MMA Fighting

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

UFC CEO Dana White made UFC 304 officially official with the announcement of five bouts — three of which were new – including Leon Edwards defending his welterweight title against Belal Muhammad in a rematch, and Tom Aspinall defending his interim heavyweight championship against Curtis Blaydes. Will both champs retain in their rematches in their home country? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to White's reveal of the UFC 304 lineup thus far, the betting lines, and why the Bobby Green vs. Paddy Pimblett matchup might be the most intriguing of all. Additionally, listener topics include Joaquin Buckley continuing to lose favor with fans, his Twitter rivalry with Daniel Cormier, Ian Machado Garry potentially fighting at UFC 303, 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

On Saturday afternoon in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk face off in a highly-anticipated boxing match that will crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion in nearly 25 years. So for a fight of this magnitude, MMA Fighting's José Youngs, Eric Jackman, and Jed Meshew join forces to preview the epic clash. Was Tyson Fury's poor performance against Francis Ngannou a one time thing or has "The Gypsy King" lost a step? Can Oleksandr Usyk cement himself as an all-time great and take the top pound-for-pound spot with a win over Fury? And how will this fight affect the legacies of both men, particularly with Anthony Joshua waiting in the wings? All this and more is answered as the MMA Fighting crew breaks down the biggest boxing fight of the year. Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic 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

Saturday will be a monster day in the combat sports world, most notably because of the boxing world as for the first time in what seems like forever, an undisputed heavyweight champion will likely be crowned as Tyson Fury battles Oleksandr Usyk for all the marbles in Saudi Arabia. With such a high-stakes and fascinating matchup, what are the biggest questions surrounding it? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel will discuss their most burning questions heading into Fury vs. Usyk, what would be the more interesting result, and who needs the victory more. Additionally, topics include UFC St Louis this past Saturday, Derrick Lewis' big win, Joaquin Buckley's victory and subsequent callout of Conor McGregor, Dana White revealing that he wants out of the UFC APEX — which coincidentally is where Saturday's UFC Vegas 92 event will be held headlined by Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy — the targeted Maycee Barber vs. Rose Namajunas main event bout for July in Denver, and more. Plus, the show kicks off reacting to Dana White's breaking news about UFC 304, Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad, Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Morning Kombat's Brian Campbell. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew 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

One of the most stacked fight weeks of the summer is upon us. This weekend features a combat sports triple header as UFC Vegas 92 and the Bellator Champion Series return, all leading up to the main event of the season: Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight title of boxing. And with so much action in play, the No Bets Barred boys are back to break it all down. Co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew kick things off with a brief recap of UFC St. Louis before diving into this weekend's festivities. Is UFC Vegas 92 the worst fight card of the year? Is Edson Barboza washed? Will Jed's chosen prospect Tom Nolan disappoint him yet again? The Boys discuss all of that before switching over to the biggest fight in boxing and a healthy debate about whether Fury or Usyk will leave this weekend as the first undisputed heavyweight champion in nearly a quarter of a century. All this and a lot more are discussed on this week's episode. Tune in for episode 88 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

Halle Berry kicks ass! On the latest episode of This is CineMMA, the MMA Fighting movie review crew walk the long road back to redemption with the 2020 drama Bruised, written, directed, and starring Berry. The Academy Award-winning actress plays Jackie Justice, a onetime UFC star who gets a second chance to kickstart her cagefighting career when she gets the offer to fight an Invicta FC champion, played by Valentina Shevchenko. But will Justice’s traumatic past derail her ambitions? In our second crack at reviewing a female-led MMA drama (shout-out to Fight Valley!), Alexander K. Lee, Jed Meshew, and E. Casey Leydon pay respect to Berry and Shevchenko’s incredible work, while also pointing out what the film gets right and what it gets wrong about the world of fighting. Is Berry vs. Shevchenko one of the best fight scenes ever? How much trauma can one character take? And what did they do with Invicta FC boss Shannon Knapp in this movie? Mend your wounds and spend some time 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

Joaquin Buckley made headlines for his performance at UFC St. Louis, but more so for his post-fight callout of Conor McGregor that left the MMA community collectively scratching their heads. As the week has progressed, Buckley continues to get McGregor's attention, but to no avail. Is he doing the right thing? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the big moments from UFC St. Louis this past Saturday, the promotion being on a financial tear in terms of business, the negativity surrounding Buckley's callout, insinuating that he may have turned down a fight with Ian Machado Garry — which if he did, might be more surprising than the McGregor callout in general. Additionally, listener topics include the targeted Maycee Barber vs. Rose Namajunas headliner for the UFC's potential return to Denver in July, the flyweight shuffle up that led to Alex Perez vs. Tasturo Taira headlining the UFC event on June 15, 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

The Fighter vs. The Writer returns as UFC legend Matt Brown and MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin discuss the latest in combat sports. With Dustin Poirier getting his third shot at becoming undisputed champion against Islam Makhachev at UFC 301 on June 1, is this opportunity do or die for him ever winning the title? Listen as Brown and Martin explain why no matter how many times Poirier fights for the belt, he’s probably never completely out of contention. Plus Brown offers Poirier advice on how he should approach the fight with Makhachev and the best possible game plan to beat the seemingly unbeatable Russian. Brown also tells a story he first teased on Twitter about nearly being shanked during a time he spent a few months behind bars when he was only 20 or 21 years old. Brown recounts the situation that led to the near disastrous end to his jail stay and he also reveals another brief stay in jail while he was in the middle of his UFC career. 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

