Hey Not The Face! Podcast

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com

SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, we’re looking at the latest updates to the UFC antitrust cases and Nick Khan’s 17-page version of his opening statement from last week’s Senate hearing on the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. We also discuss the class action suit filed by porn industry talent that could reveal the reasoning behind a very special provision in the contracts of UFC fighters and boxers signed to Zuffa Boxing. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:

*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going*

Episode 247 Outline

* Are there any updates to the UFC antitrust cases?

* There is a big porn industry class action suit that was recently filed. What are the details and can a parallel be drawn between that case and what’s going on with the antitrust cases in combat sports?

* The Senate website for the Commerce Committee posted a 17 page version of Nick Khan’s opening statement from last week. After you had a chance to go over it, what stood out to you?

* Lou DiBella was recently on Ariel Helwani’s show and said the following: “It’s not just hobos that are signing with TKO...It’s not going to be very long before they’re gonna have a roster that compares favorably with every single other promoter.” Do you agree with him?

* The Saudis have withdrawn from LIV Golf. We talked about the probability of them doing that over the last several weeks/months. With their big investment in the Paramount merger, what do you think the odds are of them pulling up stakes in boxing and combat sports completely?

* The Saudis also cancelled their snooker contracts. What does this mean for Eddie Hearn and DAZN?

* There was a Town Hall with Nick Khan recently. Was there anything he said that stood out to you in particular?

* Mark Shapiro recently talked about TKO’s full embrace of AI technology. Do you think this helps or harms TKO’s businesses in the long run?

* Zach Arnold posted a video of Harrison Whitman being introduced as the COO of Zuffa Boxing. Who is Harrison Whitman?

* Once again, a UFC numbered event with a big headliner is experiencing terrible sales. When you look at that and combine it with the downturn in ticket sales they’ve been experiencing overall, how long do you think they’ll keep business as usual before a revamp or focus on building stars, if at all?

* Recently, Ronda Rousey said she wanted to become MVP’s “Dana White” figure. We speculated on this a while back. Do you think she’s equipped to handle that role?*Instructions for court-appointed digital forensic analyst*

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com

SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, we’re looking at the latest updates to the UFC antitrust cases surrounding the feud between the Plaintiffs and Dominance MMA. We also discuss WWE’s plethora of issues surrounding Wrestlemania 42, and what the future may hold for the company. In our final section, we discuss the curious case of Aljamain Sterling’s Funk Harbor rum, and his latest contract signing with the UFC. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:

*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going*

Episode 246 Outline

* Do we have any updates to the UFC antitrust cases?

* Last week, some TKO financials came out that detailed the 2025 salaries of TKO’s highest ranking officials. What did they look like?

* There was a report stating that the White House card will have “Super Bowl level security” handled by federal agencies. Who eats the cost of that?

* There was a lot of uproar over Wrestlemania 42 last weekend that ranged from ESPN’s Andreas Hale being denied credentials to flagging ticket sales. The event also drew tons of scorn and criticism for the content. Does this forebode of darker times ahead for WWE?

* They also released a large swathe of talent a few days after the event. Does that signal anything to you?

* Speaking of talent, Mark Shapiro told a University of Alabama class that TKO has full control over WWE creative and defended the use of celebrities like Pat McAfee, Mark Wahlberg and Logan Paul as a growth strategy. Are we at the point where they will no longer build stars, and instead will use Endeavor talent, Dana White (for UFC), etc to try and draw in viewers/subscribers/ticket purchasers?

* One final story to round out our pro-wrestling coverage is that the Make-A-Wish Foundation had to purchase their own tickets, as WWE didn’t comp them. Doesn’t this seem like really bad optics?

* Paddy Pimblett weighed in on Dana White and Eddie Hearn trying to box each other: “The funniest thing about it all. If they fought each other, they’d get paid well more than what the fighters are getting paid. $30 million each? No boxer’s getting that under Eddie and no UFC fighter’s getting it under Dana. But that’s just the way the world works.” What do you make of that?

* Aljamain Sterling tried to do a big promotional push of his Funk Harbor rum at a pre-fight presser for last weekend’s Apex card but was shot down by UFC officials. What did you think of that whole situation?

