MMA Fighting - Eurobash: Episode 35 (w/ Stephen Thompson, Michal Materla, Brendan Loughnane)

Episode Date: May 14, 2019

On the latest episode of Eurobash, Stephen Thompson (12:50) discusses his return and a potential rematch with Darren Till, Michal Marterla (47:40) previews his KSW title fight and rematch with Scott Askham, and Brendan Loughnane (1:15:30) discusses his six-year road back to the UFC. Peter Carroll and Niall McGrath look at the latest news in European MMA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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over-deliver. Service fees exclusions in terms apply. It is the 35th episode of Eurobache, and we're back in your ears and back in your minds. I am joined as always by my lovely co-host, Mr. Noel McGraw, who had a sweaty weekend after watching Lester, collapse in the European Cup final against Saracens, an absolute joke of a performance. How were you, Noel? I'm good, yeah, good weekend. I was, you know, disappointed, but it was always going to be between the two of those teams

the start of the year. And Lensder, true way, a few crucial opportunities accrucied times in the match. And I suppose you just have to hold your hands up and go, well done, Saris. Yeah, yeah. They'll be back next year. Shite. And also, Man City, which we speak to one of our guests, Brendan Locknowen, about, you know, champions again. How does that make you feel?

Yeah, at least it's, you know, as the big man upstairs says, you know, support thy neighbour, do you not take your neighbour's goods, all that. So we had to go for Man City over Liverpool. We don't want Liverpool ever winning the league title ever. So listen, I'm happy to that extent, it's the sort of the worst of the two to win the league. But still, as a United fan and seeing what happened after the match. Sunday with Paul Pogba and the fans you know it's a club

that's in probably peril yeah no I've been in Manchester United since I was eight years of age and they've never supported you and yes that is true and it's just a shambles

it's the worst state Manchester United has probably ever been in as a football club my favourite thing about football at the moment is just watching your Twitter feed disgusting was how you I think I've re-found the fire in my day

after seeing all those arseholes can I just ask you about the disgusting comment you mentioned about Liverpool's historic comeback win. I think you said something on the lines of fuck football disgusting. Fuck disgusting football. Yeah. Do you retract that statement? That was just that nice and that moment. But it brought out the passion of me. The old dog is back. The seven-year season ticket holder and Al Trafford is back. Listen, very frustrating times, but as I said during the week, if the Manchester United players are at the club now they see Manchester City they see Liverpool succeeding if they can't get motivated

and want to play from Manchester United get the fuck out of the club well as that all right I've got another bit to talk to you guys about um why aren't you're reviewing our podcast on iTunes that's a joke I mean lads we went through hell and Hoywater to get this done every week you are pissing us off this podcast be released great guests as always you're going oh why is not Ikew yeah we did we did it all right we did that for you for you we did that we did that we lots of tears, lots of blood, and other things that I don't want to talk about. But get your act together, get the finger out. Listen, but you guys doing that, it helps us out there.

We've gone out there. It's been a pain to ask for PT to get that on, and he's gone and done it. So get the bloody reviews there and, you know, sharing all that good stuff. Or we'll just stop doing it. We'll just implode. But, yeah, obviously we talked about football and rugby at the start there. As we like to get Noel's thoughts as an avid fan and possible starting line-up member of the Irish squad someday.

The World Cup. Yes, but let's have a look at what happened last week in MMA because it was a bit of a doozy. We had Bellator 2-21. We had PFL, the regular season, and we had, of course, UFC 237. Jessica Andrade dethrones Rose Namayunis with a violent, violent slam.

I'd like to hat tip to Sean Denny for pointing out that Rose is of Lithuanian descent, so we need to start covering her more. We will do that. Patricio Pip Bull dethrones Michael Chandler with a controversial stoppage. for a different reason, we'll get into that later. Michael Venham Pages loses his first ever professional fight in MMA.

It was another spectacular finish, this time by Diego Lima. A lot of people felt like he would come up against his toughest challenge, and that proved to be through. But he did quite well, if you ask me. From PFL, Magamad, Magamad Karamov beats John Howard, and Sadabu Soi takes a 17-second finish of David Machud. Finally, Brendan Locknain's Dana White Tuesday Night, contender series debut has been announced.

It was first broke by Nolan King of Flow Combat, I think last month. But finally, during the 237 broadcast, they announced it. Very unexpected news yesterday for us. Mr. Tom Dukin was a tournament. That came out of left field, man. Big time, yeah, I'm pretty shocked. I think by reading it, I think we both started chat last night about what we thought of the Instagram post that Tom put up.

