Best wishes to friend of the show Josh Samman who is currently in a coma and fighting for his life in a Florida hospital. Hoping for a speedy and full recovery. One of the best people I've met in this business. (5:16) Cortney Casey returns to the show with a huge fight on the horizon. She's set to take on #1 ranked Claudia Gadelha. An unexpected car accident nearly put a halt to things, but she's back at it and fully prepared to bring a show down to Brazil. (21:13) John "Doomsday" Howard discuss...
Oct 05, 2016•1 hr 20 min
In a special mini episode of the podcast, Nick recaps the UFC 205 press conference and sheds some light on the significance of the UFC finally debuting in New York City at Madison Square Garden.
Sep 29, 2016•15 min
Two of our favorite guests, both with big fights on the horizon, return to the show for a loaded and very fun episode of the MMA Mad Podcast. (3:36) Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson catches up with us in between training sessions with Chris Weidman to talk about movies, cartoons, and even a little bit of MMA. Wonderboy is set to fight Tyron Woodley for the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 205 in Madison Square Garden. (20:51) Jimmie Rivera catches up with us after his huge win over Urijah Faber ...
Sep 21, 2016•1 hr 9 min
Nick looks forward to the season premier of American Horror Story and discusses the true turnover from Summer to Fall. (12:43) Ian McCall joins the podcast to discuss everything from fight cancellations and a near-retirement to podcasting and music festivals. This was a really fun one!! (42:41) Sean Soriano discusses his homecoming fight at CES MMA 38 and reflects on his time spent in the UFC. (53:15) In the aftershow, Nick Rizner reflects on the craziness that was UFC 203 and all the post-fight...
Sep 15, 2016•1 hr 19 min
Two brand new guests debut on the podcast this week, as Tony Ferguson and Albert Morales look to rise the ranks of their respective weight classes. (7:39) Tony Ferguson spares no feelings while discussing the lightweight division and his place within it - or rather - atop it. He's one of the most dangerous contenders at 155 pounds and he's on a mission to take that belt. (33:15) Albert Morales caught up with us ahead of his Octagon debut on September 17th. We end up spinning off into discussions...
Sep 07, 2016•1 hr 37 min
A travelling nightmare almost kept this episode from happening, but alas, here we are. Norman Parke joins us for a long-form interview about life after the UFC, his upcoming October bouts, and his plans to one day return to the Octagon. This was a fun one!! We get into everything from the origins of Halloween to the risks of betting on MMA. Make sure you stay tuned for the after show w/Ty Reynolds as he discusses all the biggest MMA headlines and upcoming/past fights. Enjoy!!...
Sep 01, 2016•1 hr 30 min
Milestone episode of the MMA Mad Podcast!! At long last, we finally have our first active champion on the podcast. (9:25) UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic returns to the podcast, this time with the belt. We talk Cleveland sports, his big win over Fabricio Werdum in Brazil, and his upcoming fight against Alistair Overeem at UFC 203. (19:40) UMMAF Official Ryan Brueggemann joins the program to discuss the current state of amateur MMA, clearing up a number of misconceptions and painting a more...
Aug 25, 2016•1 hr 41 min
In a special edition of the MMA Mad Podcast, host Nick Rizner dives deep into the process of getting MMA into the Olympics. Calling on the help of previous interviews with Chuck Mindenhall and Brad Pickett, as well as brand new exclusives w/Manny Gamburyan, Jose Torres and Rick Hawn, we get into all the ins and outs of Olympic MMA, and the obstacles that still stand in the way. Stick around for the After Show w/Ty Reynolds, as he breaks down UFC 202 and all the top story lines surrounding the wo...
Aug 17, 2016•1 hr 8 min
This week, we were joined by one of our favorite guests as well as two more making their podcast debut. Make sure you stick around until the end of the episode for a sneak peak of our upcoming Special Report on MMA in the Olympics. (5:44) Raquel Pennington returns to the show to discuss her stage fright - an unlikely trait for a professional fighter - and her ability to seize the moment on a microphone. Self described as the Black Horse of the Women's Bantamweight division, Rocky is on a journey...
Aug 11, 2016•1 hr 13 min
(7:18) Louis Smolka joined the podcast to discuss his recent win in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We got onto everything from the possibility of a bantamweight Mighty Mouse to how far Smolka is from a flyweight title shot. We also play some fantasy matchmaking and pitch a duel championship event for the inaugural UFC Hawaii. (33:16) Rick Story returns to the podcast to discuss the turmoil atop the UFC Welterweight division, who he feels will get the first shot at the newly crowned Tyrone Woodley, a...
Aug 03, 2016•1 hr 46 min
This week, two of our favorite guests return to the show to reflect on their recent wins and breakdown some important fights in their respective divisions and beyond. (3:31) Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson rejoins the show to breakdown the upcoming title fight between Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler and challenger Tyron Woodley. Plus, we get into everything from the upcoming Power Rangers movie to the drama between Mark Hunt and the UFC. It's always a fun one with Wonderboy. (34:39) Cortney Cas...
