MMA Fighting

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.

Sports
News
Sports News
626
Nate Diaz vs. Jake Paul & UFC Nashville Post-Sh...
The MMA Fighting crew reacts to a busy Saturday night, headlined by Jake Paul's unanimous decision win over Nate Diaz and Cory Sandhagen's not-so-action-packed win over Rob Font at UFC Nashville.
67 min
627
Nate Diaz vs. Jake Paul & UFC Nashville Preview...
Ladies and gentlemen, the circus has officially come to Dallas. MMA Fighting's Shaheen Al-Shatti, Jed Meshew, and Alexander K. Lee preview the packed combat sports weekend, headlined by Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz and UFC Nashville. The gang discusses the strange lead-up to Paul vs. Diaz, whether Diaz has surprised them, their level of interest in the fight, the road to a Diaz victory, and more. Then, they dive into a sneaky good UFC Nashville card punctuated by two stellar fights — Cory Sandhagen vs. Rob Font and Jessica Andrade vs. Tatiana Suarez — answer a slew of fan questions, and more.
77 min
628
BTL | Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz, Justin Gaethje v...
Jake Paul and Nate Diaz will compete in the boxing ring in Dallas this Saturday, and the build has felt much different than most Paul bouts, but has that changed the interest levels for Diaz's first bout outside of the UFC? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses the Paul vs. Diaz matchup, the build being a bit strange with Diaz being a bit nonchalant about things, which fighter has more pressure on them, and stating a case that Paul losing to Diaz would not be a terrible thing for the YouTube star. Additionally, topics include the fallout of UFC 291, Justin Gaethje seemingly changing his tune for a fight with Conor McGregor and the chances that fight could happen, how Dustin Poirier has reacted to his loss to Gaethje, Derrick Lewis becoming a free agent and the odds he signs with the PFL over re-signing with the UFC, Saturday's UFC Nashville card, the stakes in the main event between Cory Sandhagen and Rob Font, and more. This week, the panel includes MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew discussing the big topics in the world of combat sports.
66 min
629
HOAM | Where Are Your Interest Levels For Jake ...
It's fight week for Jake Paul and Nate Diaz as they prepare to collide in a boxing match that seems to be a long time in the making. But with the way the bout has been built since it's been announced, Diaz's attitude surrounding it, and where Paul is at in his boxing career, are the interest levels at a high point for the bout? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his thoughts live from Dallas ahead of the fight, along with other questions surrounding the 10-round fight. Additionally, listener questions include a possible Justin Gaethje vs. Conor McGregor fight, where Cory Sandhagen and Rob Font would go with a victory in the UFC Nashville main event, Jamahal Hill, how the UFC 294 card in Abu Dhabi looks on paper, grading the UFC's slate for the month of July, the chances Derrick Lewis would choose PFL over re-signing with the UFC, what's next for Stephen Thompson after Michel Pereira's weight miss ahead of UFC 291, 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.
67 min
630
No Bets Barred: Can Nate Diaz Pull Off The Upse...
With Conner Burks on site for Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz, Alexander K. Lee joins Jed Meshew to break down the best bets on this loaded combat sports weekend.
79 min
631
Trocação Franca #100 | Caos no Japão + semana c...
O Trocação Franca chega à centésima edição trazendo os bastidores do quebra-pau envolvendo os irmãos Pitbull e Kleber Koike durante o evento Bellator x RIZIN no Japão, e entrevistas exclusivas com os brasileiros que lutam este fim de semana no UFC, ONE e PFL: Marcus Buchecha, John Lineker, Gabriel Braga, Jessica Bate Estaca e Diego Lopes.
77 min
632
Rankings Show: Jamahal Hill Is Upset | Alex Per...
UFC 291 is in the books — and the rankings crew is getting called out! Mike Heck and Jed Meshew join co-hosts Shaun Al-Shatti and Alexander K. Lee this week to respond to the fiery criticism of former UFC champ Jamahal Hill, pour one out for Michael Chandler, and much more.
72 min
633
TUF Hang: McGregor vs. Chandler TUF 31 Reaction...
Alexander K. Lee, Jed Meshew, and E. Casey Leydon react react to Episode 10 of The Ultimate Fighter 31 on TUF Hang, which goes live on YouTube every Tuesday at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT/4 a.m. IST immediately following the conclusion of TUF 31.
54 min
634
HOAM | UFC 291 Fallout, Tony Ferguson's Future;...
UFC 291 was an event where the highs were extremely high, and the lows were very low, but there's a lot to unpack from this past Saturday's pay-per-view offering, including where Tony Ferguson now goes after suffering his sixth consecutive loss. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck takes social media questions from listeners and discusses Ferguson's submission loss to Bobby Green, and if the UFC were to allow him to have one more fight, who the ideal opponent should be. Additionally, listener topics include Alex Pereira's win over Jan Blachowicz and the latter suggesting he was robbed by the judges, Justin Gaethje's BMF title win and which matchup would be more interesting for Gaethje when he fights the Islam Makahchev vs. Charles Oliveira 2 winner, the potential buy-rate for Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz, Jamahal Hill blasting the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, and more. Plus, PFL color commentator Kenny Florian joins the show to preview Friday's PFL Playoffs event, talks Derrick Lewis' free agency and a potential rematch with Francis Ngannou in the PFL, Paul vs. Diaz and the chances a second fight could happen in MMA, and a potential merger with Bellator. 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
635
Fighter vs. Writer: Matt Brown Reacts to Justin...
