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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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1226
HOAM | What's Next For Colby Covington When He'...
Colby Covington's future is a bit unclear with everything going on in his world, but when he is ready to return to the octagon, what would make the most sense? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck attempts to answer that question in regards to Covington's fighting career. In addition, listener questions include the UFC's bantamweight division, where Dominick Cruz would go with a win over Marlon Vera in the main event of UFC San Diego, Petr Yan vs. Sean O'Malley, UFC 283 taking place in Brazil and who could headline that event in January, Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler, Jon Jones' return, 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
1227
BTL | Jamahal Hill Wins Again, Bo Nickal, Marlo...
Jamahal Hill feels he deserves a title fight following another finish this past weekend, but is that realistic at this point? This week on an all-new roundtable episode of the Between the Links, the panel discusses the impact of Hill's TKO win over Thiago Santos in the main event of UFC Vegas 59 this past Saturday night and what could be next, along with the card as a whole far exceeding expectations. In addition, topics include Bo Nickal's impressive performance on Dana White's Contender Series, how poorly the situation has been handled by the promotion, and how the Penn State wrestling standout stacks up in the UFC middleweight division, the UFC San Diego main event between Marlon Vera and Dominick Cruz and what is at stake in the bantamweight matchup, the ongoing rivalry between Kayla Harrison and Cris Cyborg, and much more. Host Mike Heck is joined by MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew this week.
92 min
1228
HOAM | Bo Nickal's Ceiling; Is Dominick Cruz Be...
Bo Nickal made the most of his opportunity on Dana White's Contender Series this past Tuesday in Las Vegas, but how high can he go in the UFC's middleweight division? On an all-new episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Nickal's quick submission win on DWCS earlier this week, White's decision to not sign him right away — even though it's pretty obvious what's happening here — and why the whole thing seemed a bit strange. In addition, listener topics include the Marlon Vera vs. Dominick Cruz headliner this Saturday at UFC San Diego and why it seems as if Cruz is being completely counted out by fans, Erin Blanchfield vs. Molly McCann being booked for UFC 281, whether or not that means Paddy Pimblett will compete on the card as well, Islam Makhchev's recent comments, 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
1229
Jan Blachowicz On Why He's Lost Respect For Jir...
Jan Blachowicz details his frustration with Jiri Prochazka and the current situation at light heavyweight where it appeared he was getting the next title shot.
17 min
1230
No Bets Barred: Will Marlon Vera Keep It Rollin...
The No Bets Barred boys are back this week with a full breakdown of UFC San Diego — and though it's yet another Fight Night event lacking big names, there are certainly some big bets to be made.
78 min
1231
Trocação Franca | Rafinha Bastos fala de UFC, W...
O humorista Rafinha Bastos fala da paixão por MMA, os maiores momentos que viveu como fã, como foi atuar no filme de José Aldo, a ascensão de Charles do Bronx, a entrevista a Joe Rogan, e mais. O podcast Trocação Franca ainda conta com entrevistas com Blindado, Neiman, Goiti e Buffa, além de receber o jornalista Vitor Freitas para uma merecida homenagem ao lendário Leandro Lo, morto no último final de semana.O humorista Rafinha Bastos fala da paixão por MMA, os maiores momentos que viveu como fã, como foi atuar no filme de José Aldo, a ascensão de Charles do Bronx, a entrevista a Joe Rogan, e mais. O podcast Trocação Franca ainda conta com entrevistas com Blindado, Neiman, Goiti e Buffa, além de receber o jornalista Vitor Freitas para uma merecida homenagem ao lendário Leandro Lo, morto no último final de semana.
111 min
1232
Rose Namajunas On What's Next, Not Ruling Out 1...
Rose Namajunas speaks with MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to give an update on her career since her UFC title loss to Carla Esparza, and discuss why she's not ruling out a possible move to 125 pounds and a fight with Valentina Shevchenko.
18 min
1233
Fighter vs. Writer: Michael Chandler On Dustin ...
UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler and two-time PFL champion Kayla Harrison join the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer.
72 min
1234
On To the Next One | Matches To Make After UFC ...
Future matchups are made for Jamahal Hill, Geoff Neal, Terrance McKinney, the TUF 30 champions, and more following UFC Vegas 59.
