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.
UFC 277 Preview Show | Does Julianna Peña Have ...
Julianna Peña is ready to prove that her upset win over Amanda Nunes at UFC 269 wasn’t a fluke, while the former bantamweight queen hopes to exact revenge and reclaim her throne in Dallas. MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, José Youngs, Alexander K. Lee break down the main event rematch for Saturday’s UFC 277 event and look at some of the burning questions heading into the bout. In addition, they discuss the interim flyweight championship showdown between Brandon Moreno and Kai Kara-France, both fighters’ evolution from their classic first encounter, what the difference makers could be for the co-main event, the fights that are flying under the radar ahead of the UFC’s second PPV event of the month, and much more.
60 min
1202
HOAM | Could Charles Oliveira Win At UFC 280 Ge...
The vacant lightweight title fight between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev at October's UFC 280 event is one of the more fascinating matchups of the year, but could the result lead to another massive showdown in the future featuring former champion and UFC hall of famer Khabib Nurmagomedov? On an all-new episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his thoughts on the possibility Nurmagomedov could return to the octagon should Oliveira defeat Makhachev in Abu Dhabi. In addition, listener questions include the future of Nick Diaz, Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nate Diaz, Julianna Peña vs. Amanda Nunes 2 in the main event of UFC 277, Valentina Shevchenko's next move, 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.
Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann’s stars continued to rise at UFC London, but how far can they go? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, Pimblett and McCann’s futures will be discussed following their big finishes this past Saturday. In addition, topics include Khamzat Chimaev’s recent interview on The MMA Hour and his doubts that UFC 279 opponent Nate Diaz will event show up to the fight, the rematch between Julianna Pena and Amanda Nunes this Saturday at UFC 277 and what is at stake for both women outside of the belt, the rest of this weekend’s PPV card on paper, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting’s Shaheen Al-Shatti and UFC featherweight Damon Jackson.
57 min
1204
HOAM | How Dana White Was Right and Wrong At th...
UFC president Dana White had a very busy Tuesday and made a lot of headlines, yet somehow found a way to be both right and wrong throughout the day. On an all-new episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses White's interview with Pat McAfee where he addressed his gift of $250,000 to a member of The Nelk Boys, and how he blamed the MMA media for the narrative that he felt was spread. In addition, White's post-event speech on Dana White's Contender Series is discussed where only Joe Pyzer earned a UFC contract, while other listener questions include UFC 277 this Saturday, the disrespect Anthony Smith seems to be getting, the UFC 278 and UFC 279 lineups coming together, 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.
74 min
1205
Trocação Franca | Preview do UFC 277, com Kenny...
É semana de Amanda Nunes x Julianna Peña pelo trono dos galos, e o Trocação Franca disseca as disputas de título do UFC 277 com o ex-desafiante do UFC Kenny Florian. Ex-rival de Aldo, o americano fala do evento e passa a carreira a limpo, além de comentar Charles do Bronx x Islam Makhachev. O podcast recebe, ainda, o peso-mosca Alexandre Pantoja, reserva pelo cinturão interino do UFC.
35 min
1206
HOAM | Would Paddy Pimblett vs. Tony Ferguson M...
Paddy Pimblett's star power continues to rise following his UFC London submission win over Jordan Leavitt. How does the UFC capitalize on this, and could there be a world where a fight between Pimblett and Tony Ferguson is an option? On an all-new Heck of a Morning, Mike Heck brings up a dialog amongst the MMA Fighting squad in regards to a potential Pimblett vs. Ferguson matchup, and explains why he is not in favor of that idea — which leads to Shaun Al-Shatti giving his thoughts on it as well. In addition, listeners give their thoughts on matchups for "The Baddy," as well as Molly McCann following her finish this past Saturday, the UFC 277 main event between Julianna Pena and Amanda Nunes, and co-main event for the interim flyweight title between Brandon Moreno and Kai Kara-France, options for Dustin Poirier's next opponent, 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.