On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin discuss the fallout from UFC 291 including Justin Gaethje’s jaw-dropping knockout win over Dustin Poirier, Alex Pereira potentially earning a light heavyweight title shot and where does Tony Ferguson go from here after a sixth straight loss
53 min
636
On To the Next One | Matches To Make After UFC 291
While Justin Gaethje will likely find himself in a UFC lightweight title fight following his incredible knockout win to capture the BMF title in the main event of UFC 291, Dustin Poirier now finds himself in a tough and interesting spot with his next move. Who would make sense for Poirier to fight next inside the octagon? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what's next for Gaethje and Poirier after their headliner at Saturday's pay-per-view event. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Alex Pereira and Jan Blachowicz following Pereira's split decision win in the co-main event, Derrick Lewis after his memorable finish and free agency announcement, Bobby Green after submitting Tony Ferguson, Kevin Holland following his first-round finish of Michael Chiesa, and more.
67 min
637
UFC 291 Post-Fight Show | Reaction To Justin Ga...
Justin Gaethje captured the BMF title, got revenge for a past loss, and likely earned a lightweight title shot with one epic head kick of Dustin Poirier in the main event of Saturday's UFC 291 event in Salt Lake City — the second consecutive pay-per-view card in the city to end with an emphatic highlight. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and Jed Meshew react to Gaethje's spectacular performance against Poirier and his continued evolution as a fighter, Poirier now being in a tough spot and where he goes from here, Conor McGregor's thoughts on Gaethje's win, and more. Additionally, they discuss Alex Pereira's win over Jan Blachowicz and an expected booking with Jiri Prochazka for the vacant light heavyweight title, Derrick Lewis' show-stealing performance, Bobby Green handing Tony Ferguson his sixth consecutive loss, Kevin Holland's main card opening submission win over Michael Chiesa, and other storylines from the card.
73 min
638
UFC 291 Watch Party Replay w/ Mike Heck & Conne...
Relive the magic of UFC 291's live watch party with Mike Heck, Conner Burks, plus a few special guests!
173 min
639
UFC 291 Preview Show | Will Dustin Poirier vs. ...
The rematch between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje for the vacant BMF title is just over a day away as they headline UFC 291. While the winner will be called the UFC for the foreseeable future, what else is at stake for both of these incredible fighters, win or lose? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and Alexander K. Lee discuss the Poirier vs. Gaethje 2 bout, the winner likely getting an undisputed lightweight title shot against the winner of the UFC 294 main event between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira, where the man who doesn't get his hand raised goes, and the expectations for the anticipated contest. Additionally, they'll discuss the pivotal light heavyweight co-main event between Jan Blachowicz and Alex Pereira, the stacked main card, Derrick Lewis and Tony Ferguson trying to get back on track, and more.
95 min
640
HOAM | Final Countdown To Dustin Poirier vs. Ju...
If you're a fan of combat sports, there is certainly a lot to get excited about, including UFC 291 and the fascinating rematch between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, the compelling boxing match between Errol Spence and Terence Crawford, Bellator vs. RIZIN 2, and more. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck takes listener questions about all three events, some of the betting lines for UFC 291, Poirier vs. Gaethje 2, and more. Additionally, listener topics include Israel Adesanya's next move, and if the stars could align for a third meeting with Alex Pereira — potentially for the light heavyweight title — the chances of Tony Ferguson retiring if he loses to Bobby Green on Saturday, Aljamain Sterling being one of the most disrespected champions in UFC history, 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.
62 min
641
BTL | Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje 2, UFC ...
The second collision between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje is upon us, and this time, the BMF title is on the line for the main event clash at Saturday's UFC 291 event. Besides the belt, what else is at stake for Poirier and Gaethje? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses Saturday's pay-per-view headliner, the championship stakes in the future, and if title hopes are gone forever for the man who doesn't get his hand raised in Salt Lake City. Additionally, topics include the co-main event between Jan Blachowicz and Alex Pereira, Tony Ferguson's future, Tom Aspinall's big win at UFC London and his chances to fight Jon Jones in the future, Spence vs. Crawford, Bellator vs. RIZIN 2, and more. This week, topics will be discussed by MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew.
91 min
642
HOAM | Who Has the Most To Lose At UFC 291? Plu...
There's a lot on the line for many of the fighters on Saturday's UFC 291 event, including the headliners vying for the vacant BMF title in Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje — but do they have the most to lose on the entire card, or does somebody else have more on the line in the long run? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck answers that question, and makes the case why the main event competitors are at the top of the list. Additionally, listener topics include Derrick Lewis' future win or lose on Saturday against Marcos Rogerio de Lima, the welterweight title picture, Alex Pereira's explanation for the viral Walmart video, Tony Ferguson's wild media day scrum, where Kevin Holland could be ranked should he defeat Michael Chiesa on Saturday, 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.
