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Fighter vs. Writer: Matt Brown Explains Why Conor McGregor Still Deserves Criticism for Dropping Out of UFC 303 Even With a Legitimate Injury Jun 25, 2024

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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!

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On To the Next One | What's Next For Robert Whittaker After Quick Knockout Win At UFC Saudi Arabia? Jun 23, 2024

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Robert Whittaker closed the show at UFC Saudi Arabia with a quick, and brutal knockout of Ikram Aliskerov, and sent a message to the top of the middleweight division in the process. While "The Reaper" hinted at wanting to be the backup fighter for the Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesnaya title fight at UFC 305, would that be enough to get him the winner, or will he need another fight?

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 Whittaker following his second consecutive victory. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Alexander Volkov after his dominant decision win over Sergei Pavlovich in the co-main event, Shara Magomedov following his third-round knockout of Antonio Trocoli, Volkan Oezdemir after his nasty knockout of Johnny Walker, and more.

Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR
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UFC Saudi Arabia Post-Fight Show: Reaction To Robert Whittaker Destroying Ikram Aliskerov Jun 23, 2024

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Robert Whittaker reminded fans that he's still one of the best middleweights in the world as he quickly dispatched the very dangerous Ikram Aliskerov in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia. Was the win good enough to get him the winner of the UFC 305 main event between Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya for the middleweight title, or does Whittaker now have a future with Sean Strickland?

Following Saturday's Fight Night event in Riydah, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and Eric Jackman react to Whittaker's first-round finish of Aliskerov, discuss the future of Aliskerov moving forward, and where Whittaker goes next. Additionally, they discuss Alexander Volkov's co-main event win over Sergei Pavlovich, Kelvin Gastelum ending a horrible week with a win over Daniel Rodriguez, Paige VanZant competing in Power Slap next week, and more.

Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR
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Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic

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UFC Saudi Arabia & Bellator Dublin Preview Show | Can Ikram Aliskerov Shake Up Division With Win Over Robert Whittaker? Jun 21, 2024

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The UFC and Bellator will go head-to-head on Saturday with UFC Saudi Arabia and Bellator Dublin, and while the UFC clearly has the deeper lineup, Bellator has an interesting slate on tap for the Irish fans. The weekend spotlight seems to be shining on the UFC Saudi Arabia headliner between former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov. Can Whittaker find his way back to a title shot, or can Aliskerov shake up the division?

Ahead of Saturday's doubleheader, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and José Youngs preview the events, the UFC headliner between Whittaker and Aliskerov, if the matchup is tougher for Whittaker than Khamzat Chimaev, and what is at stake for both men. Additionally, they'll discuss the heavyweight co-main event between Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov, Kelvin Gastelum's continued weight issues ahead of his matchup with Daniel Rodriguez, Jason Jackson defending his welterweight title in the Bellator main event, Paul Hughes making his promotional debut, and more.

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HOAM | Reaction To Carlos Ulberg's UFC 303 Withdrawal, Kelvin Gastelum's Rough Weight Cut Jun 21, 2024

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UFC 303 has taken another hit to its main card with the loss of surging light heavyweight contender Carlos Ulberg from his scheduled bout with Anthony Smith. As the UFC 303 card continues to be cursed, a one-time title challenger has found himself at odds with the scale ahead of a pivotal matchup this Saturday at UFC Saudi Arabia.

On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to Ulberg's scratch from next Saturday's pay-per-view card, talks discussions ongoing for Smith to face Roman Dolidze, and thoughts on the potential new matchup. Additionally, listener questions include Kelvin Gastelum's latest issues with his weight, his scheduled welterweight bout with Daniel Rodriguez for this Saturday becoming a middleweight bout, the UFC and free agents, and more.

Also, UFC Vegas 93 winner Westin Wilson joins the show to recap his first UFC win, react to not getting a bonus for his triangle armbar submission of Jeka Saragih, 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.

