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.

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1976
The A-Side Live Chat | Deiveson Figueiredo’s ti...
José Youngs, Alex Savas, and E. Casey Leydon discuss some of the hot topics in mixed martial arts.
85 min
1977
Between the Links: Episode 8 | Future of UFC 12...
Check out episode 8 of Between the Links as Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Alex K. Lee and Steven Marrocco as they discuss Deiveson Figueiredo's impressive flyweight title victory at UFC Fight Island 2 and what it means for the flyweight division. In addition, the panel discusses the Fight Island experience thus far, Dana White's hesitation to name Aljamain Sterling the no. 1 contender for Petr Yan's bantamweight title, and the return of Bellator MMA this Friday at Mohegan Sun.
51 min
1978
On To The Next One: Episode 1 | Matches to Make...
MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alex K. Lee give their takes on what should be next for some of the notable names following UFC on ESPN 13 and UFC Fight Island 2.
30 min
1979
UFC Fight Island 2 Post-Fight Show
MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jose Youngs and Alex K. Lee break down the top storylines from Saturday night's UFC Fight Island 2 event in Abu Dhabi, including Deiveson Figuredo's submission win over Joseph Benavidez to become the new flyweight champion in the main event.
80 min
1980
Scott Coker Talks Bellator Return, Possible Add...
Bellator president Scott Coker speaks with MMA Fighting's Mike Heck about the promotion's return to action July 24, hosting several events at Mohegan Sun, the 'Fightsphere,' testing procedures, an update on the featherweight grand prix, and Bellator's interest in Paige VanZant now that she is a free agent.
17 min
1981
UFC Fight Island 2 Preview Show
With UFC Fight Island 2 just hours away, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alex K. Lee break down the top storylines from Saturday night's card in Abu Dhabi, including the main event for the vacant flyweight title between Deiveson Figuredo and Joseph Benavidez.
16 min
1982
Paige VanZant, Austin Vanderford Talk UFC 251, ...
MMA Fighting's Damon Martin speaks with Paige VanZant and Austin Vanderford about UFC 251, the experience of Fight Island, Dana White's post-fight comments following VanZant's first-round submission loss to Amanda Ribas, her upcoming free agency, and more.
29 min
1983
What the Heck: Episode 16 | Gilbert Burns, Rob ...
Check out episode 16 of What the Heck on MMA Fighting. This week, Mike Heck chats with Gilbert Burns to discuss the UFC 251 main event between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal, losing his opportunity to fight Usman following a positive COVID-19 test, and being next in line to fight for the title. UFC lightweight Devonte Smith UFC lightweight Devonte Smith talks his recovery following a torn achilles tendon that required surgery. The UFC’s newest bantamweight signee John Castaneda previews his octagon debut against Nathaniel Wood set for July 25. Finally, top-10 UFC bantamweight Rob Font gives an update on when he may return to action following surgery due to an injury suffered in his victory over Ricky Simon.
96 min
1984
UFC on ESPN 13 Post-Fight Show
MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jose Youngs break down the top storylines following Wednesday night’s UFC on ESPN 13 event in Abu Dhabi, including Calvin Kattar’s unanimous decision win over Dan Ige in the featherweight headliner.
49 min
1985
The A-Side Live Chat | Kamaru Usman, Petr Yan &...
For this episode, Jose Torres and Din Thomas join José Youngs and E. Casey Leydon break down some of the top stories in MMA.
83 min
1986
UFC on ESPN 13 Preview Show
MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Alexander K. Lee and Guilherme Cruz break down all the top storylines heading into Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 13, which is headlined by a featherweight matchup between Calvin Kattar and Dan Ige.
17 min
1987
Between the Links: Episode 7 | UFC 251 Fallout,...
Check out episode 7 of Between the Links as Mike Heck moderates the matchup between champion James Lynch and MMA Fighting's Alex K. Lee as they discuss the aftermath of Kamaru Usman's unanimous decision win against Jorge Masvidal in the main event of UFC 251. In addition, the panel reacts to the controversial co-main event that saw Alexander Volkanovski successfully defend his featherweight title against Max Holloway via split decision, and Saturday night's card as a whole.
54 min
1988
UFC 251 Post-Fight Show
MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jose Youngs break down the top storylines following Saturday night’s memorable UFC 251 event on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, including Kamaru Usman's unanimous decision win over Jorge Masvidal in the welterweight championship headliner.
