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
101
Rankings Show: The Worst Division In UFC Histor...
It's time to ask the question: Is women’s bantamweight in 2024 the worst division in UFC history? Podcast pals Mike Heck and Jed Meshew join co-hosts Shaun Al-Shatti and Alexander K. Lee this week to decipher that mystery and unpack everything UFC 297.
83 min
102
Trocação Franca | A insana história da nova pro...
Benoit Saint Denis encara Dustin Poirier no UFC 299 de olho em uma possível chance ao cinturão dos leves da organização, e o treinador Daniel Woirin, que garimpou o ex-militar francês antes do seu inicio no MMA, fala ao Trocação Franca sobre sua incrível trajetória. O podcast recebe ainda o jornalista Coutinho, do Canal Encarada, para destrinchar o UFC 297 e suas ramificações.
60 min
103
Laura Sanko Reacts To UFC 297, Explains Scoring...
Following UFC 297 this past Saturday, UFC color commentator and analyst Laura Sanko joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to react to the first UFC pay-per-view of the year, Dricus du Plessis' middleweight title win over Sean Strickland, explains why she scored the fight for du Plessis, the performances of both fighters, where both guys go from here, Raquel Pennington winning the women's bantamweight title, the potential of an Amanda Nunes comeback, agreeing with Jasmine Jasudavicius getting a 10-7 round over Priscila Cachoeira, and more.
38 min
104
HOAM | What's Next For Sean Strickland — and Sh...
Sean Strickland may have lost the fight and the UFC middleweight title this past weekend at UFC 297, but in Nate Diaz like fashion, he still came out of the event in the court of public opinion as a winner. If the UFC goes ahead and books a fight between new champ Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya at UFC 300, should Strickland vs. Khamzat Chimaev in a title eliminator also be added to the lineup? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to UFC 297, the razor close main event between du Plessis and Strickland, and discusses why Strickland vs. Chimaev makes all the sense in the world. Additionally, listener questions include the somewhat lackluster 2024 opener for the UFC pay-per-view year, Raquel Pennington's bantamweight title win, the possibility of an Amanda Nunes return to the UFC, how the UFC has changed over the last decade-plus, if the WWE's deal with Netflix could impact the UFC in their next TV deal, 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.
82 min
105
Fighter vs. Writer: UFC 297 Reaction with Alan ...
On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Alan Jouban returns to discuss the fallout from UFC 297 including the decision between Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis plus the problems plaguing the women’s bantamweight division, which was once a marquee weight class in the UFC.
71 min
106
On To the Next One | What's Next For Dricus Du ...
Dricus du Plessis accomplished his goal of becoming UFC champion on Saturday night with a hard fought decision win over Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 297. While du Plessis has his sights set on Israel Adesanya for his first title defense — possibly at UFC 300 — where does Strickland go after losing the title? 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 Strickland and du Plessis from a matchmaking perspective following Saturday's pay-per-view event. Additionally, future matchups will be discussed for new women's bantamweight champion Raquel Pennington following her dominant decision win over Mayra Bueno Silva in the co-main event, along with main card winners Neil Magny, Chris Curtis, Movsar Evloev, and more.
53 min
107
UFC 297 Post-Fight Show | Reaction To Dricus Du...
Dricus du Plessis is the new UFC middleweight champion after defeating Sean Strickland via split decision in the main event of UFC 297. While the fight was very close, did the judges get it right? Following Saturday's pay-per-view event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaun Al-Shatti, and Jed Meshew react to the scorecards, du Plessis' championship win, and what will be next for the new champion. Additionally, they'll discuss Raquel Pennington's bantamweight title win against Mayra Bueno Silva, her likely first title defense against Julianna Pena, the overall grade for the promotion's first PPV event of 2024, Movsar Evloev's impressive win over Arnold Allen and where it puts him at 145 pounds, and more.
67 min
108
UFC 297 Watch Party Replay w/ Mike Heck & Conne...
Relive the magic of UFC 297's live watch party with Mike Heck and Conner Burks!
234 min
109
UFC 297 Preview Show | Sean Strickland vs. Dric...
Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis will battle in the main event for the UFC middleweight title of UFC 297 in Toronto on Saturday, the promotion's first pay-per-view event of 2024. While the card as a whole isn't anywhere near comparable to the UFC's next three pay-per-view cards, the Strickland vs. du Plessis matchup is doing a lot of heavy lifting as the anticipation continues to build. Ahead of the event, and the 185-pound title fight, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaun Al-Shatti, and Eric Jackman preview UFC 297, Strickland vs. du Plessis, the potential of the winner turning around for UFC 300, and more. Additionally, they'll discuss the vacant women's bantamweight championship co-main event between Mayra Bueno Silva and Raquel Pennington, which other main card fighter is the panel keeping their eye on, the low-key banger of the card, and much more.
