UFC Unfiltered with Jim Norton and Matt Serra

Jim Norton and Matt Serra react to the fallout from UFC Perth before welcoming two returning guests to the show. First, Nikolas Motta checks in following a long recovery from jaw surgery that sidelined him after his last fight. Motta opens up about discovering the injury, the challenges of the recovery process, and what it means to finally be cleared to return to full training. Then, Malcolm Wellmaker returns for his third appearance on the podcast as he prepares for his May 16 matchup against Juan Diaz. He reflects on what he learned from his loss to Ethyn Ewing and how he’s evolved since. Plus, Jim and Matt break down the biggest takeaways from UFC Perth — including Carlos Prates’ breakout performance before locking in picks for this weekend’s UFC 328 card. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Norton and Matt Serra kick off the show by making their picks for this weekend’s UFC Perth card before bringing on two fighters riding serious momentum. First, undefeated middleweight Baisangur Susurkaev makes his UFC Unfiltered debut. He reflects on his journey from Chechnya to the UFC, discusses his 2-0 start in the promotion, and previews his upcoming fight at UFC 328. Susurkaev also shares what he’s learned training alongside Khamzat Chimaev as he prepares to fight on the same card as his teammate once again. Then, Francis Marshall returns fresh off back-to-back wins in just eight weeks. He breaks down his latest performance, talks about staying active early in 2026, and details what’s clicking for him with Coach Mike Brown at American Top Team as he continues to build momentum. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Norton and Matt Serra react to Saturday’s UFC Fight Night before welcoming two standout performers from the card. First, Aljamain Sterling returns to the show for his 19th appearance following a dominant win over surging featherweight Youssef Zalal in last Saturday’s main event. “Funk Master” breaks down how he controlled the fight from start to finish, where he sees himself in the 145-pound title picture, and what he wants next as he eyes a shot at gold. Then, Davey Grant joins fresh off another Fight of the Night performance, reflecting on his bounce-back win, finding success as a 40 year-old in a young man’s division known for speed, and why he still feels like he’s getting better with each fight. Plus, Jim and Matt share their takeaways from the rest of the card. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two fighters gearing up battle join Jim Norton and Matt Serra for an episode that looks ahead to this weekend’s action at the Meta APEX. Matt kicks things off by sharing his perspective on the featherweight main event between Serra-Longo’s own Aljamain Sterling and Youssef Zalal before he and Jim make picks up and down the card. Then, 3rd-ranked women’s bantamweight Norma Dumont joins with the help of a translator to discuss her Sanda roots, her journey through the sport, and her upcoming co-main event matchup against surging contender Joselyne Edwards. Later, Ryan Spann makes his UFC Unfiltered debut — and quickly feels like a longtime friend of the show. Spann chops it up with Jim and Matt about his move to heavyweight and how he plans to deploy his well-rounded skill set against an elite grappler like Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Norton and Matt Serra welcome two lightweights to today’s episode of UFC Unfiltered as 25-year-old Gauge Young and surging veteran Alexander Hernandez join the show. Fresh off his second straight UFC win, Gauge Young checks in for his first appearance on the podcast to break down his split decision victory over Thiago Moises. He discusses bouncing back from a tough opening round, trusting his adjustments, and why he’s confident he belongs at this level. Then, Alexander Hernandez returns to the show riding a five-fight winning streak at lightweight. He reflects on the breakthrough changes to his team that sparked his current career turnaround — detailing what’s clicked for him on this run as he looks to carry the momentum into Saturday’s showdown against Rafa Garcia. Plus, Jim and Matt react to UFC Winnipeg — including a look back at Gilbert Burns’ career following his retirement after a knockout loss to Canada’s Mike Malott in the main event. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Norton and Matt Serra take a closer look at this Saturday’s UFC Winnipeg card with two fighters slated for main card action in Charles Jourdain and Dennis Buzukja. First, Jourdain joins ahead of his co-main event against Kyler Phillips to discuss how his move down to bantamweight has unlocked a new level of focus as he seeks a third straight stoppage win in a loaded division. Then, Buzukja returns as he prepares for his first fight in over a year, breaking down the challenges of a long layoff and what to expect in his matchup against dangerous newcomer Marcio Barbosa. Plus, Matt makes up for two weeks of not predicting any winners by calling his shot on a few extra fights on top of Jim’s prediction for the weekend. