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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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1The UFC is back, and not only is it the start of 2026, it’s the start of a new era.
On Saturday, UFC 324 goes down at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, headlined by an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. The card is not just the first of 2026, but the first of the UFC’s new broadcast deal with Paramount, including a new, earlier start time. Will Gaethje and Pimblett put the UFC’s best foot forward for their new deal? And what about the rest of the card?
Ahead of Saturday’s big event, MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee preview UFC 324 and interim title fight between Gaethje and Pimblett, and what it means for the lightweight division as a whole. Additionally, Meshew and Lee discuss the co-main event bout between Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong and whether O’Malley is fighting for a title shot, the stakes in the feature bout between Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Derrick Lewis, the title eliminator bout between Natalia Silva and Rose Namajunas, answer fan questions, and more.
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The UFC is officially back this Saturday for UFC 324 — the first event for the promotion under the new Paramount deal. In the main event, Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett battle for interim lightweight title, while Sean O'Malley looks to get on track against Song Yadong. What's the excitement level for the numbered event?
On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses the hype levels for UFC 324, the main event between Gaethje and Pimblett, what other fights stand out, and other big storylines. Additionally, topics may include Dana White shutting down Conor McGregor bouts at the White House with Michael Chandler and now Jorge Masvidal, Donn Davis stepping down from his role for the PFL, other news and notes in and around the sport of MMA, 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 UFC is finally back!
This Saturday, the world's leading MMA promotion returns from a six-week hiatus, kicking off 2026 with UFC 324. Headlined by an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, UFC 324 is the first event of the UFC's new Paramount broadcast deal, and sets the tone for the next era of MMA. So, of course, No Bets Barred is here to break it all down.
This week, host Jed Meshew is joined by Morning Kombat's Luke Noseda to discuss UFC 324, and predict the year-end champions for 2026. Topics discussed include whether Paddy Pimblett can complete his UFC title journey, how much Justin Gaethje has left in the tank, if Sean O'Malley will get a title shot with a win over Song Yadong, if Jean Silva is also fighting for a title shot, the start of a brand new Climb, and more.
Tune in for episode 146 of No Bets Barred.
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In the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC legend Matt Brown and Damon Martin look ahead to UFC 324, Kayla Harrison’s injury and if Amanda Nunes should consider taking another fight while the champion is sidelined. Plus we’ll discuss Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett and how much this fight really matters to the lightweight division and Arman Tsarukyan being stuck on the outside looking in despite being the clear cut No. 1 contender. We’ll also discuss Dana White saying he’s no longer interested in Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler and much more.
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The MMA Fighting team is back with Season 4 of its fantasy league!
Who is set to star inside the octagon over the next six months? Will Islam Makhachev put together a real title reign at 170 pounds? Will Alex Pereira get to fight Jon Jones at UFC White House? Is Conor McGregor returning?
Plus, which under-the-radar standouts could fight more than once and produce the kinds of finishes that make the difference between winning and losing the league?
Join the MMA Fighting staff as they select the 72 fighters they think are best poised to start 2026 off with a bang.
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The UFC has been in the news quite a bit on their final off-week ahead of UFC 324, but the first event on Paramount+ took a hit with Kayla Harrison being forced out of her title defense against the returning Amanda Nunes. How big of a hit to the card is the loss?
On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses Harrison being scratched due to a reported neck injury, where Nunes goes, and more. Additionally, topics include Dana White announcing the return of Israel Adesanya as he faces Joe Pyfer in the main event of UFC Seattle, RAF 5 this past Saturday highlighted by Colby Covington and Arman Tsarukyan's tech fall victories, Bo Nickal's callout of Covington for the White House card, PFL heading to Pittsburgh headlined by Johnny Eblen vs. Bryan Battle, and more.
Join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew as they answer your questions all show long.
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The UFC's debut on Paramount+ has taken a hit with Kayla Harrison suffering a reported injury that has scratched her from her scheduled title defense against Amanda Nunes at UFC324. Following the breaking news, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react, discuss if Nunes should remain on the card against a new opponent, and much more.
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On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC legend Matt Brown and Damon Martin give their predictions for the UFC in 2026 including the most vulnerable champion on the roster, the champion most likely to hold onto their title for the whole year, one must see fight and our boldest predictions for the year ahead. All this and more on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer.
