Kamaru Usman proved the doubters wrong with his win over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta. I tell you what it means for Usman going forward and how the rest of the welterweight division should get matched up. Also, my thoughts on Paul Craig’s illegal upkick against Rodolfo Bellato that led to a no-contest, and whether Bellato flopped to get the call. Plus, Francis Ngannou seems interested in a fight with Jon Jones. I tell you what I think of that idea, and whether the pundits are right to call Jon...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 469
Dana White says Jon Jones agreed to fight Tom Aspinall — so where does Ciryl Gane fit into this? Then, I’m all in on Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes, but I’ve got questions about what kind of shape Nunes is really in after her time away. Plus, I talked to Kamaru Usman about the challenge of fighting Joaquin Buckley this weekend at UFC Atlanta. And a health update on Ben Askren following his recent hospitalization. Chapters: Latest in heavyweight division (00:00) Harrison vs. Nunes (08:46) Usman ...
Jun 13, 2025•32 min•Ep. 468
Despite the loss to Merab Dvalishvili, I think we saw the best Sean O’Malley we've ever seen at UFC 316. Then, I give you some behind-the-scenes stories on Kayla Harrison's hellacious weight cut, which ultimately didn't stop her from putting a beating on Julianna Pena. Plus, I’m officially taking back everything I’ve said about Amanda Nunes — she’s coming back to the UFC. And finally, I defend Patchy Mix after his lackluster UFC debut against Mario Bautista. CHAPTERS: Sean O'Malley’s best fight ...
Jun 10, 2025•37 min•Ep. 467
It’s UFC 316 weekend! But I start with Jon Jones — and the only three options he has left. Plus, Sean Strickland admitted he turned down a fight with Caio Borralho, which concerns me. Then, I explain how Julianna Pena can upset Kayla Harrison in the women’s bantamweight title fight. Also, what happens if Sean O’Malley loses to Merab Dvalishvili again? And finally, my official prediction for the bantamweight title rematch. Chapters: Jones has three options (00:00) Matt Brown warned Jones (07:07) ...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 466
Maycee Barber backed out of the Erin Blanchfield fight at the last possible second, and on today’s episode I tell you what actually happened. Then, I explain why the stakes for Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley 2 are far bigger than you could ever imagine. And, Ariel Helwani and I disagree over what I recently said about Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, but I still think everyone misunderstood me. So, I clear things up again. After that, Michael Chandler is still pining away for the Conor McG...
Jun 03, 2025•53 min•Ep. 465
Fans are so frustrated with the Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall saga that they’ve started signing a petition to strip Jones of his UFC title. But I still believe the fight is going to happen. Plus, Aspinall teased some big news today — I’ll tell you what it was. Then, a lot of fighters are suddenly talking about their legacies, and I need to weigh in. Also, Ian Machado Garry called out Khamzat Chimaev — it may not mean much right now, but I still like it. And finally, my conversation with Muhammad Mo...
May 30, 2025•50 min•Ep. 464
Nate Diaz was in a brawl in Thailand? I react to that video, plus I tell you why I believe Diaz is totally serious when he hints about returning to the UFC. And Conor McGregor says he's in serious talks to buy OnlyFans, but I don't believe him. Plus, Arman Tsarukyan apparently likes the idea of fighting Paddy Pimblett. I like the matchup as well, but I have one major issue with it. Meanwhile, while clearing up my feud with Islam Makhachev, I found out what’s next for Justin Gaethje. Plus, Sean O...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 463
Could Ilia Topuria become the UFC’s first three-division champion? His brother thinks so, and I tell you whether I think thats even possible. Then, my reaction to the news that Topuria has left his gym and longtime team. And, there’s a very real rivalry between Paddy Pimblett and Topuria—and somehow, some way, we need to see that fight. Also, you all are accusing me of calling Islam Makhachev a coward for avoiding Topuria, and I’m here to clap back at you all. Plus, I’m enjoying how Jon Jones is...
May 23, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 462
Is Jon Jones the biggest troll in UFC history? I begin with that. Then, with no news on a light heavyweight title rematch coming, I'm wondering if Alex Pereira actually wants the fight against Magomed Ankalaev. And after last week's slew of fight announcements, do we think Paddy Pimblett could face Ilia Topuria after the Spaniard fights Oliveira? Also, Topuria says Islam Makhachev ran from away from him, but is that the truth? And while Conor McGregor continues teasing a UFC return, I’m wonderin...
May 20, 2025•43 min•Ep. 461
On today’s episode, I begin by explaining what Ariel Helwani is misunderstanding about Islam Makhachev's move to 170 lbs. Then, Khamzat Chimaev is favored to beat Dricus du Plessis -- should he be? And Valentina Shevchenko has responded to my criticism! Plus, people are blaming Jon Jones, but there’s still no evidence that he’s the one holding up the fight with Tom Aspinall. And later, what should Barstool’s Robbie Fox do with the money Dana White gave him for his wedding? And, my thoughts on th...
