Inside the Hexagon - podcast cover

Inside the Hexagon

Evergeen Podcastswww.insidethehexagon.com
Strikeforce was one of the preeminent mixed martial arts (MMA) promotions in the world from 2006 until it folded in 2013. The promotion gave a platform to some of the greatest fighters in the world, while also helping launch women's MMA as a force in the sport. Journey with us as we go through the major events and moments in Strikeforce history!
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Episodes

"Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu II" - December 4, 2010...four main card knockouts, all of them vicious...can't ask for much more!

We're covering a historic card on this week's episode, as, for the first time in the promotion's history, the main card of a Strikeforce card features four knockouts! And they're brutal...we see Bigfoot Silva, Robbie Lawler, Paul "Semtex" Daley, and Dan Henderson dealing out some massive KO's. We break down the card, discuss the finishes, and delve into more of Scott Coker's matchmaking. Don't miss it! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hexagon/view. Download and s...

Aug 23, 20211 hrEp. 59

Strikeforce vs. UFC Dream Fights...Fedor vs. Brock, Shamrock vs. Sonnen, Melendez vs. McGregor, and more

On this week's episode, we're breaking down some Strikeforce vs. UFC dream fights! What would have happened if Fedor and Brock had locked horns? Would Cung Le have been able to topple middleweight kingpin Anderson Silva? How would Strikeforce's lightweight class have stacked up against the UFC's? And how would Gina Carano vs. Ronda Rousey have played out? We're chatting through it all...check it out! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hexagon/view. Download and sub...

Aug 16, 202144 minEp. 58

"Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Noons II" - October 9, 2010...it's a huge main event grudge match as Nick Diaz rematches KJ Noons, this time with the Strikeforce welterweight title on the line!

Welterweight champion Nick Diaz finally gets a shot at revenge as he tangles with KJ Noons with the title on the line in the main event of "Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Noons II!" The card also features the SF main card debut of Tyron Woodley, as well as a fight with fireworks between Josh Thomson and JZ Cavalcante. And, Strikeforce women's bantamweight champion puts her belt up for grabs in a memorable scrap with Marloes Coenen. We break it all down on this week's episode! All our links can be found h...

Aug 09, 202156 minEp. 57

EA all day! We break down the "EA Sports MMA" video game with its Project Lead, Rob Hyder

We're taking a bit of a detour this week as we delve into 2010's "EA Sports MMA" video game with the title's Project Leader, Rob Hyder! Rob discusses his role with the game, how Strikeforce got involved, what it was like trying to sign fighters like Randy Couture and Fedor Emelianenko, why fighters aren't good at motion capture, and so much more! Dana White, Jason "Mayhem" Miller, Hidehiko Yoshida, Bob Sapp...the gang's all here! It's an intriguing behind-the-scenes chat...don't miss it. All our...

Aug 02, 202142 minEp. 56

"Strikeforce: Houston" - August 21, 2010...Strikeforce crowns two new champions, a fight ends controversially, and Lashley loses

Feijao and Jacare reign supreme as we cover "Strikeforce: Houston" this week! The promotion sees two new champions crowned, as Feijao Cavalcante takes the light heavyweight belt from King Mo, and Jacare Souza captures the vacant middleweight title with a win over Tim Kennedy. In addition, KJ Noons gets a very controversial stoppage win (spoiler: illegal knee) over Jorge Gurgel, and Bobby Lashley suffers his first MMA loss. Lots to get to...download and listen today! All our links can be found he...

Jul 26, 20211 hr 14 minEp. 55

Former Strikeforce middleweight champion Cung Le is back! He discusses getting revenge against Scott Smith, "ducking" Jake Shields, and his legacy

Cung Le is back on this week's episode of "Inside the Hexagon," and we delve into so much! Cung discusses his painful loss in "The Miracle in San Jose" at the hands of Scott Smith, and what it meant to him to get that win back. The former champ also discusses allegations from Jake Shields that he was ducking him, as well as his overall legacy in Strikeforce and MMA as a whole. Download and enjoy hearing from this legend once again! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-th...

Jul 19, 202130 minEp. 54

"Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Werdum" - June 26, 2010..."The Last Emperor" is toppled, Cung Le and Frank Shamrock say farewell, and Cris Cyborg destroys another opponent

What a monumental event we're covering this week, as we finally arrive at "Fedor vs. Werdum!" It's a heartbreaker of an event for all the Fedor fans out there, including Phil & Josh, as we see "The Last Emperor" finally fall. In addition, Cung Le and Frank Shamrock say goodbye, with Cung competing for the last time in Strikeforce, and Shamrock finally officially hanging up the gloves. In addition, Cris Cyborg absolutely assaults Jan Finney, and Josh Thomson puts on another MMA clinic. You're...

