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
1251
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
1252
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.
74 min
1253
Trocação Franca | Alex Poatan: Israel Adesanya ...
Alex Poatan volta ao Trocação Franca para destrinchar o atropelo em Sean Strickland e analisar o duelo com o velho rival Israel Adesanya pelo cinturão do UFC. O podcast conversa também com Douglas Lima e Herbert Burns diante de suas lutas no Bellator e UFC.
65 min
1254
HOAM | Dana White's Absence From UFC Events Imp...
It was very difficult to ignore the fact that during UFC 276, and all of International Fight Week, UFC president Dana White was nowhere to be found. On an all-new episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck was asked to give his thoughts about White's lengthy absence from promotional events and what it could possibly mean. In addition, listener questions are answered about White's $250,000 birthday gift to one of The Nelk Boys and the internet's reaction to it, Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira, a potential Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev lightweight title fight, Rafael Fiziev's incredible performance against Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of UFC Vegas 58, the loaded bantamweight division, 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.
66 min
1255
Fighter vs. Writer: Curtis Blaydes Predicts Mio...
Curtis Blaydes joins The Fighter vs. The Writer ahead of his main event fight against Tom Aspinall at UFC London while UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo offers an update on his health and when he expects to compete again.
62 min
1256
On To the Next One | Matches To Make After UFC ...
Rafael Fiziev has a lot of fun options ahead of him in the loaded UFC lightweight division, but which one makes the most sense after the fifth-round finish of former champ Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of Saturday's event in Las Vegas. On an all-new episode of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what could be next for both Fiziev and dos Anjos from a matchmaking perspective following UFC Vegas 58. In addition, future matchups are discussed for Caio Barralho following his decision win over Armen Petrosyan in the co-main event, Said Nurmagomedov after his victory over Douglas Silva de Andrade, Chase Sherman following his third-round KO win over Jared Vanderaa, along with fellow main card winners Aiemann Zahabi and Jamie Mullarkey.
32 min
1257
UFC Vegas 58 Post-Fight Show | Rafael Fiziev Ha...
Rafael Fiziev picked a great time to have the best performance of his career, and did so against a former UFC champion. MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, José Youngs, and Jed Meshew react to Fiziev’s incredible fifth-round stoppage of Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of UFC Vegas 58 and discuss what could be next for the surging lightweight contender. In addition, they discuss if it’s time for dos Anjos to face Conor McGregor in the former two-division champion’s return fight, the judging in the Fight of the Night between Jamie Mullarkey and Michael Johnson, Cortney Casey suffering another split decision loss, and other storylines coming out of Saturday’s event at the APEX.
48 min
1258
UFC Vegas 58 Preview Show | Is Conor McGregor F...
Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiziev are set to battle it out in a pivotal headliner in the stacked UFC lightweight division. Could the winner find themselves opposite the returning Conor McGregor? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, José Youngs, and Alexander K. Lee discuss the stakes of Saturday's UFC Vegas 58 main event, as well as the matchup from a stylistic perspective, which other fights on the competitively matched card stand out following UFC 276, the most under the radar fight on the books, and much more.
58 min
1259
HOAM | Is Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic Bigger Fig...
Israel Adesanya's next title defense will likely be against longtime combat sports rival Alex Pereira. Would the potential middleweight title matchup trump the return of Jon Jones against Stipe Miocic in a possible interim heavyweight championship bout? On an all-new Free-For-All Friday edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck answers that question in regards to which fight would be a bigger headliner for the UFC's return to Madison Square Garden should the promotion head back to the mecca in November. In addition, listener questions include the stakes of Saturday's UFC Vegas 58 between Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiziev, who Conor McGregor could fight when he is cleared to return, which famous Boston sports athlete could've made a great UFC fighter, fans saying journalists and analysts shouldn't be allowed to have an opinion on fights if they've "never fought before," 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.
63 min
1260
BTL Roundtable | Adesanya vs. Pereira, Volkanov...