And we've obviously interviewed Tom and, you know, numerous amount of occasions. Lovely guy, such a gentle person, really good character. or but yeah I think you know as you said to me last night if your heart's not in it you know don't do it don't do it and we you know that will always be my taking mixed martial arts you know once a guy starts having those dates get out get out of the game and I think by looking at what we've seen today as well I think Tom is very much focused on coaching the traditional mixed martial arts and the mindset um traditional didn't look quite traditional on them uh post on instagram I tell you it well it was it was very very uh untraditionally traditional aligning chakras and what have you

Yeah. Yeah, it's interesting. Great guy, you know, fantastic time. It is sad. But as you said, your heart's not in it, man. You know, don't... It's a brutal and unforgiving sport. Yeah, absolutely.

Cage Warriors have announced Cage Warriors 107 at Liverpool's Exhibition Center on September 28th. Also announced Cage Warriors 109 at Birmingham's Resorts, World Arena on October 26th. Cage Warriors 108 in Cardiff will be taking place in between those on October 12th.

We also have... Choylew as President. Parry and John Jones getting into a fitness expo last week. I mean, Joy Lewis Perry isn't a man you want to see coming at you. Like, he's six foot nine. He's got a very good kickbox. I wouldn't like to see Jones. No, no.

Honestly, he's heated, man. Joy Lewis Perry's never locked go of that whole situation to happen with D.C., obviously. I mean, everybody I talk to sings his praises. He's a lovely guy. So to see him so worked up is quite a shock to some people. Don't think that UFC contract's coming just yet. No, I don't think so. But fun nonetheless.

Brian Moore and Joe Warren, is it going to happen? You spoke to Brian earlier this week. Yeah, I think it is. And by all accounts, it's just with Joe Warren out to... He seems game, though. He's tweeted about it. Everyone's talking about it. Yeah, no, yeah, definitely.

So I think, you know, in terms of what the US or the Bellator want to do is get it booked, and they're very keen, not according to Brian. Very good. So, yeah, listen, it is. It's one of those fights where it'll get Brian to the next level. I think what they should do. do with that fight here, obviously Joe, you know, being a former two-weight world champion

in terms of being Bellator, featherweight and Bantamweight. It's a really, really big name for Brian. Obviously, you know, Joe is in the force that he used to be. He's 42 years of age. These are the fights we want to see, though, in terms of of we want to see the Irish talent pitted against experienced names in Bellator.

That's what we want to see. Exactly. This would start, if Brian was to get a win here, it starts a, you know, a push and a leap in those rankings up towards that world title where Brian wants to be. And listen, it's a really good fight for fans here as well. I think a really good co-main event slot in Dublin. Yeah, absolutely. I wouldn't be disagreeing with you on that one.

Also, Aliak Barri, the ACB champion, who seemed like it signed for UFC last week. It seems like that is not happening now. ACA have blocked it saying he's still contractually obliged to ACA. So we're going to be interesting to see that one develop. Oh, yeah, and it's fun staying around contracts with those lads as well. We've seen it happen in the past. You know, they're not the easiest of contracts to get out of.

So that's going to be interesting to see how that pans out as well, Psy. Can I just say to it as well? Did you see Peter Quilly's post about Chris Bungard? What was that all about? I don't know what that was about. They trained together once in SBG.

Chris has been over there a good few times as far as I know, you know? Yeah. I don't see the point. I just didn't see the point in putting out a picture of Chris Bungard in the train station when you're going to fight Terry Briggs. Now I get that they have fought before, but I don't know if there's something more to that. I think there is, but why would you do it?

Otherwise, there was a statement there. He's saying something in terms of, you know, look what I've done to this guy. And I think it's a bit bad when you're in a training situation to put that out. It's not done. I wouldn't be a fan of it. So that's why I assume that something else is at play there. I don't really understand it.

There is. Maybe he's planting seeds for a future fight. Yeah, but I mean something else, like as in something happened that would make him put that up. I don't really understand what it is. Just the fact that he isn't welcome back to SBG. Maybe he's working with Terry now. I don't know. You know, Chris Bungware could be over, working with Terrence Brasier.

I'm not sure, man, I really don't know. And it was, it was an odd one. Like, I wouldn't... I got so many phone calls. Like, just like, what's going on there? I don't know. I wouldn't be happy if someone was putting training pictures of me up on social networks. No, not even me, like, doing a few dung bells.