Jul 27, 2016•1 hr
(2:24) Chuck Mindenhall returns to the podcast to discuss all things MMA. Everything from the rise and fall of superstars like McGregor, Rousey & Jones, to the undeniable violence of our sport and the inevitable numbness that we, as fans, ultimately acquire. Plus, an update on the current state of sports media and the need for new, unique voices in MMA. If this podcast had a Mount Rushmore, Chuck would most certainly be on it; hat and all. (1:05:38) Jimmie Rivera joins the podcast to discuss...
Jul 20, 2016•1 hr 37 min
This week, we spoke with Javier Mendez - head coach of #UFC200's Daniel Cormier and Cain Velasquez - to dicuss everything from the Jon Jones pull-out and the last-minute Anderson Silva switch-up to the boos from the Vegas crowd and DC's mindset throughout the week. We also discuss the latest on Luke Rockhold and Khabib Nurmagomedov, as well as the fallout from the $4 billion sale of the UFC.
Jul 13, 2016•58 min
This week's episode gives you the most entertaining and comprehensive International Fight Week breakdown on the internet. Look no further. Sit down and enjoy! (1:40) Jeff Danis and Ryan O'Neill return to the podcast to give their thoughts and opinions on UFC 200. We get into Bruce Buffer, Brock Lesnar, and everything in between in this hilarious preview of MMA's biggest event. Make sure you check out the hilarious Danish and O'Neill podcast every Monday and follow them on twitter @DanishAndOneil...
Jul 06, 2016•2 hr 6 min
(0:00) We kick the week off with a special introduction featuring my friend Nate Stark. Nate is the biggest Game of Thrones fan I know, and following the Season 6 Finale, I thought it'd be the perfect time to bring him on to discuss. We dive into all things past, present, and future in the world of GoT, so if you want to avoid spoilers, you may want to skip this one. But seriously... you should listen. (38:07) Josh Samman joins us to discuss his amazing memoir, entitled The Housekeeper: Love, De...
Jun 29, 2016•1 hr 43 min
(1:09) Back by popular demand, Nick's dad returns to the podcast for the second annual Father's Day special. Nick and Steve dive into everything from the history of the podcast to UFC 200, Wonderboy, and the Helwani vs. UFC saga. This was a good one!! (1:04:48) Belal Muhammad joins us ahead of his UFC debut on July 7th and gives his take on the current state of the UFC Welterweight division. (1:21:40) On The After Show w/Ty Reynolds, everything from Fedor to UFC Ottawa is discussed in great deta...
Jun 23, 2016•1 hr 43 min
(2:00) We sit down for a free form discussion with Matt Bessette, where we explore how close he is to that UFC call-up, his relationship with Bellator and Scott Coker, and the grand opening of his new gym, Ascension Athletics. (55:00) Bryan Lacey joins the show to discuss his upcoming fight at the finale of Wimp 2 Warrior, what he's learned through the process, and his immense respect for the sacrifices that professional fighters make every day.
Jun 15, 2016•1 hr 32 min
(1:35) David St. Martin returned to the podcast to give his take on the fallout between the UFC and his friend/former colleague Ariel Helwani. We get into the current state of MMA media, the risks of chasing a dream, and more. Really enjoyed this one!! (1:31:22) Lorenz Larkin looks back at his drop to welterweight and what may be next for him after his huge win over Jorge Masvidal on Memorial Day Weekend. (1:47:05) In this week's aftershow, Ty Reynolds discusses a slew of news story that broke o...
Jun 08, 2016•2 hr 41 min
(1:40) Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson sits down for one of our conversational style interviews and talks Rory MacDonald, the Thompson-Weidman wedding, and apartment living. (27:58) Nate Andrews makes his MMA Mad debut to talk about his dealings with CES, his upcoming fight on June 10th, and his training experience with Luis Felix and Matt Bessette. (39:22) MMA Mad Pro Blogger Lewis Corapi talks about his knack for writing, his unfortunate, last-second cancellation in Boston, and his future in the ...
Jun 01, 2016•1 hr 32 min
(3:40) Matteo Urella sits down for our first ever long-form interview. We get into everything from maintaining a positive mindset to the benefits of finding your creative niche. (1:09:00) Rick Story joins the show to talk about his return to action against Tarec Saffiedine this weekend and the redundancies of media obligations. (1:22:20) CES Lightweight contender Ryan Sanders catches up with us ahead of his June 10th title fight against Luis Felix at CES MMA 36. (1:33:37) Ty Reynolds flies solo ...
