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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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326
No Bets Barred: Can Rafael Fiziev Stop The Rele...
The No Bets Barred boys are back this week with a full breakdown of UFC Vegas 79 and the lightweight main event between Rafael Fiziev and Mateusz Gamrot.
69 min
327
Trocação Franca | Fim do Bellator + Pitbull rum...
Onde há fumaça há fogo, e os rumores sobre a possível compra do Bellator pela PFL mexem com o mundo da luta. O Trocação Franca dessa semana repercute as possibilidades com Patrício Pitbull, campeão do Bellator, que vê nas mudanças uma janela para negociar com o UFC. O podcast fala também com Gabriel Braga, finalista do GP da PFL, além de Pedro Carvalho e Tamires Vidal, que lutam este final de semana no Bellator e UFC.
54 min
328
HOAM | Was the Grasso vs. Shevchenko 10-8 the M...
Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko put on one of 2023's best fights in the main event of Noche UFC this past Saturday, and while the fight was so great, the story is about Mike Bell's 10-8 scorecard for the fifth round, a score that cost Shevchenko the flyweight title. Was Bell's fifth-round score the worst in the history of the UFC? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the incredible rematch between Grasso and Shevchenko, the egregious nature of Bell's scorecard, and whether or not the trilogy should be next. Additionally, listener topics include Israel Adesanya's silence following his UFC 293 loss to Sean Strickland, Raul Rosas Jr.'s next step after his quick win this past Saturday, Kevin Holland's performance in a split decision loss to Jack Della Maddalena, Tracy Cortez's flyweight title hopes after her win over Jasmine Jasudavicius, the top of the UFC welterweight division being completely stagnant, 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
329
On To the Next One | Matches To Make After Noch...
Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko battled it out in an instant classic over 25 minutes on Saturday night in Las Vegas, and while Grasso did leave T-Mobile Arena still the UFC flyweight champion, the bout was scored a split draw, which adds to the craziness of a chaotic 2023 in the sport. After the Noche UFC main event, should they run it back again, or will the division move forward for the time being? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss the fallout of Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2 from a matchmaking perspective, and where both ladies go from Saturday night. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Jack Della Maddalena following his split decision win over Kevin Holland in the co-main event, Raul Rosas Jr. after dismantling Terrence Mitchell in under a minute, along with fellow main card winners Daniel Zellhuber, Kyle Nelson, and more.
63 min
330
Noche UFC Post-Fight Show | Reaction To Grasso ...
Alexa Grasso is still the UFC women's flyweight champion after Saturday's Noche UFC event, but she didn't defeat Valentina Shevchenko in their intriguing rematch. In fact, one judge stunningly scoring the fifth round a 10-8 for Grasso may have cost Shevchenko the chance to reclaim the title. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and Jed Meshew react to Grasso and Shevchenko's incredible battle, it being scored a split draw thanks to Mike Bell's head-scratching scorecard in Round 5, discuss whether or not the trilogy is the way to go, and who in the division may have lost the most due to the result. Additionally, topics include Jack Della Maddalena's split decision win over Kevin Holland in the co-main event, Raul Rosas Jr. getting back on track with a quick TKO win over Terrence Mitchell, Lupita Godinez and Tracy Cortez's big wins, and much more.
86 min
331
Noche UFC Preview Show | Can Lightning Strike T...
After Alexa Grasso pulled off one of the most memorable title wins in recent memory over Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 285 in March, they''ll run it back this Saturday in Las Vegas in the main event of Noche UFC. Will Grasso prove she is the flyweight division's best fighter in the world, or will Shevchenko right the wrong and regain her title? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and Alexander K. Lee preview Saturday's fight card, including the main event, what a win will do for both competitors involved, and who could be next for whoever leaves T-Mobile Arena with the title. Additionally, they'll discuss the intriguing welterweight co-main event between Kevin Holland and Jack Della Maddalena, 18-year-old Raul Rosas Jr. looking to get back on track after suffering his first loss earlier this year, and more.
78 min
332
HOAM | What's Next For Valentina Shevchenko If ...
Valentina Shevchenko gets her chance to exact revenge against Alexa Grasso after the latter's stunning upset win at UFC 285. Should Shevchenko win back the title, it creates some interesting options for the division moving forward, but where would Shevchenko go if Grasso can get it done a second time in the main event of Noche UFC? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck attempts to answer that question, and discusses why a second loss to Grasso would sting, but it wouldn't knock her out of title contention by any stretch. Additionally, listener questions include Kevin Holland's championship potential at 170 pounds, Khamzat Chimaev's long layoff, whether or not Sean Strickland could become a two division champion, Israel Adesanya's future after UFC 293, Kayla Harrision's return against Julia Budd in November for the PFL, 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.
61 min
333
Jon Anik On Israel Adesanya’s Potential Big Leg...
