On this episode of The MMA Hour, Luke Thomas speaks to Anthony Smith about his UFC 235 main event fight against Jon Jones, his issues with Colby Covington, more; Stefan Struve about his upcoming bout at UFC on ESPN+ 3, his career, more; Valerie Loureda about her successful pro debut at Bellator 216, her martial arts background, more; Matt Mitrione about his Sergei Kharitonov main event bout at Bellator 215 that ended in a no contest due to groin shot, what’s next from here, more.
We also take your questions on the latest news in MMA on Sound Off and A Round of Tweets.
 


      
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#469 – Anthony Smith, Stefan Struve, Valerie Loureda, Matt Mitrione

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The UFC returns following a weekend off to digest the memorable UFC 300 event, but BKFC's Knucklemania 4 will likely get top billing in the interest department this weekend, most notably due to Mike Perry's return to the ring against Thiago Alves.
On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses both UFC Vegas 91 and Knucklemania cards this weekend, the UFC headliner between Matheus Nicolau and Alex Perez, Perry's star power and future in BKFC, along with Ben Rothwell vs. Todd Duffee. Additionally, topics include Dana White's victory lap against the media and what can be taken away from it, Ryan Garcia silencing the critics with an incredible showing against Devin Haney this past weekend, the Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal press tour coming to an end and how much interest in generated, and much more.
Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Morning Kombat's Brian Campbell.

Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR


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Follow Brian Campbell: @BCampbell


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BTL | Ryan Garcia Silences Doubters, Reaction To Dana White's Victory Lap, UFC APEX vs. Knucklemania

With the 2024 NFL Draft set to take place this week, it's once again time for the MMA Fighting team to don the hats of the premier combat sports promotions in the world and select the 35 fighters they would most want to have on roster to build a promotion around.
Listen as Jed Meshew guides the action and the staff drafts seven fighters to their respective organizations: the UFC, PFL/Bellator, ONE Championship, BKFC, and newcomer KSW. Other promoters include Shaun Al-Shatti, Mike Heck, Damon Martin, and Alexander K. Lee. Who will be the first overall pick? And which drafter is best set up for the next five years? Tune in to find out.

Follow Jed Meshew @JedKMeshew


Follow Shaun Al-Shatti @ShaunAlShatti


Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR


Follow Alexander K. Lee @AlexanderKLee


Follow Damon Martin @DamonMartin


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The 2024 MMA Draft! | Which 35 Fighters Do You Build A Promotion Around?

After delivering one of the craziest moments in UFC history against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, Max Holloway has a lot of options in front of him — whether it be Ilia Topuria and the featherweight title, a shot at the lightweight belt, or even a huge rematch with Conor McGregor depending on what happens at UFC 303. But what is the best option for Holloway following the performance of a lifetime?
On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the options ahead for Holloway, and why the fight with Topuria is the way to go over all other options. Additionally, listener topics include the futures for fellow UFC 300 winners Bo Nickal and Diego Lopes, Deiveson Figueiredo's callout of Dominick Cruz, where Charles Oliveira goes from his loss to Arman Tsarukyan, Dustin Poirier's chances against Islam Makhachev at UFC 301, Jose Aldo vs. Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301, and much more.
You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces.
Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR

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HOAM | Who Should Max Holloway Fight Next After Spectacular UFC 300 Knockout?

The Fighter vs. The Writer returns with UFC legend Matt Brown and MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin discussing the latest news in combat sports including Conor McGregor finally booking his return to action at UFC 303.
It’s been three years since McGregor last fought, which raised some doubts about whether he would ever return to compete again, but he’s now scheduled to fight Michael Chandler in June. But what kind of expectations should we have for McGregor in 2024 with his last truly meaningful win coming all the way back in 2016 when he demolished Eddie Alvarez to become a two-division champion?
How dangerous is Chandler as an opponent in McGregor’s return?
Plus we’ll talk about Ryan Garcia pulling off a massive upset with his majority decision win over Devin Haney this past weekend. Garcia also wasted no time accepting a challenge from UFC champion Sean O’Malley but should we even entertain these callouts any longer?
All this and more on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer!
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Fighter vs. Writer: Matt Brown Reacts to Conor McGregor Finally Booking UFC Return, Ryan Garcia’s Upset Win Over Devin Haney

Michael Jai White has the skills, but does he have the grit to survive the mean streets of “Blood and Bone?”
On this episode of This is CineMMA, the MMA Fighting movie review crew break out of the clink to follow the adventures of Bone (White), a man on a mission who batters and bruises his way through L.A.’s underground fight scene while crossing paths with real-life combat sports stars Kimbo Slice, Gina Carano, and Bob Sapp. Featuring plenty of bloody battles-and some very, very NSFW language-this one ain’t for the faint of heart.
Alexander K. Lee, Jed Meshew, and E. Casey Leydon channel their inner “Just Bleed Guy” as they marvel at White’s dazzling martial arts skills, pick out some of the nastiest looking moves in the movie, and try to make heads or tails of some truly befuddling dialogue choices.
How would Bone fare in the #UFC? Is Eamonn Walker a better villain than Conor McGregor? And is it really possible to jump in the air and kick four people at once?
Dig into Blood and Bone with us for the answers to these questions and more.

Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee
Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew
Follow E. Casey Leydon: @ekc
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#469 – Anthony Smith, Stefan Struve, Valerie Loureda, Matt Mitrione

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