Jul 12, 20211 hr 14 minEp. 53

Ranking the Top 10 Most Patriotic American MMA Fighters: Randy Couture, Brian Stann, Tim Kennedy, Tito Ortiz, Chael Sonnen, and more!

Happy 4th of July! On this week's episode, we're taking a bit of a different path and dropping something of a bonus episode, as we're ranking the top 10 most patriotic American MMA fighters! Randy Couture, Brian Stann, Tim Kennedy, Tito Ortiz, Chael Sonnen, Colby Covington, Frankie Edgar, and more...we break down the fighters that are proudest to be American! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hexagon/view. Download and subscribe, and connect with us on Instagram a...

Jul 05, 202141 minEp. 52

Former Strikeforce/UFC fighter KJ Noons gets interviewed for the first time since his last fight...we talk Nick Diaz, Strikeforce, weight-cutting, and more

No one could ever accuse of KJ Noons of not being an exciting fighter, and in his first interview since his last fight in 2016, the last EliteXC lightweight champion delves into his career on "Inside the Hexagon!" We delve into his two slobberknockers with Nick Diaz, getting his rib broken to the point where he can't surf (thanks, Conor!), how much he hates cutting weight, and more. It's an authentic look at the life and career of one of the most exciting lightweight fighters of all time! All ou...

Jun 28, 202133 minEp. 51

"Strikeforce: Los Angeles" - June 16, 2010...KJ Noons makes a statement, Tim Kennedy plants his flag, and Babalu outsmarts Lawler

Taking place only ten days before "Fedor vs. Werdum," "Strikeforce: Los Angeles" has been forgotten by many MMA fans. However, it was an interesting event with some solid highlights. Taking place at the Nokia Theatre during E3, the huge video game conference, this card featured KJ Noons and Conor Heun in a war, as well as Tim Kennedy getting a submission win to set himself up as a middleweight contender. Also, Cyborg Santos gets a brutal KO, and Babalu Sobral gets back in the win column against ...

Jun 21, 20211 hr 1 minEp. 50

Former Shine Fights matchmaker Ron Foster delves into one of the most controversial non-events in MMA history, "Worlds Collide"...how was Strikeforce involved?

This week's episode features one of the most personal stories in Phil's MMA career, the events behind Shine Fights' PPV event that didn't happen, "Worlds Collide." Scheduled to take place on the same night as "Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery," "Worlds Collide" was to feature a main event of MMA vet Din Thomas battling former world champion boxer Ricardo Mayorga in an intriguing MMA bout. However, Don King and a lot of cash changed the course of the event, and possibly MMA history. Phil reconnects w...

Jun 14, 20211 hr 13 minEp. 49

"Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery" - May 15, 2010...Alistair Overeem returns to defend the heavyweight title, Bigfoot takes on "The Pitbull," and Feijao breaks out

Strikeforce looks to see if it can rebound from the debacle of its Nashville event with "Heavy Artillery!" Featuring the long-awaited return of heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem, the title is on the line as "The Demolition Man" locks horns with Brett Rogers. In the co-main event, it's a battle of former heavyweight champions as "Bigfoot" Silva tangles with "The Pitbull" Andrei Arlovski. And "Jacare" Souza and "Feijao" Cavalcante look to position themselves as title contenders in their respec...

Jun 07, 20211 hr 9 minEp. 48

Former Strikeforce middleweight champion Jake Shields discusses the infamous post-fight brawl in Nashville, why he left Strikeforce for the UFC, and more

Happy Memorial Day to all our U.S. fans! On this week's episode, it is the "Inside the Hexagon" debut of one of the best grapplers in MMA history, Jake Shields! The former Strikeforce middleweight champion discusses his run with the promotion, his headline fight against Dan Henderson at "Strikeforce: Nashville," and the controversial post-fight brawl that changed the course of combat sports history. We also discuss why he left for the UFC...make sure to check out this week's episode! All our lin...

May 31, 202125 minEp. 47

"Strikeforce: Nashville" - April 17, 2010...Mayhem Miller starts the brawl that ended it all (in a few different ways), overshadowing three title fights

On this week's episode, we're covering one of the most notorious and pivotal events in MMA history, "Strikeforce: Nashville"! The main card featured three title fights, including King Mo vs. Gegard Mousasi for the light heavyweight belt, Gilbert Melendez and Shinya Aoki tangling for the lightweight title, and Jake Shields defending the middleweight championship against Dan Henderson in the main event. However, all of that paled in comparison to the post-fight brawl between Mayhem Miller, Shields...

May 24, 20211 hr 16 minEp. 46

Short "Inside the Hexagon" Hiatus

Quick update on why we had no show last week, and why we're going to be late this week...appreciate your patience! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hexagon/view. Download and subscribe, and connect with us on Instagram and Twitter...@TheHexagonPod. Also, please don't forget to rate and review! We appreciate your support! "Inside the Hexagon" is part of the Evergreen Podcasts Network...please also check out EvergreenPodcasts.com! Sources: CBSSports.com, Bleacher R...

