Podcasts about combat sports

Jim Norton and Matt Serra kick off the episode by breaking down UFC 325 from top to bottom, locking in their picks and debating key matchups as the promotion gears up for one of the most anticipated cards of the year.After the picks, the guys are joined by one of the most dynamic power couples in the fight game — women's strawweight Tabatha Ricci and Zuffa boxer Callum Walsh. Before diving into their careers, the conversation begins with a look at their unique farming lifestyle and how life outside the spotlight helps keep them grounded amid the chaos of combat sports.Ricci then talks about her continued evolution inside the Octagon, how she's approaching this phase of her career, and why staying active and sharpening the details remain the priority as she pushes forward on her quest for a title shot — beginning with a high-stakes bout against Virna Jandiroba in April.Walsh reacts to his main event win from last Friday's Zuffa Boxing card and outlines his plan to grow into a true 160-pound middleweight after campaigning at 154 prior to signing with Zuffa Boxing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Norton and Matt Serra welcome a pair of familiar faces back to the show in women's strawweight Gillian Robertson and men's featherweight Jean Silva.First up, Robertson calls in to discuss her long-awaited return to the Octagon. After a frustrating stretch of delays, postponements, and bad luck with opponents, she previews her rescheduled matchup against Amanda Lemos — now set for March 14 at the Meta APEX — and explains why staying active moving forward is a top priority as she eyes a fifth-straight win.Then, fresh off his win over Arnold Allen, featherweight contender Jean Silva joins the show alongside his manager to assist with Portuguese-to-English translation duties. Matt sets the tone for the interview in a way that requires no Duolingo, immediately matching Silva's infectious energy. From there, the conversation turns to a breakdown of Silva's win over Allen, what the fight revealed about his evolution as a fighter, and where he sees himself fitting into the featherweight picture as Jim throws out potential next opponents.Jim and Matt wrap up the episode with their biggest takeaways from UFC 324, highlighting standout performances and early storylines from the first-ever UFC event of the Paramount era.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 335: We look back at UFC 324 and the debut on Paramount+.  A preview of this weekends UFC 325. All the latest news.Hit up the show:X (formerly Twitter): @MMAafterhours @RealMikeCarlyle @FranklMika @CagedMindsMMAEmail: mmaafterhours@gmail.com

Jordan Kurtz is the owner/operator of Comments From The Peanut Gallery media aggregate and he co-hosts The MMA Plug on Mile High Sports radio. Kurtz is a credentialed media member who has also covered UFC, Bellator, and LFA events in various roles. He serves as a commentator for Fury Fighting Championship, Colorado Combat Club, and No Mercy Extreme Fighting. Kurtz's media production work has been featured across various platforms, including Mile High Sports, Fighter's Only Magazine World MMA Awards 2018, and Fite TV. Kurtz is the personal media creative for a roster of MMA fighters and has started multiple spin-off projects with these fighters such as Outlaw Logic with Coach Marc MontoyaFor this episode, Jordan Kurtz join Bobby Marshall in studio to discuss sports training, professional athletes, UFC, MMA, sportsmanship, Factory X, family, Colorado, and much more. Please subscribe or like us on social media platforms for updates on shows, events, and episode drops.www.TheMountainSidePodcast.comAffiliates LinksSponsor Linkswww.BulletProof.comMountain Side listeners Use Discounts code: MOUNTAINSIDE to receive 20% off all Bulletproof products!www.SABObroadheads.comMountain Side listeners receive $10 off & Free Shipping on all SABO Broadheads!www.ProTekt.comMountain Side listeners receive 10% off all ProTekt products! Use this link to receive discount code.

After a six-week wait for live UFC action, Jim Norton and Matt Serra are back and ready to dive in. On today's episode, the guys break down UFC 324 from top to bottom — locking in three official picks each for their first predictions of the year and setting the tone for what promises to be a loaded night of fights for the first card of the Paramount era.Then, former title challenger Alex Perez joins the show ahead of his Saturday matchup against surging flyweight Charles Johnson. Perez opens up about life outside the Octagon, fatherhood, navigating a tough stretch in his career, and why this fight feels like a pivotal opportunity to reassert himself in the men's 125-pound division.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 334: The Paramount+ era begins this weekend with UFC 324.  Also Zuffa Boxing debuts Friday night.  All the latest news.Hit up the show:X (formerly Twitter): @MMAafterhours @RealMikeCarlyle @FranklMika @CagedMindsMMAEmail: mmaafterhours@gmail.com