86 min
1207
On To the Next One | Matches To Make After UFC ...
Paddy Pimblett improved to 3-0 inside the octagon with a second-round submission win over Jordan Leavitt this past Saturday, but how big of a jump up should he get following, arguably, the best performance of his career? On a brand new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee give their thoughts on what could be next for "The Baddy" after his victory at UFC London. In addition, future matchups are discussed for Curtis Blaydes following the unfortunate ending to his win over Tom Aspinall in the heavyweight main event, Jack Hermansson after outclassing Chris Curtis in the middleweight co-main event, along with Nikita Krylov, Molly McCann, Volkan Oezdemir, and more.
56 min
1208
UFC London Post-Fight Show: Paddy Pimblett, Mo...
The sequel may not have lived up to the original at UFC London, but the Paddy & Molly Show still came out shining. MMA Fighting's Shaun Al-Shatti, Jed Meshew, and José Youngs break down the top storylines coming out of an up-and-down UFC London card, which saw Tom Aspinall lose to Curtis Blaydes in just 15 seconds after suffering an untimely knee injury, Paddy Pimblett and Molly McMann score monster finishes over Jordan Leavitt and Hannah Goldy, Jack Hermansson halt the ascent of Chris Curtis, and much more.
55 min
1209
UFC London Preview Show: Will The Sequel Live U...
Four months after one of the wildest, most entertaining events of the year, the UFC is back in London for another showcase of U.K. MMA. But can the sequel live up the original for Tom Aspinall, Paddy Pimblett, and the rest of England's finest? MMA Fighting's Shaun Al-Shatti, Alexander K. Lee, and Jed Meshew break down the top storylines and make their picks heading into a loaded UFC London card.
75 min
1210
HOAM | Will Conor McGregor Get Winner Of Charle...
With a big vacant lightweight title fight on the books between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev for UFC 280 in October, will Conor McGregor find himself as the next man up when he's set to return to the octagon? On an all-new "Free-For-All Friday" edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his thoughts on the 155-pound title picture and makes the case that McGregor could find himself in a title fight depending on the result of Oliveira vs. Makhachev. In addition, listener questions include Paddy Pimblett's ceiling in the UFC ahead of his UFC London matchup with Jordan Leavitt, how Tom Aspinall stacks up against Francis Ngannou, why Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic hasn't been made, 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.
85 min
1211
BTL | Nate Diaz vs. Khamzat Chimaev, Oliveira-M...
Nate Diaz has his final fight on the books, and it will be in the main event of UFC 279 against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel gives their reaction to the headliner of the #UFC’s September PPV event and if this was the way to go. In addition, topics include the loaded up UFC 280 lineup thus far — which includes Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev for the vacant lightweight title, Aljamain Sterling vs. T.J. Dillashaw for the bantamweight title, Petr Yan vs. Sean O’Malley, and Beneil Dariush vs. Mateusz Gamrot — the unfortunate ending of the UFC LongI sland main event between Yair Rodriguez and Brian Ortega and what that means for the featherweight division, a look at UFC London this Saturday, and more. This week, Jed Meshew handles the hosting duties as MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck steps in to challenge MMA Mania’s Drake Riggs for the BTL title.
81 min
1212
HOAM | What If Nate Diaz Beats Khamzat Chimaev ...
The booking of the final fight on Nate Diaz's UFC contract has been met with mixed reviews, as he's targeted to face Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 279 in September. The question is: why all of the outrage? On an all-new episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his thoughts on the matchup between Diaz and Chimaev, while also explaining why it's absolutely the correct fight to make. In addition, listener topics include what would happen if Diaz were to pull off the major upset, the incredible looking UFC 280 card — now with the additions of Aljamain Sterling vs. T.J. Dillashaw, Petr Yan vs. Sean O'Malley, and Beneil Dariush vs. Mateusz Gamrot — where Conor McGregor fits for his return, what fight could co-main event UFC 279, 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.
