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Get all the mixed martial arts fighting news and analysis you need from the award-winning team at MMA Fighting. Produced by MMA Fighting and SB Nation, and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
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Odds were presented as very unlikely for either Merab Dvalishvili or Alexandre Pantoja to leave UFC 323 without their world titles, but very, very few could've predicted both would lose their championships on Saturday night. After their sizable reigns came to an end after losses to Petr Yan and Joshua Van, will they both come back to immediate rematches?
On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what's next for Yan and Dvalishvili after the eye-opening upset win for Yan to capture the bantamweight title for the second time. Additionally, they discuss where Van and Pantoja go after the unfortunate ending to their co-main event matchup where Van became the first UFC champ born in the 2000's, along with future matchups for fellow main card winners Tatsuro Taira following his stoppage win over Brandon Moreno, Payton Talbott after retiring Henry Cejudo, and more.
Plus, the guys take listener matchmaking suggestions at the end of the show.
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Petr Yan is now the third fighter in UFC history to become a multiple time undisputed bantamweight champion as "No Mercy" put on one of the best performances of the year to upset Merab Dvalishvili to regain the 135-pound world title. After Dvalishvili's long winning streak, and wild 2025 campaign, the two will almost certainly meet fora third time in 2026.
Following the final UFC pay-per-view for, at least, the next seven years, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to all of the action in Las Vegas, Yan's incredible win, and where it stacks up against other all-time performances. Additionally, they react to Joshua Van's title win against Alexandre Pantoja after the unfortunate end to the co-main event, Tatsuro Taira staking his claim to get the next flyweight title shot, Henry Cejudo's final career fight, other standout moments, and much more.
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Merab Dvalishvili looks to successfully defend his title for a record-breaking fourth time in a year when he faces Petr Yan in a rematch in the main event of UFC 323. If Dvalishvili pulls it off, is it the greatest year in UFC history? And how surprising would it be if Yan delivered an upset?
Ahead of Saturday's pay-per-view event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee preview the UFC's final numbered event of the ESPN era, and the historical stakes attached in the Merab vs. Yan 2 bantamweight championship headliner. Additionally, topics include the co-main event for the flyweight title between Alexandre Pantoja and Joshua Van, how the Brandon Moreno vs. Tatsuro Taira winner factors into the championship discussion, Henry Cejudo competing for the final time, what we'll miss — and won't miss — about the UFC on ESPN pay-per-view relationship, and more.
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Dana White made it a memorable Thanksgiving for MMA fans with the announcement during the Chiefs vs. Cowboys game that Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim UFC lightweight title headlines UFC 324 over the Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes mega-fight, and also revealed later that evening that Alexander Volkanovski will face Diego Lopes for the second time in a row in a featherweight title bout in the main event of UFC 325. While the bouts are big, they were met be a tidal wave of negativity from the fan base.
On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel reacts to the big title fights announced for the new Paramount era, the reception from the MMA community, and where this leaves other title hopefuls, including Arman Tsarukyan. Additionally, they discuss Saturday's UFC 323 event headlined by Merab Dvalishvili vs. Petr Yan 2, Alexandre Pantoja vs. Joshua Van in the co-main event, Henry Cejudo's final fight, and much more.
Join MMA fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew as they answer your questions all show long.
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The final UFC pay-per-view ever is here.
This Saturday, UFC 323 takes place in Las Vegas, the final pay-per-view of 2025, which means the last PPV ever, as the UFC's new broadcast rights deal with Paramount will shake things up. And for their final PPV, the UFC is delivering the good, with two title fights and several big names for the penultimate card of 2025, and No Bets Barred is here to break it all down.
This week, host Jed Meshew is joined by the Luke Noseda of Morning Kombat and the Main Card Minute to take a look at all things UFC 323. Topics discussed include whether Merab Dvalishvili can make history against Petr Yan in the main event, Joshua Van's chances at pulling off the upset over Alexandre Pantoja in the co-main event, whether the publis has simply forgotten about Brandon Moreno and Henry Cejudo, the next step of The Climb, and more.
Tune in for episode 144 of No Bets Barred.
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On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC legend Matt Brown and Damon Martin react to the announcements made for UFC 324 and UFC 325 including Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett, Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes and Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes 2. Did the UFC make the right call with these fights? Plus we’ll give our picks and predictions for UFC 323 including if Petr Yan can pull off the upset and dethrone Merab Dvalishvili as he seeks his fourth title defense in 2025. All this and more on the latest episode!
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Arman Tsarukyan staked his claim as the top lightweight contender in the UFC with a spectacular performance against Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Qatar this past Saturday, and he wants his chance at Ilia Topuria and his world title. Will the performance, and timing, work out for Tsarukyan, or will he have to watch Paddy Pimblett fight for the gold?
