MMA Fighting

The PFL vs. Bellator event and UFC Mexico City fight card both took place on Saturday outside the U.S., and both delivered some exciting action — both in and out of the cage. But which card won the weekend overall, and what will be talked about more throughout the year?On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his reaction to both cards, the pros and cons from the PFL's return to pay-per-view, how Francis Ngannou fits into things and if he'll actually compete in an MMA bout against main event winner Renan Ferreira, and more. Additionally, listener questions include where Brian Ortega goes from his comeback win against Yair Rodriguez, who Alexandre Pantoja could fight at UFC 301, Alexander Volkanovski's future and if it could include a lightweight move, Ilia Topuria's first title defense, Nate Diaz teasing he wants UFC return at The Sphere, and more.You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces.Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Subscribe to MMA FightingCheck out our full video catalogLike MMA Fighting on FacebookFollow on TwitterRead More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Fighter vs. The Writer returns with UFC analyst and retired welterweight Alan Jouban and MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin discussing the latest in MMA including Michael Chandler’s continued waiting game for the Conor McGregor fight.In April, Chandler turns 38 and he’s approaching two years out of action as he waits for the McGregor fight to get booked but should he just give up and move on? Jouban argues that Chandler has invested way too much time to just take another fight that’s not against McGregor.We also discuss what’s next for Ilia Topuria as the UFC targets a debut in Spain before the end of 2024. Should Alexander Volkanovski get an immediate rematch or is there a better option out there?Plus we look ahead at UFC 299 and the star power Dustin Poirier brings to the card despite Sean O’Malley headlining the event against Marlon “Chito” Vera with Merab Dvalishvili waiting in the wings.All this and more on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer!Subscribe to MMA FightingCheck out our full video catalogLike MMA Fighting on FacebookFollow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UFC's return to Mexico proved to be an unpredictable one and it was certainly a memorable Saturday as Brandon Royval and Brian Ortega both scored impressive upset wins in rematches to reinsert themselves into the flyweight and featherweight title pictures, respectively. What does this mean for the careers of Brandon Moreno and Yair Rodriguez, who fell short against their rivals and now find themselves in the unfamiliar position of having lost consecutive fights in high stakes situations?With Mike Heck on vacation this week, MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew steps in to join host Alexander K. Lee as they determine what comes next from a matchmaking perspective on an all-new edition of On To the Next One. Future matchups are discussed for the four men at the top of the card, as well as for Daniel Zellhuber following his impressive win over Francisco Prado, Yazmin Jauregui after a bounce-back performance against Sam Hughes, one of the lightweight division's most exciting up-and-comers Manuel Torres, and more! Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Subscribe to MMA FightingCheck out our full video catalogLike MMA Fighting on FacebookFollow on TwitterRead More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was a double-stuffed weekend of MMA action as UFC Mexico City and PFL vs. Bellator: CHAMPS took place this Saturday. In UFC, Brandon Royval got his revenge against Brandon Moreno, eking out a split decision win in the main event, while Brian Ortega added another impressive comeback win to his resume, choking out Yair Rodriguez in the co-main event.Over in PFL, Renan Ferreira made quick work of Ryan Bader to claim the heavyweight "Super Belt" in the main event, while Johnny Eblen survived a scare from Impa Kasanganay to win the middleweight "Super Belt" in the co-main event. Plus, the rest of the Bellator fighters cleaned up in PFL's debut in Saudi Arabia.Following Saturday's events, MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew, Jose Youngs, Alexander K. Lee, and E. Casey Leydon reacted to the big upsets in UFC and PFL's big event. Additionally, they discussed what PFL could improve upon, whether Brian Ortega and Brandon Royval earned title shots, and whether or not Francis Ngannou will actually compete in the SmartCage. Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Follow E. Casey Leydon: @ekc Subscribe to MMA FightingCheck out our full video catalogLike MMA Fighting on FacebookFollow on TwitterRead More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's an MMA double-header this Saturday as PFL vs. Bellator kicks off its new era in Saudi Arabia and the UFC returns to Mexico City for the first time since 2019 with a very fun card headlined by two action-packed rematches at the top. So who will the MMA weekend?Join MMA Fighting's Shaun Al-Shatti, Eric Jackman, and José Youngs as we preview UFC Mexico City and PFL vs. Bellator, dissect the storylines heading into Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval 2 and Yair Rodriguez vs. Brian Ortega 2, debate what we should make of this first joint PFLator offering, what would be considered a successful night for the MMA co-leader, whether Francis Ngannou is truly going to fight the winner of Saturday's main event, and much more. Follow Shaun Al-Shatti: @ShaunAlShatti Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Subscribe to MMA FightingCheck out our full video catalogLike MMA Fighting on FacebookFollow on TwitterRead More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new UFC featherweight champ was crowned this past Saturday in the main event of UFC 298 after Ilia Topuria knocked out Alexander Volkanovski in the second round. While it's the dawning of a new era, it also puts an end to one of the most impressive title reigns in recent memory, Where will each fighter go, and will it be a rematch with one another next?On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel reacts to Topuria's championship victory, talks what it means for the featherweight division, and whether or not a rematch should be next. Additionally, they'll discuss other shining stars from the pay-per-view event, Dana White announcing the UFC 300 main event between Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill, Saturday's UFC Mexico City card headlined by Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval 2, the PFL vs. Bellator card this weekend, and much more.Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Morning Kombat's Brian Campbell. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Brian Campbell: @BCampbell Subscribe to MMA FightingCheck out our full video catalogLike MMA Fighting on FacebookFollow on TwitterRead More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Ortega returns from a long layoff due to injury as he steps back in the octagon in a rematch with Yair Rodriguez in the co-main event of UFC Mexico City this Saturday. What are the biggest questions you need answered this weekend in regards to the return of "T-City?"On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the five-round bout and what is at stake for Ortega in the matchup. Additionally, listener questions include Merab Dvalishvili getting himself over with the fans without a ton of promotion behind him, the UFC 300 main event between Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill and the reaction it has gotten from the public, Dana White's relationship with the media and if he seems fully invested in the current UFC product, and much more.You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces.Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Subscribe to MMA FightingCheck out our full video catalogLike MMA Fighting on FacebookFollow on TwitterRead More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The podcast covers the aftermath of UFC 298 with Topuria's featherweight title win, previews UFC Mexico with Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval, and discusses PFL vs. Bellator matchups and betting strategies. Ortega's redemption, flyweight fights, MMA analysis, and anticipation of intense matches are highlighted, along with insights on fighters like Naimov and Mayfield and strategies for upcoming UFC and Bellator fights.

O Trocação Franca recebe o peso-médio do UFC Caio Borralho e o jornalista Luis Fernando Coutinho para repercutir a semana insana que sacudiu o MMA mundial. Do anúncio de Alex Poatan como luta principal do histórico UFC 300 — e como isso sabota o UFC Rio — às quedas de Alexander Volkanovski e Paulo Borrachinha no UFC 298, o debate passa pela incerteza do futuro de Conor McGregor no esporte e o que esperar do desafio PFL x Bellator, que rola sábado na Arábia Saudita.O melhor do MMA brasileiro no Trocação Franca, toda semana, com o jornalista Guilherme Cruz e convidados.Trocação Franca welcomes UFC middleweight Caio Borralho and MMA journalist Luis Fernando Coutinho to discuss the insane storylines of the past week that shook the MMA world. From Alex Pereira headlining UFC 300 — and how it sabotages UFC 301 in Brazil — to Alexander Volkanovski and Paulo Costa losing at UFC 298, the panel also weighs in on the uncertainty surrounding Conor McGregor’s future as a fighter and what to expect from Saturday’s PFL vs. Bellator pay-per-view in Saudi Arabia.Listen to Trocação Franca with Guilherme Cruz every week to hear from the biggest names on the hottest topics in the Brazilian combat sports world.Follow Guilherme Cruz: @Guicruzzz Subscribe to MMA FightingCheck out our full video catalogLike MMA Fighting on FacebookFollow on TwitterRead More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UFC color commentator and ESPN analyst Laura Sanko joins MMA Fighting's Mike Heck to react to the big storylines from UFC 298 this past Saturday, Ilia Topuria's incredible knockout of Alexander Volkanovski to win the UFC featherweight title, discusses Topuria's star potential, Volkanovski's championship reign coming to an end, Robert Whittaker, Ian Machado Garry, and Merab Dvalishvili's big wins, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Subscribe to MMA FightingCheck out our full video catalogLike MMA Fighting on FacebookFollow on TwitterRead More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices