
MMA Fighting
SBNation
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.
Location:
United States
Networks:
SBNation
Description:
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.
Twitter:
@mmajunkieradio
Language:
English
Episodes
BTL | What's Next For Brian Ortega After UFC Shanghai? Plus, Walker's Big Win, Misfits 22, More
8/28/2025
UFC Shanghai is in the books, and while some things certainly happened that were newsworthy, the two biggest storylines came from the final two fights, including Brian Ortega's rough 48 hour stretch from his chaotic weigh in, to his performance against Aljamain Sterling in a lopsided five-round loss. Where does "T-City" go next, and could it be to a promotion outside of the UFC? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses the fallout from the UFC's most recent Fight Night event, what happens with Ortega next, what Sterling gains from the biggest win of his featherweight run, and Johnny Walker stopping Mingyang Zhang in the main event. Additionally, topics may include Saturday's Misfits Boxing 22 event, which features Darren Till vs. Luke Rockhold, Tony Ferguson vs. Salt Papi, and Dillon Danis in an MMA fight, the Raja Jackson — the son of Rampage Jackson — incident in the pro wrestling world, and much more. Join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew as they discuss the biggest stories in the combat sports world. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:18:02
Rankings Show: Who Has the Best Chance To Dethrone Khamzat Chimaev?
8/27/2025
The UFC's middleweight division is in a fascinating place right now. Khamzat Chimaev is the brand new middleweight champion after dominating Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319, which has shaken up the MMA Fighting pound-for-pound rankings. With four contenders vying for the chance to face Chimaev in his first title defense, who has the best chance to get it done? On an all-new edition of the MMA Fighting Rankings Show, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew step in for Alexander K. Lee in the hosting chair to discuss all of the changes going on in the rankings since we last spoke — including the madness at middleweight, Chimaev's rise and du Plessis' fall down the pound-for-pound rankings, and ranking who has the best shot to beat Chimaev in Nassourdine Imavov, Caio Borralho, Reinier de Riddder, and Anthony Hernandez. Additionally, they discuss where Brian Ortega now goes after a terrible week at UFC Shanghai, changes in the featherweight rankings, and who could make a low-key leap up the rankings by the end of the year. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:40:53
Fighter vs. Writer: Matt Brown Reacts to Raja Jackson Attacking Pro Wrestler, Jake Paul Fighting Tank Davis and More
8/26/2025
On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin discuss Raja Jackson, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s son, assaulting a pro wrestler during a scripted segment gone wrong. We’ll also discuss Jake Paul’s decision to face Gervonta “Tank” Davis in his next fight as well as Daniel Cormier removing Jon Jones from his ‘Mount Rushmore of MMA’ over past drug test failures and Matt reveals the last time he got nervous meeting another fighter plus much more… Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:11:20
Misfits 22 Preview with Darren Till, Luke Rockhold and Tony Ferguson
8/25/2025
Ahead of Misfits 22 on Saturday, main event fighters Darren Till and Luke Rockhold join Damon Martin to chat about their upcoming fight and how this matchup actually came together. Till reveals the fighters he was originally pursuing while Rockhold discusses fallout from the GFL debacle and if he's even interested in doing MMA again. Former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson also stops by to discuss his move into boxing and split with the UFC as well as his future in combat sports plus much more. Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:05:49
On To the Next One | Matches To Make After UFC Shanghai
8/24/2025
Johnny Walker entered the UFC Shanghai main event with Zhang Mingyang as a massive underdog and left the octagon after the fight a winner after earning an upset second-round TKO victory. Is Walker now poised to make a run in the light heavyweight division, and should he get his wish of fighting former champ Jan Blachowicz next? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and guest host Jed Meshew discuss what's next for Walker after his big win in Saturday's headliner. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Aljamain Sterling following his lopsided victory over Brian Ortega in the catchweight co-main event, Sergei Pavlovich after his decision victory against Waldo Cortes-Acosta in the heavyweight featured bout, along with fellow main card winners Sumudaerji, Taiyilake Nueraji, and more. All of that, plus listener picks to close out the show. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:47:04
UFC Shanghai Post-Fight Show | Reaction To Johnny Walker's Stunning Upset, Aljamain Sterling's Dominance
8/23/2025
The UFC's return to Shanghai is officially in the books, and the event ended with Johnny Walker pulling off a big upset in the main event, and a former bantamweight champion making a case for a title shot in a second division. Where do both fighters go from their big wins? Following Saturday's UFC Shanghai event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and E. Casey Leydon react to the card, Walker's stunning second-round TKO win over Zhang Mingyang, Walker's callout of Jan Blachowicz, and discuss what could be next for Zhang after suffering his first UFC loss. Additionally, topics include Aljamain Sterling's lopsided win over Brian Ortega in the co-main event, where Sterling is in the title conversation, if we just saw Ortega's final fight in the UFC, other standout moments, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow E. Casey Leydon: @ekc Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:13:52
UFC Shanghai Preview Show | Brian Ortega's Weigh-In Drama, Zhang vs. Walker
8/22/2025
