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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode, Rafael Fiziev steps up on short notice to replace Dan Hooker at UFC 313 against Justin Gaethje. While Fiziev said yes, Gaethje is also revealing the names that said no - including Dustin Poirier. Then, I tell you why it was a dirty move for Chris Eubank Jr. to slap Conor Benn in the face with an egg. Plus, Francis Ngannou admits he wasn’t fully confident before the Tyson Fury fight, and I really appreciate his honesty. Also, what will Henry Cejudo do next? Darren Till also wa...
Feb 28, 2025•42 min•Ep 439•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode, I look back at UFC Seattle. Why does Brendan Allen keep losing, and how can he get back on track? Then, I give my take on the eye poke that led to the unceremonious end to Song Yadong's defeat of Henry Cejudo, and I tell you how I think the UFC should I’ll share my thoughts on how the UFC should handle eye pokes. And how the heck did Anthony Hernandez end up with the nickname ‘Fluffy’? I also hear Charles Oliveira won’t fight Ilia Topuria because Oliveira thinks he deserves a...
Feb 25, 2025•43 min•Ep 438•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode, I react to a slew of breaking news! Ilia Topuria has vacated his featherweight title, and I explain why I respect him for making the move. Then, Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes will fight for vacant belt, and I tell you what excites me most about this fight. Also, with Shavkat Rakhmonov unable to fight at UFC 315, I give my thoughts on Jack Della Maddalena stepping in as his replacement. Plus, I try to make sense of Henry Cejudo fighting Song Yadong this weekend at UFC ...
Feb 21, 2025•44 min•Ep 437•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode, I return to mid-December when Gilbert Burns gave me an early Christmas present by posting my phone number online because I claimed he was retired. So, I take your calls and texts (while learning how to group-FaceTime) and try to figure out whether Burns is retired, and what his next matchup should be if he isn’t. To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com...
Feb 18, 2025•49 min•Ep 436•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode, I talk about Eric Nicksick's criticism of Sean Strickland’s “uninspiring” performance at UFC 312. Then, Nate Diaz called me, and he told me he wants back with the UFC. Plus, Stipe Miocic claims Francis Ngannou would beat Jon Jones, but does the MMA math back him up? And finally, Dana White gets challenged by the Pillow Fighting Championship, and Paddy Pimblett wants to welcome Ilia Topuria to the lightweight division. To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple...
Feb 14, 2025•43 min•Ep 435•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode, I recap UFC 312, and I tell you why I’m pumping the brakes on calling Zhang Weili the best fighter in the UFC following her impressive win over Tatiana Suarez. Plus, just how good is Dricus du Plessis after his dominant over Sean Strickland? And with DDP's callout of Alex Pereira after the fight, I can't help but wonder whether that was the right move for the middleweight champ. And is DDP really the "nice guy" he appears to be? I have my doubts. And finally, I share a funny ...
Feb 11, 2025•33 min•Ep 434•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode, I break down why now is the perfect time for Israel Adesanya to retire. Then, I give my thoughts on Conor McGregor spitting on a fan in Las Vegas after getting taunted. Plus, whoever leaked Kevin Lee’s training footage owes him an apology. And why is Ilia Topuria so eager to fight Islam Makhachev? Then, the UFC 312 press conference was one of the nastiest ones I’ve ever seen. And, last week I questioned why Alex Pereira decided to corner Sean Strickland, and now Strickland ha...
Feb 07, 2025•55 min•Ep 433•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode, I react to what we saw this past weekend at UFC Saudi Arabia, including my issue with Michael ‘Venom’ Page being the underdog in his win over Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov, and why I don’t envy the position that Israel Adesanya finds himself in after losing to Nassourdine Imavov. Plus, Dana White said he will explore other options if they can’t make Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall happen, even though I don’t believe Jones has officially been offered that fight yet. Then, why I should’v...
