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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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151
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
152
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
153
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
154
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
155
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
156
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
157
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
158
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
159
BTL | Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony Joshua, Dana ...
With the new year comes big fights — not just for the UFC, but also for Francis Ngannou as he's set to clash with Anthony Joshua in a boxing match in March. What is at stake for the current PFL star, and what does his future now hold in the world of MMA? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel reacts to the booking of Ngannou vs. Joshua, what Ngannou has to gain and lose in the bout, and what comes next regardless of result. Additionally, they'll discuss Dana White announcing Dustin Poirier vs. Benoit Saint-Denis for UFC 299, Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan for UFC 300, if the excitement levels are up thus for with the matchmaking in 2024, Saturday's UFC Vegas 84 event headlined by Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker, Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall stating their cases, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Morning Kombat's Brian Campbell.
95 min
160
HOAM | Reaction To Dana White Announcing First ...
UFC CEO Dana White has announced the first title fight for UFC 300, with the expectation that there will be more on the way as Zhang Weili will put her strawweight title on the line against Yan Xiaonan in the promotion's first all-Chinese world championship bout. While some are excited about the matchup, there are other fans who didn't seem all that enthused by the reveal. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the 115-pound championship fight announcement, discusses why it's a very good addition to the card as it stands right now, and what could be next for the winner. Additionally, listener questions include the rest of UFC 300 and how it will look, the importance keeping expectations realistic, what could headline the event, why UFC 297 could have some impact on what the UFC 300 main event could end up being, 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.
72 min
161
No Bets Barred: 2024 UFC Champion Futures, Plus...
No Bets Barred returns with a mega-episode to kick of the 2024 fight year as Conor Burks and Jed Meshew breakdown all of UFC Vegas 84 plus give their Future bets for 2024 UFC champions.
78 min
162
Jim Miller Talks UFC 300, Retirement Plans and ...
Jim Miller previews his return to action at UFC Vegas 84, his plans to still fight at UFC 300, what has changed regarding his plans for retirement and much more.
44 min
163
Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall Feud: Who's Right an...
Two men who hold championship belts in the UFC's heavyweight division have been going back-and-forth on social media. Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall are stating their cases, but which fighter is right, and which one is wrong? Moderator Mike Heck is joined by Eric Jackman, representing Jones, and Jed Meshew, who is representing Aspinall, as they explain why their fighter is correct in the situation, what they could be doing differently, the UFC not getting any blame for some reason, and offering up their honest opinions about the situation.
36 min
164
HOAM | Francis Ngannou's MMA Future, Jon Jones ...
Francis Ngannou left the UFC and has made it work better than anybody in recent memory, and with another massive boxing match ahead of him against Anthony Joshua in March, many want to know if Ngannou will still have any interest in returning to MMA competition. If you're the PFL, are you worried Ngannou may not have that interest? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses Ngannou's MMA future following his appearance on The MMA Hour, and why things could get real interesting if he beats Joshua. Additionally, listener topics include the Dustin Poirier vs. Benoit Saint-Denis and Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan fight announcements, Sean O'Malley's star power, what could be next for Justin Gaethje, Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall's back-and-forth on social media, 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
165
Fighter vs. Writer: Matt Brown Teases UFC 300 R...
On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown reveals recent conversations about potentially returning at UFC 300 plus we talk about Conor McGregor’s return, Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony Joshua and what we want to see most in 2024.
96 min
166
Trocação Franca | Johnny Walker mira Alex Poata...
Johnny Walker tem planos ousados para 2024. De revanche marcada com Magomed Ankalaev para o UFC deste sábado, ele contou ao Trocação Franca que quer garantir chance pelo cinturão de Alex Poatan no histórico UFC 300, em abril. O podcast traz, ainda, entrevistas com Jean Silva, Nikolas Motta e Felipe Bunes, que lutam no mesmo card.
65 min
167
Emergency Reaction: Dana White Announces Poirie...
UFC CEO Dana White promised he would be announcing some big fights, and he certainly came through with a pair of massive bouts in the promotion's best division. On Sunday night, White revealed that former interim lightweight champ Dustin Poirier will face the surging Benoit Saint-Denis in the five-round co-main event of UFC 299, which takes place March 9 in Miami, and former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira will look to stop the title push of Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 in April. Following the big news, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee, and Jed Meshew react to the pair of high-stakes 155-pound matchups, discuss which piece of business is more surprising, White saying that the Oliveira vs. Tsarukyan winner gets champ Islam Makhachev next and where that leaves Justin Gaethje, which fighter has the most to lose, early predictions, and more.
33 min
168
On To the Next One 2024 Predictions Extravaganz...