Jim Norton and Matt Serra welcome back lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett, who joins the show ahead of his interim title showdown with Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. Paddy breaks down why he believes this is the right moment to make a statement, how he sees the matchup playing out, and what an interim belt could mean with Ilia Topuria's future still unresolved.Between interviews, Jim and Matt also touch on the day's biggest news: Kayla Harrison's neck injury forcing the cancellation of her women's bantamweight title defense against Amanda Nunes.Middleweight standout Caio Borralho stops by to discuss bouncing back from the first UFC loss of his career, what he learned from his Paris main event against Nassourdine Imavov, and why his upcoming clash with Reinier de Ridder at UFC 326 feels like the perfect reset. Caio also weighs in on the crowded middleweight picture, his Fighting Nerds teammates, and what 2026 could present if all goes to plan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Norton and Matt Serra are joined by Urijah Faber for a wide-ranging conversation about his continued impact on the sport — both as a competitor and a coach.Faber talks about still competing at 46 years old, including his upcoming combat jiu-jitsu and wrestling matchups scheduled for January and February of 2026. The UFC Hall of Famer explains how his mindset has evolved at this stage of his career and why staying active continues to fuel his passion for competition.Urijah also dives into his role coaching Song Yadong and explains why Song's upcoming matchup with Sean O'Malley at UFC 324 could be the perfect moment for the best version of Song to emerge. Beyond the bantamweight title picture, Faber lays out how a win over “Suga” could mark a turning point for Song on a global level — and the start of his rise as a true national icon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 333: Inching closer to the return of UFC and debut on Paramount+. A lot of fight announcements.  All the latest news. Hit up the show:X (formerly Twitter): @MMAafterhours @RealMikeCarlyle @FranklMika @CagedMindsMMAEmail: mmaafterhours@gmail.com

Jim Norton and Matt Serra welcome a pair of veterans gearing up for key matchups as the UFC schedule ramps up in early 2026.Featherweight Arnold Allen joins the show to talk about how he spent 2025 rebuilding his body and earning his black belt from the coach who first introduced him to MMA. Set to fight for the first time in nearly 18 months, Allen discusses his high-stakes matchup with Jean Silva on the main card of UFC 324.Later, light heavyweight Dustin Jacoby stops by to discuss his second UFC run, life at FactoryX, and preparing for the long journey from Colorado to Sydney for his upcoming fight with Jimmy Crute at UFC 325. Jacoby sheds light on his kickboxing days and how sharing a card with teammate Cody Brundage is huge for the both of them.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

High performance in law requires more than technical skill—it requires the right mindset. In episode #596 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Jess Sargus about applying an athlete's mindset to leadership, performance, and growth in legal practice.  Jess breaks down the core pillars of athletic thinking. From growth mindset and action orientation to process focus and purpose, and explains how lawyers can apply these principles to become better leaders and perform at their best under pressure.  If you want to hear more from Jess, check her out at: https://www.thelegalathlete.com/  Listen to our other episodes on Mindset & Performance:  #588 – Practice Smarter, Not Harder: 411 Tips for Modern Lawyers, with Jordan Couch Apple | Spotify | LTN  #585 – First Aid for the Mind: Mental Health in Law, with Soumya Palreddy & Jill Kluesner Apple | Spotify | LTN  #572 – Practical Courage Skills Every Lawyer Needs, with Jim Detert Apple | Spotify | LTN  #551 – Becoming the AI-Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods Apple | Spotify | LTN  Have thoughts about today's episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!  If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters / Timestamps:   00:00 – Introduction  03:12 – Meet Jess Sargus  04:02 – From Law to Combat Sports  08:06 – Competition, Business, and Leadership  11:15 – Why Mindset Matters  15:12 – The Athlete's Mindset Defined  17:01 – Action Orientation and Elite Performance  19:30 – Getting Comfortable with Failure  22:05 – Growth Mindset and Competitiveness  26:03 – The Five Pillars of Fierce Agency  29:21 – Process Over Outcome  34:46 – Purpose and Mission Alignment  39:48 – Where to Find Jess  40:53 – Closing Thoughts 