Feb 04, 2025•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode, I’ll explain why I’m mad about Jake and Logan Paul’s most recent publicity stunt. Then, former rivals Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya are friends now ... do we like that? And, Adesanya says his legacy is cemented -- I’ll tell you whether I agree with him. Also, Shara 'Bullet' Magomedov states the obvious, Alex Pereira is cornering Sean Strickland at UFC 312, and talks of Jon Jones fighting Tom Aspinall have gone quiet. Plus, where would you like to see Conor McGregor fig...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode, Jeremy Stephens calls Conor McGregor “Old Cocaine Conor," leading me to take you into the history of their beef. Then, while speaking to the media about his future plans, Islam Makhachev teased a move up to welterweight. And then, Diego Lopes wants a scrap with Alexander Volkanovski, but Bo Nickal apparently has the inside scoop for how UFC 314 will really play out. Plus, I want to know what’s motivating Israel Adesanya to fight Nassourdine Imavov this weekend in Saudi Arabia...
Jan 28, 2025•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode, I dive into Daniel Cormier’s disagreement with Dana White over his denying Arman Tsarukyan another title shot after the lightweight's last-minute withdrawal from UFC 311. Then, Max Holloway wants a scrap with Charles Oliveira for the BMF title in July, and Belal Muhammad takes a shot at Kamaru Usman, accusing him of being just a podcaster who never wanted to fight the toughest guys. And, why Valentina Shevchenko wants Manon Fiorot to watch her manners. To support this program...
Jan 24, 2025•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode, I tell you why the fighter of the night on Saturday wasn’t somebody who won. Then, I react to the bantamweight title fight between Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov, and I explain why I believe Nurmagomedov won. And then, I talk about why Islam Makhachev's quick win over Renato Moicano, and why it wasn't as easy as it seemed. Also, after watching his impressive win over Kevin Holland, I want to see Reinier de Ridder fight Bo Nickal. Plus, a brawl in the stands came to a...
Jan 21, 2025•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode, I give you all my thoughts on Saturday's UFC 311, but first, it seems Justin Gaethje will fight Dan Hooker at UFC 313 in March. Then, Alex Pereira put out a video of himself sparring without headgear. And, I also tell you three options Jon Jones has for his next move. Later on, I explain why there’s only one real team in MMA, and also why Arman Tsarukyan is only focusing on business after this title fight. And finally, Islam Makhachev’s momentum heading into his title defense...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode, I start with what happened in the viral video of Khabib Nurmagomedov getting removed from a Frontier Airlines flight after an exit-row dispute. Then, why I don’t want to talk about the “Greatest of All-Time” debate between Khabib and Islam Makhachev. And then, the secret grudge between Umar Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili ahead of their UFC 311 clash, why there’s no truth to a report that Alex Pereira will fight Alexander Volkov, the biggest fight in UFC history, and the c...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast On today's episode, I give you my thoughts on Joe Rogan saying Jon Jones will get $30 million to fight Tom Aspinall, along with Rogan saying Jones can retire and come back at any time. Then, is Alex Pereira avoiding Magomed Ankalaev using the “Ramadan strategy”? And, the interesting spot Jamahal Hill has put himself in wanting to fight Pereira. And later, why I like Cain Velasquez giving Jon Jones credit, Colby Covington believes Pereira could knock out Jones, the world’s dumbest idea, and why D...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode, Umar Nurmagomedov reveals he has a broken arm, I declare Jon Jones will retire after he fights Tom Aspinall in 2025, and what I got wrong about the proposed Conor McGregor vs. Logan Paul fight in India. Also, Darren Till seems to have mistaken Dagestan for Russia when he called out Khabib Nurmagomedov, and why people questioning the valor of Tim Kennedy made me uncomfortable. To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify ...
Jan 07, 2025•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Happy New Year! On today’s episode, I begin with Jon Jones telling the world what he was grateful for in 2024. Then, I’ll tell you why you’re stupid if you still think Conor McGregor vs. Logan Paul is happening in India. And, why I’m giving Ian Garry the Character Development of the Year award for 2024. After that, the surprising odds of Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan, some MMA math on Islam Makhachev and Alex Pereira, Tony Ferguson’s fight announcement, and Gordon Ryan admitting to using P...
