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Get all the mixed martial arts fighting news and analysis you need from the award-winning team at MMA Fighting. Produced by MMA Fighting and SB Nation, and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

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276
Stephen Thompson: UFC Has 'Settled Everything' ...
UFC welterweight Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to preview his UFC 296 matchup with Shavkat Rakhmonov, talks he and the UFC working out an agreement financially following his UFC 291 fight cancellation with Michel Pereira, Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington, Kamaru Usman's performance against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294, and much more.
21 min
277
On To the Next One | Matches To Make After UFC ...
Jailton Almeida controlled and dominated Derrick Lewis for nearly the entire UFC Sao Paulo main event, and as impressive as a feat as that is, the performance still left people with questions about his ceiling in the heavyweight division. Where does Almeida go from here in order to answer those questions? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee attempt to predict who Almeida could face next following his unanimous decision win over Lewis in Saturday's headliner. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Nicolas Dalby after his gritty comeback stoppage win over Gabriel Bonfim in the co-main event, Rodrigo Nascimento following his second victory against Don'Tale Mayes, Caio Barralho after improving to 5-0 in the UFC with his win over Abus Magomedov, along with Rookie of the Year contender Elves Brener, and more.
62 min
278
UFC São Paulo Reaction | How Do You Grade Jailt...
Jailton Almeida dominated Derrick Lewis over 25 minutes in the main event of Saturday's UFC Sao Paulo card, yet, a lot of people seem to have left the event with far more questions than answers, and found Almeida's performance as somewhat of a letdown. What grade does Almeida deserve for his second straight main event win? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee, and Eric "New York Ric" Jackman react to Almeida's sweep of the scorecards against Lewis, if the surging heavyweight gained anything with the win, if the community actually learned more about Lewis in the loss than Almeida in the win, and where Almeida goes next. Additionally, they discuss Nicolas Dalby's gritty comeback stoppage win against Gabriel Bonfim as the biggest underdog on the main card, Elves Brener's sensational knockout, Angela Hill continuing to pick up victories and her importance to the UFC roster, and more.
61 min
279
Dustin Poirier Details Getting Call For Islam M...
Dustin Poirier joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to discuss getting the call to possibly step in to face Islam Makhachev on short notice at UFC 294, finding out Alexander Volkanovski got the title shot, how the UFC 294 main event played out, when he hopes to return, UFC 300 being enticing, Francis Ngannou's performance against Tyson Fury, attending this year's Mr. Olympia event, partnering up with Celcius, their new Essentials line, and more.
11 min
280
UFC Sao Paulo Preview Show | Can Derrick Lewis ...
Jailton Almeida has been unstoppable since making his debut in the UFC, and as the surging heavyweight contender looks to take another step forward towards a title shot, a powerful veteran in Derrick Lewis aims to play spoiler in the main event of UFC Sao Paulo. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, José Youngs, and Alexander K. Lee preview Saturday's headliner between Almeida and Lewis, what Almeida could gain from a victory, if a Lewis win could shake up the entire division, and more. Additionally, they discuss other interesting matchups on the card, the Ismael Bonfim vs. Vinc Pichel, and Victor Hugo vs. Daniel Marcos bouts being cancelled after Bonfim and Hugo missed weight, the ceiling on Rinat Fakhretdinov at 170 pounds, and more.
57 min
281
HOAM | Will Jon Jones Retire After Potential St...
Jon Jones was supposed to headline UFC 295 next Saturday before tearing his pectoral muscle, thus delaying his matchup with decorated former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic until sometime in 2024. While it seemed like the Miocic matchup could be the final one for Jones, does the delay change things at all? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses Jones' future, and makes the case that "Bones" could stick around after the Miocic fight. Additionally, listener questions include favorite fights of all-time, why a Jones vs. Francis Ngannou fight will never happen, the UFC's monster financials for the first half of 2024, leaked payouts for the likes of Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, and more due to the ongoing anti-trust lawsuit, 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.
53 min
282
BTL | Francis Ngannou's Next Move, Almeida vs. ...
Francis Ngannou shocked the combat sports world by taking lineal boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury to the limit this past Saturday in Saudi Arabia, a performance that has opened so many lucrative doors for the former UFC world champion. With so many options in play, what is the most interesting move for Ngannou moving forward? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses Ngannou's performance, whether his next fight should be in boxing or MMA, and if a fight with Jon Jones could ever happen despite being the biggest fight the UFC could take part in at the moment. Additionally, topics include UFC Sao Paulo, the main event between Jailton Almeida and Derrick Lewis and the stakes attached, Lewis' recent arrest ahead of the bout, Khamzat Chimaev's injury update and what that could mean for Sean Strickland, UFC Austin getting two big five-round lightweight bouts, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Shaheen Al-Shatti and Alexander K. Lee.
84 min
283
HOAM | Will Sean O'Malley Be Next Fighter To Cr...
