Michael Chandler recently said he was offered a lightweight title shot against champion Islam Makhachev, but still left the door open for Conor McGregor to face him in September. With Arman Tsarukyan in prime position to get his crack at lightweight gold, Chandler getting the shot over him coming off of a stoppage loss and a near two-year layoff would certainly merit some loud reactions from the MMA community. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses Chandler's championship fight offer tease, where it would rank among the most egregious title shots given, and what the reaction would be if the UFC moves forward. Additionally, listener questions include Alex Pereira's all-time UFC ranking following his UFC 303 knockout win, Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal this Saturday, who Dustin Poirier should face if he has one more UFC fight, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces.

Dan Ige reveals how his fight against Diego Lopes came together on just a few hours' notice at UFC 303, how he felt about the fight and what he expects next

Alex Pereira’s rise in the UFC may be an unprecedented one for the promotion in their 26th year, and he added to his legend with a brutal second-round knockout of Jiri Prochazka in the main event of UFC 303. After his second title defense of the year, should Pereira remain at 205, or make the move up to heavyweight? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel recaps Pereira’s big win, if a fight with Jon Jones for the heavyweight title should be on the table, or if Pereira remains at 205 to fight Magomed Ankalaev. Additionally, topics include the short notice co-main event between Diego Lopes and Dan Ige, other highlights from the card, Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz 2 in the boxing ring this Saturday, Michael Chandler saying he was offered a title fight against Islam Makhachev, and more, Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Eric Jackman.

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin react to everything that happened at UFC 303, Alex Pereira’s prospects at heavyweight and a possible showdown with Jon Jones plus Michael Chandler teasing a potential title shot against Islam Makhachev

Alex Pereira appears to have many options in front of him, and the path he ends up choosing could be a fascinating one. After brutally knocking out Jiri Prochazka in the main event of UFC 303 and putting his light heavyweight rival behind him for good, does "Poatan" remain as a 205-pounder, or does he go for a third 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 Pereira following another sensational performance in an event saving appearance. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Prochazka after falling to 0-2 vs. Pereira, Diego Lopes after his gutsy win over super short notice opponent Dan Ige in the co-main event, Roman Dolidze after shutting down Anthony Smith, Macy Chiasson following her doctor's stoppage TKO win over Mayra Bueno Silva, Ian Machado Garry after defeating Michael Page, and more.

Alex Pereira's meteoric rise continued on Saturday night as he viciously knocked out Jiri Prochazka in their rematch for the light heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 303. Following another highlight-reel finish, does "Poatan" remain in the light heavyweight division for another title defense, or does he move up to heavyweight for the chance to make history? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and Eric Jackman react to UFC 303, Pereira's performance, the adjustments he made from the first fight with Prochazka, and if a move up for the chance to capture an unprecedented third divisional title could some sooner rather than later. Additionally, they discuss the chaos surrounding the co-main event, Dan Ige stepping in on just a few hours' notice to face Diego Lopes to replace Brian Ortega, Lopes getting another win in the process, Ian Machado Garry's stock following his decision win against Michael Page in the main card opener, and much more.

Relive the magic of UFC 303's live watch party with Mike Heck and Conner Burks!

Alex Pereira is once again saving the day, but will his magical run continue?

Ian Machado Garry and Michael Page will battle in the welterweight main card opener of UFC 303 on Saturday. While it's in the spot that it's in, outside of the main event, Garry vs. Page is likely the highest stakes matchup on the entire card. Where does the winner go in the 170-pound division, and how close to a title shot will he be? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses that topic, the winner of Garry vs. Page being arguably one win away from a championship fight, and how the bout could play out. Additionally, listener topics include Jamahal Hill's latest video about Demetrious Johnson and Alex Pereira, how Conor McGregor could fit into the remaining 2024 schedule, Alexandre Pantoja's next fight, PFL's struggles to get momentum, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces.

Even though Conor McGregor's return has been delayed, UFC 303 has moved on quite nicely without him, and this Saturday, Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka will run it back for the UFC light heavyweight championship in a fight that continues to build in anticipation. Have MMA fans put the McGregor vs. Michael Chandler chaos behind them ahead of Saturday's pay-per-view event? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel previews UFC 303, the main event between Pereira and Prochazka, the build to the fight, and what Pereira may be risking. Additionally, they'll discuss the co-main event between Diego Lopes and Brian Ortega, other great fights on the card, Arman Tsarukyan getting a nine-month suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission, and much more. Host Mike Heck will be joined by MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew to answer those questions, and more from the viewers.