That would be, that would be probably bad for my brand. But just one more thing. Something you've been talking about quite a lot over the last few years, Tony Ferguson has finally part of the ways of paradigm, of course, Connor McGregor's management company. And nearly immediately he has this, big fight booked with Donald Soroni. I mean, do you see this as a positive move

for Tony? Massively positive. I think, you know, sign him with the Balangie group and the guys who he's with. Now, we've seen that, you know, he literally signed him with a week ago, it was announced he signed him a week ago, and three days later he's a fight. We saw in the past, you know, I remember speaking to him, as I said to you there at UFC

216 Media Day in the McGregor, Mayweather build up, the UFC had that media day the same week because I knew a lot of mixed martial arts media were there, whatever, whatever. Blah, blah, blah. Yeah, and, you know, Tony was very vocal. I asked him that question. You know, he wasn't happy about it.

He goes, you know, sometimes, you know, I have to coach my mind. Don't ask me that fucking question. Just like they have to coach me. So listen, and, you know, we heard the rumors obviously in the bill up to Tony's last fight that, you know, he wasn't spending or doing a lot with his management team. It's obviously become untenable. And I think Tony's been pushing, looking for that McGregor fight. There was no updates, nothing happening.

It was always an issue for me. And now I think, you know, Tony's with these guys. He's going to try and push on and look for that McGregor fight. if you can get over Donald Seroni, which I expect him to do. Then who is Connor McGregor left with? Do you expect him to sit this out now, wait for these fights to play out? Yeah, 100%. You know, we looked at these fights.

Obviously, it's going to be Dustin Porre, getting the title shot now against Habib and Abbey-Dabee. Then we roll on, and we've Tony Ferguson against Donald Serroney. You know, and then we came out on Sunday evening or Saturday night, and we have Nate Diaz returning against Anthony Pettis. That's who I thought Connor was going to fight. And once I saw that, I was like, no, Conner's not going to fight anyone here.

He's going to wait at the end of the year. If, you know, we even do see him back. So I do think it's going to be second, or sorry, last quarter of the year for Conner's return. And it's just weird how it's going to play out because we've had so much feck and messing around in this division. We're finally seeing fights now that we want to see, that we've craved to see. And then there's no Connor McGregor in the mix. It's just a bit weird. It just feels weird.

But I think something's going to happen in that, you know, maybe Habib or Porreux winner. Makes sense. Absolutely. Just finally, a few fights added to the Cage Warriors 106, no to the Champions card. Ian Garry is back in action. That Irish prospects that's got the streets talking. He's taking on Teo Adunjo,

who's, I believe he's 2-0. So that's a good test for him. Morgan Sherrye, who we saw a fight, saw him back for the interim featherweight title, came up short on that fight. He's actually fighting Lewis Monarch, which I think is going to be a really, really good fight. And finally, Jabib,

Raman versus Josh Unworthy has been announced for that fight as well. I can't wait for that, only six total fights. It's going to be absolutely insane. I'm really, really looking forward to that card. But first, our first guest of the afternoon, of course, is Stephen Wonderboy Thompson. Stephen Thompson, not from Europe, but the conversation was very European-driven. We're talking a lot about Darren Till, about Raymond Daniels, fantastic CO, Belator Birmingham a couple of weeks back.

And we were talking about when he wants to get back. and great to see this kind of approach him. When we first heard from Stephen after that fight, he was talking to Luke Thomas about getting back in in June. So it's good to hear him say, like, maybe I should take that time off and take the time to fully heal. Very interesting guy, an absolute gentleman,

one of the greats, a pleasure to speak to Stephen Wonderboy Thompson, and we'll be back in about 10 minutes. I am honored to be joined by one of the greatest strikers who has ever Don the Octagon, Mr. Stephen Wonderboy Thompson. How are you, my friend? And thank you so much for joining us. Oh, doing great, my friend. I appreciate you having me, man.

Definitely my pleasure. I got to say, Stephen, your reaction to your last loss against Anthony Pettis, it really, really was amazing. You know, the fact that you got online, you were all smiles, you talked about it so openly. You were on my colleague Luke Thomas's podcast

just a couple of days after it. Is this something that you did consciously? Like, are you aware that, you know, so many people are watching you? Are you trying to present yourself to, like, you know, how you want to be. I know you teach martial arts, how you feel your students should be. Are you conscious of that when you're kind of reacting in that way?