92 min
1235
UFC Vegas 59 Post-Fight Show | Jamahal Hill, Ge...
Jamahal Hill and Geoff Neal kept the perfect night of finishes in tact at the UFC APEX. Following Saturday’s UFC Vegas 59 event, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, José Youngs, and Alexander K. Lee react to Hill’s fourth-round stoppage win over one-time title challenger Thiago Santos in the light heavyweight headliner. In addition, topics include Neal’s career-best performance in stopping always game Vicente Luque in the co-main event, the entire card wildly exceeding expectations, Juliana Miller and Mohammad Usman becoming TUF 30 champions, Terrance McKinney’s quick submission win, and more.
56 min
1236
UFC Vegas 59 Preview Show: Thiago Santos’ Last ...
Thiago Santos will look to bounce back from a recent 1-3 run against a surging Jamahal Hill in the main event of UFC Vegas 59. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and Alexander K. Lee discuss the pivotal UFC light heavyweight headliner for Saturday's card at the APEX, who needs the victory more, and where Hill can go with an emphatic win. In addition, topics include the exciting welterweight co-main event between Vicente Luque and Geoff Neal, the return of Terrance McKinney, the TUF 30 tournament finale bouts, Sam Alvey trying to snap a long skid, and much more.
46 min
1237
HOAM | Who Will Jon Jones Fight Next — Francis ...
Jon Jones has yet to book his UFC heavyweight debut, and while rumors continue to swirl that the promotion could book an interim title fight between Jones and Stipe Miocic, is the clock running out on putting that potential matchup together? On an all-new episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his thoughts on the heavyweight division and if he sees Jones fighting Miocic next, or if the UFC will just wait and have Jones challenge Francis Ngannou for the undisputed title. In addition, topics include the crazy story of how MMA Fighting's interview with Jorge Masvidal came to be, what could headline the UFC's return to MSG in November, Bo Nickal competing on the Contender Series next week, if the UFC would do the Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler showdown at welterweight, 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.
75 min
1238
DAMN! They Were Good | Remembering 'Rowdy' Rond...
Ronda Rousey was a pioneer of MMA, almost single-handedly changing Dana White's mind about women fighting in the UFC, and becoming one of the first truly household names in the sport. On top of that, she was also a damn good fight, having set a number of records that still stand today. Host Jed Meshew is joined by Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee, and New York Rick, to remember the career of Rousey, and to make the case that she is one of the most important fighters in MMA history.
112 min
1239
BTL | UFC 277 Fallout, Next For Nunes, Paul vs....
Where do Amanda Nunes and Julianna Peña go from their five-round battle in Dallas this past Saturday? On an all-new episode of Between the Links, the panel will discuss the potential next moves from the UFC 277 headliners following Nunes’ dominant decision win to reclaim the UFC bantamweight title. Will the UFC book a third fight with Peña, a trilogy fight with flyweight champ Valentina Shevchenko, or go a different route? In addition, topics include the big takeaways from the PPV event, the cancellation of the boxing event scheduled for this Saturday that featured Jake Paul vs. Hasim Rahman Jr., who is to blame, whether or not Nate Diaz is in play for Paul following UFC 279, UFC Vegas 59 this Saturday headlined by Thiago Santos vs. Jamahal Hill, and more. Host Mike Heck will moderate the matchup between MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and a panelist to be named later.
79 min
1240
HOAM | Reaction To Targeted Dustin Poirier vs. ...
It appears the grudge between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler will be settled by the end of the year, much to the delight of UFC fans. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the targeted lightweight booking and where it currently stands. In addition, listener topics include UFC 279, A.J. McKee making the move to 155 pounds at Bellator 286 against Spike Carlyle and not fighting Patricio Pitbull in the trilogy fight for the featherweight title in October, fighter pay, the stacked UFC 280 card, The Ultimate Fighter and the lack of interest amongst fans, and more. Also, welterweight Billy Goff (34:22) joins the show to recap his stoppage win on Dana White's Contender Series on Tuesday to earn a UFC contract, talks who didn't deserve a contract on the card, when he'd like to make his octagon debut, 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.
78 min
1241
No Bets Barred: Banking On The Favorites At UFC...
