Ariel Helwani recaps the week in MMA (00:07:57), then speaks to Mike Perry (00:24:09) in studio, Elias Theodorou (01:32:10), Yoel Romero (01:49:19), Israel Adesanya (02:11:04), Leslie Smith (02:34:37), Will Brooks (03:02:15), TJ Dillashaw (03:24:20), Matt Mitrione (03:42:50), and NewYorkRic for The MMA [After] Hour featuring Ric's Picks (04:14:28) and the answers to your questions (05:01:10).
 


      
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The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani - Episode 422

Get all the mixed martial arts fighting news and analysis you need from the award-winning team at MMA Fighting. Produced by MMA Fighting and SB Nation, and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

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UFC 301 is in the book so it's on to St. Louis!
The worldwide leader in MMA heads to the Gateway Arch this Saturday with 13 fights, capped off by a heavyweight slugfest between Derrick Lewis and Rodrigo Nascimento and the No Bets Barred boys are back to break down all the action.
Co-hosts Conner Burks and Jed Meshew kick things off with a brief recap of UFC 301 and celebrate Jose Aldo's terrific win before diving into this week's card. Can Derrick Lewis become a Saint in the City that bears his name? Did Joaquin Buckley bite off more than he can chew against Nursulton Ruziboev? Can Robelis Despaigne continue to live up to "Lock of the Millenia" vibes? And Jed reveals his latest bit of nonsense: The Sharknado Bet.
All this and a lot more are discussed on this week's episode.
Tune in for episode 87 of No Bets Barred.

Follow Conner Burks: @connerburks


Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew


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No Bets Barred: Will Derrick 'Saint' Lewis Deliver Another Knockout At UFC St. Louis?

Many people in the MMA community believe that Umar Nurmagomedov might be the UFC bantamweight champion in waiting — and in August, the undefeated Nurmagomedov will get to take the next step in proving that when he faces perennial contender Cory Sandhagen in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi.
On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov booking, and what is at stake for both guys. Additionally, listener questions include Jose Aldo's future following his dominant decision win over Jonathan Martinez, Steve Erceg's championship potential following his loss to Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301 this past Saturday, and much more.
You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces.
Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR

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HOAM | Reaction To Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov, UFC 301 Fallout

The Fighter vs. The Writer returns with a special episode as UFC legend Matt Brown discusses his decision to retire from MMA for the first time.
With the most knockouts in welterweight history and the second most knockouts in UFC history, Brown etched his name in the record books numerous times over but what led to the timing for his retirement announcement this past Saturday?
Brown details when he told the UFC about his retirement and the reaction he received from the promotion.
He also explains why he’s really done with fighting and his immediate plans for the future.
All this and more on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer!
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Fighter vs. Writer: Matt Brown Explains His Decision to Retire, UFC’s Reaction & What’s Next

Alexandre Pantoja capped off UFC 301 with a unanimous decision win over a game Steve Erceg to retain his flyweight title, while Jose Aldo returned to the octagon to sweep the scorecards against Jonathan Martinez to become one of the sport's top free agents. What's next for the hometown heroes following Saturday's pay-per-view event?
On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what could be next for Pantoja and Erceg following their main event clash in Rio. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Aldo — both in, and out of the UFC — Anthony Smith following his quick submission of Vitor Petrino, Michel Pereira after his 56 second stoppage win over Ihor Potieria, along with fellow main card winner Caio Borralho, and more.

Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR


Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee


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On To the Next One | What's Next For Jose Aldo After Triumphant Return At UFC 301?

The Brazilian fans in Rio de Janeiro certainly went home happy after Alexandre Pantoja earned a hard fought unanimous decision win over Steve Erceg to retain his flyweight title in the UFC 301 main event, but it was Jose Aldo, now the sport's biggest free agent, who sent the arena into a frenzy with his throwback performance against Jonathan Martinez.
Following Saturday's pay-per-view fight card, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and Eric Jackman react to Pantoja's successful title defense, the scoring of the fight, and if Erceg made a fight-losing mistake in the fifth round. Additionally, the panel discusses Aldo's dominant win and what's next for him, his title hopes if he re-signs with the UFC, Michel Pereira's quick finish, Anthony Smith's upset win, and much more.

Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR


Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew


Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic


Subscribe to MMA Fighting
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The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani - Episode 422

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