UFC Unfiltered with Jim Norton and Matt Serra

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Michael Aswell Jr., Bas Rutten, UFC Rio reactions Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

Jim Norton and Matt Serra return for a stacked Monday edition of UFC Unfiltered with two guests and plenty to unpack after UFC Rio.

First, Houston’s own Michael Aswell Jr. joins the show fresh off his first UFC win — a first-round knockout in Rio — to talk about what it felt like silencing the Brazilian crowd, cutting down from 210 pounds in high school football to 145 today, and how his friendship with fellow featherweight teammate Joshua Van keeps him motivated as “The Texas Kid” builds his name in the UFC.

Then, the one and only Bas Rutten stops by to reflect on his experience as an actor portraying himself in The Smashing Machine, whether Alex Pereira vs. Jon Jones should happen next at heavyweight, and more!

Plus, Jim and Matt unpack their UFC Rio picks from Wednesday’s episode — including Charles Oliveira’s submission win over Mateusz Gamrot in the main event!

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Montel Jackson talks high-stakes co-main vs. Figueiredo, UFC Rio predictions Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

Jim Norton and Matt Serra return for a new Wednesday edition of UFC Unfiltered with bantamweight contender #15 Montel Jackson, who joins the show ahead of his co-main event bout against former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Rio.

Reflecting on his journey from wrestling to the world of mixed martial arts, Montel discusses how watching Anderson Silva highlights in school first sparked his passion for MMA. He shares his mindset heading into a fight against a Brazilian legend in hostile territory and explains how patience and precision have become key parts of his evolution inside the Octagon.

Plus, Matt geeks out with Montel over Marvel characters and Wolverine, before he and Jim close out the show with their official UFC Rio picks, including Charles Oliveira vs. Mateusz Gamrot and some of the other highly-anticipated fights on Saturday’s card.

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Edmen Shahbazyan, Yousri Belgaroui, UFC 320 takeaways Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

Jim Norton and Matt Serra kick off the week with a pair of middleweights at very different points in their UFC journeys.

First, Edmen Shahbazyan joins the show fresh off his third win of 2025 to break down his first-round knockout at UFC 320, share what’s changed in his mindset since joining Xtreme Couture, and explain why he believes his best days are still ahead — now fueled by newfound dad strength and fatherly motivation.

Then, longtime kickboxing standout Yousri Belgaroui stops by two weeks out from his long-awaited UFC debut in Vancouver to discuss training alongside Alex Pereira and Glover Teixeira, how a once-bitter trilogy rivalry with Pereira evolved into a brother-like bond that extends to Alex’s own family, and what he hopes to prove when he finally makes his first walk to the Octagon.

Plus, Jim and Matt recap all the action from UFC 320, including Alex Pereira’s record-setting knockout of Magomed Ankalaev and Merab Dvalishvili’s third title defense of the year.

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Cory Sandhagen talks title shot vs. Merab, Josh Emmett confident at 40 vs. Zalal, UFC 320 picks Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

Jim and Matt are back with a midweek edition of UFC Unfiltered featuring two top contenders with massive fights on the horizon.

First, bantamweight standout Cory Sandhagen stops by ahead of his second shot at the 135-pound title to preview his clash with Merab Dvalishvili. Cory breaks down Merab’s relentless style, and reflects on his growth in the four years since his first crack at bantamweight gold.

Then, featherweight veteran Josh Emmett joins the show ahead of his UFC 320 matchup with Youssef Zalal. Emmett explains how he plans to use his trademark knockout power against a surging opponent, why his experience gives him the edge, and how he remains confident and motivated in proving himself at 40 years old.

Tune in as Jim and Matt each make three picks for this Saturday’s UFC 320 card!

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Brendan Allen on short-notice scrap vs. RDR, Manel Kape talks Royval showdown, UFC Perth recap Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

Jim and Matt return with a stacked Monday episode of UFC Unfiltered. Middleweight contender Brendan Allen joins the show to preview his short-notice showdown with Reinier de Ridder in Vancouver, explain why he’s confident he’ll score a knockout by Round 3, and weigh in on the wide-open middleweight title picture.

Then, flyweight contender Manel Kape stops by to discuss finally locking in a fight with Brandon Royval to close out 2025. Unfazed by the string of injuries that canceled their first two scheduled bouts, Kape breaks down how the two match up and what a victory over Royval could mean for his title chances.

