Jonathan Martinez and if it will be Aldo's final UFC fight, why Anthony Smith vs. Vitor Petrino is a fight she has her eye on, and much 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

UFC 301 is here and we're headed back to Brazil! This Saturday, the UFC returns to Rio de Janeiro for its first pay-per-view offering since the immaculate UFC 300, and the No Bets Barred boys are back to break down all the fights. After taking a few weeks off to recuperate following the extravaganza that was UFC 300, hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew return with spirit, opening the show with a brief recap of their past couple of weeks before diving into this card. Will Alexandre Pantoja give the Brazilian crowd a happy ending to the evening or will Steve Erceg - AKA "Vinnie Cigs" -- become the most unlikely champion in UFC history? How will the return of Jose Aldo go? And which Brazilian fighters are primed to be upset on home turf? All this and a lot more are discussed on this week's episode. Tune in for episode 86 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

Tom Aspinall agrees with the U.K. MMA fans that the upcoming UFC 304 pay-per-view event in July should cater to the local market, as opposed to the U.S. fanbase — and he's absolutely correct in that assessment. But will the UFC change course to satisfy the Manchester fans as it relates to the card's start time? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses Aspinall's recent response to the fight night schedule and why the UFC interim heavyweight champion is spot on. Additionally, listener topics include Saturday's UFC 301 event, flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg's chances against Alexandre Pantoja in the main event, whether or not Jose Aldo will be making the walk to the octagon for the final time against Jonathan Martinez, the hidden gem on Saturday's fight card, the UFC middleweight division, the BMF title, 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 brand new episode as UFC legend Matt Brown and MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin discuss the latest in combat sports including how the UFC has embraced marketing and promoting athletes in way that boxing never has. Brown argues that boxing promoters are still stuck in the 1990s when it comes to their methodology trying to build interest in the sport while the UFC continues to run circles around them. We’ll also talk about Mike Perry’s latest win in BKFC and how he became the perfect person to serve as the face of bare-knuckle fighting. Plus we’ll discuss Jose Aldo coming back from retirement to fight at UFC 301 and if he’s returning for the right reasons? 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

Alex Perez has the weight of the world on his shoulders, likely putting his UFC career on the line against Matheus Nicolau in the main event of UFC Vegas 91. In the end, the one-time UFC title challenger was able to pick up his first win inside the octagon in nearly four years with a sensational knockout of Nicolau to close the show on Saturday. Now that he's back in the win column, what should come next for Perez? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss who Perez could face next following his big win. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Bogdan Guskov following his second-round finish of Ryan Spann in the co-main event, Karine Silva after earning a hard fought unanimous decision victory over Ariane da Silva in the featured flyweight bout, along with fellow main card winners Jhonata Diaz, David Onama, Uros Medic, 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

Alex Perez needed a win more than anybody on Saturday's UFC Vegas 91 card, and he delivered in a big way with a ferocious knockout of Matheus Nicolau in the main event. After his first win in nearly four years, is Perez back to where he was a legitimate title threat? Following Saturday's UFC Fight Night event at the APEX, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and Eric "New York Ric" Jackman react to Perez's victory and what it means in the 125 pound division. Additionally, the panel discusses Bogdan Guskov's big stoppage win over Ryan Spann in the co-main event, cage announcer Joe Martinez having to step away for a couple of fights and Charly Arnolt stepping in, Dominick Cruz's commentary, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew 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

After a week off following UFC 300, the UFC returns to the APEX for UFC Vegas 91 — which will serve as the go-home show for next weekend's UFC 301 pay-per-view event. While absence does make the heart grow fonder, it's pretty clear from an interest standpoint this weekend that the UFC is playing second fiddle to BKFC, and their annual KnuckleMania fight card. Ahead of the weekend doubleheader, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and Alexander K. Lee preview Saturday's KnuckleMania 4 and UFC Vegas 91 events. Additionally, they'll discuss Mike Perry's return to the BKFC ring as he faces Thiago Alves in the main event, Ben Rothwell vs. Todd Duffee, the UFC headliner between Matheus Nicolau and Alex Perez, how the card stacks up from top-to-bottom on paper, and answer your questions. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR 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

