DAMN! They Were Good celebrates the careers of our favorite fighters in MMA history. On this episode, the MMA Fighting staff takes a deep dive into Kimbo Slice, an internet sensation who became the biggest star in MMA.

Max Holloway discusses his upcoming “BMF” title fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, how the matchup came together and why guys like him and Gaethje are “the last of a dying breed” in the sport.

UFC lead commentator Jon Anik is getting a bit fed up with the negative portion of the MMA fanbase, and rightfully so, which has led him to ponder his future as a broadcaster in this space. Quite frankly, Anik deserves much better, and the UFC watching experience would change drastically if he weren't around. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses Anik's comments on his podcast, it being more than OK that he expressed those feelings about the situation, and how this is the new norm for the sport and it doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Additionally, listener questions include Kayla Harrison's UFC signing, if any other PFL or Bellator fighters will follow suit, Alex Pereira's next move — whether he would face Magomed Ankalaev or Jamahal Hill next — 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.

Dricus du Plessis is the brand new UFC middleweight champion after defeating Sean Strickland via split decision in a fascinating 25-minute battle in the main event of UFC 297. The bout has led to a lot of questions about the future of the division, if du Plessis will share the octagon with rival Israel Adesanya next, and where Strickland goes after his title reign came to an end. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses the fallout of Saturday's pay-per-view headliner, if we should expect du Plessis vs. Adesanya at UFC 300, and what could be next for Strickland with his star power continuously rising. Additionally, they'll discuss Raquel Pennington's title win in the co-main event, the overall grade for UFC 297, Kayla Harrison signing with the UFC to face Holly Holm at UFC 300, where the excitement levels are now that more fights have been announced for the April event, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and José Youngs.

Kayla Harrison is now a UFC fighter, as she prepares to face former UFC champion Holly Holm at UFC 300 on April 13 in Las Vegas. With Harrison now in the picture, and Amanda Nunes teasing a potential comeback following UFC 297, could the stars align to put a Nunes vs. Harrison matchup together? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to UFC CEO Dana White's stunning announcement from Tuesday night, what it would take to get Nunes out of retirement, and the pros and cons of the signing. Additionally, listener questions include the clip of Jon Anik expressing his frustration with the negative portion of the UFC fanbase, and why he's spot on, the current shape of UFC 300, a potential Francis Ngannou vs. Ryan Bader fight in the PFL, Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway, 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.

UFC CEO Dana White made a big announcement on Tuesday night as it relates to UFC 300, but it likely was not what most fans were expecting as White revealed that the promotion has signed former PFL champion Kayla Harrison, and she will meet former UFC champion Holly Holm at the historic pay-per-view event — not at featherweight, but at bantamweight. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaun Al-Shatti, and Jed Meshew react to the big news of Harrison's signing, and the matchup with Holm. Additionally, they discuss the many questions surrounding this news, including major concerns about Harrison's ability to make the bantamweight limit, how much it improves the division now championed by Raquel Pennington, the PFL losing one of their biggest stars, along with one of the big fights on the table with Cris Cyborg, if Harrison's arrival could lead to an Amanda Nunes comeback, if Julianna Peña should be worried, and much more.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Relive the magic of UFC 297's live watch party with Mike Heck and Conner Burks!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.