
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.
Language:
English
Episodes
No Bets Barred | Can Dustin Poirier Beat Max Holloway For A Fairytale Career Ending?
7/16/2025
Dustin Poirier is about to make the walk for the final time. This Saturday, UFC 318 goes down at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, headlined by a ‘BMF’ title fight between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. It’s the final fight in Poirier’s illustrious career, and the entire event has been built around “The Diamond” and his swan song, and No Bets Barred is here to break it all down. This week, host Jed Meshew is joined by the Morning Kombat’s Luke Noseda to dive into UFC 318. Topics discussed include if Poirier can get the fairytale ending to his career, whether Paulo Costa will even show up for the co-main event, Kevin Holland’s ridiculous fight schedule in 2025, break downs for the rest of the action, Jed’s latest step in The Climb, and more. Tune in for episode 132 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
Duration:00:57:41
Fighter vs. Writer: UFC 318 Preview, Matt Brown Explains Why Dustin Poirier Can’t Be Considered an All-Time Great But He’s Still a Legend
7/15/2025
On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin break down the UFC 318 main event between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway and give their picks. Does Holloway have an advantage because he’s still planning to fight again while Poirier is retiring no matter the result? Plus how will Poirier be remembered when his career is over? He was never an undisputed champion but he accomplished a lot. All this plus more on the latest episode! 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:01:02:10
On To the Next One: What's Next For Derrick Lewis After UFC Nashville?
7/13/2025
Derrick Lewis sent the fans in Nashville home happy with a 35-second knockout victory over Tallison Teixeira in the main event of Saturday's UFC Nashville card. "The Black Beast" is one of the most popular fighters on the roster right now, so a big fight for Lewis is quite possible — but could "big fight" mean title shot? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his thoughts on what's next for Lewis after picking up another main event knockout victory. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Gabriel Bonfim following his controversial decision win over Stephen Thompson in the co-main event, Steve Garcia after his dominant unanimous decision win against Calvin Kattar, along with fellow main card winners Morgan Charriere, Vitor Petrino, Tuko Tokkos, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr 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:00:47:07
UFC Nashville Post-Fight Show | Reaction To Derrick Lewis' 35-Second Knockout Win In Main Event
7/13/2025
Derrick Lewis improved on his UFC knockout record with a 35-second finish of Tallison Teixeira in the main event of UFC Nashville. With the heavyweight division in a weird place following Jon Jones' retirement, and Tom Aspinall getting promoted to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, is it possible that "The Black Beast" may have punched his ticket to a title fight? Following a very fun UFC Fight Night event on Saturday night, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to Lewis' victory, the stoppage and if it was the right call, and if Lewis could find himself in a fight with Aspinall next. Additionally, they discuss the scorecards in the co-main event between Gabriel Bonfim and Stephen Thompson, Calvin Kattar suffering his fifth consecutive loss, Valter Walker's impressive streak of heel hook submissions, 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:01:13:45
UFC Nashville Preview Show | Will Derrick Lewis And Tallison Teixeira Break The Heavyweight Finish Curse?
7/11/2025
Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira, save the heavyweight division! OK, that may seem over-dramatic for what is, on paper, a fun main event between one of the UFC’s most veteran fighters and an undefeated 25-year-old prospect, but it’s been almost four months since we’ve seen a #UFC heavyweight finish and if Lewis and Teixeira can’t produce one, no one can. Ahead of Saturday’s #UFCNashville event, MMA Fighting’s Alexander K. Lee and E. Casey Leydon preview the fight card, including how Lewis’ big-game experience stacks up against Teixeira’s raw talent, and how much closer this matchup nudges Lewis towards retirement, win or lose. Additionally, they discuss Stephen Thompson being in a similar situation to Lewis as he faces up-and-coming Brazilian standout Gabriel Bonfim, a pair of featherweight bangers on the main card, the standout stories from every fight on the card, and some wide odds rarely seen at the UFC level. All that, plus questions from YOU the fans. Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee 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
Duration:01:18:57
BTL | Donald Trump Wants UFC White House Event? Jon Jones, UFC Nashville, Taylor-Serrano 3
7/10/2025
Last week, President Donald Trump revealed that he wants to host a UFC event at the White House to celebrate America's 250th birthday. Is this something that could happen, and if so, what would be the fight to headline such an event? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel answers questions about that possibility, and the fighters' reactions to the idea of a White House UFC card. Additionally, topics may include Jon Jones teasing a comeback just weeks after announcing his retirement, UFC Nashville headlined by Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira, the women's boxing event capped off by the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano trilogy fight, and much more. Join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew as they answer your questions for the entire 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:01:20:14
Town Hall w/ PFL's Jonathan Coachman
7/9/2025
PFL spokesperson and broadcaster Jonathan Coachman joins the channel to discuss PFL Africa, and answer viewer questions about anything and everything, hosted by MMA Fighting's Mike Heck. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr 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:00:55:23
MMA Fighting UFC Fantasy Draft, Season 3: Which 72 UFC Fighters Will Finish Out 2025 The Best?