* Apparently, there are a lot of fighters, Aljo included, that have cigar brands too. That’s something that doesn’t get a lot of media or fan attention. Are these the “opportunities” Dana White says fighters should be thinking about rather than a UFC “career”?

* What did you make of Aljo’s comments on his contract discussion with Hunter Campbell?*Plaintiff’s reply in support of attorney fees and Exhibits A-C*

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com

SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, we’re looking at the latest updates to the UFC antitrust cases and the Senate hearing for the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. We discuss how the witnesses fared in their statements and questioning, who ended up being the better spokesperson for their arguments, and even break down how Ted Cruz did in his role today. We also get John’s wish list of questions and topics. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:

*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going*

Episode 244 Outline

* What happened at yesterday’s UFC antitrust status conference?

* There was a senate hearing concerning the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. What was your first gut reaction after watching it?

* What was your opinion of the Senator’s questions?

* How do you think each of the witnesses did?

* Let’s go over some of the subjects raised in the questions and see what you thought of the witnesses answers and how you would have perhaps answered different. First, they asked about the Health and Safety aspects of the bill. What was the witnesses response to this?

* There was some discussion about disclosure and transparency, with Nick Khan holding a completely different view from Oscar De La Hoya and Nico Ali Walsh. Who was right?

* Nick Khan went after the sanctioning organizations, while Oscar defended them. Whose opinion do you think is closer to the truth?

* Regarding the UBO system, what was the case Khan made for it and what was the case Walsh and De La Hoya made against it? Who was more effective?

* Did they bring up the argument that a UBO is just another option? Did anyone contest this?

* Ted Cruz brought up the current NCAA situation and mentioned that if the UBOs could negotiate collectively, they would extract much higher revenues. Is that argument right?

* Did anyone raise any particular interesting points that you thought flew under the radar?

* Is there any particular question or point you wished was raised?*Senate hearing witness statements*

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com

SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, we’re looking at the latest updates to the UFC antitrust cases and the Senate hearing for the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. We also discuss the possibility of the Saudis pulling up most of their sports investments, starting with LIV Golf and possibly extending through combat sports. We also examine Ronda Rousey’s comments about fighter pay, as well as all the principal fighters on that Netflix card appearing united in their message of being “free” and making lots of money with MVP. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:

*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going*

Episode 243 Outline

* Are there any new updates or filings to the UFC antitrust cases?

* What’s going on with the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act?

* There’s a lot of chatter swirling around that suggests the Saudis are about to pull out of their LIV Golf investments. What does this mean for the athletes they signed?

* Could we see them pull out of their boxing and MMA investments?

* What would that mean for Zuffa Boxing if they did, because doesn’t Sela own 60% of the promotion?

* MVP’s Rousey-Carano card is doing a press run with the principal fighters and Ronda Rousey has been scorching all the earth around her. What did you think of her comments about UFC pay, specifically regarding Kayla Harrison, and that the minimum purse on the card would be $40K?

* She invited Paddy Pimblett to “come talk to me when your contract is up”. Is she possibly serving another role within MVP?

* What did you think of Francis Ngannou’s “free fighter” comments?

* Postwrestling released an overview of the revenue share of WWE with its talent. What did that look like?*Joint status report*

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com

SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, we’re looking at the latest filings for Matchroom’s finances, UFC’s rough night at the Miami gate, and POTUS’ UFC pep rallies. We also discuss Dana White being the face of MAGA in sports, the gambling skullduggery that continues to happen around UFC events, and Conor Benn’s free agency. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:

*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going*

Episode 242 Outline

* Are there any updates to the UFC antitrust cases?

* Judge Boulware has been staying busy, though. What else has he been up to?

* What did you think of Trump and Marco Rubio’s presence at UFC 327 and Dana White’s comments that he’s not political?

* What did you think of the announcements regarding the White House card?

* Do you think Ilia might be reconsidering headlining the White House card since Trump and Rubio made threats to Spain?

* Ilia Topuria’s promotion, WOW, is doing big numbers in Spain. Do you see UFC possibly trying to buy it from him?

* UFC 327 went down as the worst card at the gate in their history in Miami. What do you make of that?

