The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani - Episode 316

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 Juni 20241h 33min

Relive the magic of UFC 303's live watch party with Mike Heck and Conner Burks! Check out the original UFC 303 Watch Party video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/9r1iH9P_gNc?si=FBG8lZYu85UxE8OF Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Conner Burks: @connerburks Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

30 Juni 20243h 20min

Alex Pereira is once again saving the day, but will his magic run out against Jiri Prochazka? Join Shaun Al-Shatti, Jed Meshew, Eric Jackman, and E. Casey Leydon as we preview UFC 303, Pereira vs. Prochazka 2, Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes, Ian Machado Garry vs. Michael Page, and more. The gang breaks down the long and winding saga to UFC 303’s final lineup, what’s at stake for Pereira and Prochazka, whether the short-notice nature of the rematch helps either man, the great black magic vs. samurai spirit debate, and more. We also touch on Ortega’s lightweight showdown against Lopes, the scintillating potential of Garry vs. Page, what else is worth watching on the card, answer fan questions, plus much more. Follow Shaun Al-Shatti: @ShaunAlShatti 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

28 Juni 20241h 53min

Ian Machado Garry and Michael Page will battle in the welterweight main card opener of UFC 303 on Saturday. While it's in the spot that it's in, outside of the main event, Garry vs. Page is likely the highest stakes matchup on the entire card. Where does the winner go in the 170-pound division, and how close to a title shot will he be? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses that topic, the winner of Garry vs. Page being arguably one win away from a championship fight, and how the bout could play out. Additionally, listener topics include Jamahal Hill's latest video about Demetrious Johnson and Alex Pereira, how Conor McGregor could fit into the remaining 2024 schedule, Alexandre Pantoja's next fight, PFL's struggles to get momentum, 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

28 Juni 20241h 39min

Even though Conor McGregor's return has been delayed, UFC 303 has moved on quite nicely without him, and this Saturday, Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka will run it back for the UFC light heavyweight championship in a fight that continues to build in anticipation. Have MMA fans put the McGregor vs. Michael Chandler chaos behind them ahead of Saturday's pay-per-view event? On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel previews UFC 303, the main event between Pereira and Prochazka, the build to the fight, and what Pereira may be risking. Additionally, they'll discuss the co-main event between Diego Lopes and Brian Ortega, other great fights on the card, Arman Tsarukyan getting a nine-month suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission, and much more. Host Mike Heck will be joined by MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew to answer those questions, and more from the viewers. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew 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

27 Juni 20241h 5min

The UFC is back in Las Vegas. This Saturday, the UFC 303 takes place in the fight capital of the world. Originally set to be headlined by Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler, when McGregor pulled out due to injury, light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira stepped in on short notice to save the day with a title rematch against Jiri Prochazka. So of course the No Bets Barred Boys are here to break it all down. Co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew kick things off with a brief recap of UFC Saudi Arabia before diving into this week's card. How will the short notice after Pereira and Prochazka for their rematch? Is Diego Lopes ready to make the leap against Brian Ortega? What exactly will Michael "Venom" Page vs. Ian Machado Garry look like? All this and a lot more are discussed on this week's episode. Tune in for episode 93 of No Bets Barred. Follow Conner Burks: @connerburks Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew 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

26 Juni 202452min

Alex Pereira came through big for the UFC once again heading into Saturday's UFC 303 pay-per-view event. With the star power, the accolades, having a potential golden ticket with the UFC — along with the promotion owing him a couple of favors — if Pereira beats Jiri Prochazka for a second time on Satuday, could a fight with heavyweight champ Jon Jones be on the table? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the rarified air Pereira is in right now with the UFC, his options with a win on Saturday, and even being in a great position if he loses to Prochazka. Additionally, listener questions include Kelvin Gastelum's latest weight snafu ahead of UFC Saudi Arabia, Conor McGregor's fighting future, Brian Ortega teasing a lightweight move ahead of his UFC 303 bout with Diego Lopes, Paige VanZant going to Power Slap, and 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

25 Juni 20241h 1min

The Fighter vs. The Writer returns with UFC legend Matt Brown and MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin reacting to the latest news in combat sports including Conor McGregor revealing that a broken toe is ultimately what prevented him from competing at UFC 303. Brown backs McGregor dropping out of the fight with an injury but he explains why the Irish superstar still deserves criticism for his decision. We’ll also discuss his future and when we might actually see him fight Michael Chandler — does it happen before the end of 2024? We’ll also break down the main fights still happening at UFC 303 including Alex Pereira defending his title against Jiri Prochazka and Brian Ortega clashing with Diego Lopes. All this and more on the latest edition of The Fighter vs. The Writer!    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

25 Juni 202456min