May 16, 2025•37 min•Ep. 460
With Jack Della Maddalena’s win over Belal Muhammad, the door is now open for Islam Makhachev to move up and challenge JDM. On today's podcast, I talk about whether Makhachev deserves an immediate title shot, and what this fight would mean for the future of lightweight and welterweight. Then, after watching her defeat Manon Fiorit, I tell you about the problem I have with Valentina Shevchenko. Plus, I reflect on the remarkable career of Jose Aldo after he announced his retirement on Saturday. An...
May 13, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 459
It's the eve of UFC 315, but fresh off of my trip to Iowa, I begin with some stories from my visit to the University of Iowa’s wrestling practice. Then, I tell you why it isn't time to derail the Bo Nickal hype train just yet. Plus, why Ian Machado Garry is wrong for saying Islam Makhachev deserves a welterweight title shot. Also, Alex Pereira claimed someone hacked his Twitter, and apparently Magomed Ankalaev was the hacker? And retired UFC fighter Matt Brown says the honeymoon phase for women’...
May 09, 2025•47 min•Ep. 458
UFC Des Moines is in the books, and I break down Reinier de Ridder vs. Bo Nickal—including whether it’s fair to call Nickal overrated, how high de Ridder should climb in the rankings after his win, and my issue with Nickal's approach. Also, what's next for Cory Sandhagen after defeating Deiveson Figueiredo? Then, Charles Oliveira’s coach says Oliveira would prefer a fight with Ilia Topuria over Islam Makhachev—I’ll tell you why I like that idea. Plus, as we gear up for UFC 315 this weekend, I ex...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 457
On today’s episode, I tell you why I have a problem with Islam Makhachev basing his future on the outcome of Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena. And for everyone doubting Kamaru Usman ... have you forgotten who Kamaru Usman is? Then, I look ahead to Bo Nickal vs. Reinier de Ridder this weekend at UFC Des Moines, but apparently, Nickal weighed needs to cut a considerable amount of weight this week. I’ll also tell you whether I agree with Vegas, who has Nickal as the heavy favorite. Next, UFC...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 456
With UFC Kansas City in the books, Ian Machado Garry’s win over Carlos Prates has earned him the spot as the backup fighter for UFC 315. I'll tell you why Machado Garry still concerns me, and what I make of Joaquin Buckley's appearance at his weigh-in. Then, Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier 3 is set for UFC 318 in a battle for the BMF title (which I told you about a month ago). Also, my reaction to watching a video of Israel Adesanya throwing up while training with David Goggins. To close out the...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 455
On today’s episode, I break the news that Tom Aspinall will face Ciryl Gane — not Jon Jones — for the for the interim heavyweight title (again). Then, a trusted source tells me that Justin Gaethje will get the next shot at Islam Makhachev, not Ilia Topuria. And, Dricus Du Plessis broke his silence on Twitter, telling the public that he has a fight announcement coming soon. Next, how is Nassourdine Imavov ranked No. 1 in the middleweight division ahead of Khamzat Chimaev? And apparently Topuria i...
Apr 25, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 454
Paddy Pimblett reportedly gained 40 pounds after his UFC 314 win?! On today's episode, I break down how that’s even possible. Then, I explain why I'm uncomfortable with the conversation around Conor McGregor’s alleged cocaine use. And, I’ve got an update on Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall, including Aspinall saying he’s been “sworn to secrecy." Also, if Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev is off the table for International Fight Week due to a DDP injury, could Nassourdine Imavov be a realistic repl...
Apr 22, 2025•46 min•Ep. 453
On today's episode, I break down the confusing lightweight title picture, and explain why I think Islam Makhachev needs to fight Ilia Topuria. Then, some people are discrediting Paddy Pimblett’s win last weekend by saying Michael Chandler just isn’t that good anymore — I’ll give you my take. Next, I might have to walk back what I said about Alexander Volkanovski looking old while reclaiming the featherweight title — because he still dominated Diego Lopes. But it got me thinking: How will we look...
Apr 18, 2025•58 min•Ep. 452
I’m back from UFC 314! And after Alexander Volkanovski won the vacant featherweight title over Diego Lopes, Movsar Evloev called him out for a title shot — but I don’t see that matchup as main event material. Then, following his impressive win over Michael Chandler, people are wondering if Paddy Pimblett could become an even bigger star than Conor McGregor. I’ll share my thoughts on that and although we may not know who Paddy will fight next, I think we can agree on this: He’s one win away from ...
Apr 15, 2025•39 min•Ep. 451
On today’s episode, I introduce you to the newest addition to the UFC: Aaron Pico! Then, I went back and rewatched Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili, and I think it was a lot closer than you might remember. Also, my reaction to Carlos Prates smoking four cigarettes at once—is it just for attention, or is there a real problem here? Then, as we gear up for UFC 314 in Miami this Saturday night, I’ll explain how Paddy Pimblett is creating a path for himself to fight Arman Tsarukyan. Also, Alexande...