* There was quite a bit of betting hijinx that went on around UFC 327 including Kalshi changing their rules on the fly to avoid paying out bettors and UFC changing the result of a fight 30 minutes after the initial result which led to all the betting issues, and also saw a bettor make $250K off a $500 bet. Are we possibly going to see some blowback from all this?

* Conor Benn fought out his Zuffa Boxing contract. Is there anything we should take away from that?

* You got some new filings on Matchroom’s finances. What did you learn from them?

* What are your thoughts on a possible Fury-Joshua match?

* We talked about Floyd Mayweather’s money problems a couple weeks back. Now it’s been reported he owes the IRS $7.3M in back taxes. Could this jeopardize his purse from the Pacquiao fight, assuming it happens?*Matchroom finances*

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com

SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, we’re looking at the Ali Act Preservation Alliance, the announcement that DAZN and TNT have formed a broadcast partnership for boxing, and the effects that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is having on combat sports. We also discuss Donald Trump’s upcoming appearance at UFC 327, and MVP’s intent to take a serious stab at promoting MMA. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:

*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going*

Episode 241 Outline

* Are there new updates or filings to the UFC antitrust cases?

* What is the Ali Act Preservation Alliance?

* Is it too late for something like this to impact TKO’s efforts to push the Revival Act through?

* TNT Sports and DAZN Boxing have forged an alliance. What details do we have on it?

* Do you think this could provide meaningful competition to Zuffa Boxing?

* With the Saudi connection to DAZN, isn’t this counterproductive to Zuffa Boxing?

* There are folks that think the Saudis may be ready to pull the plug on their boxing interests. Do you think that’s possible?

* Ryan Garcia and Arman Tsarukyan discussed UFC and boxing pay. Did anything stand out to you?

* Dana White announced that Donald Trump will be in attendance at Saturday night’s UFC 327 card. Why do you think that is considering the war and other political turmoil happening right now?

* PFL announced they’ve postponed their May 8 Saudi Arabia card. They noted they will refund any purchased tickets and just keep moving along with their schedule. That sounds more like a cancellation than a postponement, right?

* Do you think UFC will change their tune on postponing or cancelling their Middle East events?

* It looks like MVP is serious about getting into the MMA business long term if next month’s Rousey-Carano card is a success. Do you think the way they established themselves over the last several years with influencer boxing has set them up better for success than upstart promotions just diving in with no buildup?*Exhibits A, B, C, D, E, and F regarding Plaintiff’s request for Dominance MMA to pay attorney fees*

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com

SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, John interviews longtime sports pundit, Luke Thomas, who has recently entered the political commentary landscape. There was a wide range of topics including: the UFC’s hard pivot to the right, the threat of Zuffa Boxing to the sport of boxing, if the Left hurts its own causes, and why Luke started covering politics. We have also included the latest filing in the Cirkunovs v. Zuffa antitrust case in our written post here. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen or watch:

*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going*

Episode 240 Outline

* Why has the UFC pivoted towards the Right?

* How much of the UFC’s support for Trump is transactional?

* Does the UFC antitrust case represent the public’s view of monopolies overall?

* Do boxing’s stakeholders understand the threat posed by Zuffa Boxing?

* Why are so many overlooking what the Ali Act protections do?

* 5.What have we gotten wrong in the past?

* Why did Luke Thomas also start covering politics?

* Does the Left sometimes hurt its own causes?

* Does the Left take the threat of Trump seriously enough?

* Should we be more optimistic or pessimistic?*PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION FOR ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND EXPENSES AS TO DOMINANCE MMA PER COURT ORDER ECF NO. 471*

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com

SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, we’re looking at the latest UFC antitrust updates, including why about 10% of the Le v. Zuffa settlement hasn’t yet been paid out. We’re also discussing Floyd Mayweather’s reported breach of contract, and how PFL’s viewership numbers are faring. In our final section, we examine ONE’s latest filings, their current financial health, and what their future could end up being. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:

*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going*

Episode 239 Outline

* Are there any new filings or updates in the current UFC antitrust cases?

* You reported that there was some new information on the settled Le v. Zuffa case. What was it?

* Floyd Mayweather is reported to be in breach of his contract regarding his upcoming fight with Manny Pacquiao. What are the details around this?

