SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT Today, we’re proud to present interviews with two of the biggest attorneys in sports. The first one is with Patrick English, a lawyer with 45 years of experience. He played a crucial role in assisting John McCain in developing the Professional Boxing Safety Act and the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. Mr. English has also has litigated Ali Act cases, and represented numerous boxers and promoters in the sport. Our second interview is with James (Jim) Quinn, the “super...
Aug 23, 2025•1 hr 5 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT Today, we’re discussing the rumors of the Apex venue’s expansion, UFC 319’s big gate, and Mark Shapiro’s increasing footprint We’re also examining the rumors that WWE has the option to purchase TNA Wrestling and another similar rumor that Lorenzo Fertitta is interested in buying them. In our bonus segment,…...
Aug 19, 2025•29 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT Today, we’re discussing the latest filings in the Johnson v. Zuffa antitrust case, Trump’s revocation of a Biden executive order regarding competition, and fighter revenue share and possible purse increases. We also have a thorough breakdown about why a fighters union won’t work, imaginings of why Conor Mc…...
Aug 15, 2025•31 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT Today, we’re briefly discussing the UFC media rights deal with Paramount that was announced today. If you’re wondering why our chat on the topic was brief, it’s because we also had a guest, the attorney who worked tirelessly to get the Le v. Zuffa antitrust case where it is currently—a history-making case …...
Aug 12, 2025•40 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT Today, we’re discussing a variety of topics that include ESPN’s huge deals with the NFL and the WWE, their new DTC pricing that will be unveiled in two weeks, and who they prefer for boxing content. We also dive into Andy Foster’s interview with Ariel Helwani and TKO’s investors call. Once again, shoutout …...
Aug 08, 2025•24 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT Today, we’re discussing a variety of topics that include ABC’s new president and what we know about him, Matt Brown’s criticism of Renato Moicano, Tapology’s new UFC fighter rankings system, UFC Qatar site fees, and Martin Buday’s release. We also talked about PFL’s great strides in card quality, Netflix’s plans, TKO’s big squeeze on WWE fans, and some very interesting finds in ...
Aug 05, 2025•31 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT Today, we’re discussing a variety of topics that include Conor McGregor’s latest loss, Karate Combat’s legal issues, new filings in the Johnson v. Zuffa antitrust case and how the proposed amendment to the Ali Act will likely hurt UFC fighters if it passes. We also talked about Derek Brunson and Josh Barne…...
Aug 01, 2025•32 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT On today’s massive episode, we are joined by attorney Kurt Emhoff of the Boxing Esquire Podcast to break down the proposed amendment to the Ali Act. John and Kurt discuss what TKO is trying to do, how they’re doing it, who is helping them, and what the likely outcomes will be. They also look at what can be…...
Jul 30, 2025•53 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT On Wednesday, July 23, reports came out with the news that a bi-partisan bill was introduced that proposed legislation to amend the Ali Act. There were several notable points that included a minimum “per round” pay scale, a health insurance plan, enhanced drug testing, safety protocols, and more. And all of this done with the guidance of TKO. But how much of that is benefitting ...
Jul 24, 2025•36 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT This episode features discussion on Oleksandr Usyk’s place in heavyweight history and overall boxing history. We delve into Jake Paul’s possible clash with Usyk in MMA and his desire to have a boxing match with Anthony Joshua. We look at why there’s no major boxing for more than a month, what Eddie Hearn m…...
Jul 22, 2025•33 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT This episode features more discussion on the UFC’s broadcast rights deal, their “step-up” network plan, how the UFC could offset the costs of the White House card, how some fighters now have finish bonuses worked into their contracts (but not all fighters), why Endeavor Streaming was sold, and how Renato M…...
Jul 18, 2025•28 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT This episode features discussion on Conor McGregor’s latest reveal, be it self-inflicted or at the hands of Azealia Banks. We talk about whether he’s caused any impact to the UFC’s ongoing negotiations with prospective broadcast partners and if we think he actually makes it onto the White House card. We a…...
Jul 15, 2025•26 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT This episode features discussion on Trump’s announcement that the UFC will be hosting an event on the White House lawn next year and all the implications of that announcement in relation to the current broadcast rights negotiations for the promotion. We also take a look at financial filings for Tyson Fury and KSW and a look back at a few items we missed last week with ONE’s late...
Jul 08, 2025•28 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT For years now, ONE Championship has made a lot of boasts about being one of the biggest sports properties in the World , even as they burned through money without any signs of profitability being close at hand. But in recent years they have made noticeable efforts to cut costs, releasing staff, moving operations to Thailand and focusing more on Muay Thai than MMA. According to t...
Jul 02, 2025•23 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT This week’s episode features discussion about the steep decrease in MMA fights each year, and some interesting facts about the antitrust case payouts. We’re also taking a look at Ilia Topuria’s potential star power, as well as Jake Paul’s impact on boxing. We further examine whether UFC is under-utilizing Justin Gaethje, and how Paddy Pimblett fits in the title picture. There’s ...
