MMA Fighting Vox Media Podcast Network

Chael Sonnen is set to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame and so the MMA Fighting crew takes a look back at his extraordinary career, as DAMN! They Were Good celebrates “The Bad Guy.”
For the first half of Sonnen’s career, “The American Gangster” was an also-ran, a guy with an unexciting style who nobody cared about. He fell short in the UFC when he got the call and then came up short when he fought for the WEC middleweight title, and it looked for all the world like Sonnen would join the ranks of forgotten journeymen that fill MMA.
But then something happened.
Sonnen decided that anonymity wasn’t good enough, and he changed his stars, incorporating pro-wrestling style bombast to make himself marketable. His fighting style never changed but his mic work did and suddenly, Sonnen was the biggest thing in the sport, kicking up a rivalry with Anderson Silva that defined the early 2010s of MMA. And while Sonnen never ultimately won a major title in MMA, he did leave an indelible impression on the combat sports world.
What were our favorite moments and the best highlights from Sonnen’s career? How did Sonnen pull off this incredible turnaround? And who exactly is Homer Moore? All this and more are discussed on the latest episode of DAMN! They Were Good.
Follow Jed Meshew: @JedKMeshew
Follow Shaheen Al-Shatti: @shaunalshatti
Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee
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Leon Edwards discussed the possibility of a fight against Conor McGregor later this year if both men can emerge victorious in their scheduled bouts, and McGregor gave his stamp of approval on the idea as well. If McGregor beats Michael Chandler at UFC 303, and Edwards defeats Belal Muhammad at UFC 304, could that be the next welterweight title fight?
On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his thoughts on the likelihood of that fight being made if everything falls into place, and the alternatives if either were to lose. Additionally, listener topics include the greatness of Olesander Usyk's victory over Tyson Fury this past Saturday in Saudi Arabia, Lerone Murphy's big win over Edson Barboza in the main event of UFC Vegas 92, PFL seemingly losing buzz by the day, where Patchy Mix ranks at 135 pounds worldwide after his split decision win at Bellator Paris this past Friday, and 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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The Fighter vs. The Writer returns with a new episode as UFC legend Matt Brown and MMA Fighting senior reporter Damon Martin discuss the latest in combat sports including Oleksandr Usyk beating Tyson Fury to become the new undisputed heavyweight champion in boxing.
Usyk nearly scored a finish over Fury in the ninth round but the referee opted to give "The Gypsy King" a standing 10 count rather than swooping in for a stoppage. Did the referee cost Usyk a knockout victory with that move?
Plus, Usyk's win has been praised as one of the biggest in recent history in boxing but does that actually put him at the top of the pound-for-pound list? Brown explains why he just can't put Usyk there.
We also discuss the recent criticism that Jon Jones has faced for picking Stipe Miocic as his next opponent rather than fighting interim UFC champion Tom Aspinall.
We'll also react to Jake Paul talking trash to Mike Tyson at their most recent press conference and Brown details why he believes that's a huge mistake on Paul's part.
All this and more on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer!
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Lerone Murphy shined in his first UFC main event as he battered and dominated Edson Barboza at UFC Vegas 92 this past Saturday at the APEX. Following the biggest win of his career, what is next for Murphy — whether he gets his wish to fight at UFC 304 in Manchester, or not?
On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what is next for Murphy from a matchmaking perspective following his breakout performance. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Khaos Williams after knocking out Carlston Harris in the co-main event, Themba Gorimbo after his decision win against Ramiz Brahimaj, along with main card finishers Adrian Yanez, Angela Hill, and more.

Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR


Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee


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Following the UFC featherweight headliner between Edson Barboza and Lerone Murphy, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Eric Jackman react to Saturday's UFC Vegas 92 at the APEX.

Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR


Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic


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Join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Eric Jackman as they react to Oleksandr Usyk's victory over Tyson Fury in an instant classic to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.

Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR


Follow Eric Jackman: @NewYorkRic


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