On a special Thanksgiving week edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses where Tsarukyan goes from his big win, and how the lightweight division may shake out heading into 2026. Additionally, topics may include who should be next for welterweight champ Islam Makhachev after Ian Machado Garry defeated Belal Muhammad to cap off moving month for the surging contenders, reports of Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes being the frontrunner to headline the UFC's first big numbered event on Paramount, the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua press conference, and much more. Plus, what we're thankful for in the world of MMA and combat sports.
Join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew as they answer your questions all show long.
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On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC legend Matt Brown and Damon Martin discuss the fallout from UFC Qatar including who is actually going to get the next shot at lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and did Ian Machado Garry make a compelling argument that he should be fighting Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title? Plus we react to the news that Jake Paul is actually facing Anthony Joshua in December plus much more …
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Arman Tsarukyan believes he has done enough to challenge Ilia Topuria for the UFC lightweight title following his incredible performance against Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Qatar. Will the UFC reward Tsarukyan with a title shot, or will Tsarukyan have to wait and watch Paddy Pimblett get the shot at Topuria first?
On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what could be next for Tsarukyan after submitting Dan Hooker in Saturday's main event. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Ian Machado Garry after defeating former welterweight champ Belal Muhammad in the co-main event, along with fellow main card winners Volkan Oezdemir, Myktybek Orolbai, Waldo Cortes-Acosta, Kyoji Horiguchi, and more.
Plus, a slew of listener matchmaking suggestions to close out the show.
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Arman Tsarukyan sent a message to lightweight champion Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC Qatar, and then sent another in his post-fight interview. After dispatching Dan Hooker in dominant fashion, is Tsarukyan the guy that faces Topuria in his first title defense?
Following Saturday's UFC Fight Night event in Doha, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to the eventful card, Tsarukyan's incredible performance against Hooker, and if he should be next for Topuria over Paddy Pimblett. Additionally, they discuss Ian Machado Garry's decision win over Belal Muhammad in the co-main event and what the victory does in the Islam Makhachev conversation, the standout, bonus-winning performances from Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Kyoji Horiguchi, and much more.
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The UFC is making its debut in Qatar.
Fresh off the heels of UFC 322, the world’s leading MMA promotion follows up an exceptional Pay-Per-View event with a monster Fight Night card, traveling to the Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena in Al Rayyan, Qatar, for the first time. In the main event, Arman Tsarukyan puts his No. 1-ranked lightweight contender spot on the line against the surging Dan Hooker, while in the co-main event, former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad takes on “The Future” Ian Machado Garry.
MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee preview Saturday’s fight card, discussing the main event between Tsarukyan and Hooker, what’s at stake, and whether Tsarukyan’s faceoff headbutt changes things. Additionally, they break down the co-main event, Muhammad’s curious pre-fight comments, Waldo-Cortes Acosta’s last-minute heroics to save a fight, the return of Kyoji Horiguchi, answer listener questions, and much more.
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UFC 322 is in the books, and there's a lot to discuss in regards to the fallout from the promotion's return to Madison Square Garden in New York City. Islam Makhachev dominated Jack Della Maddalena to capture the welterweight title — and become a two-division champ — while Valentina Shevchenko made it looks easy against Zhang Weili to retain the women's flyweight title.
On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses the burning stories coming out of UFC 322, what's next for Makhachev and Shevchenko, and other standout performances. Additionally, topics may include Dana White accusing Francis Ngannou of getting physical with him while competing for the UFC, Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua getting announced for Dec. 19, UFC Qatar this Saturday headlined by Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker, the co-main event between Belal Muhammad and Ian Machado Garry, and much more.
Join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew answer your questions all show long.
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The UFC is headed to Qatar.
This Saturday, UFC Qatra goes down at Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena in Al Rayyan, Qatar, headlined by a pivotal lightweight matchup between Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker, and No Bets Barred is here to break it all down.
This week, host Jed Meshew is joined by the Action Network's Billy Ward to take a look at all things UFC Qatar. Topics discussed include Hooker's chances at pulling off the major upset over Tsarukyan, whether Belal Muhammad should be written off against Ian Machado Garry, the weirdness of Jack Hermansson vs. Myktybek Orolbai, why Kyoji Horiguchi is getting disrespected in his UFC return, the next steps of The Climb, and more.
Tune in for episode 143 of No Bets Barred.
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On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC legend Matt Brown and Damon Martin react to the fallout from UFC 322 including Islam Makhachev claiming a second title with his win in the main event, where it all went wrong for Jack Della Maddlena and how his coaches may have failed him during the fight plus who should be next for Makhachev? Plus we’ll discuss the ugly brawl that broke out involving Dillon Danis and much more.
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UFC 322 is officially in the books, and in the main event, Islam Makhachev captured the welterweight championship with a one-sided performance against Jack Della Maddalena. Makhachev certainly has options, and while Kamaru Usman has continuously put his name in the hat, will the UFC go that direction, or allow the exciting, new blood of the division get their chance?
