Does the UFC need Ilia Topuria to defeat Justin Gaethje and remain one of the promotion’s biggest global superstars?

Brendan Schaub reacts to Luke Thomas’ theory that the UFC is booking immediate rematches to produce the outcomes—and champions—it originally wanted. Brendan explains why Topuria’s marketability, remaining career and potential historic event at the Colosseum could make an Ilia victory extremely valuable to the UFC.

The Big Brown Breakdown also covers Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland, Alex Pereira’s potential path to another championship, Jon Jones’ exchange with Islam Makhachev, Brian Ortega withdrawing from UFC 331 and the current state of the UFC heavyweight division.

Plus, Brendan breaks down Alexandre Pantoja vs. Joshua Van, Tommy McMillen’s future, Alexander Volkanovski’s next move, UFC fighter pay and the upcoming UFC 331 fight companion.

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Tom Aspinall has officially vacated the UFC heavyweight championship after ongoing complications with the eye injuries he suffered against Ciryl Gane. With Aspinall unable to receive medical clearance, interim champion Ciryl Gane is now the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion—but did he actually earn it?

Brendan Schaub reacts to Aspinall’s heartbreaking announcement, examines Gane’s path to the championship and explains why he considers Gane one of the least deserving heavyweight champions in UFC history.

Brendan also recaps Ryan Garcia’s dominant performance against Conor Benn, breaks down Noche UFC, responds to Bobby Green’s claims about PED use among UFC champions, discusses Dana White’s continued feud with Francis Ngannou and previews UFC 331.

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Is Gable Steveson really ready for the UFC’s best heavyweights? Brendan Schaub pumps the brakes on the hype surrounding the Olympic gold medalist, explaining why Steveson’s striking and defense still need work, why he’s at least four fights away from the top five, and what could happen if the UFC pushes him too quickly.

Brendan also answers fan questions about Tom Aspinall, Dana White and Francis Ngannou, Usman vs. Parnasse, Arman’s preparation, Rodtang vs. Demetrious Johnson-style mixed-rules fights, Bo Nickal and prospects entering the UFC too early, fighter pay, Paddy Pimblett discussing men’s mental health, and more on this edition of Big Brown Breakdown Fan Questions.

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Brendan Schaub weighs in on the growing uncertainty surrounding UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and says the UFC needs a real timeline for his return. Brendan is still an Aspinall supporter, but if Tom is six months to a year away from fighting, he believes the UFC has to consider stripping the belt and moving the heavyweight division forward.

Plus, Brendan reacts to UFC 332 and its controversial main event, discusses a potential Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria rematch, Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev, Alex Pereira’s heavyweight options, Ciryl Gane, Jon Jones, Islam Makhachev, Michael Chandler, Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn, UFC Noche, Alexa Grasso and more from around the UFC and MMA world.

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Brendan Schaub questions what Eddie Hearn has actually done for Tom Aspinall and other major MMA clients, arguing that Aspinall needs to get back to fighting while the UFC heavyweight division continues moving forward. Brendan also compares Aspinall’s situation to Jon Jones’ previous layoff and explains why he believes the two champions’ circumstances and UFC legacies aren't remotely comparable.

Plus, Brendan breaks down UFC Noche, Jean Silva vs. Jose Delgado, Brandon Moreno, Alexa Grasso, Curtis Blaydes, Tommy McMillen, Paulo Costa’s UFC contract situation, Dana White’s comments about Ilia Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan’s title chances, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Brian Ortega’s comments about UFC talent, Michael Venom Page, Khamzat Chimaev, Michael Morales, Justin Gaethje, Bobby Green, Tony Ferguson and more from around MMA and combat sports.

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Brendan Schaub reacts to Michael “Venom” Page leaving the UFC after completing his contract with a 5-1 promotional record. Did the UFC prioritize entertainment over winning, and why wasn’t MVP given more opportunities against ranked contenders?

Brendan also discusses Salahdine Parnasse’s dominant UFC debut against Dan Hooker, rumors of an immediate Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje rematch, Alex Pereira calling for another fight with Ciryl Gane, the struggling UFC 332 card, Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev and much more.

Join Brendan and the Big Brown family for another live MMA discussion.

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Brendan isn't holding back on this one: UFC 332's main event puts Natalia Silva against Cong Wang for the flyweight title on CBS, and he calls it flat-out the worst main event in MMA history — a stacked undercard wasted, a title fight nobody's asking for, and a direct message to the matchmakers about what that does to the promotion's biggest broadcast platform yet.

Also in this one: Dan Hooker's rough night in Paris against a hard-charging French prospect (and why call-outs to Max Holloway, Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett are premature), the UFC quietly cutting Michael "Venom" Page from the rankings after a 6-1 run and what that says about how the promotion values excitement over winning, an insider report on a possible immediate Ilia Topuria–Justin Gaethje rematch, Tyron Woodley's scary moment after getting caught over the weekend, and a quick detour into the never-ending Anthony Joshua–Tyson Fury boxing saga.

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Brendan Schaub is back answering your biggest UFC and MMA questions on BBB Fan Questions.

Brendan breaks down Islam Makhachev's chances of extending his historic winning streak at welterweight and explains why bigger fighters like Michael Morales and Ian Machado Garry could create serious problems for Islam. He also discusses whether UFC champions should be forced to fight twice a year, Sean O'Malley's next move, the possibility of a UFC legends card featuring Jon Jones, GSP and Conor McGregor, and why Michael “Venom” Page and Ian Machado Garry can produce frustrating fights.

Plus, Brendan weighs in on UFC judging and grappling, fighters representing different countries, UFC prospects, Muay Thai fighters transitioning to MMA, athletic commissions and more.

Drop FAN QUESTION in the YouTube comments for a chance to have your question answered on the next episode.

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Brendan Schaub is back for another Big Brown Live answering fan questions and breaking down the biggest stories in the UFC and MMA.

Brendan weighs in on the state of the UFC heavyweight division and says Tom Aspinall may need to be stripped if he doesn't return by the end of the year. He also explains why Michael “Venom” Page's UFC run hasn't worked out, why the UFC and MVP may be headed toward a split, which rising prospect he believes could fight for a UFC championship within 18 months, and a potential Alexander Volkanovski vs. Justin Gaethje superfight.

Plus, Brendan talks UFC Paris, Dan Hooker, the UFC's upcoming schedule, college football, NFL, youth football and answers questions from the live chat.

Big Brown Breakdown / Big Brown Live — UFC analysis, MMA news, fight predictions and fan questions every week.

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Brendan Schaub breaks down UFC Paris and explains why he thinks everyone is massively underestimating Dan Hooker against Salahdine Parnasse.

Despite Hooker entering as a huge underdog, Brendan believes his UFC experience, strength of schedule and urgency at this stage of his career could make him the perfect spoiler in Paris. He gives his prediction for the fight and explains why he believes we're about to see the best version of Dan Hooker.

Plus, Brendan discusses Michael “Venom” Page's future in the UFC, Marlon “Chito” Vera changing camps, Anthony Smith returning to competition, Khamzat Chimaev's potential next fight, the mystery UFC main event announcement, Sean Strickland and more.

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