The UFC looks strong on the surface — but behind the scenes, cracks are forming.

From weak cards to heavyweight chaos, this isn’t the same machine anymore. 

Brendan breaks down why recent UFC cards feel different, why the heavyweight division is dangerously thin, and how the business decisions fans never see are catching up to the product.

We get into:

• Why the Apex era changed fan expectations

• How Bare Knuckle FC is succeeding without competing directly

• Jon Jones, the White House card, and what the UFC owes its legends

• Why heavyweight MMA used to matter — and why it doesn’t right now

• The difference between “dominant” and “complacent” promotions

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Dana White takes the stand in the UFC antitrust lawsuit, and the MMA world is already jumping to the wrong conclusions. On this episode of The Schaub Show, Brendan breaks down what the lawsuit actually means, why the UFC business model isn’t changing anytime soon, and why fighters will never unionize the way fans think they should.

Brendan dives into fighter pay myths, Conor McGregor’s real value to the UFC, whether Dana White still runs matchmaking, and why boxing continues to inflate stars while MMA stays controlled. There’s also a breakdown of Volkanovski vs Arman, the current contender logjam, and why “the greatest card ever” narratives rarely hold up.

This episode also marks the first edition of the second weekly Schaub Show episode featuring fan-submitted questions. Brendan answers questions sent in directly by fans, reacting in real time and digging deeper into topics the audience actually wants covered.

If you’re confused by the headlines or tired of surface-level MMA takes, this episode gives you the real context.

 Drop your questions in the comments for next week’s fan-submitted episode

 Subscribe for new episodes twice a week

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Brendan Schaub breaks down Alexander Volkanovski’s latest fight, what went wrong, and what the UFC really does to champions once the momentum slips. From Volk’s future at the top of the division to why some elite fighters never get the rematch they deserve, this episode goes deeper than the headlines.

The crew also dives into UFC matchmaking politics, contender logjams, and how timing matters more than talent at the highest level of MMA. Plus, a look at the business side of combat sports — including boxing power players, promoter leverage, and why certain fights never seem to happen.

If you’re an MMA fan who wants honest takes, behind-the-scenes insight, and conversations that go past surface-level reactions, this episode delivers. Is Volkanovski still championship material, or has the division passed him?

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The UFC’s first major Paramount era card exposed huge issues — from Paddy Pimblett’s ceiling, to Justin Gaethje’s legacy, to the growing backlash over ads during fights.

On this episode of The Schaub Show, the crew breaks down:

Why Paddy Pimblett may never reach championship level

What Justin Gaethje’s future should look like

The real problem with UFC’s new broadcast model

Why women’s MMA is facing a serious talent crisis

How betting scandals are hurting fighters, not fixing the sport

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On this episode of The Schaub Show, Brendan Schaub breaks down why the UFC feels different heading into its new Paramount era. From losing mainstream hype after leaving ESPN to Dana White’s shift in promotion style, the conversation dives into whether the UFC has lost some of the urgency and excitement that once made it unbeatable.

The episode covers the challenges of building stars in North America, why the UFC feels watered down with too many fight cards, and why only elite fighters truly make life-changing money. Brendan also discusses the future of Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, the rumored White House card, and what the UFC needs to do to recapture the energy that made it a global powerhouse.

A candid breakdown of where the UFC stands — and where it might be headed.

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On this episode of The Schaub Show, Brendan Schaub dives into the latest surrounding Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier, including their involvement in a Russian reality-style fight show and why their rivalry no longer hits the same.

Brendan explains why MMA nostalgia doesn’t work the way fans think it does, why legends don’t always translate into compelling modern content, and why it may be time to fully move on. He also breaks down how the UFC continues to miss massive crossover opportunities — including a critical reaction to how Mackenzie Dern was handled at the Golden Globes.

The episode also touches on:

Dana White’s role as the UFC shifts media partners

Wrestling vs MMA reality (Luke Rockhold, Colby Covington, Bo Nickal)

The leaked Logan Paul vs Bradley Martyn fight footage

Why certain fights should (and shouldn’t) happen

How poor presentation damages fighters long-term

A wide-ranging breakdown of combat sports, media, and why execution matters more than hype.

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Brendan talks about his daughter’s progress and why it put everything else into perspective, then shifts to a long breakdown of Gable Steveson, his potential future in the UFC, and whether Jon Jones is the right mentor for a young heavyweight prospect. Brendan compares Jones to other all-time greats, discusses mentorship versus talent, and explains why greatness inside the Octagon doesn’t always translate to guidance outside of it. The episode also covers the current state of the UFC heavyweight division, matchmaking challenges, prospects versus veterans, and what it really takes to reach a title shot. Brendan touches on boxing news, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Jake Paul’s rankings, pay-per-view changes, fighter pay, and upcoming UFC storylines. This is a classic Schaub Show episode — honest takes, fight analysis, and real perspective from someone who’s been there.

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On this episode of The Schaub Show, Brendan Schaub breaks down the story of Jack Doherty and three of his friendstrying to step up to Andrei Arlovski — and why that kind of confidence gets people hurt fast. Brendan explains the massive difference between influencer bravado and real fighting experience, why heavyweight legends like Arlovski operate in a completely different reality, and how internet fame can warp people’s sense of danger. The conversation highlights why stepping to a real professional fighter isn’t entertainment, isn’t a joke, and isn’t something numbers or followers prepare you for. The episode also dives into influencer fight culture, ego, clout, and why fans consistently underestimate what elite fighters are capable of, even later in their careers.

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On this episode of The Schaub Show, Brendan Schaub gives his unfiltered breakdown of Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua, why the fight was never competitive, and why calling it “brave” completely misses the point. Brendan explains how the fight should have been marketed, why the idea of a “puncher’s chance” doesn’t apply at this level, and how boxing continues to sell narratives that casual fans don’t fully understand. He also breaks down the difference between actually engaging in a fight versus surviving for rounds, why the money changes everything, and why this kind of matchup could only happen in boxing. The episode also touches on boxing vs MMA, how real fighting works at the elite level, the role of promotion and streaming platforms, and why Jake Paul has been able to exploit a broken system while making more money than most champions ever will.

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On this episode of The Schaub Show, Brendan Schaub breaks down the growing talk around a potential Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua fight — and why it would be the most dangerous matchup Jake Paul has ever faced. Brendan explains why Anthony Joshua represents a completely different level of power, experience, and risk, and how even a competitive showing would raise serious questions about Joshua’s legacy. He also compares the matchup to previous crossover fights involving Tyson Fury, Francis Ngannou, and Floyd Mayweather, and explains why this fight feels fundamentally different. Later in the episode, Brendan reacts to Ilia Topuria stepping away, reading Ilia’s statement and discussing the seriousness of the situation, including claims of extortion and false allegations. Brendan explains why this isn’t a typical MMA controversy and why it could have major implications for Ilia’s career. Additional topics include: Dana White on streaming costs and the future of the UFC Francis Ngannou and Dana White’s fractured relationship UFC fighter pay and leverage Recent MMA news involving Jamahal Hill and Joanna This episode covers the business, politics, and chaos surrounding combat sports right now — from boxing crossovers to real MMA consequences.

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