53 min
643
Trocação Franca | Preview do UFC 291 com Alexan...
Sábado é dia de UFC 291, um dos cards mais aguardados do ano com cinturão BMF e estreia de Alex Poatan na divisão dos meio-pesados, e o podcast destrincha as lutas com a presença ilustre do campeão Alexandre Pantoja, que fala também da chegada ao Brasil após vencer o cinturão dos moscas. O Trocação Franca conversa ainda com Marcos Pezão, adversário de Derrick Lewis no mesmo card, e os pesos-leves Patricky Pitbull e Roberto Satoshi, que se enfrentam sábado no Bellator x Rizin.
54 min
644
No Bets Barred: Will Dustin Poirier Or Justin G...
The No Bets Barred boys return with a full breakdown of UFC 291 and the Fight of the Year rematch between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje.
80 min
645
HOAM | Win or Lose, Where Does Tony Ferguson Go...
With UFC 291 just days away, all eyes are on the main event for the BMF title between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje. While there are other very interesting questions and storylines heading into Saturday's event in Salt Lake City, one of the biggest ones relates to Tony Ferguson ahead of his fight with Bobby Green, and where he goes from it. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the future of the former interim lightweight champion and what would be next win or lose on Saturday. Additionally, listener topics include the fallout from UFC London, Tom Aspinall's chances to get a future fight with Jon Jones, Molly McCann announcing a move to 115, Paul Craig calling out Bo Nickal, along with UFC 291 storylines such as Poirier vs. Gaethje 2, the co-main event between Jan Blachowicz and Alex Pereira, Stephen Thompson's title hopes with a win over Michel Pereira, 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.
59 min
646
TUF Hang: McGregor vs. Chandler TUF 31 Reaction...
Alexander K. Lee and Conner Burks react to Episode 9 of The Ultimate Fighter 31 on TUF Hang, which goes live on YouTube every Tuesday at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT/4 a.m. IST immediately following the conclusion of TUF 31.
52 min
647
On To the Next One | Matches To Make After UFC ...
Tom Aspinall laid out a path to the UFC heavyweight title and a potential "dream" matchup with Jon Jones following his incredible return to the octagon at UFC London by targeting the winner of the upcoming September headliner at UFC Paris between Ciryl Gane and Serghei Spivac. But is that the correct path following his successful main event victory over Marcin Tybura? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and the returning Alexander K. Lee discuss what could be next for the ultra-talented Aspinall after sending the O2 Arena into a frenzy. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Julija Stoliarenko following her first-round submission win over Molly McCann in the co-main event, Nathaniel Wood after his decision win over Andre Fili, Paul Craig after his successful middleweight debut stoppage win over Andre Muniz, along with fellow scheduled main card winners Fares Ziam, Lerone Murphy, and more.
67 min
648
UFC London Post Show | Reaction To Tom Aspinall...
Tom Aspinall couldn't have written a better story for his return to the octagon in front of a home crowd at UFC London, and to top it off, he even got the attention of the heavyweight champion of the world in Jon Jones. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Eric "New York Ric" Jackman react to Aspinall's 73-second finish of Marcin Tybura in the main event of Saturday's card at the O2 Arena after a year away due to injury, his callout for the winner upcoming UFC Paris headliner between Ciryl Gane and Serghei Spivac before wanting his shot at Jones, Molly McCann's upset submission loss to Julija Stoliarenko and what her future now looks like, Stoliarenko's potential at her new weight class, Paul Craig's exceptional debut at middleweight, and much more.
72 min
649
UFC London Preview Show | Can Tom Aspinall Get ...
The UFC is heading back across the pond for UFC London on Saturday, and the next title contender will be revealed at heavyweight when hometown hero Tom Aspinall battles the surging Marcin Tybura in the main event. While the winner will certainly move up the ladder, how close will he be to getting to a title shot, and perhaps, a huge fight with Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and José Youngs discuss Saturday's headliner, Aspinall's return from a nasty injury, whether or not Tybura is getting slept on, and the stakes in the matchup. Additionally, they'll talk to overall quality of the card compared to the promotion's three recent visits to the O2 Arena, Molly McCann looking to bounce back in the co-main event, other intriguing matchups on the slate, and more.
64 min
650
HOAM | Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington At MSG ...
Both UFC President Dana White and Colby Covington have suggested that Leon Edwards' next title defense will take place at UFC 295 in November, which serves as the promotion's annual trip to Madison Square Garden. With so many unknowns in the final couple of months of 2023, would that fight be best served as the co-main event for that card, or be a headliner in December? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his thoughts on the Edwards vs. Covington matchup, and where and when it could take place. Additionally, listener topics include Rob Font stepping in to face Cory Sandhagen in the main event of UFC Nashville, divisional litmus tests for the UFC, comparing future stocks of Bo Nickal, Erin Blanchfield, and Jailton Almeida, UFC 292, UFC London, Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz, 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.
65 min