Jon Anik sits down with Mike Heck to talk Sean Strickland's massive win over Israel Adesanya, what the #UFC293 loss means for Adesanya's legacy, and more. The UFC play-by-play man also previews Noche UFC, headlined by a title rematch between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko.
26 min
334
BTL | Sean Strickland Crowned, Adesanya's Next ...
Sean Strickland did it, ladies and gentlemen. He dominated Israel Adesnaya and because of that, Strickland is the UFC middleweight champion of the world. Five days after accomplishing the incredible feat, the Between the Links panel gives their thoughts on what it means. On an all-new edition of BTL, the panel discusses Strickland's victory at UFC 293, the state of the 185-pound division, and predict the length of Strickland's reign as champion. Additionally, they'll discuss what the loss means for Adesanya and where he goes from here, Saturday's Noche UFC event headlined by the flyweight title rematch between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko, the annoucement of Bellator 301 and the major bouts that were revealed, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Eric "New York Ric" Jackman.
80 min
335
HOAM | Win or Lose, What's Next For Khamzat Chi...
Khamzat Chimaev is scheduled to face Paulo Costa at UFC 294 in October, which will serve as Chimaev's first octagon appearance in over a year. While some are predicting Chimaev's reign of terror will continue on, he will have his hands full with the one-time title challenger. Where does Chimaev go with a win, and even more wild, what happens in Chimaev is defeated in Abu Dhabi? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck attempts to answer that question, along with whether or not Chimaev's welterweight days are officially over regardless of the result against Costa. Additionally, listener questions include the incredible episode of Dana White's Contender Series on Tuesday, Kevin Holland's Noche UFC media day where he went in on a reporter asking about his title hopes, Holland's fight with Jack Della Maddalena, Raul Rosas Jr. returning to the octagon on Saturday, the stakes in the Curtis Blaydes vs. Jailton Almeida fight Nov. 4 in Sao Paulo, 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.
58 min
336
No Bets Barred: Can Valentina Shevchenko Reclai...
The No Bets Barred boys are back this week with a full breakdown of UFC Noche and the women's flyweight title rematch between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko.
65 min
337
Trocação Franca | Zebra histórica no UFC 293 + ...
Sean Strickland chocou o mundo do MMA abater Israel Adesanya no UFC 293, e o Trocação Franca repercute a zebra com o primeiro homem a nocautear Strickland, o paranaense Elizeu Capoeira. O podcast traz ainda uma entrevista com Junior Cigano, que revela que disputará o título dos pesados do Gamebred, no MMA sem luvas, após vencer Fabrício Werdum na última sexta-feira. Daniel Miojo, único representante brasileiro do UFC deste sábado em Las Vegas, também fala do combate decisivo na organização.
44 min
338
HOAM | Welcome To the Sean Strickland Era — One...
It's three days after UFC 293, and it's still very real that Sean Strickland dominated Israel Adesanya in the main event of Saturday's pay-per-view in Sydney and is the undisputed UFC middleweight champion of the world. It's officially one of the most chaotic times in UFC history, which only makes things all that more interesting. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck continues to react to Strickland's stunning title win over Adesanya, and what this all means for the division. Additionally, listener questions include if Adesanya will get an immediate rematch — and a case being made why that should not happen next — where Adesanya goes from Saturday night either way, who will be next for Strickland and why timing plays an important factor in the answer to that question, Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko 2 this Saturday in the main event of Noche UFC, 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.
60 min
339
Roundtable: Is Sean Strickland’s Stunner Over I...
Where does Sean Strickland's UFC 293 stunner over Israel Adesanya sit in the pantheon of all-time great UFC upsets? Shaun Al-Shatti, Alexander K. Lee, Jed Meshew, and Steven Marrocco look back at 30 years of chaos to debate where Strickland's coronation ranks within the context of UFC history.
40 min
340
Fighter vs. Writer: Matt Brown Praises Sean Str...
On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin look back at Sean Strickland’s stunning upset to beat Israel Adesanya to become the new UFC middleweight champion, what should be next for them while also looking ahead at Valentina Shevchenko’s upcoming attempt to take back the flyweight title from Alexa Grasso.
81 min
341
On To the Next One | What's Next For Sean Stric...
Sean Strickland silenced the doubters with a one-side decision win over Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 293 to become the UFC middleweight champion of the world. After a stunning upset victory, who will Strickland face in his first title defense, and will it be in a rematch against the former two-time champion? On an all-new live edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee attempt to answer that question following Saturday's pay-per-view event and make an educated guess on where Strickland and Adesanya go from here. Addtionally, future matchups are discussed for Alexander Volkov after submitting Tai Tuivasa in the co-main event, Manel Kape after his victory in the Fight of the Night against Felipe dos Santos, along with fellow main card winners Justin Tafa, Tyson Pedro, and more.
