UFC Unfiltered with Jim Norton and Matt Serra

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Ali Abdelaziz and Comedian Jo Koy Apr 20, 2021

Show notes

Find out Jim and Matt's takes on Robert Whittaker vs Kelvin Gastelum and Ben Askren vs Jake Paul on today's episode of UFC Unfiltered!

First, manager and Renzo Gracie blackbelt Ali Abdelaziz calls in ahead of Kamaru Usman's main event fight to defend his Welterweight belt against Jorge Masvidal this Saturday at UFC 261. He shares his take on the differences between a good fighter and a great one, offers insight into Dana White's thought process on booking a Lightweight title fight between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler after Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement, and gets sick of talking about Conor McGregor and his upcoming trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier.

Then, comedian Jo Koy joins Jim and Matt for the first time. He discusses how bad he thought Jake Paul vs Ben Askren was, why writing his new autobiography was such an emotional experience, and reminisces about going to old-school UFC fights with his dad in Las Vegas.

Jim and Matt close out the show with their favorite moments from Saturday's card, UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs Gastelum.

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Robert Whittaker and Comedian Josh Wolf Apr 15, 2021

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Jim and Matt are joined by the former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker and comedian Josh Wolf on today's episode of UFC Unfiltered!

First, Jim, Matt, and Josh discuss the differences between casual and hardcore MMA fans and make their predictions for the boxing match between Jake Paul and retired UFC fighter Ben Askren.

Then, former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker joins the show ahead of his main event bout against Kelvin Gastelum this weekend at UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs Gastelum. He tries to explain what Magic: The Gathering is while not sounding like a dork, reveals the origin of his "Bobby Knuckles" nickname, and goes in-depth on his routines leading up to fight night.

(29:39) The group also jokes about what type of pre-fight or pre-show person they are: a puker, a peeer, a pooper or a pacer!

Josh sticks around to tell an amazing story about bombing as the opener for legendary comedian Sam Kinison, to learn about the benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Matt, to discuss who he and Jim consider the most underrated comedians and to conversate on the similarities between fighters and comedians.

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Georges St-Pierre Apr 13, 2021

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What was Georges St-Pierre favorite fight? What was Matt Serra’s favorite fight? These questions are answered on this episode of UFC Unfiltered and the reasons may surprise you.

Matt Serra and Georges St-Pierre reunite on today's episode of UFC Unfiltered alongside O2 CEO and Co-founder Rich Szasz.

First, Rich tells Jim and Matt all about their newest line of masks made to be worn during full combat MMA training that Georges St-Pierre helped design.

Then, after Jim and Matt ask about Georges' recent appearance as Georges Batroc in the Marvel series Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Georges and Matt discover they are both massive Star Wars fans and geek out about their favorite (and least favorite) moments and characters.

They also discuss the current influence social media has in determining matchups within the UFC and how different martial arts should be utilized in the Octagon.

Matt and Georges close the show by looking back at both of their fights. They relive the experience from Georges carrying a brick with Matt's name on it and throwing it in a river after advice from a mental coach, to Matt offending the entirety of French Canada by calling Georges a 'Frenchie'.

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Kevin Holland, Nina Nunes, and NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin Apr 08, 2021

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Jim and Matt have a lot on their hands in today's episode of UFC Unfiltered!

First, Jim and Matt celebrate the fourteenth anniversary of Matt's victory over Georges St. Pierre to win the UFC Welterweight belt. And as always, Matt is extremely humble about it.

Then, Nina Nunes joins Jim and Matt ahead of her fight against Mackenzie Dern at UFC Fight Night: Vettori vs Holland on Saturday. She shares how she was able to accept her first fight just six months after giving birth to her and Amanda Nunes' baby, pulls zero punches when describing how arduous the birthing process was, and lets Dern know she is not scared to go to the ground with the BJJ specialist.

