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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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1151
HOAM | What's Next For Robert Whittaker After U...
Robert Whittaker and Marvin Vettori are getting ready to compete in an under the radar co-main event at Saturday's UFC Paris event, but win or lose, what does the future hold for the former middleweight champion? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck fields questions about where Whittaker could go after his bout with Vettori, thoughts on a potential move to 205, and if the result of Saturday's fight will dictate that decision. In addition, listener questions include the MMA media path, the UFC Paris main event between Ciryl Gane and Tai Tuivasa, Tony Ferguson's somewhat quick return to action at UFC 279 following his knockout loss to Michael Chandler, Fight of the Night options for this weekend's UFC card, and much more. Plus, BKFC flyweight champ Christine Ferea (56:44) joins the show to recap her 47 second stoppage win over Taylor Starling at BKFC 28, the trash talk Starling has received since the win, wanting big names and challenges such as former UFC fighters Pearl Gonzalez and Rachael Ostovich, along with Amanda Nunes and Valentina Shevchenko — although she's well-aware those are long shots. 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
1152
No Bets Barred: Will Ciryl Gane Put An End To T...
The No Bets Barred boys are back to break down the UFC's debut event in France, UFC Paris, which takes place this Saturday and is headlined by a heavyweight slugfest between former interim champion Ciryl Gane and fan-favorite Tai Tuivasa
75 min
1153
Trocação Franca | Wanderlei Silva oficializa ap...
Trocação Franca | Wanderlei Silva oficializa aposentadoria e passa bastão para filho no MMA
61 min
1154
HOAM | Did the UFC Lose In the Demetrious Johns...
Demetrious Johnson added his name to the KO of the Year list with a sensation finish of Adriano Moraes at ONE on Amazon Prime 1 this past Friday. Did that moment help solidify the trade of Johnson for Ben Askren for ONE Championship, or did the UFC get the better end of the deal? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck answers listener questions about the memorable trade between the two stars and former world champions, and discusses who ultimately got the better end of the deal. In addition, listener topics include UFC 279, Khamzat Chimaev's next move if he beats Nate Diaz, the rumored Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva boxing match, if the No. 2 MMA promotion debate should even be had, where Ciryl Gane and Tai Tuivasa could go based on the result of their UFC Paris main event, 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.
81 min
1155
Fighter vs. Writer: Cory Sandhagen Picks Aljama...
UFC bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen and PFL lightweight finalist Stevie Ray join the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer.
74 min
1156
On To the Next One | Ask Mike & AK Anything Part 3
On a rare weekend off for the UFC, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee reunite for a special 'Ask Us Anything' edition of On To the Next One. This week, topics include Nick Diaz's future and predict if the popular fighter will return to the UFC by the end of 2023, the UFC heavyweight title picture, which is the actual No. 2 MMA promotion, what the undercard might be for the UFC's return to London headlined by a potential trilogy fight between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman, fighters who fell short of their hype, the UFC releasing their media hit video, building a fighter from scratch, and other non-MMA related questions as well.
91 min
1157
HOAM | Colby Covington's Place In Title Discuss...
While there are many options for new welterweight champion Leon Edwards for his first title defense, could Colby Covington be a realistic option as Chael Sonnen suggested recently? On an all-new Free-For-All Friday edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his thoughts on the suggestion Covington should be the first challenger for Edwards, and where he stands in that conversation. In addition, listener questions include the heavyweight picture and who Jon Jones will end up fighting when he returns to action, the bantamweight title picture, favorite fights of all-time, the UFC re-releasing their media hit piece video that they dropped during the pandemic, Khamzat Chimaev's options if he beats Nate Diaz, the UFC 279 lineup as a whole, 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.
105 min
1158
BTL | Leon Edwards Is Crowned, Usman's Future, ...
