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
951
HOAM | Will Shavkat Rakhmonov Fight For UFC Tit...
Shavkat Rakhmonov has been a wrecking ball his entire pro career, including his four impressive finishes inside the UFC's octagon. If the 28-year-old can dominate Geoff Neal at UFC 285, how soon could we be talking title fights for Rakhmonov? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the potential road to a title for Rakhmonov and his fight with Neal on March 4. Additionally, listener questions include the IV rules in the UFC, scoring in MMA, Bo Nickal's ceiling in the UFC, Khamzat Chimaev, rumored rosters for this season of The Ultimate Fighter with Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler as coaches, the stakes in the UFC Vegas 69 main event between Jessica Andrade and Erin Blanchfield, Tatiana Suarez's return next weekend, 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.
77 min
952
BTL | Makhachev vs. Volkanovski, UFC 284 Fallou...
This past Saturday night, Islam Makhachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski in one of the most fascinating fights in recent memory at UFC 284, but it has also become one of the most divisive fights in its aftermath. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel will discuss the fallout of Makhachev's first UFC lightweight title defense against the featherweight champion, the stocks of both fighters heading out of the champ vs. champ fight, and other narratives associated with it. Additionally, topics include Yair Rodriguez's impressive performance against Josh Emmett to capture the interim featherweight title, how he matches up with Volkanovski, if that fight will be next, the best of the rest from UFC 284, this weekend in combat sports with UFC Vegas 69 headlined by Jessica Andrade vs. Erin Blanchfield, BKFC's KnuckleMania event, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the highly anticipated matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Morning Kombat's Luke Thomas.
78 min
953
HOAM | What Are the Expectations For Jon Jones ...
Jon Jones will return to the octagon, in a brand new division, when he fights Ciryl Gane in the main event of UFC 285 on March 4 for the vacant UFC heavyweight title. With over three years removed from his most recent fight, what are the expectations for the man many consider to be the greatest fighter of all-time? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses Jones' upcoming return, his appeal to the MMA audience, and stating he wants to bury the hatchet with longtime rival Daniel Cormier. Additionally, listener questions include the fallout of Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, if the UFC should run it right back, the IV rules that have been in play since 2019, Bo Nickal's future ahead of his octagon debut at UFC 285 against Jamie Pickett, low-key fights on the books that aren't getting enough attention, 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.
74 min
954
No Bets Barred: Will Jessica Andrade Stop The E...
On Saturday, one of the baddest women on the planet, Jessica Andrade, steps in on one week notice to face the hottest prospect in the flyweight division, Erin Blanchfield, and while the rest of the card doesn't live up to the lofty main event, it's still a UFC card, which means the No Bets Barred boys are going to be laying some bets down.
60 min
955
Trocação Franca | Deiveson Figueiredo desafia l...
O Trocação Franca recebe dois ex-campeões do UFC essa semana. Deiveson Figueiredo retorna ao programa para falar sobre o que muda após perder no UFC Rio e lança um desafio ao maior peso-galo da história. Jessica Bate-Estaca fala sobre interromper as férias para substituir Taila Santos em cima da hora e de quebra assinar um novo acordo lucrativo com o UFC. O podcast traz, ainda, entrevistas com Mayra Sheetara e Philipe Lins, que também lutam sábado.
63 min
956
HOAM | Should Alexander Volkanovski Get Immedia...
After an absolute classic between still UFC lightweight champ Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 284, Volkanovski wants to run it right back. With the performance "The Great" had in defeat, should he get an immediate rematch, or should both champions move on to their respective divisions? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the memorable UFC 284 main event, the results of the fight after watching it for a second time, and whether or not an immediate rematch is in play for Volkanovski against Makhachev. Additionally, listener topics include Dan Hooker's accusations of IV use from Makhachev, Jack Della Maddalena's impressive performance and what should be next for him after finishing Randy Brown this past Saturday, Erin Blanchfield now facing Jessica Andrade this Saturday in the headliner of UFC Vegas 69, Yair Rodriguez's big win against Josh Emmett to capture the interim featherweight title, 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.