Jim and Matt are then joined by NFL Hall-of-Famer and 3-time Super Bowl champion, Michael Irvin. He professes his love for his 'second wife', the UFC, gives some advice for Conor McGregor ahead of his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier, and shares some lessons he's learned while in the NFL that can also apply to fighters in the UFC.

Irvin also sticks around to meet Kevin Holland ahead of his main event bout against Marvin Vettori this Saturday, and heaps praise his way for his spectacular knockout victory over Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza.

Holland then closes the show by discussing the criticism he faced for talking as much as he did during his loss to Derek Brunson last month, explains why he's able to feel so comfortable in quick turnaround fights, and responds to Vettori's theory from Monday's episode of UFC Unfiltered on why Holland talks so much during fights.

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Marvin Vettori, Arnold Allen, and Comedian Nate Bargatze Apr 06, 2021

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A comedian, an Italian, and a Brit walk into a Zoom call... and join Jim and Matt on today's episode of UFC Unfiltered!

First, stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze joins the show. He shares stories about growing up with a magician as a dad, explains how and why the UFC has become his favorite sport, relives the one day he took an MMA class (it didn’t go well), and discusses his new Netflix special, The Greatest Average American.

Then, Marvin Vettori calls in ahead of his main event bout against Kevin Holland this Saturday. He shares why he respects Kevin Holland for taking a short notice fight (even though he doesn't want to) after Darren Till dropped out, tries to explain the book he's reading by philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche to Jim and Matt, and reveals he is determined to get a rematch with Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya after his match with Holland.

Arnold Allen, co-main event fighter this Saturday against Sodiq Yussuf, calls in afterwards. He tells stories of having a professional strongman as a father, goes into why he was so intent on training with Firas Zahabi and Georges St. Pierre at Tristar Gym, and freaks Jim and Matt out with his story of nearly falling off a cliff while off-roading.

Matt closes out the show with a new song about the rumored bout announcement of Demian Maia vs Belal Muhammad.

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Miesha Tate and Country Music Superstar Brantley Gilbert Apr 01, 2021

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Pioneer of women's MMA and former UFC Bantamweight champion Miesha Tate and Country music superstar Brantley Gilbert join Jim and Matt on today's episode of UFC Unfiltered!

Miesha kicks things off by delving into her decision to come out of retirement to face Marion Reneau in July. She also shares how much convincing Dana White needed to take her comeback seriously, looks back at what happened in her corner the round before she won the Women's Bantamweight belt against Holly Holm, and tells some stories of her time living in Singapore.

Afterwards, Country music singer, songwriter and producer Brantley Gilbert hops on the show. After he delivers a message to Jim from mutual friend Jimmie Rivera, he offers his take on whether he'd prefer to see Jon Jones or Derrick Lewis face Francis Ngannou next and explains why his music resonates with fighters.

Jim and Matt close the show discussing some exciting fight announcements and rumors, like Leon Edwards vs Nate Diaz, Charles Oliveira vs Michael Chandler, and Kevin Holland potentially filling in for an injured Darren Till against Marvin Vettori next week.

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UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling, Miranda Maverick, and UFC 260 recap Mar 30, 2021

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The Champ is here!

UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling joins Jim and Matt to kick off the show (2:15). He talks all things related to his controversial DQ win against Petr Yan to win the Bantamweight belt, including what went through his mind immediately after the illegal knee that ended the bout and the smack talk his Twitter mentions bring up the most. He also gives an update on a potential timetable for the rematch with Yan (post-surgery?) and explains what he thinks will be different next time they face off in the Octagon.

Then (39:31), Miranda Maverick joins the show after her win against Gillian Robertson on the main card of UFC 260 on Saturday. Before she puts the Flyweight division on blast and makes some major callouts, Miranda describes the ways working on a farm in Missouri has prepared her for the UFC (despite the bees and bucking horses) and she explains what she plans on doing with her Ph. D. in Industrial Occupational Psychology.