High performance in law requires more than technical skill—it requires the right mindset. In episode #596 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Zack Glaser talks with Jess Sargus about applying an athlete's mindset to leadership, performance, and growth in legal practice.  Jess breaks down the core pillars of athletic thinking. From growth mindset and action orientation to process focus and purpose, and explains how lawyers can apply these principles to become better leaders and perform at their best under pressure.  If you want to hear more from Jess, check her out at: https://www.thelegalathlete.com/  Listen to our other episodes on Mindset & Performance:  #588 – Practice Smarter, Not Harder: 411 Tips for Modern Lawyers, with Jordan Couch Apple | Spotify | LTN  #585 – First Aid for the Mind: Mental Health in Law, with Soumya Palreddy & Jill Kluesner Apple | Spotify | LTN  #572 – Practical Courage Skills Every Lawyer Needs, with Jim Detert Apple | Spotify | LTN  #551 – Becoming the AI-Driven Leader, with Geoff Woods Apple | Spotify | LTN  Have thoughts about today's episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!  If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.  Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.    Chapters / Timestamps:   00:00 – Introduction  03:12 – Meet Jess Sargus  04:02 – From Law to Combat Sports  08:06 – Competition, Business, and Leadership  11:15 – Why Mindset Matters  15:12 – The Athlete's Mindset Defined  17:01 – Action Orientation and Elite Performance  19:30 – Getting Comfortable with Failure  22:05 – Growth Mindset and Competitiveness  26:03 – The Five Pillars of Fierce Agency  29:21 – Process Over Outcome  34:46 – Purpose and Mission Alignment  39:48 – Where to Find Jess  40:53 – Closing Thoughts  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We got to sit down with Ryan Nemeth to talk about TNA Wrestlng's debut January 15th on @amc_tv and will drop our whole chat It's also time for the Combat Sports portion of the 2025 KNOCKOUTS ! @jordancoulter75 @detroitnokout an Cory will give you our picks for the world of #boxing and #mma Show will also be available via @bodyslamnet and @millionsdotco ! #tnawrestling #tna #wrestling

We got to sit down with Ryan Nemeth to talk about TNA Wrestlng's debut January 15th on @amc_tv and will drop our whole chat It's also time for the Combat Sports portion of the 2025 KNOCKOUTS ! @jordancoulter75 @detroitnokout an Cory will give you our picks for the world of #boxing and #mma Show will also be available via @bodyslamnet and @millionsdotco ! #tnawrestling #tna #wrestling

Jim Norton and Matt Serra kick off 2026 with a pair of rising contenders who have their sights set on big years ahead.First, light heavyweight Modestas Bukauskas joins the show to talk about the momentum he's built during his recent run and what's at stake as he prepares for a crucial matchup against Nikita Krylov at UFC 324. Modestas breaks down the work he's putting in, provides an update on the Tom Aspinall eye injury holding back his close friend and training partner before circling back to why this fight vs. 13th-ranked Krylov is huge for Modestas as he eyes a spot in the 205-pound rankings.Later, middleweight knockout artist Ateba Gautier stops by to discuss his fast start in the UFC, his journey from Cameroon to England, and the mindset shift that followed his lone professional loss. Gautier reflects on his Combat Sambo roots and how he's continuing to sharpen his tools ahead of his first fight of 2026 at UFC 324.Already a little stir-crazy for live UFC action, Jim and Matt also jump the gun with an early look at UFC 324 — even though the 2026 Paramount+ kickoff is still 19 days away… but who's counting?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 332: We take a look back at the best....and worst, of 2025.  Plus, a look ahead to 2026.Hit up the show:X (formerly Twitter): @MMAafterhours @RealMikeCarlyle @FranklMika @CagedMindsMMAEmail: mmaafterhours@gmail.com

In this episode I talk with @doctordynamo about his journey into the medical scene, his love for martial arts and how he wants to change the medical situation for the better. Follow Doc:https://www.instagram.com/doctordynamo?igsh=eWhma25iZGd6d2V0

Video VersionJoin the thousand and counting people who have discovered the 90 Essential Nutrients from Dr Monzo's Whole Food Supplements, by Azure Well. Go to my site and use code BB5 here: https://SemperFryLLC.comClick His Picture on the Right for the AZURE WELL products and use code BB5 for your discount.Find clickable portals to Dr Monzo and Dr Glidden on Dan's site, and it's the home of the best hot sauce, his book, and Clean Source Creatine-HCL.Pods & Exclusives AD-FREE!https://patreon.com/c/DisguisetheLimitsTwitter Account: https://x.com/KristosCastDon't be a schmoe, Support the Show! https://buymeacoffee.com/BaalBustershttps://paypal.me/BaalBustershttps://GiveSendGo.com/BaalBustersBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ba-al-busters-broadcast--5100262/support.