Sean O'Malley has expressed interest in crossing over to the boxing world since capturing the UFC bantamweight title, and other big named boxers have reciprocated that interest in wanting to welcome him to the sport. While "Sugar" isn't there quite yet, could a win in his first title defense get him over the hump? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck attempts to answer that question, and gives his thoughts about how close O'Malley could be to getting his big money opportunity. Additionally, listener topics include the UFC anti-trust case and the promotion's appeal getting denied, Francis Ngannou's next move, how the PFL needs to capitalize on Ngannou's performance against Tyson Fury, promotional rankings, 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.
71 min
284
DAMN! They Were Good | Wanderlei Silva, The Mos...
DAMN! They Were Good celebrates the careers of the most exciting and influential fighters in MMA history and on this episode it celebrates the career of Wanderlei Silva, the most intimidating fighter to ever compete in MMA.
158 min
285
No Bets Barred: Does Jailton Almeida Keep Rolli...
The No Bets Barred boys are back this week with a full breakdown of UFC Sao Paulo and the main event matchup between Jailton Almeida and Derrick Lewis.
55 min
286
Trocação Franca | Tudo sobre o UFC São Paulo (c...
Agora o bicho vai pegar: o UFC desembarca em São Paulo pela primeira vez em quase quatro anos, e o Trocação Franca destrincha o card com a ajuda de Román Laurito, comentarista de MMA na Band, faixa-preta de jiu-jitsu e baixista da banda Tihuana. O podcast traz, ainda, entrevistas com Jailton Malhadinho, Vitor Petrino, Ismael Bonfim, Eduarda Ronda, Elves Brener, Kaue Fernandes e Fabrício Andrade.
118 min
287
HOAM | After Shocking the World, Francis Nganno...
Francis Ngannou's combat sports career took another incredible turn on Saturday when he arguably beat the lineal heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury in a 10-round boxing match in Saudi Arabia — even dropping Fury in the third round. Despite not getting the victory on the cards, Ngannou is the fight's big winner in other ways. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Ngannou's performance against Fury, how Ngannou the boxer is far more intriguing than Ngannou the MMA fighter, and how the only MMA opponent that makes any sense is the fight with current UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Additionally, listener topics include potential boxing options for Ngannou moving forward, the "fumbled the bag" critics being humbled, if the UFC lost in the long run with Saturday's result, 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.
46 min
288
Fighter vs. Writer: Matt Brown Erupts on Tyson ...
On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown reacts to Francis Ngannou’s shocking performance against Tyson Fury in his professional boxing debut while blasting the entire heavyweight division in boxing and offering Ngannou advice about what he should do next.
95 min
289
On To the Next One | Ask Mike & AK Anything Ret...
With the UFC having a rare Saturday night without a fight card, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee didn't want to leave the listeners hanging, so they decided to turn the programming over to them. On a special "Ask Us Anything" edition of On To the Next One, Mike and AK reunite to answer listener questions, with topics including whether or not Khamzat Chimaev is being judged by the MMA community on a more difficult scale than maybe any other fighter in UFC history. Additionally, questions include building a fantasy RIZIN New Year's Eve card, if 2023 could surpass 2016 as the craziest year in MMA, the best seats to watch a UFC event in an arena, what sport would they cover outside of MMA if asked, the fight that they like that most dislike, and the other way around, the MMA fighter elevator test, and more.
94 min
290
Fury vs. Ngannou Reaction | Was Francis Ngannou...
Francis Ngannou may not have gotten the official victory against Tyson Fury on the scorecards, but he sure feels like Saturday's biggest winner after defying the odds and taking the lineal boxing heavyweight champion to his absolute limit. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and Alexander K. Lee react to Fury edging out a heavily debated split decision over the former UFC heavyweight champion, discuss whether or not Ngannou was robbed by two of the judges, why it doesn't ultimately matter whether he was or not, if Ngannou's next fight will be in the boxing ring, if he'll return to MMA at all, how "The Predator" has been able to silence his many critics — including UFC CEO Dana White — if the targeted Fury vs. Usyk fight is more or less interesting, and so much more following the Battle of the Baddest fight card.
72 min
291
Fury vs. Ngannou Preview Show | Can Francis Nga...
Tyson Fury is the massive favorite to defeat former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in their 10-round boxing match this Saturday in Saudi Arabia. While the outcome may seem predictable, what if Ngannou actually does defeat Fury? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and Jed Meshew discuss Saturday's main event bout, the interest levels in it, along with the fight week build seemingly falling short. Additionally, they discuss what could've been done differently to generate more interest, a potential world where Ngannou pulls off one of the all-time biggest upsets ever, how it could shake up the combat sports world as we know it, if Ngannou's stock can drop in any way with a loss, and more.
66 min
292
HOAM | Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, Recappin...