You know what? I am. I think it's just who I am as a person as well. I mean, you know, I've never been knocked out before, you know, and it was something that, you know, it was bound to happen. I guess when you're in the sport long enough, it's bound to happen, you know. And I think nine times out of 10 with that fight, I would win. But I think that's what makes this,

this fight sport so excited because you never know. But I remember, you know, being in the hospital, my dad had me on Facebook live, and I think everybody just kind of wanted to know how I felt afterwards. And, you know, I was all smiles, man. And you get you ups and your downs. And normally I'm on the other side of that,

knocking my opponents out, of course. Yes. So it was not to happen before. It was me. But, yeah, man, I knew I got 600 kids back home watching every move I make. and wanted to be a good example for them as well, knowing that, hey, you got your wins, you got your losses,

but you've got to take those wigs as well and keep on moving forward. It's fantastic to see, and you're a fantastic tonic for what's happening in the sport at the moment. I think a lot of people feel like if they are more outrageous, they make more money and they gain more acclaim, but you're a perfect example of a guy who's been at the top of the sport for as long as you've been in it, and the way you carry yourself is absolutely exemplary.

Oh man, thank you very much I really do appreciate it And you know I think that's what Being a martial artist is all about You know you do got those guys That talk a lot Talk a lot

And I understand They're doing it for a reason To hype the fight But then you get these guys who do it And you can tell they're trying too hard You know I don't think it's them You know

And people can kind of pick that up pretty quick I mean if I started talking trash right now People would just tell me to shut up That's not used to you You know just be quiet But, number one, I'm not good at it, but two, that's just not who I am. Yes, yes. I mean, you know, I know as a man you have dealt with this so well,

but I mean, is there any physical or like mental issues trying to come to terms with that? As a guy who's, you know, competed in striking his whole life, like, is there any kind of reluctance when you go to spar again or anything like that? Or do you feel like you've put this behind you and you're able to march forward? Yeah, man. I mean, I know it's happened, you know, it wasn't that long ago where I was in the Ottergon, but, you know, I'm taking my time, taking it slow. You know, I'm 36 years old, and I haven't taken a whole lot of damage,

but, you know, I want to, next time I step out on the Antigone, I want to make sure I'm 100%. I've known guys who've been knocked out, and then, you know, back out there too soon. The next thing you know, they barely get clipped, and then they're out again. And, you know, I just want to make sure I'm fully healed, and I'm taking the full time. that the doctors gave me to heal up and, you know, and just making sure that, you know, I'm 100% when I step out there.

But everything's good, you know, I'm feeling great. It was a few weeks ago I had another CT scan and everything came up, you know, negative. Everything was great. Brilliant. So, but just want to make sure I'm ready before I step back out there. Yeah, I can remember when you were speaking to Luke. Like, I mean, you were still thinking about the Greenville event in June, right?

At that stage, I mean, is that off the cards now? Like, it does seem like quite a quick turnaround, right? Yeah, yeah, it was. I'm next June 22nd. Unfortunately, I've been working very hard to get to the UFC to come to my hometown, but I don't think I want to be on that card, you know. I think everybody here knows. I let them know that I'm not going to be on the car,

but it's going to be a packed-out show anyway. I'll be there supporting the fighters and hanging with the fans. I mean, it is, though. It's the right decision, right? You've got to do what's best for your career. Like, you see guys sometimes, you know, they're rushing to get back just to be there, just to be at that kind of event. And I think that's an incredibly sensible decision, to be honest, with you?

Oh, well, thank you, man. I got to, I keep a small group of people, you know, a small circle around me, people who, you know, that are in my best interest. I've seen it so time and time again where you get these fighters just, you know, are having the wrong-minded people around them. And, you know, next thing you know, they're doing things they shouldn't be doing. doing and they get hurt or get caught doing something, you know, illegally. So I got a group of great people around me, my family, being my strongest supporters.

So, you know, I listen to them. My dad's my coach. So whatever he says goes. I got to say there is some crazy MMA math being done considering what's going on in the division. I got to get your take on Mazved al and Till because, I mean, it was a shock to a lot of people over here. but having been in there with both of those guys, Stephen, was this all that surprising to you? You know what?