The 2025 Golden Blunt Awards, hosted by Keith Maki, is the ultimate celebration of the fearless, the loud, and the absolutely unstoppable. This one-night event shines a spotlight on the elite players at the top of their game across Combat Sports, Entertainment, and Music — the fighters who never back down, the artists who never play it safe, and the performers who refuse to fade quietly. From knockout legends and underground warriors to chart-crushing musicians and culture-shifting entertainers, the Golden Blunt honors the people who dominate their lane with grit, passion, and raw originality. No fake hype. No industry fluff. Just real recognition for those who hit hard, move fast, and leave a mark. Hosted by Keith Maki in true After Dark fashion, this is where respect is earned, legends are toasted, and the bold get their flowers.

For the final episode of UFC Unfiltered in 2025, Jim Norton and Matt Serra put a bow on the year that was and look ahead to what 2026 might hold.The guys open the show by revisiting their 2025 predictions, breaking down how the season played out after a razor-thin race in their season-long picks competition. Matt finished ahead on total points, while Jim led in correctly predicted winners — setting the stage for plenty of friendly back-and-forth.From there, Jim and Matt hand out eight end-of-year awards, including four official #UFCHonors categories that fans can begin voting on December 27, along with four Unfiltered-only awards the guys add in their own annual tradition. They debate the biggest fights, knockouts, submissions, comebacks, and breakout performances of 2025 — while giving special shine to standout runs that defined the year.The conversation then shifts to the future as the guys roll out their UFC holiday wish list for 2026, discussing everything from potential superfights and divisional clarity to fighters poised for massive breakout years.Jim and Matt wrap things up by calling their shots for 2026, predicting which fighters — including possible first-time champions — could be wearing gold by this time next year, and whether the very top of the women's divisions could see major shakeups.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coach Jacob Ramos - is one of the most respected and influential coaches in all of combat sports, with a résumé that spans the highest levels of competition worldwide. As the founder of Genesis Training Academy in Colorado, Jake has helped develop world champions and elite professionals across multiple disciplines. His coaching pedigree includes UFC World Champion Rose Namajunas, BKFC World Champion Chris Camozzi, BKB Female World Champion Khortni Kameron and a deep roster of standout fighters such as Grant Neal, Brandon Girtz, Brian Camozzi, Whitney Johns, Jason “The Dragon” Lee, and many more. His athletes have competed at the professional level in Professional Boxing, UFC, PFL, Glory, ONE Championship, BKFC, BYB, BKB, Pride, and King Of The Streets—cementing his impact across the global combat sports landscape. Before becoming a cornerstone of modern fight coaching, Jake was a professional soccer player, bringing a unique perspective on elite athletic development, movement, conditioning, and mental performance into the world of combat sports. That diverse background has shaped a coaching philosophy rooted in discipline, adaptability, and long-term success. Coach Jake Ramos sits down with Bobby Marshall in The Mountain Side studio for an in-depth conversation on coaching at the highest levels, playing professional sports, parenting, current events, facing adversity, personal growth, and life beyond competition. This episode offers a rare, unfiltered look into the mindset, values, and experiences of one of combat sports' most accomplished coaches. Subscribe and follow The Mountain Side for updates on new episodes, events, and conversations rooted in adventure, resilience, and true human connection.www.TheMountainSidePodcast.comShow Links:https://genesis-fight.comAffiliates LinksSponsor Linkswww.BulletProof.comMountain Side listeners Use Discounts code: MOUNTAINSIDE to receive 20% off all Bulletproof products!www.Knicpouches.comMountain Side listeners Use Discounts code: MOUNTAINSIDE15 to receive 15% off all K-Nic products!www.SABObroadheads.comMountain Side listeners receive $10 off & Free Shipping on all SABO Broadheads!