Following a chaotic and unpredictable 2023 in the world of MMA, 2024 is shaping up to be even crazier — both in and out of the cage. Could this be a year that will see stars such as Conor McGregor and Jon Jones compete multiple times? Will Khamzat Chimaev finally get his hands on UFC gold? Will Francis Ngannou continue to shake up the boxing world, and also make his MMA return? On a very special edition of On To the Next One, those questions — and a lot more — are presented during the 2024 predictions extravaganza. Hosts Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee will go through a slew of buy/sell questions presented by listeners about a variety of topics, including McGregor, Jones, Ngannou, Sean Strickland, Dana White, Colby Covington, Israel Adesanya, Nate Diaz, and much more. Additionally, they will make their choices for who will end the year as UFC champions in each division, along with their bold and spicy predictions for the world of MMA in 2024.
124 min
169
Emergency Reaction: Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony...
Francis Ngannou's first fight of 2024 is booked, and it will take place in the boxing ring, not an MMA cage. As MMA Fighting confirmed on Friday, Ngannou will face Anthony Joshua in a 10-round boxing match that is targeted for March, although the date is currently not finalized at this time. Following Ngannou making the decision to leave the UFC as heavyweight champion in early 2023, he went on to sign with the PFL before taking Tyson Fury to the limit in his pro boxing debut in October. Now, "The Predator" gets another massive opportunity to shake things up in boxing's heavyweight division. Following the news being announced, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Shaun Al-Shatti, and Eric Jackman react to the news, how it benefits both fighters, discuss what it means for Ngannou's MMA future, early predictions, and more.
27 min
170
HOAM | Would You Want To See Nick Diaz Return A...
UFC 300 will be here before we know it, and everyone seems to have an idea of what the historic UFC pay-per-view event should look like. With Conor McGregor announcing he's fighting Michael Chandler in June, the main event — along with the full supporting cast — remains a mystery. So what would be your ideal UFC 300 lineup? On a special edition of Heck of a Morning (in the afternoon), MMA Fighting's Mike Heck takes your UFC 300 fight card suggestions. Additionally, he'll answer your questions about anything and everything as it relates to the crazy world of MMA, interim champ Tom Aspinall tweeting his thoughts about Stipe Miocic getting a title shot vs. Jon Jones over him, whether or not Nick Diaz should return at 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.
81 min
171
BTL | Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler, UFC ...
According to Conor McGregor, his return is set against Michael Chandler at the UFC's International Fight Week in June. Although the promotion has yet to officially announce, it appears as if we'll see the sport's biggest star before the second half of 2024. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to McGregor's announcement that his bout with Chandler will not take place at UFC 300, but on June 29, along with the opening odds giving McGregor a slight edge. Additionally, the panel takes your questions about the bouts currently on the table for April's UFC 300 event, Leon Edwards saying he'll be defending his welterweight title on the card, what could be the main event, other big stories in the sport with the UFC on break until next Saturday, and more.
77 min
172
HOAM | What In the World Will Headline UFC 300?
Conor McGregor announced his octagon return against Michael Chandler, but according the former two-division world champ, it will not be happening at UFC 300 as many were predicting. With the UFC's 2024 calendar filling up rapidly, what fight will headline one of the promotion's biggest and monumental events? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the McGregor vs. Chandler announcement for June 29, if it is a mistake by the UFC to not have the fight headline UFC 300, and what the UFC could do in order to make that all-important main event spot pop. Additionally, listener topics include a potential Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad fight, if Justin Gaethje or Charles Oliveira should get the shot at Islam Makhachev, the UFC's future at the APEX, the promotion's debut in Saudi Arabia still without a headliner, 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.
76 min
173
2024 UFC Champions Predictions: Who Will Hold U...
Who will be our 11 UFC champions by the end of 2024? The gang is BACK to predict the upcoming championship slate and debate the biggest winners and biggest upsets of the next 12 months.
84 min
174
DAMN! They Were Good | Right Leg Hospital, Left...
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 the legendary career of Mirko Cro Cop.
125 min
175
On To the Next One | 2023 Predictions Recap
With 2023 being such a crazy year in the world of mixed martial arts, we felt it was important to look back at the predictions that were made heading into a memorable year for the sport. In part one of our two-part predictions extravaganza, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee look back on some of the responses they had to listener questions in regards to what 2023 was going to bring. Topics include Conor McGregor's activity for the year, whether or not Jon Jones would retire at some point, if Dana White would be punished for what happened at the start of the year, what the year could bring for the likes of Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, Shavkat Rahkmonov, and Khamzat Chimaev, UFC champions in each division, bold predictions for the year, and more. In addition, we will need you help for part two: our 2024 predictions extravaganza episode. Submit your "buy or sell" questions the same way you send your matchmaking suggestions to Mike or AK on Twitter, Instagram, or email by Thursday, Jan. 4 — and, please, be as creative as you'd like.
45 min