94 min
957
Rankings Show: Has Alexander Volkanovski Been R...
Has an injustice been inflicted upon the MMA world? With UFC 284 in the books, the Rankings Show returns to sort through the wreckage left behind by Alexander Volkanovski’s loss to Islam Makhachev. Then, the panel busts out their receipts to see who won last year’s predictions competition and turns the page anew to predict the three biggest risers and fallers of 2023.
95 min
958
Fighter vs. Writer: Matt Brown Announces His Ne...
On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown officially announces his next fight while also debating Damon Martin about the UFC 284 main event as well as who is the rightful No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.
64 min
959
On To the Next One | Matches To Make After UFC 284
After the historic champion vs. champion main event of UFC 284 in Perth, Western Australia, what is next for Islam Makhahev after defeating UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski to retain his lightweight title in an instant classic? While it seems obvious that Volkanovski will face the new interim featherweight champ Yair Rodriguez following the best performance of Rodriguez's career, where does Josh Emmett go after getting submitted in the second round of the co-main event? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee attempt to answer those questions from a matchmaking perspective following the promotion's second pay-per-view event of 2023. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Jack Della Maddalena after his first-round finish of Randy Brown, Justin Tafa following his knockout win over Parker Porter, and more.
77 min
960
UFC 284 Post Show | Is Islam Makhachev World's ...
Following a memorable UFC 284 fight card capped off by a classic between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaun Al-Shatti, and Jed Meshew recap the action from Saturday night's card in Perth.
75 min
961
UFC 284 Preview Show | Can Volkanovski Upset Ma...
Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski will battle it out in a champion vs. champion matchup for the UFC lightweight title in the main event of UFC 284 — a fight that will determine who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world today. If Volkanovski, the current featherweight champ gets it done and pulls off the upset, where will the win rank all-time? Join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee, along with UFC featherweight Calvin Kattar as they discuss the high stakes main event for Saturday's pay-per-view event, where each division goes depending on who leaves Perth victorious, and, in honor of the NFL's big game this weekend, some fun Makhachev vs. Volkanovski prop bets. Additionally, they'll discuss the interim 145-pound title fight between Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett, other notable matchups on the card, and take viewer questions at the end.
72 min
962
HOAM | Final Countdown To UFC 284; Plus, Amanda...
We are one the eve of a massive champion vs. champion fight for the UFC lightweight title between Islam Makhachev and featherweight titleholder Alexander Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 284. With just weigh-ins left to get through, the final countdown to the pay-per-view event is on. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck talks the big fight between Makhachev and Volkanovski, along with the star-making potential of the bout for both guys. Additionally, listener questions include what could make 2023 the biggest blockbuster year for the UFC ever, how Conor McGregor factors into that, Francis Ngannou's options in boxing and MMA, other notable bouts on the UFC 284 card including the interim title fight between Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett, Jack Maddalena vs. Randy Brown, and more. Plus, in a podcast exclusive, Bellator MMA desk host and CBS Sports reporter Amanda Guerra joins the program (1:16:54) to discuss her career, how she found herself on the desk for a major MMA organization, Bellator providing a family atmosphere, being in attendance for the final fight of Fedor Emelianenko's career, memorable moments between John McCarthy and Brennan Ward leading in the latter's big moment at Bellator 290, 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.
111 min
963
BTL | Makhachev vs. Volkanovski, UFC 284, McGre...
Islam Makhachev will look to defend his UFC lightweight title for the first time against the No. 1 fighter in the world, and featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 284. With so much in play from a legacy standpoint, is Saturday's title fight the most high stakes fight in UFC history? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel will discuss the incredible headliner for the lightweight title between Makhachev and Volkanovski, the promotion for the fight, and what is on the line outside of the 155-pound belt. Additionally, topics include the rest of Saturday's card, Dana White announcing the return of Conor McGregor this past Saturday to face Michael Chandler as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter, and in the octagon later this year, Bellator's CBS debut with Bellator 290 and UFC Vegas 68 this past weekend, what is next for Derrick Lewis after his third straight loss, and more. Host Mike Heck will moderate the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and reporter James Lynch.