The UFC is back on Pay-Per-View with UFC 303. Originally set to be headlined by the return of Conor McGregor, instead Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka stepped in to save the day for a title rematch, and the No Bets Barred boys break it all down.

Alex Pereira came through big for the UFC once again heading into Saturday's UFC 303 pay-per-view event. With the star power, the accolades, having a potential golden ticket with the UFC — along with the promotion owing him a couple of favors — if Pereira beats Jiri Prochazka for a second time on Satuday, could a fight with heavyweight champ Jon Jones be on the table? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the rarified air Pereira is in right now with the UFC, his options with a win on Saturday, and even being in a great position if he loses to Prochazka. Additionally, listener questions include Kelvin Gastelum's latest weight snafu ahead of UFC Saudi Arabia, Conor McGregor's fighting future, Brian Ortega teasing a lightweight move ahead of his UFC 303 bout with Diego Lopes, Paige VanZant going to Power Slap, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces.

On the latest edition of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin discuss the fallout from Conor McGregor’s revelation that a broken toe kept him out of UFC 303 plus we give our picks and predictions for the new card on Saturday including Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka 2.

Robert Whittaker closed the show at UFC Saudi Arabia with a quick, and brutal knockout of Ikram Aliskerov, and sent a message to the top of the middleweight division in the process. While "The Reaper" hinted at wanting to be the backup fighter for the Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesnaya title fight at UFC 305, would that be enough to get him the winner, or will he need another fight? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what could be next for Whittaker following his second consecutive victory. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Alexander Volkov after his dominant decision win over Sergei Pavlovich in the co-main event, Shara Magomedov following his third-round knockout of Antonio Trocoli, Volkan Oezdemir after his nasty knockout of Johnny Walker, and more.

Robert Whittaker reminded fans that he's still one of the best middleweights in the world as he quickly dispatched the very dangerous Ikram Aliskerov in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia. Was the win good enough to get him the winner of the UFC 305 main event between Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya for the middleweight title, or does Whittaker now have a future with Sean Strickland? Following Saturday's Fight Night event in Riydah, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and Eric Jackman react to Whittaker's first-round finish of Aliskerov, discuss the future of Aliskerov moving forward, and where Whittaker goes next. Additionally, they discuss Alexander Volkov's co-main event win over Sergei Pavlovich, Kelvin Gastelum ending a horrible week with a win over Daniel Rodriguez, Paige VanZant competing in Power Slap next week, and more.

The UFC and Bellator will go head-to-head on Saturday with UFC Saudi Arabia and Bellator Dublin, and while the UFC clearly has the deeper lineup, Bellator has an interesting slate on tap for the Irish fans. The weekend spotlight seems to be shining on the UFC Saudi Arabia headliner between former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov. Can Whittaker find his way back to a title shot, or can Aliskerov shake up the division? Ahead of Saturday's doubleheader, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and José Youngs preview the events, the UFC headliner between Whittaker and Aliskerov, if the matchup is tougher for Whittaker than Khamzat Chimaev, and what is at stake for both men. Additionally, they'll discuss the heavyweight co-main event between Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov, Kelvin Gastelum's continued weight issues ahead of his matchup with Daniel Rodriguez, Jason Jackson defending his welterweight title in the Bellator main event, Paul Hughes making his promotional debut, and more.

UFC 303 has taken another hit to its main card with the loss of surging light heavyweight contender Carlos Ulberg from his scheduled bout with Anthony Smith. As the UFC 303 card continues to be cursed, a one-time title challenger has found himself at odds with the scale ahead of a pivotal matchup this Saturday at UFC Saudi Arabia. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Ulberg's scratch from next Saturday's pay-per-view card, talks discussions ongoing for Smith to face Roman Dolidze, and thoughts on the potential new matchup. Additionally, listener questions include Kelvin Gastelum's latest issues with his weight, his scheduled welterweight bout with Daniel Rodriguez for this Saturday becoming a middleweight bout, the UFC and free agents, and more. Also, UFC Vegas 93 winner Westin Wilson joins the show to recap his first UFC win, react to not getting a bonus for his triangle armbar submission of Jeka Saragih, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces.

