Hey Not The Face! Podcast

John S. Nash & Stephie Haynes
  • 4.6 (5)
  • Business

A newsletter and podcast covering the business of face-punching! heynottheface.substack.com

  1. Managers swear Dana White doesn't negotiate contracts | Ep. 261

    1d ago

    Managers swear Dana White doesn't negotiate contracts | Ep. 261

    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 back at the latest UFC antitrust case(s) updates. We discuss how managers swore under threat of perjury that Dana White doesn’t negotiate contracts, as well as the Defendant’s response to Plaintiff’s spoliation claims. We also weigh in on Justin Gaethje’s call for equity, the new UFC rankings system, and the ongoing feud with Dana White and Eddie Hearn. 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 261 Outline * Are there any updates in the UFC antitrust cases? * Viewer numbers for the White House event have been a point of contention with Dana White commenting that ⅓ of Paramount subscribers tuned in. Is Dana just bad at math or did that feel like an intentional misrepresentation? * Justin Gaethje feels he deserves to be rewarded with equity for everything he’s done for the UFC, saying the following: “I’m in a place where I feel like I deserve to be compensated for what I have done, not for what I’m going to do. The UFC should create a company and give me equity in that company so I can build passive income.” What do you say to that? * Speaking of Gaethje, GSP says that he thinks Justin should retire. Do you agree with that sentiment? * Islam Makhachev said that the reason negotiations with Ilia Topuria went south after an initial agreement was made, was because the day after they agreed, Ilia came back with a demand for somewhere in the neighborhood of $20M. Do you think Ilia had enough standing to legitimately demand that amount? * Demetrious Johnson talked about the perils of losing a championship bout (or any fight), and how people tend to forget their expected purse is cut in half. Is there anything else that could be added to that conversation? * The UFC is introducing their new AI rankings system this week. Does this signify a further move away from being a true sport? * The feud between Dana White and Eddie Hearn keeps going, with Dana making fun of Eddie because Anthony Joshua signed a deal with CAA. What do you make of that? * Speaking of Hearn, he discussed DAZN’s new deal with TNT sports. Do you think that relationship will keep DAZN alive and thriving? * Do you think Turki Alalshikh will be able to broker the peace he hopes for among all the promoters? * What are your thoughts on the WBO refusing to allow ZUFFA Boxing to submit a purse bid on the Keshawn Davis-Devin Haney bout because ZB isn’t an officially licensed promoter? *Latest filings from the UFC antitrust cases*

    38 min
  2. Why did the UFC oversell their viewer numbers? | Ep. 260

    6d ago

    Why did the UFC oversell their viewer numbers? | Ep. 260

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT We’re discussing viewership numbers from UFC Freedom 250 and why the estimates were so inflated compared to what they were in reality. We also look at the backlash to Conor McGregor’s media appearances, and the lingering effect of Josh Hokit’s comment on Michelle Obama. We weigh in on Floyd Mayweather’s ma…

    36 min
  3. Unpacking the massive revenue and corruption of UFC Freedom 250 | Ep. 259

    Jun 17

    Unpacking the massive revenue and corruption of UFC Freedom 250 | Ep. 259

    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 back at the White House card now that it’s happened. We discuss the sponsors, the political motivations, the questionable actions of in-fight officiating, and the hiring of the ABC to oversee the event. We also analyze the latest filings in the antitrust cases, which are very spicy, indeed. 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 259 Outline * Are there any new filings or updates to the UFC antitrust cases? * What did you think of the White House card as a whole? * What did you think of the ABC being hired to regulate the event? * What did you think of the sponsors? * What did you think of the crypto bonuses? * What did you think of boxers being there but only 1 UFC superstar retiree in GSP, and that was only because he was cornering Aiemann Zahabi? * UFC commentary referred to Pereira as the biggest mixed martial arts star in the world about 15 minutes after a weird taped segment with Mcgregor and Holloway. Their hard launch of their next massive star failed in real time, and Ilia Topuria, as well. Can Justin Gaethje fill the shoes of either man? * White said the event merchandise sales doubled the next best event. He also said that it was a monstrous night. Do you think they lost a single nickel on that event? * White said this event had no political agenda and was simply to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America and further said the president trusted him to deliver a one-of-a-kind event. He said that he discussed the event on platforms of many different political leanings. Do you believe him? * How do you think the event was viewed by the public? * Do you have any thoughts on that Daniel Cormier post with the Eric Trump screengrab? * What did you think of all the UFC brass being there front and center, as well as old brass like Frank Fertitta? * Lots of politicians, including Corey Booker and Gavin Newsom were tweeting about the corruption of the event. Do you think there’s enough momentum to stop the Revival Act from passing? *Many new filings from the UFC antitrust cases*