7/8/2025
The MMA Fighting team is back with Season 3 of its fantasy league! Who is set to star inside the octagon over the next six months? Will newly crowned lightweight champion Ilia Topuria make another appearance before 2026? Is Jack Della Maddalena the smart choice or is Islam Makhachev about to take all the fantasy points? Will Tom Aspinall finally get a fight? Plus, which under-the-radar standouts could fight more than once and produce the kinds of finishes that make the difference between winning and losing the league? Join the MMA Fighting staff as they select the 72 fighters they think are best poised to finish 2025 in a big way. Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee Follow Damon Martin @DamonMartin Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew Follow Mike Heck @MikeHeck_JR Follow Guilherme Cruz @guicruzzz 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:01:30:20
Fighter vs. Writer: Matt Brown Reacts to Jon Jones Already Returning from Retirement, Jake Paul Getting Ranked After Latest Win
7/8/2025
On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin react to the news that Jon Jones is already planning to end his retirement with hopes of fighting at the White House plus does Conor McGregor teasing his return for that card even matter anymore? Plus we discuss Jake Paul earning a ranking by the WBA after his lopsided win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and 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:01:00:14
Rankings Show: Does Jon Jones Leave MMA As The Undisputed GOAT?
7/4/2025
Jon Jones is actually retired. And despite his nearly unmatched in-cage accomplishments, the question remains: Is he truly the greatest fighter to ever compete in MMA? On a special edition of the MMA Fighting Rankings Show, Alexander K. Lee, Damon Martin, Jed Meshew, and E. Casey Leydon revisit the often-discussed topic of Jones’ legacy in regards to how it compares to others in the GOAT conversation. Did the two-division UFC champion do enough to surpass the achievements of Georges St-Pierre, Demetrious Johnson, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Jose Aldo, Fedor Emelianenko, and others? Pound for pound, is Jones the most skilled fighter ever? All four of our panelists put a number next to Jones’ name and make their case as to why he is or isn’t the undisputed GOAT. Plus, in the wake of Ilia Topuria’s game-changing knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, we suddenly find ourselves with three champions receiving votes for the No. 1 spot in the MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings: Topuria, Islam Makhachev, and Alexandre Pantoja. Our panelists explain why their choice deserves to be considered the best overall fighter on the planet. Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee Follow Damon Martin @DamonMartin 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
Duration:01:20:15
BTL | Is Ilia Topuria No. 1 Fighter In the World? Plus, Pantoja Shines Again, UFC 317 Recap, More
7/1/2025
At UFC 317, Ilia Topuria destroyed Charles Oliveira to capture the UFC lightweight championship, and did so with ease. After picking up his second UFC divisional title, does Topuria now surpass Islam Makhahev as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world today? On an all new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses the fallout of Topuria's incredible accomplishment and performance, if he leapfrogs Makhachev, and if a matchup with Paddy Pimblett is the fight the UFC ends up making. Additionally, questions may include Alexandre Pantoja's sensational title defense against Kai Kara-France, other standout moments from UFC 317, along with topics relating to some of the lingering stories in the world of mixed martial arts. Join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew for a special Q&A edition of the program. 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:01:21:08
Fighter vs. Writer: Matt Brown Praises Ilia Topuria, Argues for Arman Tsarukyan To Get the Next Title Shot Over Paddy Pimblett
7/1/2025
On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC legend Matt Brown and Damon Martin discuss Ilia Topuria’s incredible knockout win at UFC 317, where this victory puts him in the pound-for-pound rankings, and his potential matchups against Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett 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:00:46:57
On To the Next One | What's Next For Ilia Topuria After UFC 317?