May 17, 20213 minEp. 45

Who are the best crossover athletes in MMA history? Who's the best combo MMA fighter/pro wrestler in history? Phil and Josh dive in on this week's episode!

Phil and Josh take the helm on this week's interview episode, and this time, we're discussing the best crossover athletes in MMA history! With Herschel Walker and Bobby Lashley making their Strikeforce debuts on our most recent event episode, it's a great time to discuss athletes that have had great success in other sports and industries. Brock Lesnar, Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, Dan Severn, and many more...we run through them all! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-...

May 03, 202148 minEp. 44

"Strikeforce: Miami" - January 30, 2010...we have a new welterweight champ, Cyborg smashes her first challenger, and a Hall of Famer and wrestling star make their debuts

It's a night of firsts at "Strikeforce: Miami" on this week's episode! In the main event, Nick Diaz puts on another masterful performance to capture the inaugural Strikeforce welterweight championship, while Cris Cyborg enjoys a successful first defense of her featherweight belt. In addition, college football HOFer Herschel Walker and former WWE star Bobby Lashley make their hexagon debuts. Lastly, Robbie Lawler gets "Ruthless" in his bout with Melvin Manhoef, surviving a brutal onslaught before...

Apr 26, 20211 hr 11 minEp. 43

"Hands of Steel" Scott Smith discusses "The Miracle in San Jose" KO of Cung Le, his fighting style, his toughest fights, and more

It's "The Comeback Kid" checking in on this week's episode, as Scott Smith discusses one of the greatest comebacks in Strikeforce history, which took place against Cung Le at "Evolution." "Hands of Steel" talks us through the fight, as well as his all-time classic with Pete Sell on The Ultimate Fighter. Smith also updates us on what he's doing today, and more. It's a great chat with a true warrior...download and share! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hexagon/vie...

Apr 19, 202130 minEp. 42

"Strikeforce: Evolution" - December 19, 2009...Thomson-Melendez II delivers a barnburner, Scott Smith lands the "Miracle in San Jose," and King Mo makes a moneyweight statement

Could "Evolution" be the greatest Strikeforce card the promotion ever put on? Probably not, but it's up there. King Mo makes his hexagon debut and treats both his opponent and the cage with disrespect, Jacare chomps on "The Law," and Josh Thomson and Gilbert Melendez finally rematch for the undisputed lightweight title in a slobberknocker. And, in the main event...do you believe in miracles? Scott Smith spends three rounds getting beat up before a Hail Mary comes through and ends Cung Le's night...

Apr 12, 20211 hr 17 minEp. 41

Who belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of heavyweight MMA fighters? Phil & Josh break it down on this week's episode...is Fedor at the top? Who else rounds out the top four? And where does Stipe fit in?

We're switching things up on this week's episode! Instead of interviewing someone else, we're interviewing each other...sort of. In line with the great Fedor Emelianenko signing with Strikeforce back in 2009, we dive into our Mt. Rushmore of the greatest MMA heavyweights of all time! We go through the pioneers, the greats, the elite, and the absolute best...from Mark Coleman, to Tim Sylvia, to JDS, to DC, to Nogueira, to Stipe...the gang is all here! So, listen up, and let us know what you think...

Apr 05, 202151 minEp. 40

"Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers" - November 7, 2009...Fedor makes his Strikeforce debut on CBS, Shields takes the belt against Mayhem, and more!

On "Inside the Hexagon" this week, we're covering a couple huge debuts, as Fedor Emelianenko fights inside the hexagon for the first time, and Strikeforce marks its first-ever event on CBS! We're breaking down what a huge addition Fedor was to the Strikeforce roster, as well as what being on CBS meant. In addition, Jake Shields tangles with Jason "Mayhem" Miller with the recently-vacated Strikeforce middleweight title on the line. We also see more of Gegard Mousasi and Fabricio Werdum...so much ...

Mar 29, 20211 hr 28 minEp. 39

Longtime MMA journalist and podcaster Ben Fowlkes breaks down "Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg"

On this week's episode, respected MMA journalist and podcaster Ben Fowlkes joins the show to discuss "Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg!" We're breaking down the historical significance of the fight, the lead-up, the action inside the hexagon, and the aftermath. How was Carano affected by the pressure of the fight? Was this fight put together too soon? Why didn't Carano come back to MMA? And what is Cyborg's place in MMA history? All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hex...

Mar 22, 202136 minEp. 38

"Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg" - August 15, 2009...Gina Carano and Cyborg shatter a glass ceiling, Gegard Mousasi bursts onto the U.S. scene, and more!