The No Bets Barred boys are back this week with a full breakdown of UFC Vegas 59 — and while it may be a lackluster card, there is no such thing as a lackluster bet. Conner Burks and Jed Meshew have you covered in that regard, with both men backing Jamahal Hill and the rest of the big favorites, leading to a monster 7-leg parlay from Jed.
59 min
1242
Rankings Show: Who’s Getting Most Screwed Out O...
The UFC is littered with names right now who could reasonably deserve a title shot and probably aren’t going to get one because of circumstances beyond their control. But who’s getting the rawest deal? The gang hits that debate and more on this month’s edition of the MMA Fighting Rankings Show.
66 min
1243
Trocação Franca | Brasileira desafia Amanda Nun...
Amanda Nunes atropelou Julianna Peña para voltar ao topo do mundo, e o Trocação Franca debate o que rolou no UFC 277 com Zeca Azevedo, repórter do Combate que cobriu o evento direto do Texas. O podcast também recebe Ketlen Vieira, que lançou um desafio à “Leoa”. Na sessão Fight Week, entrevistas com Vicente Luque, Ariane Lipski, Augusto Sakai e Delan Monte.
96 min
1244
HOAM | Should Amanda Nunes vs. Julianna Peña 3 ...
Amanda Nunes reclaimed her bantamweight title and champ-champ status with a one-sided unanimous decision win over Julianna Peña in the main event of UFC 277 this past Saturday. Despite Nunes' dominance, should the UFC go ahead and book the trilogy fight when both women are ready to return? On an all-new Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his thoughts on the title picture following the UFC's most recent pay-per-view event. In addition, other listener topics include the stoppage in the Sergei Pavlovich and Derrick Lewis fight and where Lewis goes from his second straight loss, Jake Paul vs. Hasim Rahman Jr. getting cancelled, the commentary of Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier during the UFC 277 card, Thiago Santos vs. Jamahal Hill, and much more. Also, UFC welterweight Niko Price (1:22:22) joins the show to reveal an injury he's been dealing with for years, when he plans on returning, thoughts on cheating in MMA, and responds to Bryan Barberena's recent callout. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces.
102 min
1245
Fighter vs. Writer: Anthony Pettis On Rematchin...
Anthony Pettis and Sam Alvey join the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer as both athletes prepare for upcoming bouts this weekend.
70 min
1246
On To the Next One | Matches To Make After UFC 277
Where do Julianna Peña and Amanda Nunes go after their rematch for the UFC bantamweight title in the main event of Saturday's UFC 277 card in Dallas? What about Brandon Moreno and Kai Kara-France following their second encounter — this time for the interim flyweight title in the co-main event, Sergei Pavlovich after his debated stoppage win over Derrick Lewis, along with Alexandre Pantoja and Magomed Ankalaev following their main card stoppage wins, and other notable names from the event. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee attempt to answer those questions from a matchmaking perspective on a brand new and LIVE episode of On To the Next One.
113 min
1247
UFC 277 Post-Fight Show | Reaction To Amanda Nu...
Amanda Nunes and Brandon Moreno left the American Airlines Center in Dallas with UFC gold around their waists. Following Saturday’s UFC 277 event, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, José Youngs, Shaun Al-Shatti, and Jed Meshew react to Nunes’ dominant performance against a very gritty and tough Julianna Peña to reclaim her double-champ status, Moreno’s incredible finish of Kai Kara-France in the highly entertaining co-main event to win the interim flyweight title, the post-fight face off between Moreno and current UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, the stoppage in the Sergei Pavlovich vs. Derrick Lewis heavyweight fight, Alexandre Pantoja and Magomed Ankalaev picking up statement wins to kick off the main card, and much more.
70 min
1248
Reaction | Jake Paul vs. Hasim Rahman Jr. Fight...
Jake Paul's return to the squared circle will have to wait after his fight with Hasim Rahman Jr. has been cancelled, along with the entire event. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee react to the breaking news due to allegations that Rahman wasn't going to be able to make the agreed upon weight for their main event at Madison Square Garden. In addition, they discuss what could be next for Paul, if Nate Diaz could factor into those plans quicker than anticipated, and more.
11 min
1249
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
1250
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.
57 min