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Norton and Matt Serra are joined by a pair of winners from Saturday’s UFC 327 card as featherweight Aaron Pico and welterweight Kevin Holland call in. Fresh off his first UFC win, Pico breaks down how sticking to a disciplined, footwork-heavy game plan helped him neutralize a dangerous counterpuncher in Patricio Pitbull. Jim also suggests a few potential ranked featherweight opponents as Pico looks to rewrite any lingering narratives from his debut loss to Lerone Murphy. Then, Kevin Holland returns for his 16th appearance on the show following his bounce-back win over Randy Brown. Holland reflects on what went right, what he could’ve done better, and updates the guys on life outside the cage — including his ever-evolving cowboy lifestyle. Don’t miss as Jim and Matt react to the UFC 327 card from top to bottom — including a spirited debate over whether Jiří Procházka showed mercy in his vacant title fight loss to Carlos Ulberg in last Saturday’s main event. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Norton is joined by recently retired Michael Chiesa — who fills in for Matt Serra as guest co-host for an episode of UFC Unfiltered that blends reflection with reinvention. Who better than Chiesa, fresh off his own retirement win in Seattle, to guide the conversation with Cub Swanson as he prepares for the final fight of his career? The longtime fan favorite opens up about what this moment means to him, reflects on the journey that got him here, and shares the mindset behind stepping into the Octagon one last time. Then, 14th-ranked middleweight Paulo Costa joins to unpack his decision to move up to light heavyweight for his co-main event clash with 6th-ranked Azamat Murzakanov. Ppen to the possibility of still contending at 185, Paulo shares what it is about Khamzat Chimaev that makes him believe he can dethrone the current middleweight if given the opportunity. Jim closes out the show with a few predictions for Saturday’s UFC 327 card, with Chiesa offering his perspective on how those picks might play out. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Back from touring the globe and spreading his comedy, Jim Norton links back up with Matt Serra for an episode that invites two fighters at very different (but equally compelling) stages of their careers. Establishing a name for himself as destroyer of unbeaten prospects, bantamweight Ethyn Ewing joins fresh off the 3rd-round body-shot KO against Rafael Estevam that secured him his second UFC win in as many appearances. Ethyn walks through his patient approach to breaking down Estevam and how discipline has been the foundation of his rapid rise. Between interviews, Jim and Matt react to the weekend’s action — including Renato Moicano’s second-round submission win over Chris Duncan in the main event at the Meta APEX. Finally, 11th-ranked welterweight Gilbert Burns returns to the podcast for the first time in nearly three years ahead of his April 18 main event against Mike Malott in Winnipeg. Burns reflects on his recent skid against elite competition, explains why his confidence hasn’t wavered, and unpacks how experience in five-round fights factors into his road matchup against his younger Canadian opponent. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt Serra is joined by Phoenix Carnevale — who makes a triumphant return to the show as a guest co-host in place of Jim while he’s out on tour — for an episode of UFC Unfiltered featuring two fighters competing on this Saturday’s card. The first is none other than the main event himself: 10th-ranked lightweight Renato Moicano. After a previously-planned fight vs. Brian Ortega fell through, “Money” Moicano breaks down Saturday’s five-round bout against Chris Duncan and the unusual challenges that come with preparing for an American Top Team teammate. Then, 20-year-old women’s bantamweight Alice Pereira joins to reflect on how she plans to take what she learned from losing her UFC debut and put together a winning game plan in Saturday’s fight against Hailey Cowan. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt Serra is joined by Din Thomas for an episode of UFC Unfiltered that blends two interviews with a full slate of fight recaps — highlighted by Din’s firsthand perspective from Joe Pyfer’s corner in Seattle. First, Jiří Procházka calls in to discuss his upcoming vacant light heavyweight title fight against Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327, sharing his thoughts on the matchup and what it means to compete for a belt in a reshaped division following Alex Pereira’s move to heavyweight. Then, Matt and Din unpack Seattle’s main event as Din offers unique insight into Joe Pyfer’s performance from Saturday against Israel Adesanya after working closely with him throughout camp and on fight night. Later, rising featherweight Lerryan Douglas joins the show fresh off his UFC debut win, reflecting on his first interactions with Matt and Din while explaining how an early interest in boxing ultimately led him to MMA. Matt and Din close out the episode with a full recap of an action-packed UFC Seattle card — including a tip of the cap to Michael Chiesa, who earned a win in what marked the final fight of his career in front of an electric home crowd. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Norton and Matt Serra welcome Dominick Reyes and Ignacio Bahamondes to UFC Unfiltered ahead of their upcoming fights. First, Dominick Reyes returns to the show and discusses the small adjustment he’s made following his first-round loss to Carlos Ulberg that has him feeling confident heading into his April 11 matchup against Johnny Walker at UFC 327 in Miami. Reyes also talks about balancing fatherhood with fight life, how video games help him decompress, and why he enjoys hands-on work — including a recent bathroom remodel with his father and brother. Then, Ignacio Bahamondes joins to break down his mindset heading into his fight against Tofiq Musayev. Despite facing an opponent with an 0-1 UFC record, Bahamondes explains why he’s not taking the 36-year-old veteran lightly, pointing to Musayev’s deep professional experience. He also shares how his father’s fighting background and his wife’s professional fighting experience has him well-prepared for the journey ahead. Plus, Jim and Matt close out the show with their picks for the weekend’s fights. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What’s it like to fight at home? Today’s episode of UFC Unfiltered answers that question through two fighters who know the feeling firsthand — with Din Thomas joining Jim and Matt as a guest co-host. First, British strawweight Shanelle Dyer calls in fresh off a successful UFC debut in London, reflecting on the energy of fighting in front of a home crowd and how she handled the moment. Then, Ontario’s own Mike Malott joins to preview his upcoming UFC Winnipeg main event against #11-ranked Gilbert Burns on April 18. No stranger to competing on Canadian home soil, Malott discusses the added pressure of headlining in front of his country with a bout against a former welterweight title challenger. Staying in Ontario, the conversation expands as Matt asks Din about his Canadian protégé Gillian Robertson and how her five-fight winning streak has her knocking on the door of a potential women’s strawweight title shot vs. Mackenzie Dern. Plus, in light of Movsar Evloev’s main event win over Lerone Murphy in London, the guys share their thoughts on the scorecards and what the result means for the featherweight title picture. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Norton and Matt Serra are joined by two fighters at opposite stages of their careers on this episode of UFC Unfiltered in lightweight Shem Rock and middleweight Eryk Anders. First, Liverpool’s Shem Rock makes his Unfiltered debut as he eyes his first UFC win in his second fight with the promotion. Rock talks about embracing his Scouser identity as a fighter, what he learned from his debut loss, and how he plans to bounce back on Saturday in front of a London crowd on a card with teammate Luke Riley. Then, veteran middleweight Eryk Anders joins the show after taking a victory lap into retirement following last Saturday’s win over Brad Tavares. Anders reflects on his 20-fight UFC career, what it meant to go out on top with his son in attendance, and why he chose to hand his gloves to his coach instead of leaving them in the Octagon. Plus, Jim and Matt preview and make their picks for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card headlined by Movsar Evloev vs. Lerone Murphy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s a winning-streak kind of show as Jim Norton and Matt Serra are joined by a pair of surging contenders riding streaks of at least 7-straight wins. First, bantamweight contender Aiemann Zahabi calls in to preview his upcoming matchup with Sean O’Malley on the White House card. Eyeing an eighth straight win, Canada’s own Zahabi discusses the revenge angle for a country that’s come up short against the United States in multiple recent gold medal matchups and a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal, while also breaking down how he matches up with one of the division’s most dangerous strikers. After recapping Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card — including Kevin Vallejos’ statement win and what could be next for Gillian Robertson — the guys welcome featherweight contender Youssef Zalal. Having worked with Aljamain Sterling in the past, Zalal dives into a uniquely insightful breakdown of the matchup — adding an interesting wrinkle given Aljo’s longtime ties to Matt Serra. Jim and Matt don’t hold back their admiration for Zalal as he previews the fight, discusses his recent surge, and explains why he believes he’s ready for a title shot in a rapidly evolving featherweight division. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Norton and Matt Serra get one half of Saturday’s main event as Josh Emmett calls in first on a show also featuring heavyweight newcomer Steven Asplund. Emmett previews his matchup with rising prospect Kevin Vallejos, reflecting on the experience he’s gained from years of facing elite competition and why his trademark power remains a dangerous equalizer even at 41 years old. Later, Steven Asplund makes his UFC Unfiltered debut. A son of a fighter himself, Asplund walks through how he went from team sports to obesity issues, all in a roundabout journey to the fight game — where he is now 7-1 as a professional and looking to make his mark in the heavyweight division. Plus, Jim and Matt close out the show by previewing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card and making a few picks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A pair of former opponents at 145 pounds join today’s episode of UFC Unfiltered as newly-established lightweight Kyle Nelson and featherweight contender Steve Garcia call in to chat with Matt Serra and Jim Norton. First, Kyle Nelson returns to the show to discuss his decision to move back up to lightweight after his 2024 loss to Steve Garcia. Fresh off a win over Matt Frevola, Nelson breaks down his upcoming matchup with Terrance McKinney at the UFC Seattle card on March 28 and shares what it’s like preparing for a fighter whose bouts almost always end in the first round. Later, No. 9 ranked featherweight Steve Garcia calls in to react to the announcement of his fight against Diego Lopes on the historic UFC Freedom 250 card set to take place on the White House South Lawn. Garcia discusses how he matches up with Lopes, what he learned from Lopes’ recent title fight against Alexander Volkanovski, and whether a statement win on that stage could catapult him into the title picture at 145 pounds. Plus, Jim and Matt recap the biggest moments from UFC 326 — including Charles Oliveira’s dominant win over Max Holloway in their BMF title rematch. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Norton and Matt Serra welcome a pair of veteran finishers to UFC Unfiltered ahead of Saturday’s UFC 326 card in Las Vegas. First, lightweight Drew Dober returns for his eighth appearance on the show to preview his matchup with Michael Johnson in a clash between two of the division’s most experienced fighters. Convinced veterans like him are often underestimated for their ability to adapt, Dober explains how the constant search for self-improvement fuels him. That and a good old-fashioned post-fight donut. Later, Cody Garbrandt calls in ahead of his fight against Xiao Long. The former bantamweight champion opens up about how overcoming health issues — including vertigo — has given him a new outlook at this stage of his career before discussing how his passion for motorcycles keeps him grounded outside the cage. Plus, Jim and Matt close out the show with picks for Saturday’s UFC 326 card, including their thoughts on the BMF title rematch between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Norton and Matt Serra welcome two lightweights at very different stages of their careers. First, 27-year-old Francis Marshall joins the show following his first-round submission win in Mexico City. Marshall breaks down surviving an early spinning wheel kick before locking up the finish and reflects on bouncing back after a difficult stretch in the Octagon. In his UFC Unfiltered debut, Marshall and Matt connect over their shared ties to the Northeast fight scene, including Marshall’s experience competing on Lou Neglia’s Ring of Combat — the long-running proving ground for fighters from New Jersey and New York, and a staple for many Serra-Longo athletes over the years. Then, Michael Johnson returns as he gears up for what he’s calling one last run at lightweight. “The Menace” discusses longevity, chasing a fourth straight win, how he keeps his body feeling young at 39, and what still fuels him nearly 15 years into his UFC career. In between interviews, Jim and Matt break down the newly announced UFC 327 card, headlined by Jiří Procházka vs. Carlos Ulberg for the light heavyweight title recently vacated by Alex Pereira. They also debate whether Pereira’s decision signals a move to heavyweight for Jon Jones — and what that could mean for a potential blockbuster fight at the White House. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Norton and Matt Serra welcome both sides of a key lightweight matchup as Daniel Zellhuber and King Green join the show ahead of their clash at UFC Mexico City. First, Mexico’s own Daniel Zellhuber discusses fighting at home in the altitude for the second time, what he learned from his Fight of the Night war in 2024, and how he’s approaching a pivotal bout after back-to-back losses. The 26-year-old “Golden Boy” explains why he’s hoping to face the best version of the 39-year-old veteran and what a win in front of his home crowd would mean for his career. Then, King Green calls in to give his side of the matchup. Returning to Mexico for the first time since his early days as a pro, Green reflects on how the sport — and today’s young fighters — have evolved since he first broke in. He also breaks down how his experience, composure, and fight IQ factor into Saturday’s showdown with Zellhuber. Plus, Jim and Matt preview and make three picks each for this Saturday’s UFC Mexico City card headlined by flyweight contenders Brandon Moreno and Lone’er Kavanagh. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.