Derrick Lewis delivered a sensational knockout of Rodrigo Nascimento in the main event of Saturday's UFC St. Louis fight card, and then put on a show in his post-fight celebration. Lewis has put himself above the rankings in a lot of respects as people just want to see him in fun fights — but following another stoppage, what should be next? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what could be next for "The Black Beast" following this past weekend's victory. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Joaquin Buckley after his co-main event win over Nursulton Ruziboev — and subsequent callout of Conor McGregor — Carlos Ulberg following his 12 second knockout win over Alonzo Menifield, along with fellow main card winners Diego Ferreira, Sean Woodson, Waldo Cortes-Acosta, 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

Derrick Lewis showed his knockout power, grappling chops, and after knocking out Rodrigo Nascimento, showed his backside to the St. Louis crowd to end Saturday's UFC St. Louis card with the fans on their feet. Following the promotion's latest Fight Night event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and Eric Jackman react to the card, Lewis' big knockout of Nascimento and where he goes in this heavyweight division. Additionally, they discuss Joaquin Buckley's impressive co-main event win over Nursulton Ruziboev and his callout of Conor McGregor, Robelis Despaigne getting his first loss in lopsided fashion, bonus winners, 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

UFC fan-favorite Derrick Lewis will make the main event walk once again this Saturday at UFC St. Louis, and will do so against a surprising opponent in Rodrigo Nascimento. Will Lewis end the night with another memorable celebration, or will the emerging Nascimento play spoiler? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and Alexander K. Lee preview this weekend's UFC Fight Night event, as well as the main event matchup between Lewis and Nascimento. Additionally, the panel will discuss the co-main event matchup between Joaquin Buckley and the dangerous Nursulton Ruziboev, if Buckley has the most to lose on the entire card, other matchups that might be flying under the radar, plus answer viewer questions at the end. 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

UFC bantamweight champ Sean O'Malley decided to release a new video from a 2016 sparring session with flyweight titleholder Alexandre Pantoja, where O'Malley delivered a devastating body kick that led to the spar being halted. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Friday's video release from O'Malley, and if it was the right call. Additionally, listener topics include Jon Jones pitching a fight with Alex Pereira over Tom Aspinall, if Jones' legacy changes with a win over Stipe Miocic when they end up fighting, Saturday's UFC St. Louis card, if the PFL should sign Jose Aldo, 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

UFC 301 is in the books, and while there wasn't a ton of buzz heading into the UFC pay-per-view event, the card was fun to watch. In the end, the Brazilian fans went home happy after Alexandre Pantoja and Jose Aldo picked up unanimous decision wins in the final two fights. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel will put a bow on UFC 301, discuss where Pantoja goes, Aldo's free agency, and other storylines from this past Saturday's card. Additionally, topics include the announcement that Cory Sandhagen will face Umar Nurmagomedov in the main event of August's UFC Abu Dhabi card, this Saturday's UFC St. Louis event headlined by Derrick Lewis and Rodrigo Nascimento, the boxing match between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal reportedly getting moved to July, Jon Jones favoring a fight with Alex Pereira over Tom Aspinall, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Jose 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

UFC 301 is in the book so it's on to St. Louis! The worldwide leader in MMA heads to the Gateway Arch this Saturday with 13 fights, capped off by a heavyweight slugfest between Derrick Lewis and Rodrigo Nascimento and the No Bets Barred boys are back to break down all the action. Co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew kick things off with a brief recap of UFC 301 and celebrate Jose Aldo's terrific win before diving into this week's card. Can Derrick Lewis become a Saint in the City that bears his name? Did Joaquin Buckley bite off more than he can chew against Nursulton Ruziboev? Can Robelis Despaigne continue to live up to "Lock of the Millenia" vibes? And Jed reveals his latest bit of nonsense: The Sharknado Bet. All this and a lot more are discussed on this week's episode. Tune in for episode 87 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

Many people in the MMA community believe that Umar Nurmagomedov might be the UFC bantamweight champion in waiting — and in August, the undefeated Nurmagomedov will get to take the next step in proving that when he faces perennial contender Cory Sandhagen in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov booking, and what is at stake for both guys. Additionally, listener questions include Jose Aldo's future following his dominant decision win over Jonathan Martinez, Steve Erceg's championship potential following his loss to Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301 this past Saturday, 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

The Fighter vs. The Writer returns with a special episode as UFC legend Matt Brown discusses his decision to retire from MMA for the first time. With the most knockouts in welterweight history and the second most knockouts in UFC history, Brown etched his name in the record books numerous times over but what led to the timing for his retirement announcement this past Saturday? Brown details when he told the UFC about his retirement and the reaction he received from the promotion. He also explains why he’s really done with fighting and his immediate plans for the future. 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

Alexandre Pantoja capped off UFC 301 with a unanimous decision win over a game Steve Erceg to retain his flyweight title, while Jose Aldo returned to the octagon to sweep the scorecards against Jonathan Martinez to become one of the sport's top free agents. What's next for the hometown heroes following Saturday's pay-per-view event? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what could be next for Pantoja and Erceg following their main event clash in Rio. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Aldo — both in, and out of the UFC — Anthony Smith following his quick submission of Vitor Petrino, Michel Pereira after his 56 second stoppage win over Ihor Potieria, along with fellow main card winner Caio Borralho, 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