This episode of Combat Sports with Rhino has our partial results from #PFLLyon Full #UFCVegas112 recap, the "Drop of the Night", Q&A session with some members of the RhinoGang PLUS Fury FC Welterweight Bruce Whitehead goes 10 Rounds with Rhino!! Artwork by @JAYMMAYT

With Jim Norton out, Ray Longo steps in alongside Matt Serra for a fresh episode of UFC Unfiltered, featuring women's flyweight Jamey-Lyn Horth.Coming off back-to-back wins to finish 2025 undefeated, Horth talks about transitioning into MMA later than most, her athletic roots, and how early amateur fights against Loopy Godinez turned into a close friendship and training partnership. She also opens up about life in Canada and her love for cold plunges in the lakes and rivers near her home.Matt and Ray then wrap things up by unpacking UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape, giving their thoughts on Manel Kape's first-round knockout and whether it was enough to punch his ticket to a flyweight title shot against Joshua Van with Alexandre Pantoja sidelined.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 331: We look back at UFC Fight Night, the final UFC event on ESPN.  Does PFL have a Francis Ngannou problem? All the latest news,Hit up the show:X (formerly Twitter): @MMAafterhours @RealMikeCarlyle @FranklMika @CagedMindsMMAEmail: mmaafterhours@gmail.com

With Matt Serra out for the day, Jim is joined by Mr. Reliable himself — Din Thomas — for an episode that opens with lightweight Chris Duncan checking in just days after his impressive first-round anaconda choke of Terrance McKinney at UFC 323. Duncan talks about surviving the early storm, leveling up since moving full-time to American Top Team, and why he believes 2026 is the year he finally breaks into the Top 15.From there, Jim and Din dive into one of the wildest stats of the year: 10 of the UFC's 11 active champions have been crowned in just the past eight months. The guys give their thoughts on a chaotic UFC 323 card — including two new champions, major shakeups across multiple divisions, and whether the next wave of contenders is arriving faster than anyone expected.The show wraps with unbeaten middleweight prospect Mansur Abdul-Malik, who joins fresh off his standing guillotine finish on Saturday. Mansur discusses the obsessive tape study that fuels him, the positive energy he carries inside and outside the cage, daily training sessions with Sean Strickland at Xtreme Couture, and why he's pushing for a quick turnaround to keep his momentum rolling.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's episode, Fares is joined by Ian Barrett — “The War Elephant” — as he prepares for his second Muay Thai appearance under Ring Titans.We get into the origins and meaning behind his nickname (0:18), the early moments that sparked his love for combat sports (2:51), and the importance of having a strong support system (5:49). Ian also opens up about his first Muay Thai fight last September, sharing his experience and biggest takeaways (11:28).We break down why his #RingTitans2 matchup is being called the People's Main Event (13:54), then wrap with his thoughts on 2025 (21:31) and his goals heading into 2026 (22:30)Ian on Instagram: The War Elephant https://www.instagram.com/thehbpod_/

Episode 330: Two new champions crowned at UFC 323. Did Merab bite off more than he could chew? The final UFC/ESPN event is this weekend.  All the latest news and fight announcements. Hit up the show:X (formerly Twitter): @MMAafterhours @RealMikeCarlyle @FranklMika @CagedMindsMMAEmail: mmaafterhours@gmail.com

Combat sports offer far more than physical conditioning. They give people structure, community, and a brutally honest way to face themselves. Many who struggle with anxiety, depression, or identity issues find stability through training because progress is undeniable and earned. Combat sports replace stigma with connection, giving people a place to fail safely and rebuild confidence. For some, the discipline and consistency found on the mats becomes a lifeline that modern life no longer provides.00:00 – 00:34 The Real Question: Can Combat Sports Save Lives?Opening challenge to the idea that combat sports are just physical, introducing how training exposes deeper mental battles people silently carry.00:34 – 01:22  When Traditional Treatment Fails, Training Steps InExplores how structure, accountability, and community offer stability when therapy or medication fall short for people struggling with anxiety or depression.01:22 – 01:41 The Gym as a Judgment-Free ZoneHighlights how training removes stigma, forcing honesty and resilience while offering a supportive environment where no one cares about your baggage.01:41 – 02:00  Why Discipline and Pressure Build Real ConfidenceShows how consistent training builds earned confidence, providing purpose, connection, and resilience that modern life often fails to deliver.Send us a text