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The calendar officially reads 2026, and the UFC is about to kick off their new era on Paramount and a pay-per-view-less world. With UFC 324 just a couple of weeks away, what are the biggest questions you have about the new deal, for Dana White, and others?
On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses some of those burning questions, if White will be a focal point for the year, or continue to take steps back publicly. Additionally, topics may include the 2026 outlook for UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira and if he'll remain in the division throughout the year, Islam Makhachev and the welterweight title, what moves the PFL needs to make to have a big year, and much more.
Join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew as they answer your questions on a special Tuesday edition of the program.
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Following a chaotic and unpredictable 2025 in the world of MMA, 2026 is shaping up to be even crazier — both in and out of the cage. Could this be a year that will see Conor McGregor actually fight in the UFC? Does Jon Jones return? Will Khamzat Chimaev keep his hands on UFC gold?
On a very special edition of On To the Next One, those questions — and a lot more — are presented during the 2026 predictions extravaganza. Hosts Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee will go through a slew of buy/sell questions presented by listeners about a variety of topics, including McGregor, Jones, Chimaev, Ilia Topuria, Francis Ngannou, Dana White, Tom Aspinall, Israel Adesanya, Nate Diaz, and much more.
Additionally, they will make their choices for who will end the year as UFC champions in each division, along with their bold and spicy predictions for the world of MMA in 2026.
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With 2025 being such a crazy year in the world of mixed martial arts, we felt it was important to look back at the predictions that were made heading into a memorable year for the sport.
In part one of our two-part predictions extravaganza, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee look back on some of the responses they had to listener questions in regards to what 2025 was going to bring. Topics include Khamzat Chimaev's championship hopes, whether or not Nate Diaz would return to the UFC, if Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal would compete in a rematch, the UFC's TV deal, if PFL fighters and champions would find homes elsewhere, if the GFL would host any events, UFC champ-champ fights, and much more.
In addition, we will need you help for part two: Our 2026 predictions extravaganza episode. Submit your "buy or sell" questions the same way you send your matchmaking suggestions to Mike or AK on Twitter, Instagram, or email by Friday, Jan. 2 — and, please, be as creative as you'd like.
The On To the Next One 2026 Predictions Extravaganza goes live on the MMA Fighting YouTube channel on Jan. 4 at Noon ET / 9 a.m. PT.
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The MMA world will remember 2025 for a number of crazy moments and breakout stars — as well as one of the most controversial voting moments in MMA awards history.
Join the MMA Fighting staff as we look back at the biggest highs, surprises, and most unbelievable moments of 2025 in a special year-end retrospective. We’re honoring all the nights that defined a rollercoaster of a year this sport has seen in quite some time — and handing out plenty of hardware in celebration of the knockouts, submissions, fights, fighters, and breakthrough competitors who made sure 2025 was a year that will be remembered.
This year, the categories seemed tougher than ever in regards to determining a winner, along with figuring out who belonged in the top-five overall. We invite you to stick around for the final award, which features controversy like never before in the history of MMA Fighting award shows.
Check out MMA Fighting’s 2025 year-end award show above, hosted by our own Mike Heck and featuring a panel of Alexander K. Lee and Jed Meshew.
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With just a couple of days left in the year, it’s almost time to say goodbye to 2025, and hello to 2026. In the sport of MMA, there was certainly a lot to like this past year — and a lot that needs to be improved upon, from the UFC, to PFL, and beyond.
On an all-new edition of Between the Links, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Jed Meshew bring you the fourth annual BTL Promotional Festivus — where they grade the UFC for their 2025 performance, both in and out of the octagon, along with their airing of grievances for things that happened negatively throughout the course of the year.
Additionally, the duo do the same for PFL, BKFC, and give their thoughts on things they did better from the year prior, other ideas to bring into 2026, and what could be the breakout promotion in the space for the upcoming year.
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On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC legend Matt Brown and Damon Martin react to Jake Paul losing to Anthony Joshua and what it means for his future. Does Paul deserve respect for just stepping into that ring to face a former heavyweight champion? What do we make of his performance? Will Paul fight again? We’ll discuss this and more on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer!