It's Ladies Night on "Inside the Hexagon," as Gina Carano and Cris Cyborg break through and set records when they main event the first major MMA event to be headlined by female fighters! "Carano vs. Cyborg" was a truly historic event, and we've got all the details on this week's episode. We dive into the entertaining main event while also discussing Nick Diaz's side deal with CSAC, Gegard Mousasi's obliteration of Babalu Sobral, Gil Melendez's revenge, and so much more. Make sure to catch this o...

Mar 15, 20211 hr 23 minEp. 37

UFC HOFer Pat Miletich delves into Strikeforce commentary, a failed fight with Frank Shamrock, and more

We're back! On this week's episode, UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich joins "Inside the Hexagon" to discuss all things Strikeforce! We discuss how he landed his role doing color commentary for Strikeforce, how a fight with Frank Shamrock almost came to fruition but ultimately fell through, Strikeforce's place in MMA history, and more. It's a unique look at some of the business side of MMA...don't miss it! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hexagon/view. Download and s...

Mar 08, 202133 minEp. 36

Taking a short break...

...we'll be back in a couple weeks! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hexagon/view. Download and subscribe, and connect with us on Instagram and Twitter...@TheHexagonPod. Also, please don't forget to rate and review! We appreciate your support! Special thanks to Joseph McDade for our theme song: www.josephmcdade.com #Strikeforce #UFC #Bellator #MMA #Podcast

Feb 19, 20214 minEp. 35

"Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields" - June 6, 2009...Robbie Lawler and Jake Shields make their hexagon debuts, Nick Diaz stars once again, and Andrei Arlovski gets blasted

On this week's episode, we spotlight "Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields," and the Skrap Pack is riding high! In the main event, Jake Shields and "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler make their hexagon debuts, with Shields coming out on top. Also on the card, Nick Diaz makes mincemeat of "Hands of Steel" Scott Smith, Brett Rogers turns Andrei Arlovski's lights out, and Kevin "The Monster" Randleman arrives in Strikeforce. It's another packed episode...don't miss it! All our links can be found here: https://pod...

Feb 08, 20211 hr 14 minEp. 34

MMA legend Frank Shamrock returns to discuss his final fight with Nick Diaz, almost facing Kimbo Slice, his proposed PPV scrap with Ken Shamrock, and more

On this week's episode, "The Legend" Frank Shamrock makes his return to "Inside the Hexagon" in a fascinating discussion! We delve into his final fight with Nick Diaz, including the build-up, the in-cage action, and the aftermath. We also reveal how close Frank came to stepping in for his brother Ken to face Kimbo Slice in EliteXC, as well as why his planned PPV fight with Ken fell through. There's so much we get into with this true pioneer of MMA...don't miss it! All our links can be found here...

Feb 01, 202143 minEp. 33

Bonus Episode: Bellator's Raymond Daniels breaks down his MMA debut, that scorching 720 punch, and much more!

It's another very special bonus episode! On today's episode, we connect with the master of the 720 punch, Raymond "The Real Deal" Daniels! The Bellator striking specialist discusses his MMA debut for Strikeforce back in 2008, what he learned from that experience, landing that 720 in Bellator in 2019, and so much more! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hexagon/view. Download and subscribe, and connect with us on Instagram and Twitter...@TheHexagonPod. You can also ...

Jan 28, 202137 minEp. 32

"Strikeforce: Shamrock vis. Diaz" - April 11, 2009...Nick Diaz makes his hexagon debut to battle Frank Shamrock, Scott Smith and Benji Radach put on a war for the ages, Cyborg arrives, and more!

The Strikeforce "Showtime Era" arrives! This week, we're covering "Shamrock vs. Diaz," and it's a true milestone event for Strikeforce. Nick Diaz makes his promotional debut in a main event scrap with the legendary Frank Shamrock, and "Hands of Steel" Scott Smith once again makes his mark with a come-from-behind victory. Cris Cyborg also debuts, as does Brett "The Grim" Rogers. There's so much to get to on this episode! All our links can be found here: https://podfollow.com/inside-the-hexagon/vi...

Jan 25, 20211 hr 20 minEp. 31

Renato "Babalu" Sobral discusses fighting Fedor Emelianenko, getting cut from the UFC, winning the Strikeforce 205 lb. title, his current physical challenges, and more!

On the show today, it's former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Renato "Babalu" Sobral! The controversial competitor details his early MMA career, including taking on Fedor, getting into the UFC, his submission win over David Heath that got him cut from the organization, as well as beating Bobby Southworth for the Strikeforce light heavyweight belt. In addition, Babalu discusses his current physical condition, including losing vision in one eye. It's an honest discussion, and Babalu holds ...

Jan 18, 202139 minEp. 30
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