Ben "The Bane" Davis has carved out one of the most unique paths in combat sports and entertainment. From calling fights across multiple promotions to stepping inside the cage himself—and even competing on MTV's The Challenge—Ben brings a rare blend of curiosity, courage, and relentless work ethic. In this episode, Ben breaks down how he entered the world of combat sports commentary, what he learned while grinding through early media roles, and the mindset it takes to stand out on the mic. We talk about pacing, preparation, chemistry with a co-commentator, and why great play-by-play requires both discipline and personality. Ben also shares his firsthand experience competing in BKFC and Karate Combat—not just as a commentator, but as a fighter—and what those opportunities taught him about the sport and himself. Then we dive into his leap into reality television with MTV's The Challenge: • What life in the house was really like • The hardest part of adapting to cameras 24/7 • How the alliances, strategy, and politics actually work • What he took away from the experience and whether he'd do it again If you're someone who has ever wondered "what if?", Ben's story is a testament to saying yes, taking chances, and learning through unconventional opportunities. Enjoy this conversation with one of the most dynamic voices—and personalities—in combat sports today. _____________________________________ If you would like to watch the show, please feel free to follow me on YouTube and catch the video podcast from each of the guests! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqHG9H7vljaLwQ765GIdBQA  If you'd like to listen to the show, you can catch the podcast on your favorite platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gametime-guru/id1195653965 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6bBJIiyOxs25BHKhKlCe23  Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/81800b66-fda2-4263-ac16-04c1c1d637a8/the-gametime-guru Tune In: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/The-Gametime-Guru-p1021721/ YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvbvSCliFvNWYadx9YugquysAbVz8Cb7i   

Jim and Matt open the show with lightweight finisher Jalin Turner, who joins ahead of his return against Edson Barboza at UFC 323. Turner explains how training with Ian Machado Garry and reconnecting with his faith pulled him out of a brief retirement, helping him rediscover balance, purpose, and confidence. He also discusses studying the sport differently, and what he expects when he steps in with a tricky veteran striker like Barboza.The guys then shift into their UFC 323 predictions, breaking down a stacked card — from Merab Dvalishvili's push for a historic fourth title defense of the year to Pantoja vs. Van, Moreno vs. Taira and more!Later, former light heavyweight champion Jan Błachowicz checks in to talk about making one more run at 205, how he views the danger posed by surging finisher Bogdan Guskov, and what “Legendary Polish Power” looks like in this stage of his career.Finally, Jim and Matt close out the episode with deeper analysis on some of the remaining UFC 323 matchups.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Saccenti talking Bowl games and College Football with Steve, RJ Clifford Int talking Combat Sports and more

Jim and Matt kick off the week with former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, who checks in ahead of his trip to Las Vegas to support Merab Dvalishvili before the bantamweight champ's fourth title defense of 2025.Weidman shares what he expects from Merab's continued dominance, and also weighs in on how Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett match up in next year's interim lightweight title fight — the first numbered event of the new Paramount deal.Then, Syndicate MMA head coach John Wood joins the show to talk about life inside one of the busiest gyms in the sport. Wood breaks down Merab's one-of-a-kind approach to fight week and explains whether he foresees anything different in the champ's rematch with a resurgent Petr Yan in this Saturday's UFC 323 headliner.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's episode, Fares breaks down the latest Thanksgiving announcements courtesy of the UFC. Matchups for the first two major cards of 2026 have been revealed — and they're already stirring controversy. We start with the fighters who should've been in the mix (2:02). Then: what about Arman? (4:26).Next, thoughts on UFC 324 — headlined by Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje — plus the return of the female GOAT, Amanda Nunes, as she challenges the newest champ, Kayla Harrison (8:20). Suga Sean takes on fellow striker Song Yadong (10:44). And feelings on the upcoming Paramount+ partnership (14:29).In other news, heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall breaks his silence — possibly sidelined for a while — and claims “Gane's a big cheat” (17:09).To close the show, a massive boxing announcement: Shakur Stevenson is moving up to 140 to challenge champion Teofimo Lopez (20:43)Follow us on IG:https://www.instagram.com/thehbpod_/

Episode 329: We preview the last UFC PPV on ESPN, UFC 323 this weekend. UFC plans to start 2026 with a bang on Paramount+. All the latest news.Hit up the show:X (formerly Twitter): @MMAafterhours @RealMikeCarlyle @FranklMika @CagedMindsMMAEmail: mmaafterhours@gmail.com

Hard pass.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim and Matt kick off the show with British bantamweight Davey Grant, who joins live from the UFC Performance Institute as a brand-new Las Vegas resident. Fresh off rehabbing a torn bicep and injured nose, Davey talks about settling into life stateside, training his kids at Syndicate MMA, and why moving to America has changed the way he studies the sport — including watching fights live with a pen and paper to stay sharp on evolving MMA trends.The guys then unpack all the biggest storylines from UFC Qatar, where Matt takes a well-earned victory lap after going 2–0 in his picks — correctly calling Arman Tsarukyan's arm-triangle finish and Volkan Oezdemir's stoppage win.Later, women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko joins the show to discuss balancing her pursuit of all-time greatness with her creative “side quests,” from acting roles to drawing on her degree in film direction. With several options in front of her, Valentina reveals she's keeping a close eye on a potential trilogy with Amanda Nunes — especially now that the Lioness has expressed interest in meeting her again, this time at 125 pounds.Finally, in the wake of Ian Machado Garry's statement decision win, which capped off two straight weeks of top-flight welterweight action, Jim and Matt close the show by debating which 170-pound contender has earned the next shot at Islam Makhachev's welterweight title.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim and Matt kick off today's episode with rising featherweight Ethyn Ewing, who checks in after a memorable short-notice UFC debut win at Madison Square Garden vs. Malcolm Wellmaker. The soon-to-be father talks about his MMA journey, how camping, hiking, and spearfishing help keep him grounded, and how he balances training with his demanding day job as a safety professional.With Ethyn's call wrapped, Jim and Matt turn their attention to this weekend's UFC Qatar event — a Fight Night so stacked with ranked talent that they can't believe it isn't a pay-per-view. And with their head-to-head prediction battle coming down to the wire, the guys go fight-by-fight and make their picks for this absolutely loaded card.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the third of three special episodes of Caught on the Mike, we're joined by Hunter Harrison — a welterweight talent training between Factory X Muay Thai in Colorado and Skywalker 101 Boxing Academy in Nebraska. With a 4-1 amateur record and a reputation for crisp striking and relentless drive, Hunter steps into the cage Friday, November 21, 2025, at Dynasty Combat Sports: Seasons Beatings inside Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. We talk about how splitting time between two elite gyms sharpens his game, the mindset behind bouncing back stronger after setbacks, and what this fight means as he continues his climb toward title contention. Whether you're here for raw fight stories, insight into training culture, or the mentality of a true grinder, this conversation hits all the right notes.

With Islam Makhachev dethroning Jack Della Maddalena on a historic night stamped by show-stealing wins from rising welterweight contenders, Jim and Matt have plenty to unpack on today's UFC 322 recap show. The guys break down the championship shakeup at 170, Valentina Shevchenko's flawless title defense, and all the biggest moments from Saturday's card.They're then joined by Johnny Walker, who hops on the show to talk fatherhood, his recent knockout win in China, and where he fits in the suddenly chaotic light heavyweight picture.After Johnny's interview wraps, Jim and Matt take a deep dive into Makhachev's future at welterweight — debating where Ilia Topuria stands among contenders vying for the first crack at the newest double champion's 170-pound UFC crown.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the second of 3 special episodes Omaha's own Zayden Edwards joins Caught on the Mike ahead of Dynasty Combat Sports: Seasons Beatings, going down Friday, November 21, 2025, at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. Training out of Premier Combat Center, Zayden's been putting in the work — bouncing back from a tough submission loss, refining his craft, and staying laser-focused on growth. Known for his fast finishes and all-heart performances, he's ready to remind everyone why he's one of Nebraska's most promising young fighters. In this episode, we talk training, mindset, and the grind of chasing greatness on the regional MMA scene.