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Anthony Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in the main event of Friday's Paul vs. Joshua fight card in Miami — a result that seemed to be as close to a unanimous prediction as you'll see in combat sports. However, Paul was able to make it to the sixth round before the eventual finish that left Paul's jaw broken, and with Joshua's hand raised. Despite the win, does Joshua's legacy take any kind of hit with the fight lasting as long as it did?
Following the boxing event that streamed on Netflix, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to the card, Joshua's finish of Paul and where their stocks go, and what could be next for both fighters moving forward. Additionally, topics include grading the entire event as a whole, Anderson Silva ending the night as the star of the event with a knockout of fellow former UFC champ Tyron Woodley, and much more.
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The UFC has wrapped things up for 2025, and now the combat sports world turns their attention to Miami and the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua heavyweight matchup in the boxing ring. With Joshua heavily favored to get the victory, what would be the result to make the event and matchmaking as successful as it can be?
On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses the Paul vs. Joshua matchup and event, Anderson Silva vs. Tyron Woodley, and other storylines ahead of Friday night's Netflix card. Additionally, topics may include Manel Kape's big knockout of Brandon Royval in the main event of UFC Vegas 113, UFC lightweight champ Ilia Topuria providing more details as to why he's taking time off from competition, Alex Pereira's latest comments on competing at the UFC White House card, Terence Crawford announcing his retirement from boxing, and much more.
Join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew as they answer your questions all show long for the final live edition of the program for 2025.
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On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC legend Matt Brown and Damon Martin react to the latest comments from Francis Ngannou addressing his future and saying he would like to fight Jon Jones on the UFC White House card. Is Ngannou regretting his decision to leave UFC or is something else at work? Plus, we’ll break down Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua, a few fighters suddenly picking Paul for the upset and if the former YouTuber actually has any chance in the upcoming fight plus much more on the latest episode!
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Manel Kape had the chance to muscle his way into the flyweight title picture at UFC Vegas 112 and he more than took advantage of the opportunity.
It took a little over three minutes for Kape to remind everyone he’s the most dangerous knockout threat at 125 pounds as he took out Brandon Royval. Now, riding a three-fight win streak, he has his sights set on newly crowned champion Joshua Van. With a card in Van’s hometown of Houston around the corner, does it make sense to throw that together ASAP? And where does that leave presumptive No. 1 contender Tatsuro Taira?
On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss who Van is most likely to defend against first, who stole the show on the last UFC card of 2025, and who embarrassed themselves on the microphone. Additionally, we make future matchups for main card winners Kevin Vallejos, Cezary Olekziejczuk, Melquizael Costa, and King Green, and take matchup suggestions from the listeners.
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Manel Kape did everything he needed to do in order to earn a UFC flyweight title shot against Joshua Van, both in the fight and on the microphone inside the octagon. But did the incredible first-round knockout victory for "Starboy" against Brandon Royval clinch his first opportunity at UFC gold, or is Tatsuro Taira ahead of him while Alexandre Pantoja heals up?
Following the final event for the UFC in 2025, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew react to UFC Vegas 112, Kape's sensational performance against a tough out in Royval, his wild post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, and his title hopes. Additionally, they discuss Kevin Vallejos' spinning back fist knockout of Giga Chikadze, Melquizael Costa's stoppage win to improve to 4-0 in 2025, the good, and the very bad heavyweight action throughout the card, and much more.
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The UFC's flyweight division has become even more interesting over the past week following Joshua Van's championship win over Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323. One week after the surprising title change, Brandon Royval faces Manel Kape in the main event of UFC Vegas 112. With Van already holding a victory over Royval this year, could Kape leapfrog his way towards a title shot if he gets the win on Saturday?
Ahead of the UFC's final card of the year, and of the ESPN era, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee preview the event, the headliner between Royval and Kape, and the stakes attached to it. Additionally, they discuss the co-main event between Giga Chikadze and Kevin Vallejos, Gillian Robertson looking to earn a title shot at 115 when she meets Amanda Lemos, the octagon debut of Yaroslav Amosov as he faces Neil Magny, and much more.
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1:30 to skip ads.
48:00 Sorry Jed. People should be free to say whatever they desire, even if it's stupid. If it is stupid feel free to refute it.
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