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BTL | Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry, DDP vs. Adesanya, McGregor & Chandler's Future, UFC Saudi Arabia Jun 20, 2024

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While a couple of huge fights in the MMA and boxing world have been announced — with one, in particular crossing over into both sports — the future of another massive fight is still up in the air. Jake Paul and Mike Perry are set for a boxing match on July 20, while Dricus Du Plessis will defend the UFC middleweight title against former champ Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 305 in August.

On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel reacts to Paul vs. Perry being booked ahead of Paul's November matchup with Mike Tyson, discuss if it's a big risk for Paul, and what Perry would gain with a win. Additionally, they'll discuss the du Plessis vs. Adesanya booking, Adesanya announcing his own fight, where Sean Strickland fits in the title conversation, Saturday's UFC Saudi Arabia card headlined by Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov, Bellator Dublin going head-to-head with the UFC this weekend, the futures of Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler after their UFC 303 matchup got scratched, and more.

Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Morning Kombat's Brian Campbell.

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No Bets Barred: Breaking Down Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov In The UFC's Saudi Arabian Debut Jun 19, 2024

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The UFC is heading to Saudi Arabia!

This Saturday, the UFC makes its maiden voyage to Saudi Arabia with a Fight Night card headlined by a middleweight matchup between Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov and 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 state of the union discussing both of their winning weeks last week and Conner's return to the great state of Georgia. Then it's on to UFC Saudi Arabia and the late notice change up that saw Aliskerov step in for Khamzat Chimaev against Whittaker this Saturday. Will the short notice hurt Aliskerov's chances? Can Alexander Volkov stand up to the otherworldly power of Sergei Pavlovich? And what about Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez?

All this and a lot more are discussed on this week's episode.

Tune in for episode 92 of No Bets Barred.

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Emergency Reaction: Jake Paul Now Fights Mike Perry On July 20 Ahead Of Mike Tyson Bout Jun 18, 2024

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Jake Paul is still fighting Mike Tyson in November, but he will still compete on July 20 as originally planned, but Paul will face the dangerous BKFC superstar Mike Perry in an eight-round boxing match in Tampa. How much of a risk is the matchup for Paul with the Tyson fight already on the books, and what would it do for Perry's career if he can get it done this summer?

Following the announcement of Paul vs. Perry, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Eric Jackman react to the matchup, discuss why it might be the most compelling fight Paul has had in the boxing ring, the stakes attached for both guys, why Perry is playing with house money, a loss for Paul not being as devastating as some might suggest, and much more.

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HOAM | Reaction To Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya Announcement For UFC 305 Jun 18, 2024

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Israel Adesanya is officially back as he'll face Dricus du Plessis for the UFC middleweight championship in the main event of August's UFC 305 event in Perth, Western Australia. With the 185-pound division being as crazy as it is right now, was giving Adesanya an immediate title shot upon his return after losing to Sean Strickland this past September the right call?

On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the du Plessis vs. Adesanya booking, and discuss where the division goes depending on the winner, and where Adesanya would go with a loss. Additionally, listener topics include UFC Saudi Arabia, Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov, who Sean Strickland may be rooting for in that fight, other compelling fights on the card, the Boston Celtics winning the NBA title, 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

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Fighter vs. Writer: Matt Brown Reacts to Conor McGregor News, Where Does Michael Chandler Go From Here? Jun 18, 2024

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The Fighter vs. The Writer returns with Matt Brown back from his bear hunting expedition in Canada alongside MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin as we react to the news that Conor McGregor is no longer fighting at UFC 303 after suffering an injury.

Brown has long maintained that he never believed McGregor was going to fight again after suffering a devastating broken leg back in 2021 but does this news strengthen that belief that the Irish superstar is done or was his comeback so close that perhaps things are different now?

We’ll also discuss how this latest setback serves as another gut punch for Chandler, who has now sacrificed nearly two years of his career waiting for the fight against McGregor.

We’ll also talk about Khamzat Chimaev falling off the UFC Saudi Arabia card on Saturday and what’s next for Gervonta “Tank” Davis after his brutal knockout over Frank Martin this past weekend.

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