Saturday’s UFC 276 left MMA fans with a lot to digest in terms of storylines, future matchups, and topics of discussion — from Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira’s big wins, Alexander Volkanovski’s pound-for-pound status, and the unfortunate ending to the highly anticipated bantamweight showdown between Pedro Munhoz and Sean O’Malley. On an all-new episode of Between the Links, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jed Meshew will take part in a special roundtable edition where they’ll discuss Adesanya’s win over Jared Cannonier in the main event, and if the champion is getting too much flack for the fight. In addition, they’ll discuss Alex Pereira’s knockout of Sean Strickland and how big the fight with Adesanya will be for the UFC, Volkanovski’s shutout of Max Holloway and where he stands amongst the best fighters on the planet, whether or not the UFC should run the fight between Munhoz and O’Malley back following the accidental eye poke, a look to UFC Vegas 58, and more.
65 min
1261
Jimmy Flick Explains Why He's Ending Retirement...
Promising UFC flyweight contender Jimmy Flick speaks with MMA Fighting's Mike Heck in an exclusive interview to reveal why he's coming out of retirement to return to the UFC, how the promotion received the news, who should get the first crack, why he wants to fight Tim Elliott, wanting to get to the UFC flyweight title to check off the final box for his career, and much more.
26 min
1262
HOAM | Will Alex Pereira Be the Guy To Dethrone...
With all signs pointing towards a middleweight title fight between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira, will the history between the two lead to a changing of the guard in the UFC's 185-pound division? On an all-new episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his thoughts on what seems to be the next matchup for Adesanya and what factors would be in play. In addition, listener topics include the aftermath of the UFC 276 fight between Pedro Munhoz and Sean O'Malley, Jimmy Flick expected to return to the UFC, how Adesanya's current run compares to Khabib Nurmagomedov, the UFC Vegas 58 main event between Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiziev, the status of welterweight Daniel Rodriguez, Josh Emmett and Urijah Faber's gripe with the UFC, 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.
58 min
1263
No Bets Barred: The Case For The Underdog To Wi...
Coming off a big weekend for UFC 276, the No Bets Barred crew is back with some lighter fare this week as UFC Vegas 58 takes place, featuring a main event battle between lightweights Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiziev. Both Conner Burks and Jed Meshew like the value on dos Anjos at underdog odds, but are they riding with the former lightweight champion to win the battle of the Rafaels?
57 min
1264
Trocação Franca | Deiveson abre jogo sobre romp...
De casa nova em São Paulo, onde treinará com Charles do Bronx, Deiveson Figueiredo abre o jogo sobre a troca de empresários, Wallid Ismail por Urijah Faber, quanto recebeu na última luta, os rumos da divisão dos moscas e a possibilidade de subir de peso, e mais. O podcast recebe ainda Caio Borralho, que enfrenta Armen Petrosyan no UFC deste sábado.
33 min
1265
HOAM | Israel Adesanya Not To Blame For UFC 276...
Israel Adesanya is getting a lot of flack for his performance in the main event of UFC 276 this past Saturday, but is the middleweight champion of the world truly to blame for the fight not being as thrilling as some thought it might be? On an all-new Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck looks back on the main event of the UFC's International Fight Week card and makes the case for the blame to not be placed upon Adesanya following his unanimous decision win over Jared Cannonier. In addition, listener questions are brought up regarding Alexander Volkanovski's pound-for-pound status following his sensational performance against Max Holloway in the co-main event, the ending of the Sean O'Malley vs. Pedro Munhoz fight, up and comers such as Jalin Turner and Maycee Barber getting some shine on the same night Donald Cerrone and Jessica Eye retired, 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.
91 min
1266
Fighter vs. Writer: Joanna Jedrzejczyk Talks Fo...
Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Jorge Masvidal join the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer for a pair of exclusive interviews.
63 min
1267
On To the Next One | Matches To Make After UFC 276
Israel Adesanya appears to have a big title defense ahead of him following his unanimous decision victory over Jared Cannonier in the main event of Saturday's UFC 276 event. Will the UFC move forward with a third combat sports meeting between Adesanya and Alex Pereira? On a brand new On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee give their thoughts in the top of the middleweight division following the promotion's big International Fight Week card. In addition, future matchups are discussed for Jared Cannonier after coming up short in his first UFC title shot, Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway after their co-main event title fight, Sean Strickland following his KO loss to Pereira, along with Bryan Barberena, Jalin Turner, and more. They also discuss whether or not the UFC should run back the fight between Pedro Munhoz and Sean O'Malley after their bout ended in a no contest.