92 min
1213
No Bets Barred: Tom Aspinall Or The Underdog Cu...
The No Bets Barred boys are back to break down the UFC's second trip to London in 2022, and the heavyweight main event between Curtis Blaydes and Tom Aspinall. Hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew are predicting a big night for the British fans and even jump in together on a +1000 long shot for one prelim bout.
72 min
1214
Trocação Franca | Entrevista com Charles do Bro...
O Trocação Franca traz uma entrevista exclusiva com Charles do Bronx após o acerto da luta com Islam Makhachev para Abu Dhabi. O paulista fala de Makhachev e diversos outros tópicos, como Khabib, McGregor, a admissão de “trapaceada” de Cormier, e muito mais. O podcast ainda traz novidades quanto ao futuro das transmissões do UFC no Brasil. Com o contrato com a Globo chegando ao fim, o UFC negocia com uma emissora de TV aberta e um dos maiores streamers do planeta no Twitch.
31 min
1215
Reaction | Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nate Diaz Target...
Nate Diaz wanted to get the last fight under his UFC contract on the books, and he looks to have gotten it in the main event of UFC 279 against Khamzat Chimaev. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee react to the booking, the fight being the main event of the card, if it will in fact be Diaz's final fight in the UFC, and more.
14 min
1216
HOAM | Reaction To Charles Oliveira vs. Islam M...
Islam Makhachev will get his opportunity to fight for the vacant lightweight title against Charles Oliveira in Abu Dhabi at October's UFC 280 event. What will that mean for Oliveira should he get another big win in the 155-pound division? On an-all new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the matchmaking and if a Conor McGregor fight is in play for Oliveira with a victory over the surging protege of Khabib Nurmagomedov. In addition, listeners ask questions about Yair Rodriguez's win over Brian Ortega in the main event of UFC Long Island, Alexander Volkanovski's potential move up to 155 to fight for a second title, what could help boost the UFC 278 and UFC 279 fight cards, who Frankie Edgar could face in his final fight in November at UFC 281, 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.
87 min
1217
On To the Next One | Matches To Make After UFC ...
The UFC's featherweight division now has some question marks following the main event of UFC Long Island where Yair Rodriguez got a first-round stoppage win against Brian Ortega, but not in the fashion he would've preferred. Will Rodriguez get a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski, or will he have to win one more to get there? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee attempt to answer that question from a matchmaking perspective on an all-new edition of On To the Next One following Saturday's event. In addition, future matchups are discussed for Amanda Lemos, Li Jingliang, Matt Schnell, Shane Burgos, Lauren Murphy, and more.
91 min
1218
UFC Long Island Post-Fight Show | What's Next A...
Yair Rodriguez got himself a victory in the main event of UFC Long Island against Brian Ortega, but it certainly wasn’t how he drew it up. Following Saturday’s event in New York, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, José Youngs, and Jed Meshew react to the heartbreaking injury stoppage win for Rodriguez over Ortega in the headliner of the UFC’s return to ABC. In addition, they discuss where the featherweight division goes following the result and what it could mean for champ Alexander Volkanovski, where Josh Emmett fits in the conversation, Lauren Murphy’s big win over Miesha Tate, the chaotic Bill Algeo vs. Herbert Burns, and Matt Schnell vs. Sumudaerji fights, and much more.
80 min
1219
UFC Long Island Preview Show | Can Brian Ortega...
While most believe that a win for Yair Rodriguez in the main event of UFC Long Island will earn him a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski, could an emphatic victory for Brian Ortega get him right back into a UFC featherweight championship opportunity. Ahead of the promotion’s return to New York, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee, and Eric Jackman discuss the stakes of Saturday’s headliner for both competitors — and where that could leave Josh Emmett who believes he should be the rightful No. 1 contender in the division. In addition, they discuss Miesha Tate’s flyweight debut and if fans are overlooking one-time title challenger Lauren Murphy, if Tate will get a title shot against Valentina Shevchenko with a win, other notable bouts, and more.