While the UFC is on a rare off week, the promotion has certainly had its share of headlines following UFC 294 between Islam Makhachev's knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski, the questions surrounding the middleweight division after Khamzat Chimaev's win over Kamaru Usman, as well as the UFC 295 shakeups due to Jon Jones' injury. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck takes questions about the chaotic week for the UFC, Jones' fight with Stipe Miocic being scrapped and replaced by Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tom Aspinall for the interim heavyweight title, how big of a hit to the card losing Jones vs. Miocic could be, and comparing UFC 295 to other Madison Square Garden fight cards. Additionally, listener topics include Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, if Ngannou can be competitive, what could headline the UFC's Dec. 2 event in Austin and the promotion's expected return to China the following week, along with a slew of Free-For-All Friday questions from outside the world of MMA. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces.
74 min
293
BTL | Makhachev Makes Statement At UFC 294, Chi...
Islam Makhachev made a strong case for being the world's best pound-for-pound fighter after he demolished Alexander Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 294 this past Saturday. What is the biggest Makhachev question moving forward after getting closure against Volkanovski? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel recaps Makhachev's sensational performance to retain the UFC lightweight title, if Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje should be next, and how far he can go from a legacy perspective. Additionally, topics include Khamzat Chimaev's majority decision win over Kamaru Usman and the big takeaways from both fighters, Jon Jones suffering an injury scratching his UFC 295 heavyweight championship main event with Stipe Miocic, Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tom Aspinall fighting for the interim heavyweight title, if the one-two punch is more interesting than the original, Saturday's Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou boxing match and the interest levels surrounding it, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Morning Kombat's Brian Campbell.
105 min
294
HOAM | Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tom Aspinall, New U...
Jon Jones' injury led to Dana White's shocking annoucement this week that Jones will no longer fight Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 295, but now Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tom Aspinall will fight for the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event. Is it the more intriguing matchup than the original, and should it be for the actual title instead of the interim belt? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the UFC 295 shakeup, why Pavlovich vs. Aspinall is the more competitive fight, but also the hit the card takes not having Jones and Miocic fighting any longer, along with a positive way to look at the championship situation surrounding the fight. Additionally, topics include what a title in at UFC 295 does for Alex Pereira's legacy, Islam Makhachev knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294, Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, and 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.
63 min
295
Rankings Show: The Gang Actually Agrees On Some...
Mike Heck and Jed Meshew join co-hosts Shaun Al-Shatti and Alexander K. Lee to sift through the wreckage of UFC 294, look ahead to the loaded year-end schedule, say goodbye to a big name in the rankings, and much more.
95 min
296
Emergency Reaction: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic ...
Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic is OFF! MMA Fighting reacts to Jones' injury, Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tom Aspinall getting booked for UFC 295's new interim heavyweight title fight, Miocic's side of the equation, what this means for the heavyweight division, and much more.
30 min
297
Trocação Franca | Mayra Sheetara explica doping...
Mayra Sheetara viu a maior vitória de sua carreira ser anulada no UFC por conta de um caso de doping, e explica a situação em entrevista exclusiva. Ela, aliás, reforça a vontade de lutar (e humilhar) Julianna Peña em disputa de cinturão. O podcast fala ainda com campeão dos moscas do UFC, Alexandre Pantoja, sobre a luta com Brandon Royval, a rivalidade com Sean O’Malley, o duelo dos sonhos no MMA, e muito mais.
45 min
298
HOAM | Should Khamzat Chimaev's Next Fight Be F...
Khamzat Chimaev had to work for it, but he did what he needed to do on Saturday at UFC 294 — he defeated Kamaru Usman. Heading in, Dana White said that the winner would get a title shot against Sean Strickland, but was the performance from Chimaev enough to get him his first world championship opportunity? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck attempts to answer that question, why Chimaev should get more credit than he's getting for the victory, and where Usman goes from this past weekend. Additionally, listener topics include Islam Makhachev's big finish of Alexander Volkanovski in the main event, if Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje should be next, the doctor involved in two weird endings to UFC 294 bouts, Ikram Aliskerov's future at 185 pounds, 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.
68 min
299
Fighter vs. Writer: UFC Legend Mark Coleman Rev...
On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC legend Mark Coleman joins the show to discuss his recent work with Stipe Miocic to help him prepare for Jon Jones while Matt Brown praises Islam Makhachev following his win over Alexander Volkanovski and we preview Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou
104 min
300
On To the Next One | What's Next For Islam Makh...
What's next for Islam Makhachev following his incredibke knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 on Saturday? What about Khamzat Chimaev after gutting out a majoity decision win over former UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman? Following Saturday's return to Abu Dhabi for rhe UFC, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee attempt to answer those questions from a matchmaking perspective. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Volkanovski and Usman following their defeats, along with Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker after their bizarre no contest, Ikram Aliskerov following his brutal finish of Warlley Alves, Said Nurmagomedov, and more.
65 min