MMA Fighting

Even after a UFC-less weekend, the news cycle is buzzing about what could headline UFC 317 — the promotion's annual International Fight Week card in #LasVegas. With former featherweight champ Ilia Topuria teasing news, could he be involved in the main event, and if not, what could be the big fight on the card? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses that topic, how Topuria could be involved, and the UFC's conundrum with the event coming up in two months without a main event. Additionally, they'll discuss UFC Kansas City this Saturday headlined by Ian Machado Garry vs. Carlos Prates, the fight of the weekend between Eddie Hall and Mariusz Pudzianowski at KSW 105, Dricus du Plessis' statement about injury rumors, and much more. Host Mike Heck is joined by MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew for a special fan Q&A episode of the program to discuss the big amount of news in the sport. Follow Mike Heck: @mikeheck_jr 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

With the 2025 NFL Draft set to take place this week, it's once again time for the MMA Fighting team to don the hats of the premier combat sports promotions in the world and select the 28 fighters they would most want to have on roster to build a promotion around. Listen as Jed Meshew guides the action and the staff drafts seven fighters to their respective organizations: the UFC, PFL, BKFC, and newcomer GFL. Other promoters include Mike Heck, Damon Martin, and Alexander K. Lee. Who will be the first overall pick? And which drafter is best set up for the next five years? Tune in to find out. Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee Follow Damon Martin @DamonMartin 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

The UFC is back! This Saturday, the UFC returns after a week off for its third trip to Kansas City, with a dynamite welterweight matchup between Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates headlining the card. UFC Kansas City also features the retirement fight for Anthony Smith, and a stacked main card, so, of course, No Bets Barred is here to break it all down. This week, host Jed Meshew flies solo to break down all the action. Topics discussed include a brief recap of his successful UFC 314 venture, who he likes in the main event between Garry and Prates, whether or not Smith can end his career on a high note, which underdogs are worth a look at on Saturday, the latest step in The Climb, the majestic Mariusz Pudzianowski vs. Eddie Hall matchup over at KSW, and more. Tune in for episode 125 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

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin preview the UFC Kansas City main event between Carlos Prates and Ian Machado Garry, we pay tribute to Anthony Smith ahead of his final fight, Matt's concern for Paddy Pimblett after revealing his 40-pound weight gain after beating Michael Chandler plus we look back on CM Punk's ill fated attempt at becoming a UFC fighter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paddy Pimblett battered, bloodied, and eventually stopped Michael Chandler in the co-main event of UFC 314 this past Saturday in #Miami, and now the ceiling appears to have been raised as to how high Pimblett can go in the UFC's best division. Can Pimblett find his way to UFC gold, and what's the next step to get him there? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel recaps Pimblett's outstanding performance against Chandler, his championship potential, and where "The Paddy" goes next. Additionally, topics include Alexander Volkanovski regaining the featherweight title against Diego Lopes in the main event, the featherweight GOAT discussion with this latest accomplishment, Jean Silva destroying Bryce Mitchell, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and José Youngs. Follow Mike Heck: @mikeheck_jr Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs 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

Paddy Pimblett proved the doubters wrong again. UFC 314 was all about the featherweights, with Alexander Volkanovski beating Diego Lopes to claim a vacant title at the top of the card, and Yair Rodriguez, Jean Silva, and Dan Ige all picking up meaningful wins. But it’s Pimblett who arguably made the most headlines, defeating veteran contender Michael Chandler in dominant fashion and cementing himself as a top 10 fighter in the lightweight division. But just how high should he go? Pimblett’s standing led to a surprisingly heated debate among the MMA Fighting rankings panel of Alexander K. Lee, Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and E. Casey Leydon and you can listen to it yourself in our latest episode of the Rankings Show. Did Pimblett beat a legitimate top 10 fighter or was he simply the beneficiary of facing the worst version of Chandler we’ve seen inside the octagon? Plus, we discuss the movers and shakers at 145 pounds, whether the Patricio Pitbull-UFC era came too late, and rank the most intriguing fights of the second quarter of the UFC schedule. Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee Follow Mike Heck @MikeHeck Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew Follow E. Casey Leydon @ekc Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin react to the fallout from UFC 314 including Paddy Pimblett’s huge win, what happens to Michael Chandler after another devastating loss, Jean Silva’s star power plus GFL crashes before holding a single show 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

Alexander Volkanovski is once again the UFC featherweight champion after earning a decisive decision against Diego Lopes in the main event of UFC 314. While Volkanovski was unbelievably impressive, the spotlight continues to shine on Paddy Pimblett following the best performance of his career. 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 the two-time champ Volkanovski after his big victory, along with Lopes after falling short in his first championship opportunity. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Pimblett after his destruction of past title challenger Michael Chandler in the co-main event, Yair Rodriguez after defeating Patricio Pitbull, Jean Silva after steamrolling Bryce Mitchell, along with fellow main card winner Dominick Reyes, 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

Alexander Volkanovski is once again UFC featherweight champion after earning a unanimous decision against Diego Lopes in the main event of UFC 314 — but that may not be the biggest story from Saturday's blockbuster card in Miami. Following UFC 314, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck & Jed Meshew react to the card, Volkanovski's statistic-defying championship win, who he could defend his belt against next, and where Lopes goes. Additionally, they discuss Paddy Pimblett's lopsided stoppage win over Michael Chandler in the co-main event, what could be next for "The Baddy," Jean Silva dominating and submitting Bryce Mitchell, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @mikeheck_jr 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