68 min
110
HOAM | Reaction To Insane UFC 297 Press Confere...
Sean Strickland had the Toronto crowd eating out of the palm of his hand at Thursday's UFC 297 press conference ahead of his title defense against Dricus du Plessis. With a victory, where could it propel Strickland in terms of being a top draw for the UFC moving forward? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the wild pre-fight presser in Toronto, how over Strickland was with the crowd, and his approach to a gentleman's agreement for an all-out war with du Plessis. Additionally, topics include multiple fighters missing weight for UFC 297, the stakes in the Arnold Allen vs. Movsar Evloev fight on Saturday, Mike Malott fighting the experienced Neil Magny and if the betting line is a bit wider than expected, Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway, UFC Saudi Arabia, 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.
60 min
111
BTL | Sean Strickland vs. Dricus du Plessis, UF...
The first UFC pay-per-view of the year takes place this Saturday in Toronto with UFC 297, and in the main event, the heated rivalry between Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis will be settled for the middleweight championship. While the card isn't as stacked on paper as the rest of the pay-per-view slate thus far, the stakes are quite high for one of the more exciting divisions in the promotion. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses Saturday's fight card and its quality, what is on the line in the Strickland vs. du Plessis main event, Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Raquel Pennington for the vacant women's bantamweight title, and more. Additionally, they'll discuss the PFL vs. Bellator champions event that was announced earlier this week, Donn Davis' comments about the UFC Saudi Arabia getting postponed, Dana White announcing Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway for UFC 300, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee.
93 min
112
HOAM | Is Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway the R...
UFC 297 is coming quickly, but April's UFC 300 event stole some headlines with UFC CEO Dana White announcing that Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway will take place for the BMF title at the event. While the fight will likely produce fireworks and incredible action, Gaethje is perceived as next in line for Islam Makhachev and the lightweight title, and Holloway still sits at the top of the featherweight division, was this the right fight to make? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to White's announcement of Gaethje vs. Holloway, and how it can shake things up in a wild way at 155. Additionally, listener questions include Saturday's pay-per-view event in Toronto, Sean Strickland vs. Dricus du Plessis, the UFC 297 media day, the PFL vs. Bellator champions event being announced, if the UFC could still have Conor McGregor headline UFC 300, 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.
73 min
113
Jon Anik Previews Heated Sean Strickland vs. Dr...
UFC lead commentator Jon Anik joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to preview Saturday's UFC 297 fight card, the main event between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis, discusses the in-crowd fight between the two, if there's a line that can be crossed in fight promotion, the co-main event between Raquel Pennington and Mayra Bueno Silva, his biggest takeaway from 2023, UFC 300, and more.
29 min
114
No Bets Barred: Sean Strickland Vs. Dricus Du P...
No Bets Barred returns with a full breakdown of UFC 297 and a special guest host who has boots on the ground in Toronto for the first PPV of 2024.
74 min
115
Trocação Franca | Charles do Bronx x Arman Tsar...
O UFC anunciou Charles do Bronx x Arman Tsarukyan para definir o próximo adversário de Islam Makhachev pelo cinturão dos leves, e o Trocação Franca recebe Diego Lima e Marcos Parrumpinha, treinadores que estarão em corneres opostos em Las Vegas, para destrinchar o combate. O podcast traz, ainda, uma homenagem ao lutador Diego Braga, morto esta semana no Rio de Janeiro.
74 min
116
Emergency Reaction! Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holl...
UFC CEO Dana White dropped two big fights for the upcoming UFC 300 event, including an all-action lightweight bout for the BMF title between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway. With some of the negative vibes surrounding the event in its early stages, does this announcement begin the trend towards positivity? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaun Al-Shatti, Jed Meshew, and Eric Jackman react to White's massive announcement, the Gaethje vs. Holloway five-rounder, discuss what it means for the lightweight title picture and Islam Makhachev's next move, if this fight means the rumored Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad welterweight title fight could move to a different event, and more. Additionally, they discuss White also announcing Jim Miller vs. Bobby Green for the historic card, if it is the right fight to make for Miller, along with how the card currently stands eight official fights in.
34 min
117
Eric Nicksick Talks Ngannou vs. Joshua, Sean St...
Eric Nicksick joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to discuss Francis Ngannou booking another boxing match against Anthony Joshua in March, how nothing involving Ngannou surprises him anymore, and how preparation will be different than the Tyson Fury fight. Additionally, they talk Sean Strickland's preparation for his UFC 297 main event fight vs. Dricus Du Plessis, his reaction to the booking, Strickland and Du Plessis getting into a fight in the crowd and the emotions surrounding it, if Strickland has changed since becoming champ, other fighters at Xtreme Couture to keep an eye on, and more.
25 min
118
Emergency Reaction | PFL vs. Bellator Champions...