56 min
1220
HOAM | What Fight Should Headline the UFC's Ret...
The UFC is expected to return to Madison Square Garden in New York later this year, and while there are a few compelling options, which fight will the promotion target to cap off the card? On an all-new "Free-For-All Friday" edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck is asked for his prediction on which bout will headline the UFC's expected November PPV event at "The World's Most Famous Arena." In addition, listener questions include topics such as Nate Diaz's continued battle with the UFC, the MMA Fighting Global Rankings for July, Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira, if UFC 277 and UFC 278 need a bit of a boost, the UFC Long Island fight between Lauren Murphy and Miesha Tate not getting enough love ahead of Saturday's card, 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.
Nate Diaz has made it perfectly clear that he wants his freedom from the UFC, but getting it seems to be a whole different story. On a brand new edition of Between the Links, the panel will react to Diaz’s recent interview on The MMA Hour on Tuesday and try and predict where the popular fighter will stand by the end of 2022. In addition, topics include Rafael Fiziev’s ceiling in the loaded UFC lightweight division following his fifth-round finish of former champ Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of UFC Vegas 58 this past Saturday, UFC Long Island this Saturday, the stakes in the main event between Brian Ortega and Yair Rodriguez, the card as a whole, if there’s any interest in Jake Paul vs. Hasim Rahman Jr. on Aug, 6 at Madison Square Garden, and more. Host Mike Heck will moderate the BTL title matchup between champ Drake Riggs from MMA Mania, and MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew.
76 min
1222
Donald Cerrone: Dissecting A Remarkable Career ...
Today we break down the remarkable career of Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone, who recently retired from the sport after 48 fights. Cerrone's name is littered across the UFC record book and his willingness to fight at the drop of a cowboy hat endeared him to fans the world over. Host Jed Meshew is joined by Alexander K. Lee and Mike Heck to break down the career of "Cowboy" as he rides off into the sunset.
107 min
1223
HOAM | Reaction To Nate Diaz Interview, Will th...
Nate Diaz simply wants out of the UFC and is more than willing to fulfill his contractual obligations in order to do that. So what is the problem? Why can't Diaz get that final fight done so he can move on with his life? On an all-new episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Diaz's interview on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani and give his take on the entire situation — which led to multiple questions about fighter pay, how the athletes are treated, and other issues UFC fans are having in regards to the treatment of the competitors stepping inside the octagon. In addition, listeners ask questions about Dana White and the viral $250,000 gift and what that says about the promotion's views on how they want their product covered from a media perspective, Michelle Waterson's chances against Amanda Lemos in the co-main event of UFC Long Island this Saturday, Kamaru Usman wanting to jump up to light heavyweight, if Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev will be the next lightweight title fight, 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.
82 min
1224
No Bets Barred: Backing ‘Big Apple’ Shane Burgo...
The No Bets Barred crew is back to break down UFC Long Island and the main card featherweight bout between Brian Ortega and Yair Rodriguez. Conner Burks and Jed Meshew are split on the main event, but both guys love Shane "Big Apple" Burgos to remain undefeated in New York, and with Conner heading to the actual event, he decides to place bets on every main card fight.
74 min
1225
Rankings Show: Is Alexander Volkanovski MMA's N...
The gang returns after a monster rankings cycle to debate the MVP of the past six weeks and the biggest leaps up the MMA Fighting rankings. Co-hosts Shaun Al-Shatti and Alexander K. Lee are joined by Mike Heck and Jed Meshew to try to make sense of the chaos at middleweight, the new three-man race for the men's No. 1 pound-for-pound spot, and the changing of the guard happening in the lightweight division. The boys also predict the biggest storyline to watch over the next few weeks and much, much more.