Leon Edwards is the new UFC welterweight champion, and while a rematch with Kamaru Usman is the obvious choice, is it the best one? On an all-new episode of Between the Links, the panel will react to Edwards' stunning last-minute KO of Usman in the main event of UFC 278, what the first title defense for Edwards should be, and what Usman's future looks like. In addition, topics include Luke Rockhold retiring after a hard fought battle with Paulo Costa, Merab Dvalishvili's win over José Aldo and how it shapes the bantamweight division, Mike Perry's win over Michael Page at #BKFCLondon, the UFC 279 matchup between Tony Ferguson and Li Jingliang, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Morning Kombat's Brian Campbell.
79 min
1159
HOAM | Stop Saying Leon Edwards' Incredible KO ...
Despite pulling off one of the most memorable moments in UFC history, there are still a number of people who are calling Leon Edwards' KO of Kamaru Usman in the final minute of UFC 278 a fluke, or considering it lucky, when that just isn't true. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses why the word fluke shouldn't be used in MMA — along with a few others when it comes to the sport. In addition, listener questions include where Conor McGregor could fit in as far as options go for Edwards, why the trilogy fight with Usman is the way to go for the UFC, the rumored Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez fight for UFC 279 next month, lightweight vs. bantamweight, Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nate Diaz stakes, 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.
100 min
1160
Trocação Franca | UFC 278: O sonho acabou para ...
O UFC 278 entrou para a história com a vitória espetacular de Leon Edwards sobre Kamaru Usman e foi decisivo para o futuro de dois brasileiros. O Trocação Franca recebe o jornalista Coutinho, do Canal Encarada, para debater tudo sobre a derrota de José Aldo e o triunfo de Paulo Borrachinha e os próximos passos deles na companhia. O podcast recebe, ainda, o faixa-preta Marcus Buchecha, lenda do jiu-jitsu que busca a quarta vitória no MMA nesta sexta-feira, no ONE Championship. UFC 278 will go down in history after Leon Edwards’ epic knockout of Kamaru Usman to claim the welterweight title, and was also a decisive night for two Brazilian fighters. Trocação Franca welcomes Canal Encarada’s Coutinho to discuss Jose Aldo’s defeat to Merab Dvalishvili and Paulo Costa’s victory against Luke Rockhold and what’s next for both in the company. The podcast also features an interview with BJJ legend Marcus Buchecha, who looks to improve to 4-0 in MMA at Friday’s ONE Championship event in Singapore. Listen to Trocação Franca with Guilherme Cruz every Wednesday to hear from the biggest names on the hottest topics in the Brazilian combat sports world.
50 min
1161
HOAM | Is Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3 Best ...
Leon Edwards is the UFC welterweight champion after an incredible, come-from-behind fifth-round KO of Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC 278. While Usman more than deserves his chance at vengeance, is the trilogy fight the best option in the 170-pound division? On an all-new, and loaded edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his response to multiple listeners about the potential of Edwards vs. Usman 3, or if the UFC should pivot towards a fight with Khamzat Chimaev — should he defeat Nate Diaz at UFC 279 — or even Jorge Masvidal due to their history. In addition, future topics include the refereeing at UFC 278, José Aldo's loss to Merab Dvalishvili on Saturday and why it was horrible matchmaking, Luke Rockhold's retirement following his loss to Paulo Costa, Tony Ferguson returning to welterweight to face Li Jingliang next month, 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.
120 min
1162
Fighter vs. Writer: Belal Muhammad Reacts to Le...
Belal Muhammad joins the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer to help breakdown the madness from the UFC 278 main event.
45 min
1163
On To the Next One | Matches To Make After UFC 278
Where do new UFC champ Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman go following the shocking conclusion of their UFC 278 main event title fight? How about Paulo Costa following his gritty co-main event win over Luke Rockhold, who announced his retirement after the bout, as well as Merab Dvalishvili and José Aldo following their 15-minute bout that saw "The Machine" pick up the biggest win of his career? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew attempt to answer those questions from a matchmaking perspective on a brand new episode of On To the Next One. In addition, future matchups are discussed for Lucie Pudilova following her TKO win over Wu Yanan, Tyson Pedro after his 65 second KO of Harry Hunsucker in the main card opener, and much more following a wild night in Salt Lake City.