Jul 01, 2025•28 min
This week’s episode features a callback to a show John and I used to do with the illustrious rocker/writer Eugene S. Robinson. We joined forces once again to do an episode of Care-Don’t Care for this weekend’s UFC 317 PPV. We finish up the episode with some commentary on Jon Jones career and bad choices. Follow along with our outline as you listen: Ep. 167 Outline (UFC 317 bouts) * Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira 155 lbs * Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France 125 lbs * Brandon Royval vs. Josh...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 6 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com This week’s episode features discussion about the steep rise in TKO stocks and why they’re experiencing such a big uptick, why the MMAFA is putting together a petition, and if WWE’s Night of Champions will be moved from Saudi Arabia due to the war between Iran and Israel. We also take a look at Jon Jones’ retirement, how much he’ll make from the antitru…...
Jun 24, 2025•30 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com This week’s episode features discussion about the unveiling of ZUFFA Boxing as TKO’s boxing arm, if they’ll be able to fill Allegiant Stadium amid ICE raids, Top Rank’s future, and PBC rumors. We also look at Jon Jones’ latest comments on fighting, UFC lack of stars with drawing power, and site fees. Finally, we take a look at more ONE Championship news…...
Jun 20, 2025•34 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com This week’s episode features discussion about the conflict in the Middle East and if it could affect the UFC’s ability to put on events there. We also break down UFC Atlanta’s earnings, from the fighters to the promotion itself. Additionally, we analyze ONE’s latest financials and the economic impact report they’re touting. Follow along with our outline as you listen: Ep. 164 Outline * Are there any antitrus...
Jun 17, 2025•31 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com This week’s episode features discussion about the Canelo-Crawford fight and the Netflix connection, updates on the antitrust cases, where Nick Khan fits into TKO, as well as the problems with the competitive levels of UFC and its fighter pay. We also take a listener question about UFC contract structure. Follow along with our outline as you listen: Ep. 1…...
Jun 13, 2025•28 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com This week’s episode features discussion about UFC possibly letting Jones-Aspinall hype reach a fever pitch before booking so that they get their mega fight. We’re also taking a look at how Francis Ngannou is doing with PFL, the rumors swirling that he’s open to a UFC return, and if the UFC would ever co-promote a fight between him and Jon Jones. Finally…...
Jun 10, 2025•30 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com This week’s episode features discussion about Tuesday’s antitrust complaints hearing. Since he was there in person, John gives a more detailed summary of events and explains what each point of interest means. We also tackle PFL’s latest moves to keep themselves afloat with a new app and “fan-friendly” pricing. Finally, we weigh in on ONE’s current situa…...
Jun 06, 2025•36 min
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Jun 03, 2025•9 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com This week’s episode features discussion about Noche UFC’s problems and solutions, whether Dana White is spreading himself too thin between UFC and boxing, as well as UFC’s media rights hurdles. We also talk about Turki Alalshikh’s volatility with star boxers and the possibility of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Jake Paul. Additionally, John gives some fresh insight…...
Jun 03, 2025•32 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com This week’s episode features discussion about two new lawsuits that were filed against the UFC over the last few days. We go over all the particulars of the complaints, why the attorneys are asking for a specific judge, and more. We also talk about potential moves the fighters could make, what the UFC may do to settle the cases, and how much these new suits could impact the ongoing media rights negotiations ...
May 30, 2025•24 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com This week’s episode features discussion about the quarter 1 financials of the UFC and why investors aren’t jumping for joy over them, Dana White’s energy drink collaboration, PFL Africa, and Triller’s extensive money problems. We also cover some Saudi boxing news and the fact that yet another lawsuit was filed against Karate Combat. Follow along with ou…...
May 27, 2025•31 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com This week’s episode features discussion about the health of the MMA landscape, from UFC all the way to the regional scene. We also discuss the predatory attorneys that are targeting desperate fighters in efforts to buy their settlement claims for less than the claim is actually worth. And finally, we discuss some boxing: Claressa Shields’ claim that MVP…...
May 23, 2025•28 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com This week’s episode features discussion about the lawsuit against Karate Combat, the latest UFC financials and the growth of their revenue, the latest with TKO/Saudi boxing, what’s happening with the Canelo-Crawford card and whether UFC is willing to reconcile with MGM Grand. We also address PFL’s release of Patchy Mix and rate how the well the Bellator…...
May 20, 2025•28 min
With the news that TKO Holdings was looking to get Congress to amend the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act as part of their plan of a boxing “league” venture with Turki Alashikh, I thought it might be a good time to do a deep dive on the Ali Act. In this video I: * discuss the legislative history that led up to the passage of the Ali Act * go over the reasoning for the bil * go over each of the provisions * discuss what each of them were intended to and why they succeed or fail in that purpose * an...
May 17, 2025•1 hr 12 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com This week’s episode features discussion about the problems combat sports is experiencing and possible remedies for them. Luke Thomas joined us for the conversation and opined on a variety of topics. It should be noted that this was supposed to be a conversation between Luke and John, and I would moderate the questions, but a few minutes into the show, J…...
May 13, 2025•30 min
