The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani - Episode 316

Wouldn't ya know it ... Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal was actually pretty damn fun! MMA Fighting's Shaun Al-Shatti, Mike Heck, and Eric Jackman react to Diaz's majority decision win over Masvidal in their boxing rematch, debate the scoring of the bout, discuss an incredibly bizarre fight week and where both men go from here, plus much more. Follow Shaun Al-Shatti: @ShaunAlShatti Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

7 Jul 20241h 4min

This Saturday, Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal will run it back nearly four years removed from their UFC bout — but this time, they'll do it in the boxing ring. While there certainly seemed to, at least, have some intrigue for the bout, the fight week — from the open workouts, to the final press conference — has been underwhelming. Will the fight itself deliver the goods? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and José Youngs preview Saturday's DIaz vs. Masvidal fight, discuss the matchup, the tough fight week the card has had, the interest levels in the community, and what is at stake for both fighters. Additionally, they'll discuss the matchup between former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis and Diaz teammate Chris Avila, other bouts that may stand out, take viewer questions, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow José Youngs: @JoseYoungs Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5 Jul 202439min

Michael Chandler recently said he was offered a lightweight title shot against champion Islam Makhachev, but still left the door open for Conor McGregor to face him in September. With Arman Tsarukyan in prime position to get his crack at lightweight gold, Chandler getting the shot over him coming off of a stoppage loss and a near two-year layoff would certainly merit some loud reactions from the MMA community. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses Chandler's championship fight offer tease, where it would rank among the most egregious title shots given, and what the reaction would be if the UFC moves forward. Additionally, listener questions include Alex Pereira's all-time UFC ranking following his UFC 303 knockout win, Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal this Saturday, who Dustin Poirier should face if he has one more UFC fight, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5 Jul 20241h 12min

Dan Ige reveals how the shortest notice fight in UFC history came together after he got a call asking if he was interested in facing Diego Lopes in just a few hours after Brian Ortega dropped out of the UFC 303 co-main event. Ige details how he got ready, his coaches and teammates who stepped up for him, and how he felt the fight against Lopes went without any actual preparation to get ready for that matchup. Ige also discusses what's next for him, his new and more lucrative contract, no longer competing on July 20 and what kind of plans he has for the Sphere and UFC 306 in September. plus much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4 Jul 202430min

Alex Pereira’s rise in the UFC may be an unprecedented one for the promotion in their 26th year, and he added to his legend with a brutal second-round knockout of Jiri Prochazka in the main event of UFC 303. After his second title defense of the year, should Pereira remain at 205, or make the move up to heavyweight? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel recaps Pereira’s big win, if a fight with Jon Jones for the heavyweight title should be on the table, or if Pereira remains at 205 to fight Magomed Ankalaev. Additionally, topics include the short notice co-main event between Diego Lopes and Dan Ige, other highlights from the card, Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz 2 in the boxing ring this Saturday, Michael Chandler saying he was offered a title fight against Islam Makhachev, and more, Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Eric Jackman. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2 Jul 20241h 35min

On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Matt Brown and Damon Martin react to everything that happened at UFC 303, Alex Pereira’s prospects at heavyweight and a possible showdown with Jon Jones plus Michael Chandler teasing a potential title shot against Islam Makhachev and much more. Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2 Jul 20241h 11min

Alex Pereira appears to have many options in front of him, and the path he ends up choosing could be a fascinating one. After brutally knocking out Jiri Prochazka in the main event of UFC 303 and putting his light heavyweight rival behind him for good, does "Poatan" remain as a 205-pounder, or does he go for a third title? 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 Pereira following another sensational performance in an event saving appearance. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Prochazka after falling to 0-2 vs. Pereira, Diego Lopes after his gutsy win over super short notice opponent Dan Ige in the co-main event, Roman Dolidze after shutting down Anthony Smith, Macy Chiasson following her doctor's stoppage TKO win over Mayra Bueno Silva, Ian Machado Garry after defeating Michael Page, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

30 Jun 20241h 13min

Alex Pereira's meteoric rise continued on Saturday night as he viciously knocked out Jiri Prochazka in their rematch for the light heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 303. Following another highlight-reel finish, does "Poatan" remain in the light heavyweight division for another title defense, or does he move up to heavyweight for the chance to make history? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and Eric Jackman react to UFC 303, Pereira's performance, the adjustments he made from the first fight with Prochazka, and if a move up for the chance to capture an unprecedented third divisional title could some sooner rather than later. Additionally, they discuss the chaos surrounding the co-main event, Dan Ige stepping in on just a few hours' notice to face Diego Lopes to replace Brian Ortega, Lopes getting another win in the process, Ian Machado Garry's stock following his decision win against Michael Page in the main card opener, and much more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic Subscribe to MMA Fighting Check out our full video catalog Like MMA Fighting on Facebook Follow on Twitter Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

30 Jun 20241h 33min