65 min
342
UFC 293 Post-Fight Show | Reaction To Sean Stri...
Sean Strickland is the UFC middleweight champion, and he accomplished it with a dominant performance over 25 minutes to capture the title against Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 293. Following the chaos of Saturday's pay-per-view event in Sydney, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and Jed Meshew react to Strickland's massive upset win, discuss the big takeaways from Strickland's performance and sticking to an incredible game plan, and where it ranks in the sport's most shocking results. Additionally, the panel discusses where Adesanya goes from here, Dana White saying a rematch should be next, Alexander Volkov's impressive submission win against Tai Tuivasa, other fighters who deserve shine from the fight card, and much more.
84 min
343
UFC 293 Watch Party Replay w/ Mike Heck & Conne...
Relive the magic of UFC 293's live watch party with Mike Heck, Conner Burks, plus a few special guests!
186 min
344
UFC 293 Preview Show | Would Sean Strickland Up...
The UFC returns to Sydney for UFC 293 with Israel Adesanya defending his middleweight title against Sean Strickland in the main event — a fight many believe will be a one-sided result towards the current titleholder. But what if Sean Strickland pulls off one of the biggest upsets in recent memory? Ahead of Saturday's card, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and Eric Jackman preview the pay-per-view, the main event between Adesanya and Strickland, and where the division goes based on who caps things off with gold wrapped around their waist. Additionally, they'll discuss the quality of the card as a whole, Tai Tuivasa vs. Alexander Volkov in the co-main event, Manel Kape making headlines this week, and more.
78 min
345
Laura Sanko Reacts To PPV Debut At UFC 293, Pre...
UFC color commentator Laura Sanko joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck from Sydney ahead of UFC 293 to react to making her pay-per-view debut on Saturday alongside Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier, talks how long she's known about it, the reaction from fans, Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland, and more.
23 min
346
HOAM | What's Next For Israel Adesanya With UFC...
Israel Adesanya is expected to defeat Sean Strickland at UFC 293 on Saturday as he is a massive favorite in the main event of the promotion's return to Sydney. Should he perform as the betting odds suggest, would Adesanya go on to face Dricus Du Plessis, or — should he defeat Paulo Costa at UFC 294 — Khamzat Chimaev? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the potential matchmaking for Adesanya if he defeats Strickland on Saturday, if Du Plessis could get passed over for Chimaev, and Dana White's comments about Du Plessis earlier this week. Additionally, listener questions include the UFC 293 card and the lack of buzz behind it from top-to-bottom, what could be the Fight of the Night, the best and worst UFC pay-per-view lineups of the year to this point, when Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington could happen, what the welterweight division could look like in six months, 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.
70 min
347
BTL | Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland, Next...
Israel Adesanya returns to the UFC octagon on Saturday when he defends his middleweight title against Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 293, a fight that is doing a lot of heavy lifting heading into the promotion's return to Australia. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel will discuss Saturday's championship headliner, the interest in the bout, and the chances Strickland has to pull off the major upset. Additionally, they'll grade UFC 293 as a whole, the fallout of UFC Paris this past Saturday, what's next for Ciryl Gane after stopping Serghei Spivac, as well as Rose Namajunas following her flyweight debut loss to Manon Fiorot, Dana White commenting about a lot of different topics over the past week or so, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Morning Kombat's Brian Campbell.
105 min
348
HOAM | Reaction To Wild UFC 293 Press Conference
Things got pretty heated at the UFC 293 press conference, but the most fiery moment didn't come from Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland, but between Adesanya and Manel Kape. Meanwhile, Strickland was being cheered by the Australian fans, and the energy levels in the building were off the charts. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Thursday morning's press conference, Kape and Adesanya's interactions, Kape verbally sparring with Kai Kara-France in the crowd, and the reaction from Sydney to Strickland. Additionally, listener topics include Rose Namajunas responding to questions following her UFC Paris loss to Manon Fiorot and her decision to remain at flyweight, Dana White's comments about Dricus Du Plessis, the quality of the UFC 293 lineup and if it's the worst pay-per-view card of the year on paper, 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.
67 min
349
No Bets Barred: Will Sean Strickland Pull Off A...
The No Bets Barred boys are back this week with a full breakdown of UFC 293, the promotion's return to Australia, headlined by a middleweight title fight between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland.
59 min
350
Trocação Franca | UFC 293: Adesanya a caminho d...
É semana de UFC 293 e Israel Adesanya, e o campeão dos médios pode encaminhar um combate milionário em caso de vitória sobre Sean Strickland. O Trocação Franca recebe o jornalista Coutinho, do Canal Encarada, para destrinchar o duelo que interessa demais a Paulo Borrachinha e Khamzat Chimaev, dois fenômenos de audiência, além de analisar Cigano x Werdum e muito mais. O podcast recebe ainda Gabriel Fly e Lipe Detona, que lutam no UFC 293.
51 min