83 min
964
HOAM | Where Would Alexander Volkanovski Rank O...
Alexander Volkanovski is the biggest underdog on the UFC 284 card this Saturday as he heads into the main event against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Should the current 145-pound king pull off the upset and become a two-division champion, where will he rank on the list of greatest fighters of all-time? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the stakes of Saturday's headliner in Perth, Western Australia, and what a win would do for either guy in terms of legacy. Additionally, listener topics include what's going on with Colby Covington, who Belal Muhammad could fight next, the stakes in the UFC 287 matchup between Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal, a potential Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev fight, Dan Hooker's injury, 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.
69 min
965
No Bets Barred: Will Alexander Volkanovski Prov...
This weekend, the superfight of the year goes down when UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev puts his title on the line against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284. It's a battle of the top two pound-for-pound fighters in the sport and so of course the No Bets Barred boys are here to break the action down.
94 min
966
Trocação Franca | Glover Teixeira Abre O Jogo: ...
Glover Teixeira está de volta ao Trocação Franca pela primeira vez depois de se aposentar do MMA, e falou sobre tudo em uma entrevista exclusiva: a decisão de parar, a derrota para Jamahal Hill, o legado que deixa ao esporte, o futuro do pupilo Alex Poatan, e muito mais. O podcast também entrevista Elves Brenner, estreante no UFC e parceiro de treinos de Charles do Bronx, e ainda recebe o jornalista Adriano Albuquerque, do Combate, para debater Fedor Emelianenko, Conor McGregor, e os principais assuntos de semana.
73 min
967
HOAM | Will Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler Ge...
Conor McGregor is set to return to competition later on this year against Michael Chandler. While that will be a huge matchup for the UFC, will McGregor and Chandler opposing one another on the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter be enough for you to watch the season? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the McGregor vs. Chandler matchup, betting odds, and why he believes it will be massive for the show — even if the ratings aren't spectacular. Additionally, listener questions include Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski, the return of Jon Jones at UFC 285 against Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title, Jack Della Maddalena vs. Randy Brown at UFC 284 this Saturday, Kevin Lee re-signing with the UFC, Chris Weidman on the comeback trail, 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
968
Fighter vs. Writer: Matt Brown Talks Francis Ng...
On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin talk about Fedor Emelianenko’s retirement, Francis Ngannou’s chances to beat a high-level boxer and what happens if Conor McGregor loses to Michael Chandler.
83 min
969
On To the Next One | Matches To Make After UFC ...
Serghei Spivac made the most of his first UFC main event spot as he dispatched Derrick Lewis in less than three minutes to cap off UFC Vegas 68 and extend his win streak to three fights. After the quick submission win, how much of a step up should Spivac get? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee recap UFC Vegas 68 from a matchmaking perspective and discuss what could be next for Spivak following his biggest career win, along with where Lewis could go. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Devin Clark following his big win over Da Un Jung, Marcin Tybura after defeating Blagoy Ivanov, along with fellow winners Adam Fugitt, Tatsuro Taira, and more. Also, the hosts discuss Bellator's CBS debut with Bellator 290 this past Saturday, why it was a success, and how to improve upon it should they return to the network.
74 min
970
Bellator 290 Post-Fight Show | Reaction To Fedo...
Bellator's debut on CBS has come and gone, and the career of the legendary Fedor Emelianenko is officially over, and it wasn't the happy ending most #MMA fans were hoping for. Following Saturday's Bellator 290 event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaun Al-Shatti, and Jed Meshew react to Emelianenko's first-round TKO loss to heavyweight champion Ryan Bader in the main event, Bader's classy response to how it all played out, whether or not a fight with Francis Ngannou could happen, how the card performed as a whole, Johnny Eblen's stock after a fantastic performance against Anatoly Tokov to retain his middleweight championship, Brennan Ward's sensational finish of Sabah Homasi, Lorenz Larkin's knockout of the year contender, and more.