77 min
1164
UFC 278 Post-Fight Show | Reaction To Leon Edwa...
Leon Edwards is the new UFC welterweight champion after landing a stunning head kick in the final minute of the UFC 278 event against Kamaru Usman. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, José Youngs, and Jed Meshew react to one of the most shocking moments in UFC history after Usman was less than a minute away from winning a clear decision against Edwards. In addition, they discuss what the win means for Edwards and the welterweight division, and if it could open things up a bit more in the future, where Khamzat Chimaev, Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington, Belal Muhammad, and others stand, the incredibly gritty co-main event that saw Paulo Costa get back in the win column against Luke Rockhold — who went on to announce his retirement — Merab Dvalishvili's big win against José Aldo, and much more.
79 min
1165
UFC 278 Preview Show | Edwards' Upset Chances v...
Kamaru Usman is inching towards all-time greatness, but Leon Edwards is more than confident he’ll get redemption, and a UFC title around his waist for the first time at UFC 278. MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and José Youngs break down the top storylines heading into Saturday’s main event in Salt Lake City, including the stylistic differences between them since their first meeting in 2015, if Usman is, perhaps, overlooking Edwards, and how this fight may be closer than the betting odds suggest. In addition, the panel discusses the stakes in the intriguing middleweight co-main event between Paulo Costa and Luke Rockhold, the high-level bantamweight featured bout between José Aldo and Merab Dvalishvili, the ceiling of Alexandr Romanov ahead of his biggest test to date against Marcin Tybura, and more.
46 min
1166
HOAM | Will Luke Rockhold Get Title Shot With U...
Despite being out of action for three years and being on a losing streak heading into UFC 278, could Luke Rockhold find his way into a middleweight title fight with an impressive win against Paulo Costa? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the stakes involved in Rockhold's return fight this Saturday in Salt Lake City and his chances of fighting Israel Adesanya next should the champ be victorious at UFC 281 against Alex Pereira. In addition, listener questions include the impact of Shane Burgos leaving the UFC on the promotion, Jon Jones' potential return, Gilbert Burns saying that a fight between he and Jorge Masvidal has been verbally agreed to — as well as the response from a person with knowledge of the situation — the questions in the lightweight division, 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.
55 min
1167
BTL | Usman vs. Edwards, UFC 278, Marlon Vera's...
Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards will battle it out in the main event of UFC 278. While Usman is a big favorite, is the fight closer on paper than the odds suggest. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel will discuss the UFC welterweight title fight this Saturday in Salt Lake City and what is at stake for both fighters outside of the championship belt. In addition, topics include the middleweight co-main event between Paulo Costa and Luke Rockhold, José Aldo vs. Merab Dvalishvili, Marlon Vera's big win over Dominick Cruz at UFC San Diego and where both fighters go from here, Shane Burgos signing with the PFL, the BKFC headliner between Mike Perry and Michael Page, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and UFC welterweight Evan Elder.
80 min
1168
DAMN! They Were Good | Daniel Cormier's Place I...
DAMN! They Were Good celebrates the careers of the most exciting and influential fighters in MMA history and this episode we are covering the career of UFC Hall of Famer and two-time Olympian, Daniel Cormier.
134 min
1169
HOAM | Reaction To Luke Rockhold's Explosive UF...
Former UFC and Strikeforce champ Luke Rockhold did not mince words at his UFC 278 media day on Wednesday ahead of his matchup with Paulo Costa on Saturday in Salt Lake City. On an all-new episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Rockhold's media scrum where he opened up about his thoughts on the UFC's business practices, and confronted a reporter for how he handled an interview with teammate Marlon Vera. In addition, listener questions include Rockhold's title hopes with a win on Saturday, Kamaru Usman's mindset heading into his title fight with Leon Edwards and where Usman would go with a win, Costa's pending free agency, José Aldo's fight with Merab Dvalishvili, Miranda Maverick's ceiling, Sean O'Malley's chances against Petr Yan at UFC 280, 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.