On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what's next for Makhachev and #JDM after their headliner at Madison Square Garden. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili after the women's flyweight champ's successful title defense in the co-main event, Michael Morales following his first-round knockout of Sean Brady, Carlos Prates after stopping former champ Leon Edwards, along with fellow main card winner Benoit Saint Denis, and more, along with listener picks.
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UFC 322 is in the books as the promotion returned for their annual trip to Madison Square Garden in New York City. After fireworks ensued in the first three main card fights, Islam Makhachev and Valentina Shevchenko used pure and utter dominance over five rounds to leave the World's Most Famous Arena as champions — with Makhachev adding a second divisional crown to his résumé.
Following Saturday's pay-per-view event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to the card, Makhachev's one-sided win over Jack Della Maddalena in the main event to win the welterweight title, if Kamaru Usman should be next for the new champ, and more. Additionally, they discuss Shevchenko shutting out Zhang Weili to retain the women's flyweight title, the incredible stretch of stoppages from Bo Nickal, Benoit Saint Denis, Carlos Prates, and Michael Morales, the preliminary fighters who stole the show, plus, listener questions.
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UFC 322 is arguably the UFC's best lineup since UFC 300, and in the main event, Jack Della Maddalena defends the welterweight title against former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in a superfight. Can Makhachev be among the all-time elite, or does "JDM" pull off an upset to shake up the current pound-for-pound rankings?
Ahead of Saturday's blockbuster pay-per-view event, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee preview the card, the main event between Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, the historical stakes attached to it, and where the division goes from the promotion's return to Madison Square Garden. Additionally, they discuss the incredible co-main event for the women's flyweight title between Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili, the rest of the loaded main card, low-key matchups, answer listener questions, and much more.
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The best pay-per-view event of 2025 is upon us.
This Saturday, UFC 322 goes down at Madison Square Garden in New York City, featuring a promotional first: two champions moving up to challenge for a second title.
In the main event, Islam Makhachev moves up to 170 pounds to battle Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title, and in the co-main event, Zhang Weili jumps to 125 pounds to challenge Valentina Shevchenko for the women's flyweight belt. And No Bets Barred is here to break it all down.
This week, host Jed Meshew is joined by Morning Kombat's Luke Noseda AKA Long Island Luke to take a look at all things UFC 322. Topics discussed include Makhachev's chances at winning a second title, whether Shevchenko vs. Zhang is the greatest women's fight in MMA history, a stacked main card featuring an ersatz welterweight tournament, the rock-solid prelim action, the next steps of The Climb, and more.
Tune in for episode 142 of No Bets Barred.
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The vast majority of the fan base couldn't be more ready to see a UFC event with very high stakes, meaning, and excitement, as UFC 322 is finally here and it couldn't be here fast enough. How does the UFC's return to Madison Square Garden compare to other events before it?
On a special, all-new Tuesday edition of Between the Links, the panel talks Saturday's UFC 322 event, the headliner between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, the rest of the big welterweight matchups on Saturday, and how the division could unfold based on who leaves MSG with the title. Additionally, topics may include Francis Ngannou answering questions about a potential fight with Jon Jones at the White House while being a PFL fighters, other news and notes going on in the MMA space, and much more.
Join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew as they answer your questions all show long to get you ready for UFC 322.
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On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC legend Matt Brown and Damon Martin react to the fight-fixing allegations that happened after UFC Vegas 110 with the FBI now investigating a situation involving Isaac Dulgarian. We’ll also look ahead at UFC 322 and the main event between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, the key to victory for both of them and where Makhachev would rank among the all-time greats if he’s able to become a two-division champion. All this and more on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer
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42:00 Gotta disagree with Matt over the headline spot. I think the larger weight class will headline for that and the attached name value.
16:00 MMA talk starts.
11:00 Laughing at Matt denying he is a liberal.
these trumpers can accept the fact that colby looked slow and fought terribly, they're actually criticizing Leon. wow the Trump dick riding is real folks
mike needs to rewatch the first 20 seconds of the Almeida vs shamill fight. Almeida ate a massive shot. he's got a chin.
nice editing
Leon Edwards takes the rat to school.
mcgregor bash
The volume on this Podcast was a nightmare!
What the hell happened at the end? Silence for like 30 mins
Great Pod,not sure how I stumbled upon your show but I'm glad I have. You've taken away all the annoying stuff from other shows and kept the good stuff . Win/Win. 😁
Man, you guys were wrong on a lot of fronts.
wow, good show but I would've expected the guy to know which way the microphone is to be positioned
A lovely episode presented by lovely lads. Lovely!
cool. I'll only be a watching a side and MMA beat. now I don't have to use the gosh darn awful MMA fighting website.
Luke listen to me... Valerie NEVER again, she was entitled and self-centered. Really annoying. Seriously had to turn it off.
why is this so inconsistent
let's
take some estrogen blockers fuk... u n the doofus after bas so womanly drama
this episode sucked just yippity yappy