Plus, Jim and Matt recap all the action from UFC Perth, including Carlos Ulberg’s impressive first-round knockout of Dominick Reyes in Saturday night’s main event.

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Mario Bautista eyes 9-fight win streak, Mateusz Gamrot on Oliveira matchup, UFC Perth picks Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

Matt Serra and Jim Norton return for a midweek edition of UFC Unfiltered with a pair of No. 8–ranked contenders, bantamweight Mario Bautista and lightweight Mateusz Gamrot, as both men prepare to embrace the road-dog role against fan favorites.

Bautista joins the show to reflect on his eight-fight winning streak and preview next month’s bantamweight clash with Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. Then, Gamrot stops by to break down his short-notice matchup with Charles Oliveira in Rio and share how he’s adjusting on just 2½ weeks’ notice.

Plus, Matt and Jim give their thoughts and picks for this Saturday’s UFC Perth card, headlined by a pivotal light heavyweight showdown between Carlos Ulberg and Dominick Reyes.

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Youssef Zalal talks Josh Emmett matchup, Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani on DWCS win, guest co-host Din Thomas Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

Din Thomas jumps in as guest co-host alongside Matt Serra for a jam-packed Monday edition of UFC Unfiltered!

First up, 9th-ranked featherweight Youssef Zalal stops by ahead his UFC 320 showdown with Josh Emmett. Riding a four-fight UFC winning streak, Youssef shares stories from his long-awaited trip back to Morocco before shifting his focus to his matchup against the hard-hitting veteran.

Then, newly signed welterweight Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani makes his first appearance after earning his UFC contract with a spectacular first-round knockout on DWCS. The Hermosa Beach native talks about growing up in a martial arts family, balancing ADD/ADHD with training, and what it means to be realizing his lifelong UFC dreams.

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Aljamain Sterling on Ortega win & 145-lb. title path, Aly Mac talks next weekend’s UFC Perth card Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Matt brings the heat with a brand new microphone as he teams up with guest co-host John Morgan for a midweek edition of UFC Unfiltered!

Nearly a month removed from his UFC Shanghai win over Brian Ortega, Aljamain Sterling returns to the show to discuss Ortega’s weight-cut struggles, his recent back-and-forth with Lerone Murphy, and what’s next in his pursuit of a featherweight title shot. With training partner Merab Dvalishvili set to face Cory Sandhagen just one day before his wedding, Aljo also opens up about balancing fight prep with personal life.

Later, Australia’s own Aly Mac stops by to share her journey into the world of MMA broadcasting before shedding light on the Aussie fighters she’s most excited to see in action on next weekend’s Perth card.

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Alden Coria on UFC debut win, Teddy Atlas talks Bud Crawford & newfound MMA appreciation, Noche UFC recap Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

Guest co-host RJ Clifford joins Jim and Matt for a packed Monday show after a huge week for fight fans!

Flyweight Alden Coria kicks things off by discussing his journey from preparing for a Contender Series shot to making a successful short-notice UFC debut at Noche UFC. He also shares how training alongside Joshua Van at 4oz Fight Club has elevated his game.

The guys then break down all the action from Noche UFC in San Antonio, including Diego Lopes’ statement victory in the main event.

Finally, legendary trainer and ESPN analyst Teddy Atlas makes his first appearance on the show to reflect on his remarkable life journey, give his take on Terence Crawford’s legacy-defining win over Canelo Alvarez, and explain how he’s grown to truly appreciate the UFC.

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Rob Font, Tatiana Suarez, Noche UFC predictions Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Matt Serra and Jim Norton look ahead to this Saturday’s Noche UFC card in San Antonio with two fighters set to compete: Rob Font and Tatiana Suarez.

First up, bantamweight veteran Rob Font joins the show to discuss preparing for yet another short-notice opponent change and how training in Texas with Gordon Ryan has sharpened his ground game. He also sheds light on his improving golf game and where he stacks ups with teammate Calvin Kattar on the green.

Then, strawweight contender Tatiana Suarez stops by to talk about rebounding from her first career loss, breaking down her matchup with Amanda Lemos, and sharing some time on the mic with her fiancé, Patchy Mix.

Plus, Matt and Jim make their picks for Saturday’s Noche UFC card and weigh in on what’s at stake.

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