UFC Shanghai goes down in the early morning hours on Saturday, and during Thursday night's weigh-ins, Brian Ortega appeared to be in rough shape ahead of his pivotal matchup with former bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling. While reports stated the fight was off, it will indeed take place at a catchweight of 153 pounds, despite Ortega looking horrible during his final staredown with Sterling. Should this fight go on? Ahead of this weekend's UFC Fight Night event, MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Mike Heck preview the card, react to Ortega's weigh-in drama, and discuss the fight with Sterling. Additionally, they talk the light heavyweight main event between Zhang Mingyang and Johnny Walker, the stakes for the division that needs as much excitement as possible, the heavyweight featured bout between Sergei Pavlovich and Waldo Cortes-Acosta, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:14:41
BTL | Khamzat Chimaev's Dominance At UFC 319, DDP & Pico's Next Moves, UFC Shanghai, More
8/21/2025
Following UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev is the brand new UFC middleweight champion after delivering a lopsided victory against Dricus du Plessis in the main event. While Chimaev was in full control for 99 percent of the bout, the performance has garnered from groans from UFC fans and the MMA community. Is that fair, and if so, which fighter should take the blame for it? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses the UFC 319 main event, the backlash it has received despite the impressive showing from the new champion, and what's next for du Plessis following his first UFC loss. Additionally, they react to Lerone Murphy's sensational knockout of Aaron Pico, if Murphy is definitely Alexander Volkanovski's next challenger, what the next step for Pico should be, Saturday's UFC Shanghai card headlined by Zhang Mingyang and Johnny Walker, Anthony Hernandez vs. Reinier de Ridder being announced for UFC Vancouver, Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Morning Kombat's Long Island Luke. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Long Island Luke: @maincardminute Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:30:19
No Bets Barred | Will Zhang Mingyang Finish Johnny Walker At UFC Shanghai?
8/21/2025
The UFC is headed back to China. This Saturday, the UFC returns to The Middle Kingdom with UFC Shanghai, headlined by a light heavyweight contest between Johnny Walker and Zhang Mingyang, and No Bets Barred is here to break it all down. This week, host Jed Meshew flies solo as he dives into UFC Shanghai. Topics discussed include his disastrous showing at UFC 319, The Mountain Tiger's chances to run over Walker, the five-round co-main event between Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling, the featured heavyweight bout between Sergei Pavlovich and Waldo Cortes-Acosta, the latest update on The Climb, and more. Tune in for episode 136 of No Bets Barred. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:29:00
Fighter vs. Writer: Matt Brown Addresses Khamzat Chimaev Winning a ‘Boring’ Title Fight Plus What’s Next for Aaron Pico After Devastating Knockout Loss
8/19/2025
On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon martin react to everything that unfolded at UFC 319 including Khamzat Chimaev shutting down Dricus du Plessis to become middleweight champion in the main event. As dominant as it was, did Chimaev deserve criticism for not taking more chances to potentially go for a finish? Plus we discuss Aaron Pico suffering a devastating knockout loss in his octagon debut and where Lerone Murphy goes from here with that win. We’ll also talk about Carlos Prates’ spinning back elbow knockout and where he ranks among the hardest hitting welterweights of all time plus much more. Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:52:45
On To The Next One: What’s Next For Khamzat Chimaev After Championship Win At UFC 319?
8/17/2025
UFC 319 is a wrap and Khamzat Chimaev is the brand new UFC middleweight champion after delivering a one-sided, grappling-heavy performance to beat Dricus du Plessis in the main event. With Chimaev finally realizing his goal of becoming a world champion, where does the undefeated phenomenon go in his first championship defense? Is it the streaking Anthony Hernandez? Or perhaps the enigmatic Reinier de Ridder? Should the UFC Paris main event winner between Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho be anointed as the rightful No. 1 contender? 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 both Chimaev and du Plessis following their championship fight in Chicago. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Lerone Murphy after knocking Aaron Pico out cold in the co-main event, Carlos Prates following his brutal knockout of Geoff Neal, along with fellow main card winners Michael Page and Tim Elliott, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:11:13
UFC 319 Post-Fight Show | Reaction To Khamzat Chimaev Dominating Dricus du Plessis To Win Title
8/17/2025
Khamzat Chimaev is the brand new UFC middleweight champion as he dominated Dricus du Plessis for 25 lopsided minutes in the main event of UFC 319. Now that Chimaev has shown he can deliver big results in a five-round fight, is there anybody at middleweight who can beat him? Following Saturday's pay-per-view event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to the card, Chimaev's impressive showing, the fan reaction, and who could be next for "Borz" and du Plessis. Additionally, they recap Lerone Murphy's Knockout of the Year contender against Aaron Pico, Murphy getting champ Alexander Volkanovski's attention, other standout moments, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:02:23
UFC 319 Watch Party Replay w/ Mike Heck & Jed Meshew
8/17/2025
Relive the magic of UFC 319's live watch party with Mike Heck and Jed Meshew! Check out the original UFC 319 Watch Party here: https://youtube.com/live/79GK82eyyIg Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:03:28:59
UFC 319 Preview Show: Is It Finally Khamzat Chimaev's Time Or Will Dricus Du Plessis Keep Rolling?