The PFL PPV Super Fight Division will kick off on Feb. 24 in Saudi Arabia as the expected PFL vs. Bellator champions event has been officially announced. With the main card heading to pay-per-view, and the UFC bringing a free event with UFC Mexico City that same day, can this card outkick its coverage? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaun Al-Shatti, and Jed Meshew react to the event's announcement, and give their 1-10 scores in regards to excitement levels — which may or may not change throughout the reaction. Additionally, they discuss the card, the main card being behind a paywall, if the PFL should've made an effort to stick it to the UFC by booking the card for March 2, how the event can be deemed a success for the PFL, any names that are visibly missing from the lineup, and much more.
42 min
119
HOAM | Will Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Pless...
While UFC 300 is coming together, currently there isn't an announced main event for the historic fight card. With Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis getting set to battle for the middleweight title this Saturday at UFC 297, could the UFC be looking at the winner of that fight to do a quick turnaround for UFC 300 — possibly against Israel Adesanya? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the weight the Strickland vs. Du Plessis fight could have on UFC 300, and if the winner truly matters in this conversation. Additionally, listener questions include the reportedly postponed UFC Saudi Arabia event, if Islam Makhachev saying he's fighting in June relates to the possible new date, if the promotion's debut in the area will become a pay-per-view, if Raquel Pennington is being overlooked ahead of her title fight with Mayra Bueno Silva at UFC 297, Francis Ngannou's boxing future, 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.
66 min
120
Fighter vs. Writer: Matt Brown Teases Jim Mille...
On the newest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown addresses a potential showdown with Jim Miller at UFC 300 and how that could end up being the final fight of his career plus we look ahead at UFC 297 and give our picks and predictions for the first pay-per-view of 2024.
76 min
121
On To the Next One | Matches To Make After UFC ...
Magomed Ankalaev finished Johnny Walker in the first UFC main event of 2024 and sent a message to light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira in the process. While Pereira's coach Glover Teixeira seemed to express interest in the potential championship matchup, will that be the next fight for Ankalaev, who is on a 12-fight unbeaten streak? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what could be next for Ankalaev from a matchmaking perspective following Saturday's UFC Vegas 84 event at the APEX. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Jim Miller following his third-round submission win over Gabriel Benitez in the co-main event, Mario Bautista after his impressive decision win over Ricky Simon, Bruno Ferreira following his vicious opening round knockout of Phil Hawes, along with fellow main card winner Waldo Cortes-Acosta, and more.
75 min
122
UFC Vegas 84 Post-Fight Show | Reaction To Mago...
Magomed Ankalaev wanted to make a case to get a title shot against Alex Periera heading into his UFC Vegas 84 main event bout with Johnny Walker, and with a brutal second-round knockout victory, Ankalaev certainly accomplished that. But will it be enough to get Ankalaev to a second opportunity at UFC gold, or will he have more work to do? Following the UFC's first event of 2024, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee, and Eric Jackman react to Ankalaev's stoppage win, and talk his chances in getting the next shot at Pereira and the light heavyweight title. Additionally, the panel discusses Jim Miller's incredible performance in the co-main event, his callout of Paul Felder or Matt Brown for UFC 300, Mario Bautista's statement win against Ricky Simon, Jean Silva's memorable UFC debut, and other standout moments.
55 min
123
Reaction: Manel Kape Badly Misses Weight, Mathe...
MMA Fighting's Mike Heck drops a breaking news update after Manel Kape's 3.5 pound weight miss led to his UFC Vegas 84 co-main event bout with Matheus Nicolau to be cancelled altogether.
5 min
124
UFC Vegas 84 Preview Show | Reaction To Manel K...
The UFC is back for the first time in 2024 as they return to the APEX for UFC Vegas 84, and a high stakes main event in the light heavyweight division will take place between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker as they compete for the second time. Could a title shot against Alex Pereira be next for the winner of the scheduled five-round matchup? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and Eric Jackman preview Saturday's card, the Anakalev vs. Walker headliner, and discuss what is at stake for both guys. Additionally, they'll talk the co-main event between Manel Kape and Matheus Nicolau, Kape missing weight by 3.5 pounds, the rest of the main card as a whole, Jim Miller's road to UFC 300, the low-key banger of UFC Vegas 84, and much more.
78 min
125
HOAM | Managing Expectations For UFC 300, Nate ...
Despite the event being three months away, UFC 300 is the talk of the MMA world right now. With lofty expectations, every fight announcement seems to be met with criticism. But is that actually fair with only five fights made official, and still upwards of 10 more to be announced? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the reactions to UFC 300 thus far, and why managing expectations is the most important thing fans can do right now. Additionally, listener questions include Nate Diaz's tweet teasing a return at UFC 300, why that likely won't happen, the current pay-per-view slate for the UFC, Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval 2 now set for UFC Mexico City, what could headline the UFC's debut in Saudi Arabia, Aljamain Sterling's featherweight outlook, 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