Apr 11, 2025•45 min•Ep. 450
On today’s episode, Ben Askren says Sean O’Malley made a huge mistake accepting a rematch with Merab Dvalishvili—but I’ll tell you where I disagree, and what’s going to be different this time around. Then, after spending plenty of time trying to figure out the right next opponent for Ilia Topuria, I’m turning the question over to the listeners—who should he fight next? Meanwhile, with reports that Islam Makhachev is waiting on the outcome of Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena before decidin...
Apr 08, 2025•47 min•Ep. 449
On today’s episode, I tell you why I love the booking of Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley 2, and why I think it'll be different this time around. Then, I talk about Ian Machado Garry's decision to step in on short notice against Carlos Prates, and why I believe it's a massive fight for each guy. Meanwhile, Mateusz Gamrot says he's the backup fighter for Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett next weekend, but I'm not sure I actually believe him. Plus, I explain why a loss to Diego Lopes might en...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 448
On today’s episode, it's clearer now more than ever that Conor McGregor's time is done with the UFC. Then, Ilia Topuria claims the UFC has promised him a lightweight title fight -- do I believe that? And, both Topuria and Charles Oliveira want a crack at Islam Makhachev next—but I'd rather see Oliveira vs. Topuria for the No. 1 contender fight. Elsewhere, Joe Pyfer isn't happy about the food poisoning that forced him to withdraw from his fight at UFC Mexico City. Plus, whether Jon Jones fights T...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 447
Fresh off defeating Leon Edwards at UFC London, I’m wondering if a title shot is next for Sean Brady. Then, my rare interview with Charles Oliveira (translated by Gabriel Checco) where we discuss what’s really going on between Oliveira and Ilia Topuria. Plus, I explain why I agree with Oliveira’s claim that he deserves a shot at Islam Makhachev’s title. After that, PFL's Donn Davis tweeted at Jon Jones that he could make him $50 million to fight Francis Ngannou, but is that more worth it to Jone...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 446
On today’s episode, Tom Aspinall says Jon Jones needs to either fight him or retire, which leads me to remind you that Jones hasn’t actually turned down the fight. Then, Conor McGregor says he wants to run for Ireland's highest political offer, while also hinting at a UFC return. I'll tell you why I think it's possible he can do both. Plus, BKFC's new "Ice Wars," which feature hockey-style fighting, have caught my attention Will they catch yours too?. And lastly, Floyd Mayweather says he’s open ...
Mar 25, 2025•34 min•Ep. 445
On today’s episode, Jon Jones wants six months to prepare for Tom Aspinall, but what exactly does he mean by that? Plus, Aspinall’s father is furious with Jones' request, and I'll explain why the UFC won't consider any of his concerns. Then, Dricus Du Plessis is thanking Magomed Ankalaev for taking away what he calls “the biggest payday of my life." But would a fight with Alex Pereira actually be DDP's biggest payday? Also in the middleweight division, I tell you why we have to make Robert Whitt...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 444
On today’s episode, Arman Tsarukyan is dismissing Paddy Pimblett, but I'll tell you why it's really a compliment in disguise. Then, Jon Anik suggested says Justin Gaethje should be next in line for Islam Makhache ... is he right? Plus, Rafael Fiziev wants to move to 145 lbs., and I’ll tell you why history shows that move wouldn't do him any favors. Plus, Magomed Ankalaev has finally done something that's impressed me. And to close the show, an absolutely wild story coming from B.J. Penn, who all...
Mar 18, 2025•28 min•Ep. 443
On today’s episode, I break down down everything I saw Saturday night at UFC 313 in Las Vegas. I have plenty to say about Magomed Ankalaev’s win over Alex Pereira, and why Ankalaev deserves full credit for his performance. And what the heck happened to Pereira? Then, Justin Gaethje’s victory over Rafael Fiziev showed me just how tough Gaethje really is, and it's why I want to see him back in the cage with Max Holloway. Plus, what’s next for both Pereira and Ankalaev? I tell you whether I think a...
Mar 11, 2025•52 min•Ep. 442
On today’s episode, I get you ready for this weekend's UFC 313 showdown in Las Vegas. I’ve witnessed some training sessions up close and personal and I have to say ... Alex Pereira’s preparation is something special. And while I’m hesitant to choose a winner in the main event, Alexander Volkanovski makes no hesitation with his. I'm also liking what I’m hearing from both Rafael Fiziev and Justin Gaethje regarding their respective mindsets heading into next month's UFC 314 bout. And after watching...
Mar 07, 2025•53 min•Ep. 440
On today’s episode, I dive into Alex Pereira coming into fight week 22 pounds overweight, and why I’d love to see him make the move to heavyweight after UFC 313. Then, Justin Gaethje is the betting underdog against Rafael Fiziev—does that surprise you? I also have no reason to believe Dustin Poirier will hang up the gloves any time soon based on the things he's saying recently. And with talks of Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall going nowhere, my sources tell me the UFC hasn't even offered Jones the fi...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 441