May 25, 2016•2 hr 9 min
(1:29) Josh Samman joined us to talk The Housekeeper: Love, Death, and Prizefighting, as well as his upcoming fight against Tim Boetsch. (16:46) Keri Anne Taylor-Melendez joined us to talk kickboxing vs. MMA, when she'll fight next, and her ability to find balance in her hectic lifestyle. (27:30) Tony Martin reflects on his big win at UFC on FOX 18 and looks forward to his upcoming fight at UFC on FOX 20. (41:51) Belal Muhammad returns to the podcast to discuss his title fight against Steve Carl...
May 11, 2016•1 hr 38 min
(2:00) We were joined by comedians, podcasters and die hard MMA fans, Danish & O'Neill. We dove into their early days at The Comedy Store, some UFC headlines and more. Here's a link to that 'farticle' we discussed . (24:54) Tamdan McCrory walks us through his five year hiatus from MMA, his checkered history with Bellator, and his upcoming bout at UFC Ottawa. (49:26) Jocelyn Jones-Lybarger returns to the show, this time with a full training camp, as she prepares for her UFC Ottawa bout agains...
May 02, 2016•2 hr
(1:19) Bleacher Report's Mike Chiappetta joins the show to reflect on his writing career and to break down some of the bigger story lines in the world of MMA. (39:51) Lou Giordano talks working with Jon Jones, his newest client Andrei Arlovski, and how he feels McGregor can more efficiently manage his weight. (49:30) Nick and Ty discuss: - UFC 197 - Bellator 153 - Matt Bessette's Fighting Future - Conor McGregor's UFC 200 Status Enjoy!
Apr 27, 2016•1 hr 31 min
(1:04) We were joined by the head coach of American Kickboxing Academy, Mr. Javier Mendez, who discussed everything from Khabib Nurmagomedov's return to the fighting futures of Daniel Cormier, Luke Rockhold, and Cain Velasquez. (16:45) Then, both fighters in the main event of Titan FC 38, Steve Carl and Belal Muhammad, joined us to preview their upcoming welterweight championship bout on April 30th. Fun stuff from both of these guys. (35:12) We spoke with Adam Townsend, who is set to headline Va...
Apr 20, 2016•1 hr 40 min
On a very special episode of the podcast, we were first joined by 9x UFC Welterweight Champion and member of the UFC Hall of Fame, Matt Hughes. We then sat down with Justin Wren who shared with us his riveting tales of sickness and starvation among the Mbuti Pygmies of the Congo. Matt Bessette and Jeff Haddad called in to discuss the grand opening of their new gym, Ascension Athletics, as well as the history of their friendship and fighting futures. Wrapping up the interview portion of the show,...
Apr 12, 2016•1 hr 49 min
Rob Font joins us to discuss his UFC 198 bout with John Lineker and reflects on the experience of fighting in his hometown of Boston. Heavyweight Walt Harris then looks ahead to his fight with Cody East at UFC 197. Next, Cameron Else elaborates on his beef with Ed Arthur and breaks down why he's going to get his hand raised at BAMMA 25. Finally, we were joined by a pair of fighters set to compete at CES MMA 35 in Boston, as Tyler King prepares for his highly anticipated trilogy match with Eric B...
Apr 06, 2016•1 hr 39 min
Manny Gamburyan joins us to discuss his upcoming fight with John Dodson, followed by Drew Dober, who is set to take on Islam Makhachev. Both fights are expected to take place at UFC on FOX 19, on April 16th. BAMMA Bantamweight Champion Shay Walsh joined the program ahead of his BAMMA 25 title defense against the former featherweight champion Tom Duquesnoy. Pat Sullivan returned to discuss the main card of this Friday's CES MMA 34 at Foxwoods Resort Casino, and we were then joined by Johnny "Cupc...
Mar 30, 2016•1 hr 29 min
This week, we were joined by UFC Strawweight standout Randa Markos, UFC Light Heavyweight contender Pat Cummins, BAMMA Lonsdale Champion Alan Philpott, and CES MMA Featherweight Calvin Kattar. Plus, Nick & Ty discuss a handful of the fights announced this weekend and look back at UFC Brisbane.
Mar 23, 2016•1 hr 39 min
It's a special 50th episode of the MMA Mad Podcast with a real championship vibe. UFC Heavyweight contender Stipe Miocic joins the show to talk about his upcoming title fight with Fabricio Werdum. Max Holloway discusses being overlooked in the featherweight title picture and speculates about his next opponent. CES Bantamweight Champion Andre Soukhamthath talks about his win over Kody Nordby and his inevitable call-up to the UFC. Chris Curtis looks ahead to his CES Welterweight title defense on A...
Mar 17, 2016•1 hr 35 min
Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson joined us to discuss the announcement of Wonderboy vs. Rory MacDonald, as well as his media tour around Asia. Gunnar Nelson gave us his take on Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz and looked ahead to his upcoming matchup against Albert Tumenov in May. He also reflected on his history Coach John Kavanagh and the early days of his MMA career. Pat Sullivan helped us preview this weekend’s CES MMA 33 main card and reminded us why we should all stay #DStrong. Finally, James Lync...
Mar 09, 2016•2 hr 6 min