34 min
1989
UFC 251 Preview Show
With UFC 251 just hours away, MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz and The Mac Life's Oscar Willis break down the top storyline heading to Saturday night's event on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, including the three title fights headlined by Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal for the welterweight championship.
13 min
1990
What the Heck: Episode 15 | Stephen Thompson, L...
Check out episode 15 of What the Heck with Mike Heck on MMA Fighting. This week, Mike speaks with Stephen Thompson (6:43) about being the last fighter to defeat Jorge Masvidal ahead of Saturday night's UFC 251 main event. Leon Edwards (27:50) discusses his place in the UFC's welterweight division, having his UFC London main event with Tyron Woodley cancelled, being offered the UFC 251 main event bout with Kamaru Usman, Masvidal stepping in for Burns, and more. In addition, former Cage Warriors light heavyweight champion Modestas Bukauskas (49:56) previews his UFC debut fight on July 15, and Grant Dawson (1:16:48) talks his upcoming fight with Nad Narimani set for July 18.
97 min
1991
Between the Links: Episode 6 | Kamaru Usman vs....
On this week’s episode of Between the Links, Mike Heck moderates the rematch between MMA Fighting’s Jose Youngs and fellow journalist James Lynch as they discuss the new main event between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 for the welterweight title. In addition, the panel discusses where Gilbert Burns now fits in the title picture, and debate on which “Fight Island” card—besides UFC 251—is the best overall from top to bottom.
38 min
1992
Colby Covington Predicts Kamaru Usman 'Ragdolls...
Former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and gives his reaction to Jorge Masvidal replacing Gilbert Burns to face Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC 251, talks if he was an option, who he expects will leave Fight Island with the title, wanting a rematch with Usman and much more.
24 min
1993
Jorge Masvidal Steps In To Face Kamaru Usman At...
MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee react to the weekend's massive news of Jorge Masvidal stepping in to face Kamaru Usman for the welterweight title in the new main event of UFC 251.
12 min
1994
Gilbert Burns Positive For COVID-19, Out Of UFC...
Moments after it was confirmed that Gilbert Burns was forced to withdraw from his welterweight title headliner with Kamaru Usman at UFC 251 following a positive COVID-19 test, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jose Youngs react to the breaking news.
11 min
1995
The A-Side Live Chat | The passing of Abdulmana...
For this episode, Brave CF flyweight Jose Torres and coach Din Thomas join José Youngs and Alex Savas to break down some of the top stories in MMA.
61 min
1996
Paul Felder Gives Update on Potential Return, P...
Paul Felder joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to recap the incredible lightweight matchup between Dustin Poirier and Dan Hooker, gives an update on whether or not he plans to return to the octagon, and previews the upcoming 'Fight Island' events--which he'll be part of the broadcast team for all four cards--beginning with a stacked UFC 251 lineup on July 11.
24 min
1997
Ben Askren Talks Fighter Tax Problems, Unions a...
MMA Fighting's Damon Martin speaks with former UFC welterweight Ben Askren about fighter pay, Jon Jones and Jorge Masvidal speaking up against the UFC, unionization in MMA, and more.
17 min
1998
What the Heck: Episode 14 | Jon Anik, Khama Wor...
Check out episode 14 of What the Heck with Mike Heck on MMA Fighting. This week, Mike speaks with UFC lead commentator Jon Anik (4:49) to recap the promotion's crazy stretch of events during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a look ahead to 'Fight Island,' beginning with UFC 251 on July 11. Khama Worthy (28:08) recaps his third-round submission win over Luis Pena at UFC on ESPN 12 and discusses what he wants next and in the future. Maurice Greene (51:53) walks us through his wild third-round submission win over Gian Villante this past Saturday, and gives his take on Tanner Boser's call out. Finally, Julian Erosa (1:10:38) shares his story of getting another shot with the UFC on short notice and putting away the previously unbeaten Sean Woodson this past weekend in Las Vegas. Was he the first choice to replace Kyle Nelson?
103 min
1999
The A-Side Live Chat w/ Shane Helms
For this episode, former WWE superstar Shane Helms joins José Youngs and E. Casey Leydon to break down some of the top stories in MMA.
76 min
2000
Between the Links: Episode 5 | Dustin Poirier v...
On a new episode of Between the Links, Mike Heck moderates the interim title matchup between Jose Youngs and Kristen King as they discuss the incredible #UFC on ESPN 12 main event between Dustin Poirier and Dan Hooker, Mike Perry's win over Mickey Gall in the co-main event, the best of the promotion's five-fight card slate at the APEX, and a look ahead to 'Fight Island.'
52 min