71 min
1268
UFC 276 Post-Fight Show: Israel Adesanya Cruise...
Did UFC 276 live up to expectations? Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski left Las Vegas with belts still around their waists, but for one of them, the performance wasn't exactly inspired — and that seems to be becoming a pattern. MMA Fighting's Shaun Al-Shatti, Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee, and Jed K. Meshew react to a busy night in Sin City that saw Adesanya file in another snoozer of a title defense, Volkanovski cement his legacy as the greatest featherweight of his era, Alex Pereira do terrible things to Sean Strickland, and much more.
87 min
1269
LIVE From Las Vegas | Kevin Holland, Glover Tei...
The UFC stars, and other celebrities, came out in full force on Friday at the UFC X Fan Expo in Las Vegas and MMA Fighting was there to speak to them. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck chats with Kevin Holland, Glover Teixeira, Adrian Yanez, Chris Curtis, Jens Pulver, and other UFC athletes. In addition, conversations with former NFL defensive standout Ryan Clark, and comedian Carrot Top ahead of Saturday's UFC 276 event.
51 min
1270
UFC 276 Preview Show: Adesanya Calling His Shot...
Israel Adesanya is calling his shot against Jared Cannonier — can he deliver? Will Max Holloway finally get his revenge against Alexander Volkanovski?? And did anyone expect Sean Strickland vs. Alex Pereira to generate so much hype??? MMA Fighting's Shaun Al-Shatti, José Youngs, Alexander K. Lee, and E. Casey Leydon break down the best card of the year as UFC 276 approaches.
74 min
1271
HOAM | Reaction To Sean Strickland's Performanc...
Sean Strickland certainly made the most of his first UFC press conference on Thursday as he planted the seeds for a potential fight with current champ — and UFC 276 headliner — Israel Adesanya. On an all-new episode of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck checks in from inside the UFC X Fan Expo in Las Vegas to discuss Strickland's performance at the presser and how much interest there could be in an Adesanya vs. Strickland fight. In addition, listeners ask about Sean O'Malley and his UFC 276 fight with Pedro Munhoz, a fired up Max Holloway at the press conference, 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.
59 min
1272
HOAM | Live From Las Vegas, Where Does Sean O'M...
While there are a lot of intriguing matchups set for Saturday's UFC 276 event, there's a lot of eyeballs locked in on the bantamweight main card bout between Sean O'Malley and Pedro Munhoz. If O'Malley is able to pass his toughest test to date, what kinds of matchups would he be looking at? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck checks in from Las Vegas and takes a look at the options that could be available to O'Malley if he is victorious this weekend. In addition, listeners ask questions about UFC 276 as a whole, if there's a current champion — or anyone — that could break the all-time UFC title defense record, what the UFC could do if Jared Cannonier defeats Israel Adesanya in the main event, the futures of Arman Tsarukyan and Shavkat Rakhmonov, 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.
65 min
1273
Jon Anik Previews UFC 276, Believes We'll See A...
UFC play-by-play voice Jon Anik catches up with MMA Fighting's Mike Heck at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas to preview Saturday's UFC 276 event, including the main event between Israel Adesanya and Jared Cannonier for the middleweight title, the co-main event trilogy fight for the featherweight championship between Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, talks why Sean Strickland vs. Alex Pereira is a standout fight, his broadcast partner Daniel Cormier getting inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, and more.
9 min
1274
Kayla Harrison Talks Kaitlyn Young, Ronda Rouse...
Kayla Harrison talks about her upcoming return at PFL 6, a change of opponents at the last minute, Ronda Rousey’s recent interview addressing the end of her fighting career and Amanda Nunes leaving American Top Team.
24 min
1275
No Bets Barred: Going All Out For UFC 276 With ...
It's the biggest weekend of the MMA year with International Fight Week going down in Las Vegas, and as such, the No Bets Barred boys are bringing you their biggest episode ever. Both Conner and Jed have bets on EVERY SINGLE FIGHT taking place at UFC 276 — and they're joined by New York Ric to talk through their glorious excesses and get his best betting plays as well.
96 min