UFC 314 has been ramping up all fight week, and with the card just hours away, there's a ton of intrigue and excitement for a lot of the bouts — especially the final three fights, headlined by the vacant featherweight title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes. With the former champ getting up there in age, and coming off of back-to-back knockout losses, is this Volkanovski's do-or-die moment? Ahead of Saturday's pay-per-view card in Miami, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee preview the event, along with the title fight between Volkanovski and Lopes, and the stakes for both men. Additionally, they'll discuss the five-round co-main event between Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett, the featured bout between Bryce Mitchell and Jean Silva, answer viewer questions, and much 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

It's UFC 314 fight week as the UFC is set to put on one of their most exciting on-paper lineups in recent memory, and while hardcore fans are excited for the championship main event between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes, it appears the overall fan hype is on the co-main event and featured bout. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses the big storylines ahead of Saturday's massive pay-per-view card in Miami, where the hype is, along with the overall stakes in the vacant featherweight championship headliner between Volkanovski and Lopes. Additionally, they'll discuss the five-round lightweight co-headliner between Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett, the featured contest between Bryce Mitchell and Jean Silva, GFL cancelling their first two events, the big news of Aaron Pico signing with the UFC, and much more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Submission Radio's Denis Shkuratov. Follow Mike Heck: @mikeheck_jr Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Submission Radio: @SubmissionRadio 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

UFC 314 is finally here! This Saturday, the UFC returns to Miami for the best card of the year. Headlined by a vacant featherweight title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes, UFC 314 also features a five-round co-main event between Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett, plus a whole lot more, so No Bets Barred is here to break it all down. This week, host Jed Meshew is joined by Morning Kombat's Long Island Luke to dive into the glory of UFC 314 in depth. Topics discussed include Volkanovski's chances at reclaiming the title, just how much does Michael Chandler have left in the tank, whether or not Jean Silva can do the world a favor and beat Bryce Mitchell, why Chase Hooper keeps trying to fight the old guys, the latest Climb update, and more. Tune in for episode 124 of No Bets Barred. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Luke Noseda: @MainCardMinute 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

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin preview UFC 314 and the biggest storylines including Alexander Volkanovski coming back from two knockout losses and trying to reclaim the featherweight title in his fight against Diego Lopes plus Paddy Pimblett getting the biggest opportunity of his career against Michael Chandler, who is trying to bounce back from arguably his toughest loss to date falling to Charles Oliveira for the second time plus much more. Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before Alexander Volkanovski again steps into the octagon to try to win the UFC featherweight title, check out MMA Fighting's UFC 314 Timeline to look back at Volkanovski's legendary career and the winding road challenger Diego Lopes took to his championship opportunity. Voiced by Mike Heck, produced by E. Casey Leydon. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr 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

Lerone Murphy didn’t deliver the most memorable performance—and it certainly wasn’t the most memorable card—but most importantly, the British featherweight contender is still undefeated after outpointing Josh Emmett in Saturday’s UFC Vegas 105 main event. Did Murphy’s victory move the needle or does he somehow sink further into matchup limbo? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss how Murphy can continue working his way towards a 145-pound championship shot as the division looks ahead to the vacant title bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes this Saturday. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Pat Sabatini after flawlessly executing his gameplan against Joanderson Brito, debutants Chang Ho Lee and Torrez Finney, plus veteran winners Brad Tavares, Ode Osbourne, 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

Following the UFC featherweight headliner between Josh Emmett and Lerone Murphy, join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and José Youngs as they react to all things UFC Vegas 105. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs 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

This Saturday, the UFC returns to the world’s mightiest APEX for UFC Vegas 105. In the main event, former interim featherweight title challenger Josh Emmett takes on Lerone Murphy in a battle of top 15 featherweights. Can Emmett keep his spot in the 145-pound title picture or will Murphy make the leap to the ranks of true contenders? Ahead of this weekend’s fight card, #MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jed Meshew preview UFC Vegas 105 and the featherweight headliner. Additionally, they’ll weigh in on the co-main event between Pat Sabatini and Joanderson Brito, discuss which prospects have their interest this weekend, the best bright spots on the undercard, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @mikeheck_jr 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

Dana White and the UFC dropped a bunch of news on Tuesday, including two title fights for UFC 316 — Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley 2, and Julianna Pena vs. Kayla Harrison — along with a new main event for UFC Kansas City between Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates. How does UFC 316 now stack up with the rest of the 2025 slate thus far? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel reacts to, and answers your questions about the big news of the week, and the potential ramifications of each. Additionally, topics may include Brandon Moreno's unanimous decision win over Steve Erceg, along with other notable moments from #UFCMexico this past weekend, UFC Vegas 105 headlined by Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy, the PFL dealing with hurdles and speed bumps even before their World Tournament kicks off, and much more. Join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and José Youngs. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs 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

The UFC is heading back to the APEX. This Saturday, the UFC returns home to the world’s mightiest APEX for UFC Vegas 105, headlined by a featherweight matchup between Josh Emmett and Lerone Murphy. It’s not the best card ever but nevertheless, 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 discuss the fallout from UFC Mexico and their respective journeys with The Climb. Then it’s on to UFC Vegas 105, where the boys discuss whether Murphy can make the leap to contender status against Emmett, what underdogs are worth a play this week, who are the best options if you’re doing your own Climb on Saturday, and more. Tune in for episode 123 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

UFC CEO DanaWhite just announced the main and co-main events for UFC 316 in Newark, as Merab Dvalishvili defends the bantamweight title against Sean O'Malley in a rematch, while Julianna Pena defends her 135-pound title against Kayla Harrison in the co-main event. Following the breaking news, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react. 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