* Some PFL viewership numbers came out for their Pittsburgh show from last weekend. Is there anything that says they’re doing better, or is it still trending the same or worse, downward?

* What did you think of the reports that PFL is looking to rebrand and that going back to the Bellator name could be in consideration?

* You got ONE’s latest filings. What do their basic finances look like?

* Can we determine how much they are paying fighters?

* Is this the entire company? What about all the other ONE ventures, like the Talent Agency?

* How much total money have they raised and how much do they have left?

* What does their future look like in your opinion?

*ONE Championship 2024 partial financial statement*

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com

SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, we’re looking at the PPV estimates posted by the Wrestling Observer, whether UFC has a star power problem, and the UFC antitrust updates, as well as emerging information on why the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act passed the House so quickly. We also discuss MVP’s latest moves in MMA, ONE’s infusion of cash, PFL’s chances of survival and GFL’s latest attempts to get their promotion off the ground. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:

*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going*

Episode 238 Outline

* Are there any updates to the UFC antitrust cases?

* Are there any updates or new information for the Revival Act bill?

* We saw some UFC PPV estimates provided by the Wrestling Observer. What information were you able to glean from those?

* After last night’s event, many were discussing how Israel Adesanya losing a fourth, straight fight indicates the UFC is losing another bankable star (sold out arena and $4.2M gate). How important is star power to them considering they haven’t been selling out their on-the-road cards?

* Dana White took questions at the post-event presser and discussed Jon Jones’ contract negotiations, specifically regarding the White House card. What do you think happened there?

* He also said negotiations were ongoing for Conor McGregor’s return, which they’re hoping to secure for July, although he did say they weren’t close yet. What do you think of that?

* Shu Hirata broke some news that MVP poached a UFC TUF staffer for the launch of their MMA-themed TV show. They’re hosting women from the Atomweight division through the Featherweight division and men from the Lightweight division through the Light Heavyweight division. The show is apparently going to be on a major platform and aims to rival TUF. Do you think MVP can really make a run at the UFC and be successful?

* What’s going on with Floyd Mayweather’s lawsuit?

* PFL is under new management but still experiencing significant pains in reaching their target audience. What do you think of their regime change and their chance of survival in the space?

* ONE Championship has made significant changes to their roster, basically eliminating the MMA sector. What are we to make of that and their new infusion of cash?

* Mike Russell sent me a new GFL pitch deck regarding their latest attempt to lure in investors. What exactly are they trying to do?

*Joint status report for antitrust cases and Third party Plaintiff Showtime*

SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, John interviews UFC antitrust litigant Jon Fitch. The sprawling conversation covers a variety of questions with topics like AKA’s image rights, when he decided to sign on to the antitrust lawsuit, his thoughts on the new lawsuits, and his take on current fighters’ complaints about their pay. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:

*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going*

Episode 237 Outline

* What he has been up to lately

* His feelings about the lawsuit settlement

* Fighter’s reaction/did anyone thank him?

* Earlier reactions to first settlement

* Reaction to earlier information

* His career before becoming a top contender

* The AKA image rights situation

* Why didn’t fighters stand up at that time/why didn’t he sign up with the MMAFA then?

* When did he decide to sign on to the class action lawsuit?

* What was it like being a named plaintiff?

* Thoughts on the new lawsuits

* Thoughts on fighters reactions to the new lawsuits

* Thoughts on fighters reactions to Zuffa boxing pay?

* Thoughts on the new American Boxing Revival Act?

* Do you think boxing underestimates the risk?

* Reasons for wanting to expand Ali Act to MMA?

* What would he like to see happen in the sport?

* Why do you think it’s so hard for fighters to work together?

The Hey Not the Face! Podcast is an independent publication. Please consider a paid subscription to keep up with our best work and learn how you can support us. With all forms of news media crumbling, especially in the combat sports space, we could really use your help. Thank you. We appreciate all of you.

Thank you for checking out the Hey Not The Face! Podcast, a listener-supported publication. We’d be eternally grateful if you could help us by purchasing a subscription and spreading word of this episode by sharing it far and wide.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heynottheface.substack.com/subscribe