Jim and Matt close the show with a breakdown of their favorite moments from UFC 260, including Francis Ngannou's vicious KO of Stipe Miocic to earn the UFC Heavyweight title, Vicente Luque's first-round submission over former Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley, and Sean O'Malley's win over Thomas Almeida.

Plus, Matt has a very hard time pronouncing words (again) and Jim does not let him off easy. The fun with words starts at 1:01:39.

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UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic and UFC 260 Preview Mar 24, 2021

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Jim and Matt are joined by (another) UFC champion on today's episode of UFC Unfiltered!

First, Jim and Matt share how they are beginning to bring life back to normal as Matt's BJJ classes get more crowded and Jim rebooks stand-up tour dates.

Then, UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic joins the show ahead of his main event bout against Francis Ngannou this Saturday at UFC 260. Stipe thanks Matt for noticing his slimmer physique, tells a crazy story about how fellow UFC Heavyweight Gian Villante broke everything in his home, and explains why he needs to chew peppermint (not spearmint) gum during his walkouts.

Jim and Matt close out the show discussing the news of Khabib Nurmagomedov possibly being in Luke Rockhold's corner for his rumored comeback fight and their favorite matchups at UFC 260 this Saturday.

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Sean O'Malley and Gillian Robertson & Coach Din Thomas Mar 23, 2021

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Jim and Matt dissect all the action from Saturday's card, including Brunson's dominant performance over "Big Mouth" Kevin Holland, on today's episode of UFC Unfiltered!

First, "Sugar" Sean O'Malley joins the show ahead of his bout against Thomas Almeida at UFC 260 this Saturday. He shares what it was like being high when his girlfriend said she was pregnant, discusses how much flack he's gotten for saying he didn't really lose against Marlon Vera in his last fight, and shows Jim and Matt his home Octagon and gym.

Then, Jim and Matt go over their favorite fight from UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs Holland, and Matt gives a glowing recommendation of "Zack Snyder's Justice League."

Gillian Robertson and her coach Din Thomas hop on the show next ahead of Gillian's fight against Miranda Maverick at UFC 260 this Saturday. Din and Matt continue their smack talk from old fights, Jim and Gillian trade murder documentary recommendations, and Din and Gillian explain the keys to their sustained chemistry after Din left American Top Team last year.

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Derek Brunson (with a direct response for Kevin Holland) and Don'Tale Mayes Mar 17, 2021

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Derek Brunson responds to "Big Mouth" Kevin Holland's message for him on Monday's show on today's episode of UFC Unfiltered!

First, Heavyweight Don'Tale Mayes joins UFC Unfiltered for the first time. Being forced to withdraw from his bout against Tai Tuivasa due to medical issues doesn't stop him from having a good time with Jim Norton and Matt Serra! Note, episode was recorded prior to the announcement. After he and Jim trade jail stories, Don'Tale details what it's like to go from idolizing Jon Jones to training with him at Jackson-Wink and where he sees himself in the Heavyweight division. We also learn about Don’ Tales early life, how his first fights were in the street, how he made his way to his first MMA gym, his college basketball career and what UFC fighters he looked up to (including our own Matt Serra). Don’ Tale also shares the story behind his loss to Ciryl Gane and why he wants the re-match to take place on US soil and especially not back in Singapore!

After Matt details his recent rendezvous with Bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and Jim and Matt react to the news of Kelvin Gastelum filling in for Paulo Costa against Robert Whittaker next month, Derek Brunson joins the show. He shares how he plans to make Kevin Holland eligible for a stimulus check, his no-nonsense approach to dealing with Holland’s in fight trash talk, his successful transition to Sanford MMA and coach Henri Hooft, how he's been able to deal with being underestimated throughout his career, and what his career would have been if he did not pursue MMA.

Jim and Matt close out the show with their special back and forth banter about movies, pop culture and UFC fights.

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