80 min
1170
Jon Anik: Kamaru Usman 'Absolutely Not' Overloo...
UFC lead commentator Jon Anik sits down with MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to preview Saturday's UFC 278 event, talks the main event between Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards, the co-main between Paulo Costa and the returning Luke Rockhold, José Aldo vs. Merab Dvalishvili, Alexandr Romanov's ceiling, Shane Burgos signing with the PFL, Rory MacDonald announcing his retirement, what it meant to get the ABC gold jacket, and more.
26 min
1171
No Bets Barred: Can Leon Edwards beat Kamaru Us...
The No Bets Barred boys are back to break down the final fight card of the UFC 12-event summer run, UFC 278, which goes down in Salt Lake City, and is headlined by a welterweight title fight between Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards.
93 min
1172
Trocação Franca | Preview do UFC 278, com Vitor...
José Aldo e Paulo Borrachinha voltam ao octógono sábado pelo UFC 278, e o ex-lutador Vitor Miranda, finalista do TUF que contou com a participação de Borrachinha, analisa os confrontos no Trocação Franca essa semana. O veterano do UFC ainda fala de Kamaru Usman x Leon Edwards e se Khamzat Chimaev pode destronar o campeão nigeriano, além do acordo do UFC com a Band e a possibilidade de comentar eventos no UFC Fight Pass. Na sessão Fight Week, as entrevistas são com Leo Santos e Francisco Figueiredo, que lutam no UFC 278. Jose Aldo and Paulo Costa return Saturday at UFC 278 and UFC analyst Vitor Miranda, who like Costa fought at TUF Brazil 3, stop by Trocação Franca to break down the match-ups, as well as Kamaru Usman vs. Leon Edwards. The UFC veteran also weighs in on Khamzat Chimaev’s rise and whether or not he can dethrone Usman, UFC’s new TV deal in Brazil, and the possibility of working as a color commentator for UFC Fight Pass. The Fight Week segment includes interviews with Leonardo Santos and Francisco Figueiredo. Listen to Trocação Franca with Guilherme Cruz every Wednesday to hear from the biggest names on the hottest topics in the Brazilian combat sports world.
46 min
1173
HOAM | What Happens If Leon Edwards Beats Kamar...
Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards will battle it out for the UFC welterweight title in the main event of Saturday's UFC 278 card in Salt Lake City. Does the champion or challenger have more pressure heading into the championship bout? On an all-new, super-sized edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck fields questions about the fight and what is at stake for both guys, plus, listeners state their case as to why they feel Edwards can dethrone Usman this weekend, and what could happen to the division if he does. In addition, questions include the co-main event between Luke Rockhold and Paulo Costa, what a win would do for Rockhold, Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira at UFC 281, thoughts about Marlon Vera vs. Henry Cejudo, if a José Aldo win gets him a title shot, Shane Burgos signing with the PFL and if that could change the fighter pay discussion in the 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.
114 min
1174
Fighter vs. Writer: Leon Edwards Expects Trilog...
Leon Edwards and Paige VanZant join the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer
66 min
1175
On To the Next One | Matches To Make After UFC ...
Marlon Vera has inserted himself in the UFC bantamweight title conversation following his monster knockout of Dominick Cruz in the main event of UFC San Diego, but how much more work does he need to do before getting his championship opportunity? This week, on an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee put the matchmaking hats on following Saturday's UFC event and discuss what is next for both Vera and Cruz following their contest. In addition, future matchups are discussed for Nate Landwehr following his crazy win over David Onama in the co-main event, Yazmin Jauregui after her impressive octagon debut victory, along with Azamat Murzakanov, Priscila Cachoeira, Gerald Meerschaert, and more.
66 min