While a couple of huge fights in the MMA and boxing world have been announced — with one, in particular crossing over into both sports — the future of another massive fight is still up in the air. Jake Paul and Mike Perry are set for a boxing match on July 20, while Dricus Du Plessis will defend the UFC middleweight title against former champ Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 305 in August. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel reacts to Paul vs. Perry being booked ahead of Paul's November matchup with Mike Tyson, discuss if it's a big risk for Paul, and what Perry would gain with a win. Additionally, they'll discuss the du Plessis vs. Adesanya booking, Adesanya announcing his own fight, where Sean Strickland fits in the title conversation, Saturday's UFC Saudi Arabia card headlined by Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov, Bellator Dublin going head-to-head with the UFC this weekend, the futures of Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler after their UFC 303 matchup got scratched, and more.

The UFC makes its debut in Saudi Arabia with a good Fight Night card headlined by a fight between Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov, and the No Bets Barred boys break it all down.

Jake Paul is still fighting Mike Tyson in November, but he will still compete on July 20 as originally planned, but Paul will face the dangerous BKFC superstar Mike Perry in an eight-round boxing match in Tampa. How much of a risk is the matchup for Paul with the Tyson fight already on the books, and what would it do for Perry's career if he can get it done this summer? Following the announcement of Paul vs. Perry, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Eric Jackman react to the matchup, discuss why it might be the most compelling fight Paul has had in the boxing ring, the stakes attached for both guys, why Perry is playing with house money, a loss for Paul not being as devastating as some might suggest, and much more.

Israel Adesanya is officially back as he'll face Dricus du Plessis for the UFC middleweight championship in the main event of August's UFC 305 event in Perth, Western Australia. With the 185-pound division being as crazy as it is right now, was giving Adesanya an immediate title shot upon his return after losing to Sean Strickland this past September the right call? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the du Plessis vs. Adesanya booking, and discuss where the division goes depending on the winner, and where Adesanya would go with a loss. Additionally, listener topics include UFC Saudi Arabia, Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov, who Sean Strickland may be rooting for in that fight, other compelling fights on the card, the Boston Celtics winning the NBA title, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces.

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin react to Conor McGregor dropping off UFC 303 and if that puts into question that he’s ever going to fight again plus where does Michael Chandler go from here after another delay in his fight against McGregor.

Tatsuro Taira improved to 16-0 as a pro with the biggest win of his career on Saturday at the UFC APEX with a second-round finish of Alex Perez in the main event of UFC Vegas 93. With many interesting options in front of him, where does the 24-year-old Taira go from the victory? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what could be next for Taira following his first UFC headliner. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Miles Johns following his co-main event win over Douglas Silva de Andrade, Lucas Almeida after defeating Timmy Cuamba in the featured bout, along with fellow main card winners, Brady Hiestand, Asu Almabayev, Adam Fugitt, and more.

Tatsuro Taira and Gervonta Davis ended their respective main event bouts without the need of the judges, with Taira earning a second-round TKO victory in the main event of UFC Vegas 93, while Davis delivered a thunderous knockout of Frank Martin in the eighth round of their boxing match in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, longtime competitive rivals Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen had themselves an underwhelming sparring match in the boxing ring in Brazil. Following a wild trio of events in the combat sports world, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Eric Jackman react to Taira's biggest win to date against Alex Perez, Davis' incredible finish and the options that are ahead for him, Silva and Sonnen's exhibition bout at Spaten Fight Night, other standout performances from Saturday night, and more.

The MMA and boxing spaces will be occupied this weekend with UFC Vegas 93 headlined by Alex Perez vs. Tatsuro Taira, along with Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen 3, and Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin. As far as Saturday's UFC event is concerned, what does Perez gain from a victory against the undefeated phenom, and where would Taira go from the biggest win of his career? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and José Youngs preview Saturday's triple-header of action, and discuss the stakes in the UFC's upcoming flyweight main event. Additionally, they'll preview and predict the third combat meeting between Silva and Sonnen, discuss whether or not Sonnen has a chance in the bout, Davis' rising star power and if he'll be able to pick up a finish on Saturday night in Las Vegas, the likelihood of Martin playing spoiler, the chaotic news cycle surrounding the now shuffled-up UFC 303 event, and more.