The UFC is taking more Fight Night cards on the road recently than they have in quite some time. While the full card and main event quality hasn't been much different than we've seen in the last few years, could this mean the end of UFC Fight Night cards at the UFC APEX? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses whether or not this could be the beginning of the end for UFC APEX shows. Additionally, Mike answers questions about Mike Perry's return to action this weekend in Los Angeles at BKFC KnuckleMania 4 against Thiago Alves, and where he could go with a win, if UFC Vegas 91 is one of the worst UFC cards from top-to-bottom, where Matheus Nicolau would go with a victory over Alex Perez in the main event, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 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 UFC returns following a weekend off to digest the memorable UFC 300 event, but BKFC's Knucklemania 4 will likely get top billing in the interest department this weekend, most notably due to Mike Perry's return to the ring against Thiago Alves. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses both UFC Vegas 91 and Knucklemania cards this weekend, the UFC headliner between Matheus Nicolau and Alex Perez, Perry's star power and future in BKFC, along with Ben Rothwell vs. Todd Duffee. Additionally, topics include Dana White's victory lap against the media and what can be taken away from it, Ryan Garcia silencing the critics with an incredible showing against Devin Haney this past weekend, the Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal press tour coming to an end and how much interest in generated, and much 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 Follow Brian Campbell: @BCampbell 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 the 2024 NFL Draft set to take place this week, it's once again time for the MMA Fighting team to don the hats of the premier combat sports promotions in the world and select the 35 fighters they would most want to have on roster to build a promotion around. Listen as Jed Meshew guides the action and the staff drafts seven fighters to their respective organizations: the UFC, PFL/Bellator, ONE Championship, BKFC, and newcomer KSW. Other promoters include Shaun Al-Shatti, Mike Heck, Damon Martin, and Alexander K. Lee. Who will be the first overall pick? And which drafter is best set up for the next five years? Tune in to find out. Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew Follow Shaun Al-Shatti @ShaunAlShatti Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee Follow Damon Martin @DamonMartin Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After delivering one of the craziest moments in UFC history against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, Max Holloway has a lot of options in front of him — whether it be Ilia Topuria and the featherweight title, a shot at the lightweight belt, or even a huge rematch with Conor McGregor depending on what happens at UFC 303. But what is the best option for Holloway following the performance of a lifetime? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the options ahead for Holloway, and why the fight with Topuria is the way to go over all other options. Additionally, listener topics include the futures for fellow UFC 300 winners Bo Nickal and Diego Lopes, Deiveson Figueiredo's callout of Dominick Cruz, where Charles Oliveira goes from his loss to Arman Tsarukyan, Dustin Poirier's chances against Islam Makhachev at UFC 301, Jose Aldo vs. Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 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 UFC legend Matt Brown and MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin discussing the latest news in combat sports including Conor McGregor finally booking his return to action at UFC 303. It’s been three years since McGregor last fought, which raised some doubts about whether he would ever return to compete again, but he’s now scheduled to fight Michael Chandler in June. But what kind of expectations should we have for McGregor in 2024 with his last truly meaningful win coming all the way back in 2016 when he demolished Eddie Alvarez to become a two-division champion? How dangerous is Chandler as an opponent in McGregor’s return? Plus we’ll talk about Ryan Garcia pulling off a massive upset with his majority decision win over Devin Haney this past weekend. Garcia also wasted no time accepting a challenge from UFC champion Sean O’Malley but should we even entertain these callouts any longer? 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

Michael Jai White has the skills, but does he have the grit to survive the mean streets of “Blood and Bone?” On this episode of This is CineMMA, the MMA Fighting movie review crew break out of the clink to follow the adventures of Bone (White), a man on a mission who batters and bruises his way through L.A.’s underground fight scene while crossing paths with real-life combat sports stars Kimbo Slice, Gina Carano, and Bob Sapp. Featuring plenty of bloody battles-and some very, very NSFW language-this one ain’t for the faint of heart. Alexander K. Lee, Jed Meshew, and E. Casey Leydon channel their inner “Just Bleed Guy” as they marvel at White’s dazzling martial arts skills, pick out some of the nastiest looking moves in the movie, and try to make heads or tails of some truly befuddling dialogue choices. How would Bone fare in the #UFC? Is Eamonn Walker a better villain than Conor McGregor? And is it really possible to jump in the air and kick four people at once? Dig into Blood and Bone with us for the answers to these questions and more. Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew 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

Alex Poatan volta ao Trocação Franca ainda como campeão meio-pesado do UFC, após nocautear Jamahal Hill com requintes de crueldade cômica no UFC 300, e fala sobre a comemoração ao estilo Khaby, se havia sentimento de vingança por Glover Teixeira, quem será o próximo rival pelo título, se enfrentaria Tom Aspinall pelo terceiro cinturão em Manchester, e muito mais. O podcast traz, ainda, a íntegra da participação de Kyra Gracie no WebSummit, que rolou no Rio de Janeiro e contou com Guilherme Cruz como moderador. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda semana, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. Alex Pereira returns to Trocação Franca — still as the UFC light heavyweight champion — after knocking out Jamahal Hill in vicious fashion at UFC 300 to discuss the victory, his Khaby-inspired celebration, if he felt like avenging Glover Teixeira, who’s next for the LHW belt, if he’s down to fighting Tom Aspinall for a third title in Manchester, and more. The podcast also features Kyra Gracie’s talk at this week’s WebSummit in Rio de Janeiro, which was moderated by MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz. Listen to Trocação Franca with Guilherme Cruz every week to hear from the biggest names on the hottest topics in the Brazilian combat sports world. 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

UFC 300 is in the books, but the shockwaves from its results will be felt for years to come. Alex Pereira, Max Holloway, and Kayla Harrison were three of the biggest winners of the night. What lies ahead for these stars? Host Alexander K. Lee is joined by rankings wizards Jed Meshew and Damon Martin to discuss who made the farthest jumps up the charts this week, whether we overvalued or undervalued some of Saturday’s notable victories, which fighters are serious contenders and which are just pretenders in new divisions, where Holloway’s unreal knockout of Justin Gaethje ranks among the coolest moments in MMA history, plus much more. Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew Follow Damon Martin @DamonMartin Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

O UFC 300 prometeu e entregou, e o Trocação Franca repercute uma das maiores noites da história do esporte na companhia de Coutinho, jornalista do Canal Encarada que estava em Las Vegas para acompanhar de perto as lutas de Alex Poatan e Charles do Bronx, o espetáculo entregue por Max Holloway e Justin Gaethje, e a ascensão de vários brasileiros. O podcast recebe ainda o empresário Jorge Guimarães “Joinha”, que explica por que “Poatan” não lutará no UFC Rio, sua possível ida para a categoria dos pesados, e muito mais. O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda semana, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados. UFC 300 promised and delivered, and Trocação Franca breaks down the historic night of fights alongside Canal Encarada’s Coutinho, who was in the arena Saturday to cover key fights for Brazilian MMA in Alex Pereira and Charles Oliveira, plus the epic moment in Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje and the rise of new Brazilian blood. The podcast also welcomes Alex Pereira’s manager Jorge Guimarães to discuss why “Poatan” won’t fight at UFC 301, his potential move to heavyweight, and more. Listen to Trocação Franca with Guilherme Cruz every week to hear from the biggest names on the hottest topics in the Brazilian combat sports world. 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