With The Schmo filling in for Jim Norton, Matt Serra kicks off the show with undefeated bantamweight Malcolm Wellmaker ahead of his Madison Square Garden debut. “The Machine” talks managing expectations after two first-round UFC finishes, adjusting to a late opponent change, and how nine years as a welder shaped the discipline behind his undefeated rise.Matt and The Schmo then dive deep into UFC 322 — breaking down Bo Nickal vs. Rodolfo Vieira and every fight thereafter on the PPV main card. The duo debate who's primed for their big “Schmo-ment” on Saturday and who may keep their “Schmo-mentum” rolling in the night's two championship bouts.Finally, Tracy Cortez joins the show to preview her high-stakes rematch with Erin Blanchfield. The #8 flyweight contender reflects on what she remembers from her razor-thin win over Blanchfield years ago before unpacking how a victory at Madison Square Garden could vault her into the title mix.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Norton and Matt Serra kick off UFC 322 fight week with a pair of recent winners — UFC strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern and rising middleweight Zachary Reese.First, Mackenzie joins the show fresh off winning UFC gold to discuss the emotion of celebrating with her daughter cageside, her evolution under coach Jason Parillo, and her readiness for whoever comes next — whether that be Tatiana Suarez or Zhang Weili after Saturday's co-main vs. Valentina Shevchenko.Then, Zachary Reese calls in just days after his wild short-notice victory in Las Vegas. The Texas native breaks down how the fight came together, how sparring five rounds with Sean Strickland boosted his confidence, and what he plans to do with his $50K bonus.Plus, Jim and Matt react to this past weekend's APEX card headlined by Gabriel Bonfim and Randy Brown.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Norton and Matt Serra return for Wednesday's episode of UFC Unfiltered ahead of this weekend's UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs. Brown card at the APEX.Accompanied by the great Fabiano Buskei as a Portuguese translator, 14th-ranked welterweight Gabriel Bonfim joins the show to discuss his main event matchup against Randy Brown, the importance of fighting alongside his brother Ismael, and how he's balancing patience and hunger in pursuit of a Top 10 ranking.Then, Christian Leroy Duncan stops by to preview his main card bout against Marco Tulio. The British middleweight uses his Unfiltered debut to discuss how the end of his collegiate basketball career sparked his MMA journey. As Matt asks CLD about the influence of ex-UFC fighter Mark Weir on his life, Duncan shifts the camera towards his longtime coach to catch up with Matt.Don't miss as Jim and Matt make their picks for this weekend's card!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Norton and Matt Serra are back to kick off fight week with two guests who've both made major statements inside the Octagon in recent weeks.On the heels of yet another heel hook submission, heavyweight submission specialist Valter Walker uses his UFC Unfiltered debut to talk through his UFC 321 victory in Abu Dhabi, reflect on his MMA journey, and break down what's next as he looks to heal up from a leg injury sustained in his fight.Then, lightweight Quillan Salkilld stays up late in his native Perth, Australia to talk about his scintillating head kick knockout that instantly went viral as a leading contender for KO of the year. The Australian prospect reflects on taking the fight vs. Nasrat Haqparast on short notice and how he went from playing the UFC video game to putting himself in one.Plus, Jim and Matt dish their thoughts on this past weekend's fights, with room for a chat on where Steve Garcia fits in among the featherweight division's best after a statement performance in the main event.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's even real anymore? That's the question we ended up asking ourselves after last weekend's slate of combat sports chaos. For starters, Isaac Dulgarian's first-round submission loss to Yadier del Valle at Saturday's UFC Fight Night sparked yet another fight-fixing scandal. At this point, you couldn't blame a casual viewer for wondering: Is this whole shit rigged? Also, there was referee Mark Smith's bizarre stoppage in the heavyweight bout between Ante Delija and Waldo Cortes-Acosta — a mix-up that led Delija to believe he'd won, only for the fight to be restarted and Cortes-Acosta to immediately score a knockout victory. Whoops! And that's not even touching the boxing world's latest drama: Gervonta “Tank” Davis getting booted from his fight with Jake Paul after new domestic violence charges, followed by Paul acting like he was just now discovering that Davis might be a terrible guy. Oh, and Andrew Tate is apparently the new CEO of Misfits Boxing, a move that might be real, might be trolling, or might just be setting up a future fight with KSI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two days removed from their chat with David Onama, Jim Norton and Matt Serra return for a Wednesday episode with his opponent in Saturday's main event — 12th-ranked featherweight Steve Garcia.The Albuquerque native joins the show to discuss his six-fight win streak, his ongoing callout, and why this matchup with Onama feels like the biggest moment of his career.Then, Jeremiah Wells stops by ahead of his first fight in nearly 20 months to talk about his comeback, training alongside Sean Brady at Marquez MMA, and how he approaches watching film before his matchup with Themba Gorimbo.Plus, Jim and Matt each make a few picks from this weekend's card as they look to create some separation in their hotly contested prediction battle.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Norton and Matt Serra kick off the show reacting to the wild ending of UFC 321's main event — sharing their thoughts on Ciryl Gane's dominant first round against Tom Aspinall before the anticlimactic finish via accidental eye poke. Both hosts agree they want to see that fight run back — and while Jim pulled ahead of Matt in the week's win-loss standings, he still trails by 13.5 points overall.Then, fresh off a first-round submission win over Davey Grant in Vancouver, Charles Jourdain discusses his perfect 2-0 start since moving down to bantamweight, what it's been like finding success at 135 lbs., and the pride of watching his younger brother Louis earn a UFC contract on Dana White's Contender Series.Finally, David Onama joins the show to preview his first UFC main event against Steve Garcia. The Factory X featherweight opens up about his journey from Uganda to Kansas City, his growth under Marc Montoya, and his mindset heading into the biggest fight of his career.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.