8/15/2025
Khamzat Chimaev is finally getting his chance at UFC gold, but will Dricus du Plessis keep him waiting? This Saturday at United Center in Chicago, du Plessis puts his middleweight title on the line against Chimaev in the main event of UFC 319. It's the biggest fight of the year and one with major stakes as to the future of both competitors. Will Chimaev finally grab gold or will du Plessis stake his claim as one of the best fighters on Earth? Ahead of this weekend's event, MMA Fighting’s Alexander K. Lee and Jed Meshew preview the the middleweight title fight main event, the co-main event bout between Aaron Pico and Lerone Murphy, Bryan Battle's tough weight miss, the rest of Saturday's big event, and much more. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:40:52
BTL | Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev, UFC 319, UFC-Paramount Deal
8/14/2025
This Saturday, the highly anticipated UFC middleweight championship bout takes place in Chicago in the main event of UFC 319. Dricus du Plessis puts his championship on the line for the third time against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. What is at stake for both fighters outside of the championship belt? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses the wildly intriguing fight between du Plessis and Chimaev, and what a win can mean for both men. Additionally, topics may include Aaron Pico's UFC debut against Lerone Murphy in the co-main event and Pico getting the attention of featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski, the UFC's multi-billion dollar new streaming deal with Paramount, Dana White promising fighter pay will go up with the bonuses, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:33:25
No Bets Barred | Will Khamzat Chimaev Finally Win A Title By Beating Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319?
8/13/2025
The UFC is back in Chicago! This Saturday, the UFC heads to the Windy City for UFC 319 and one of the most anticipated fights of the year. In the main event, Dricus du Plessis puts his middleweight title on the line against Khamzat Chimaev, and No Bets Barred is here to break it all down. This week, host Jed Meshew is joined by the Action Network's Billy Ward to dive into all the fights at UFC 319. Topics discussed include du Plessis's chances at upsetting Chimaev and retaining his title, Aaron Pico's UFC debut against Lerone Murphy, Geoff Neal's shot at upsetting Carlos Prates, the weirdness of Michael "Venom" Page vs. Jared Cannonier, the latest update on The Climb, and more. Tune in for episode 135 of No Bets Barred. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Billy Ward: @Psychoward586 Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:02:42
UFC 319 Timeline: Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev
8/13/2025
Before Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev battle in a UFC middleweight championship bout at UFC 319, check out the roads each fighter took to Saturday's main event matchup. Follow Mike Heck: @mikeheck_jr Follow E. Casey Leydon: @ekc Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:14:07
Fighter vs. Writer: Matt Brown Reacts to New UFC Broadcast Deal and How it Affects the Fighters Plus Previewing UFC 319
8/12/2025
On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin react to the news that the UFC signed a $7.7 billion deal to move to Paramount starting in January but how does that affect the fighters? Will this deal benefit them in any way? Brown has his doubts. Plus we preview UFC 319 and give our picks for Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev and Aaron Pico vs. Lerone Murphy plus much more! Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:12:10
BREAKING: UFC To End Pay-Per-View Model With New $7.7 Billion Paramount+ Deal
8/11/2025
UFC and CEO Dana White announced on Monday morning that they've signed an exclusive new deal with Paramount+ for $7.7 billion, which begins in 2026, and that the pay-per-view model will go away with it. Following the massive news MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee react to the UFC's new deal, and what it all could mean. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:49:12
On To the Next One | Matches To Make After UFC Vegas 109
8/10/2025
Anthony Hernandez made it look easy against the very tough Roman Dolidze in the main event of UFC Vegas 109 to add another wrinkle to the already loaded up middleweight title picture. Was the performance from "Fluffy" enough to get him a title shot or a No. 1 contender fight, or will he need a couple of more wins to get there? 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 Hernandez after submitting Dolidze in the fourth round to pick up his eighth straight victory. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Steve Erceg after defeating Ode Osbourne in the co-main event, Iasmin Lucindo following her decision win over Angela Hill, along with fellow main card winners, Andre Fili, Jean Matsumoto, Christian Leroy Duncan, and more. All that and another fine selection of listener picks. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:18:39