Jan 03, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast On today's episode, I tell you whether Jon Jones will still be champion by the end of 2025. Plus, I explain why Conor McGregor vs. Logan Paul won't happen, Joe Rogan's thoughts on McGregor's fighting future, and why Khabib Nurmagomedov hates coaching. And later, I explain what makes Dricus Du Plessis so special. To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. CHAPTERS: Jon Jones' 2025 (00:00) Conor McGregor vs. Logan Paul? (8:45) Joe Rog...
Dec 31, 2024•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast Happy Christmas Eve! On today's episode, I give you my reaction to the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury from several angles. I discuss the controversial decision, the role of AI judging in the fight, as well as Fury weighing in 20 lbs. overweight. After that, I talk about Alex Pereira's recent meeting with the UFC brass and what it could mean for his next fight. Plus, I give Robert Whittaker an idea, and I talk about a broken penis. CHAPTERS: Usyk vs. Fury 2 reaction (00:00) Fury's ...
Dec 24, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast I'm sorry I missed you all on Tuesday! I'm battling a nasty cold, but I'm still here to bring you some of the goods. On today's episode, I begin by telling you why I think Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall (if it's ever booked) has the potential to be the biggest fight in UFC history. Then, I have a bone to pick with Ilia Topuria's desire to move up a weight class. And to close out the show, I talk to my friend Hamzah Sheeraz in Saudi Arabia about this weekend's must-see boxing rematch between heavywei...
Dec 20, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast While patrolling the roads of Tampa Bay one day before cornering Colby Covington in the UFC Tampa main event, I'm here to get you up to speed on all the latest happenings. On today's show, I discuss said main event between Covington and Joaquin Buckley, as well as a back-and-forth between Conor McGregor and Belal Muhammad, former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo's callout of current champ Alexandre Pantoja, a bad deck of cards for Aljamain Sterling, rumors surrounding Israel Adesanya's nex...
Dec 13, 2024•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast I'm back from Las Vegas after covering UFC 310 for ESPN, and I give you my full reaction on today's episode! I discuss: Alexandre Pantoja's callout of Demetrious Johnson (00:00) How to make Leon Edwards vs. Ian Garry happen (11:10) Ciryl Gane's controversial win (20:08) The importance of honor in fighting (31:26) Sean Strickland's path to the middleweight title (41:00) To support this program, you can leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or my Spotify page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Dec 10, 2024•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast On the eve of UFC 310, ol' Uncle Chael is here to weigh in on all the big fights of the final UFC pay-per-view of the year. On today's show, I discuss: Aljamain Sterling and Chris Weidman on the undercard (00:00) Anthony Smith vs. Dominick Reyes (12:07) Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov 2 (24:30) Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry (33:12) Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura (42:49) Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor: Draft Kings Sportsbook - Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app NOW. New...
Dec 06, 2024•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast UFC 310 is nearly upon us! And on today's episode, I talk about a very meaningful heavyweight fight between Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov, and why I think its result could have an impact on the futures of Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. Plus, I discuss the unprecedented nature of the main event between Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura, as well as the fascinating matchup between top welterweights Ian Machado Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov. I also talk about last weekend's PFL championships, and what ...
Dec 03, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast While you were busy stuffing down turkey on Thanksgiving, I was working hard to give you today's episode! I get into several angles of the potential Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall championship fight. Plus, I talk about UFC 310's highly-anticipated bout between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry, as well as the very important subject of Robert Whittaker's bad teeth. The following time codes are approximate: Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall (00:00) Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry (22:58) Poor L...
Nov 29, 2024•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast I'm back in the studio today, and on today's episode, I give you something a little bit different! Recently, I've started a podcast on my YouTube channel with my film producer friend (and big MMA fan) Mike Soccio, and I wanted to bring you some of that podcast on today's episode of "You're Welcome." In this snippet, the two of us discuss the UFC bantamweight title picture following Petr Yan's win over Deiveson Figueiredo, as well as whether Tom Aspinall or Alex Pereira will get the next shot at ...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