    42 min
  4. UFC Corruption 250 | Ep. 258

    Jun 12

    UFC Corruption 250 | Ep. 258

    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 details of the lawsuit filed against the Trump administration that allege a “volcano of corruption” among other complaints. We discuss the new merchandise UFC will be selling online, as well as the on-site shops, and the way the sponsor packages may have been designed when the negotiations were underway before the Paramount broadcast rights deal was even signed. 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 258 Outline * Are there any new filings or updates to the UFC antitrust cases? * In our last show, we discussed the lawsuit filed against the Trump Administration. Since then, there’s been a flurry of activity in those cases. Explain what’s been happening over the last couple days. * In a reply brief, Public Integrity Project attorneys say the UFC White House event is a “volcano of corruption” that will “mark an inflection point in American history.” POTUS’s “allies at the UFC will profit from the first private, for-profit sporting event ever held on WH grounds.” Would you agree with that sentiment? * They also stated the government “concealed the true nature of the event for months”. Did they? * Zach Arnold noted an item from the DOJ response regarding UFC White House card. There is a contract between UFC & the Feds to put on this event. Does that surprise you at all? * Can you lay out the deal that the govt. will have with the UFC that was recently announced by Marco Rubio. * The UFC dropped its UFC Freedom 250 merchandise shop on their website. Now that you’ve seen it, does their claim that they will lose money on this event hold any water when you tally up all the other revenue streams for this event? * The Washington Post is reporting that the White House will be closed to reporters during the UFC event - unless the UFC lets them in. The White House is ceding control of who gets into the fight event on the South Lawn, in a break with tradition. Is this another critical detail in the UFC’s growing political power? * In the grand scheme of things, do you think the White House card will have any significant impact on sports as a whole, outside the MMA landscape? * Dana White was named to TIME Magazine’s inaugural Top 100 Sports list that recognizes 100 of the most influential sports figures reshaping the sports landscape. Do you think he has a claim to be on that list? *COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF*

    29 min
  5. Is there a case to stop the UFC Freedom 250 card? | Ep. 257

    Jun 9

    Is there a case to stop the UFC Freedom 250 card? | Ep. 257

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT We’re discussing the lawsuit filed against the Trump administration that looks to stop the UFC White House event from moving forward. We analyze the complaints and the odds that the Plaintiffs can prove and win their case. We also break down why the A-List celebrities that were invited by Dana White have d…

    38 min
  6. Could the White House card backfire on the UFC? | Ep. 255

    Jun 3

    Could the White House card backfire on the UFC? | Ep. 255

    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 how the White House card could end up backfiring for the UFC. We discuss Donald Trump’s investment in TKO, as well as the military troops the Pentagon is seeking to fill seats at the White House card, and if the UFC could theoretically afford to pay for their travel expenses and still stay in the black. We examine the significance of Zuffa Boxing’s signing of Shakur Stevenson, and GSP’s claims that he made great strides in fighting the UFC’s tyranny. 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 255 Outline * Are there any new updates or filings to the UFC antitrust cases? * Late last week, it was revealed that Donald Trump invested in TKO. Why is that a problem? * Internal memos show the pentagon is trying to recruit a certain type of military troop to attend the White House card. Further, they want those troops to pay for their own travel to the card. Could UFC eat those costs and still stay in the black? * Is the UFC not telling the whole story with revenue streams for the WH card? * Eddie Hearn says that he wants to get Tom Aspinall out of his UFC contract and he uses some of Dana White’s ideology. “Dana said, ‘Eddie should want fighters to earn as much money as possible. He should be happy for Conor Benn that he’s making more money.’ ... Dana White should be happy for Tom Aspinall to receive that deal.” What do you make of that? * Speaking of Eddie Hearn, he is reporting that Shakur Stevenson has already signed with Zuffa Boxing. How significant is this signing? * GSP recently went on Demetrious Johnson’s podcast where he discussed why the bigger name stars in the UFC carry a responsibility to help other fighters get better pay, the way he says he did, himself. What are your thoughts on his comments? * Dana White quipped on the Pat McAfee show last week that TKO was “like the mafia, they’ve got a piece of everything” in regards to a question on whether TKO has a stake in Power Slap. What did you think of that statement? *Motion to seal exhibits, declaration of Lorraine Moise*

    32 min
  7. Why Dana White's 'We offer 3 fights a year' is a lie | Ep. 254

    May 29

    Why Dana White's 'We offer 3 fights a year' is a lie | Ep. 254

    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 Dana White’s latest media rounds. We discuss his comments on comparisons to WNBA base pay, and his false claim that UFC offers three fights per year. We provide a thorough breakdown of tolling provisions and why Dana’s claims are untrue with citations directly from UFC contracts. 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 254 Outline * Are there any updates to the UFC antitrust cases? * We talked last week about possible match-ups MVP could do to maximize a second card. After watching Rico Verhoeven vs. Oleksandr Usyk, what are your thoughts on that now? * Ronda Rousey is angling for a rematch with Holly Holm. How well do you think that fight would do as a main event on MVP’s next MMA event? * How is Netflix positioned, as far as MVP is concerned? * TKO is affiliated with Brand Risk, a celebrity influencer-based promotion that is under fire for fight-fixing. What are your thoughts on Brand Risk? * It’s been reported that Conor McGregor wanted to fight Michael Chandler, but UFC said it didn’t make sense for them. Has Conor’s leverage with the company evaporated? * The UFC 329 VIP packages are insanely priced, with some as high as $20K, and they’re completely sold out. What do you make of Conor’s drawing power? * Dana White has been making the interview rounds ahead of the White House card. What do you make of all the media he is doing and coverage he is getting? * When asked about the WNBA increasing their base pay minimum, he said it was ridiculous to compare salaries with the WNBA and that fighter pay has gone up every single year. Has it? * He also spoke about having to offer fighters 3 bouts per year. What part of his talking points in that conversation did you find issue with? *Minutes of proceedings from status conference, dated 5/18/26*

    36 min
  8. What is Scott Coker actually trying to do? | Ep. 253

    May 22

    What is Scott Coker actually trying to do? | Ep. 253

    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 news of Scott Coker’s re-entry to MMA as a promoter with seed money for a new promotion. We also discuss MVP MMA’s big numbers in viewership and at the gate and Nakisa Bidarian’s idea that they can help Conor McGregor maximize his value in free agency There’s a lot …

    40 min
See All (263)

4.6
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

A newsletter and podcast covering the business of face-punching! heynottheface.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    John S. Nash & Stephie Haynes
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    263
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © John S. Nash
  • Show Website
    Hey Not The Face! Podcast

You Might Also Like