53 min
971
Reaction | Conor McGregor Is Back, Will Fight M...
On Saturday morning, #UFC president Dana White returned to the promotion's social media channels to announce a variety of news — including the return of Conor McGregor, to not only the octagon, but to The Ultimate Fighter as a coach with Michael Chandler as the opposition to both. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and New York Ric react to that news, discuss whether or not it was the right pairing, #UFC287 having an official destination on April 8, and more.
16 min
972
HOAM | Aljamain Sterling Eyes Featherweight Mov...
Should Aljamain Sterling defeat Henry Cejudo in their targeted title fight in May, the current UFC bantamweight champion says he will likely make the move up to 145 pounds. While some fans have been harsh to Sterling for his comments, this shouldn't come as any surprise as he's been pondering this move for quite some time. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Sterling's potential move to featherweight and whether or not — if he beats Cejudo — if he should wait to fight Sean O'Malley before making the leap. Additionally, listener topics include the UFC's promotion for UFC 284 and if it's not getting the attention it rightfully deserves, the crowd at UFC 283, Bellator 290 storylines, why Johnny Eblen has the most to gain and lose during the busy weekend in MMA, UFC Vegas 68, Cory Sandhagen vs. Marlon Vera moving to the main event of UFC San Antonio in March, 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.
77 min
973
UFC Vegas 68 & Bellator 290 Preview Show | Will...
Fedor Emelianenko has the opportunity to have one of the best retirement stories in the history of MMA as he will challenge for the Bellator heavyweight championship this Saturday. Ahead of Emelianenko's final fight against Ryan Bader in the main event of Bellator 290, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee, and Jed Meshew preview the matchup and discuss why "The Last Emperor" could get it done in his swan song, Johnny Eblen's opportunity to boost his star potential against Anatoly Tokov in the co-main event, the super fun main card opener between Sabah Homasi and Brennan Ward, the impact of being on CBS, and more. Additionally, the panel previews UFC Vegas 68 headlined by a heavyweight tilt between Derrick Lewis and Serghei Spivac, what is at stake for "The Black Beast," the return of Doo Ho Choi for the first time since 2019, Tatsuro Taira's potential, and Laura Sanko's UFC color commentary debut.
81 min
974
BTL | Fedor's Last Ride, Pereira vs. Adesanya &...
For the final time in an over two-decade legendary career, Fedor Emelianenko will make the walk to compete in an MMA fight. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel will discuss the swan song for "The Last Emperor" when he faces Ryan Bader for the heavyweight title in the main event of Bellator 290, and the fight card as a whole which will serve as the Bellator debut on CBS. Additionally, topics include Dana White's big announcement this past Friday regarding UFC 287, including Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 2 in the headliner, along with Gilbert Burns vs. Jorge Masvidal at the April 8 event, Max Holloway's return to the octagon against Arnold Allen at the UFC's April 15 event, this Saturday's UFC Vegas6 8 card headlined by Derrick Lewis vs. Serghei Spivac, and more. Host Mike Heck will be joined by MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Eric "New York Ric" Jackman.
93 min
975
HOAM | Bellator 290 vs. UFC Vegas 68, Bellator ...
With a historic event for Bellator MMA this Saturday, they are putting their best foot forward in the heads up battle with the UFC, which includes the final fight of Fedor Emelianenko's legendary career, along with the sendoff "The Last Emperor" will receive. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses Saturday's doubleheader, and explains why Bellator 290 is far better than UFC Vegas 68 on paper. Additionally, listener questions include Bellator president Scott Coker's announcement of a host of MMA legends attending the event to honor Emelianenko following his heavyweight title fight with Ryan Bader, the hopes of seeing more things like that to remember the history of the sport, Bloody Elbow's future, whether or not UFC 284 is getting enough promotion, Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski, how Kamaru Usman matches up with Leon Edwards ahead of UFC 286, and much more.
70 min