6/29/2025
Ilia Topuria is the new UFC lightweight champion after viciously knocking out Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 317 on Saturday night in Las Vegas. Topuria faced off with rival Paddy Pimblett following the victory, and while it may not be the meritocratic way to go about things, is this the fight to make for Topuria's first title defense? 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 Topuria after winning his second divisional UFC world title, along with who Oliveira could face in his next outing. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for flyweight champ Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Kara-France following Pantoja's submission win, Joshua Van after his win over Brandon Royval in a Fight of the Year contender, along with fellow main card winners Beneil Dariush, Payton Talbott, 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:01:10:27
UFC 317 Post-Fight Show | Reaction To Ilia Topuria Destroying Charles Oliveira To Cap Off Stellar Card
6/29/2025
Ilia Topuria made it look easy against Charles Oliveira, just like he promised for weeks after the UFC 317 main event was announced for the vacant lightweight title. After becoming a two-division UFC world champion, is Topuria now the best fighter on the planet? Following an incredible pay-per-view fight card on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to the event, Topuria's spectacular knockout of Oliveira, his faceoff with Paddy Pimblett, and discuss if that's the correct fight to make fight for Topuria's first title defense. Additionally, they discuss Alexandre Pantoja's masterclass against Kai Kara-France to retain the flyweight title, facing off with Joshua Van — who defeated Brandon Royval in a Fight of the Year contender earlier on — other standout moments, answer fan questions, and 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:00:54:02
UFC 317 Preview Show | Will Ilia Topuria's Massive Risk Pay Off vs. Charles Oliveira?
6/27/2025
Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira battle for the UFC lightweight title in the main event of Saturday's UFC 317 fight card, while Alexandre Pantoja puts his flyweight belt on the line against Kai Kara-France. Ahead of the pay-per-view extravaganza, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee preview the event, the two title fights, 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:01:34:53
BTL | Jon Jones RETIRES, Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira, UFC 317, More
6/26/2025
Even before the UFC could get to UFC 317 fight week, Jon Jones gave the MMA world plenty of headlines after Dana White announced that Jones notified the promotion of his retirement, and that Tom Aspinall has been promoted from interim to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. On top of that, Jones had another alleged run-in with the law, which seemingly paints a tougher picture with each day that goes by. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel reacts to the shift in the UFC's heavyweight division, Jones' retirement and what he leaves behind in the sport, and Aspinall's promise to get the division out of the mud. Additionally, topics include UFC 317 this Saturday, Ilia Topuria facing Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in the main event, where Topuria goes with a win — or a loss — on Saturday, Jake Paul competing on Saturday againsT Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and the lack of buzz for the event, and more. Join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew as they answer your questions all show long. 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:01:31:08
No Bets Barred | Will Ilia Topuria beat Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to become 10th double champ?
6/25/2025
International Fight Week is upon us. The biggest week of the year for MMA goes down this week as the UFC brings its Hall of Fame ceremony and a monster pay-per-view to Las Vegas. Featuring two titles fights, UFC 317 is the hallmark event of the summer 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 UFC 317. Topics discussed include Ilia Topuria's chances to become the 10th two-division champion in UFC history, Charles Oliveira's chance to stop him, the flyweight title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Kara-France, Joshua Van's big step up against Brandon Royval, the various live dogs on the card, the sad end to Billy's climb and the continuation of Jed's, and more. Tune in for episode 131 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:01:04:10
Fighter vs Writer: Matt Brown Reacts to Jon Jones Retirement, Where Does Tom Aspinall Go From Here Plus UFC 317 Picks and Predictions
6/24/2025
On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin reaction to the news that Jon Jones retired from the sport and what that does to Tom Aspinall now that he’s the undisputed heavyweight champion but seemingly has nobody to fight. Plus how will Jones be remembered? We also break down the biggest fights at UFC 317 including Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira and the future of the UFC potentially moving to Netflix 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:01:17:21
On To the Next One | What's Next For Khalil Rountree, Rafael Fiziev After UFC Baku?
6/22/2025
Khalil Rountree outclassed Jamahal Hill for five rounds in the main event of UFC Baku on Saturday to get back in the win column after getting stopped by Alex Pereira in his first championship opportuntiy. Did the lopsided win over a former champ get Rountree back in a title fight? 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 Rountree after getting his sixth win in his past seven outings at Saturday's Fight Night event. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Rafael Fiziev after his decision win against Ignacio Bahamondes in the co-main event, Curtis Blaydes following his split decision win over Rizvan Kuniev, along with fellow main card winners Myktybek Orolbai, Nazim Sadykhov, and Muhammad Naimov, 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:01:21:45
REACTION | Dana White Announces Jon Jones Retired, Tom Aspinall New Champ | UFC Baku
6/21/2025
Dana White shockingly announced that Jon Jones is retired, and Tom Aspinall is the new undisputed UFC heavyweight champion of the world. Following the breaking news, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and E. Casey Leydon react to the announcement, along with the fallout of UFC Baku. Follow Mike Heck: @m_heckjr Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew 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:02:02:15