Both of those guys are, you know, the best fighters in the world, which a lot of people just don't understand. You get the average fans just watching these guys fight, they don't understand that he's the best fighters in the world right now. And I actually predicted, you know, obviously Darren Till was winning the fight. I expected him, you know, you know, for him to do what he was doing,

in the first round, you know, all five rounds. But then again, this is the sport we live in, and anything can happen. You know, he just got caught, just like I got caught. You know, I was beating Anthony Pettis, and I know I could have, you know, nine times out of 10 defeated him, you know, and it's just that one time you barely get clipped and down you go. So, yeah, man, I had Darren Hill was going to win that fight, but, you know, Mazvedal ended up with it on him. But then again, Mazvedal is a bet.

turn up the game. So you've got to be ready at all times, just like Anthony Pettish is. He's very good. He's been out there with some really good people. You know, he's a veteran as well. So you got to watch out, man. And in this game, anything can happen. Like, for example, Michael Bisbing beating Luke Rockhold. I thought Luke Rockhold and everybody thought Luke Rockhold was going to go out there and just smoke him. And Luke Rockhold got clipped. Absolutely. Yeah, no, that's a perfect example. And I was wondering if you noticed Jorge in the lead up to it. He was adamant that he could not allow this to go to the judges because he kept on saying, you know,

look what happened to Wonderboy when he came over here. And that's an opinion that's shared by a lot of media members over here that were there that night. You know, a lot of people thought you won that fight. And we heard from your father afterwards quite a bit and he kind of said the same. Like, I mean, do you still feel as though you won that fight? I know a lot of people do.

Yeah, I mean, when I go back and look at it, I do feel that I want it, but it's nothing that really sits on me, you know, whatever happened, and the only thing I can do is keep moving forward. But, yeah, you know, I really do think I went out there and put on a show, put on a good show, and not to get that win. But, hey, man, it goes to show. You can't leave it into judges' hands sometimes, you know, but it's behind me, and I'm ready to move forward just like this fight with Anthony. But, you know, hats off to my mandarin. until and hopefully he's taken his last loss. Hopefully he's taking it well. I know he's got into some trouble not too long ago and hopefully, you know, he's learned from it, you know?

Is that a fight you still want back? Stephen, I know it's a fight that a lot of people would like to see again and, you know, you're kind of in similar situations now. Like, would that be something you'd entertain? I'm not talking about right now, obviously, I don't think Darren's in any rush to get back in there straight away. But is that something you'd like to settle the score with if that was a possibility in the future? Oh, yeah, man, definitely. You know, I'm a fighter and would love to step back out there in the Outtagon and do it again with my man, Darren Till.

I thought we, you know, put on a show last time. So, yeah, of course, man, I would love to. Yeah, and to be honest, any one of those guys that I've stepped in the Outtagon with, man, you know, Darren Till and Anthony Pettis, Taryn Woodley, obviously, would love to step back in the octagon with those guys. I mean, with Till in particular, does that make sense right now? Like, is that me misreading this? Or, like, I mean, if we're looking a few months down the line,

if you guys were to be matched together, like, would that make sense to you? Or would it be a different opponent on your radar at the moment? Well, no, I think it kind of would. You know, anybody that's in that top five, I would want to definitely step back on the octagon with, you know? So if that happens, heck yeah, We're both coming off with a knockout loss.

You know, you never know if things could possibly, you know, line up that way. So, yeah. It's interesting now with everything that's changed in the division. Like, I mean, did you have, did you pick Woodley to win that fight against Usman ahead of it? I know I think 90% of people did, really. It's a lot has changed, right? Oh, man, tremendously. I mean, for a little while there, the West Way Division was kind of stagnant because, you know,

that whole debapper would turn Woodley. Colby Covington and Usman, we weren't really sure who was going to be fighting for the title next. So nobody was really taking a whole lot of fights. It was kind of stagnant now that Uzman won and then you got Mosco knocking out Darren two. Now Anthony, you know, Anthony Pettus knocked out me. The division's kind of crazy right now. So I actually had thought Tyler was going to win.

But, you know, Ousman really put an excellent performance out there. So I don't think that the same. minded tyrant that I face face Usman for some reason he just felt kind of off yes I agree in that fight it almost like he didn't want to be out there you know I don't know if his mind was somewhere else you know I know he's doing he's trying to pursue his rap and music saying and I really don't know but that said I mean Usman did exactly what he said he was going to do and he put on it he really

went out there and took it to tire it was fantastic I know I I must ask you, you know, there was a viral knockout on our shores there last week by Raymond Daniels. A manu,

you hold a victory over as far as I know in striking over the years. Did you see that? And what do you think of that? What does your expert do I have to say about that? That was awesome,

man. That was a really good performance from Raymond Daniels. I mean, the guy is, he is, he's a walk in a highlight real. If you ever gone back

and watched some of his WCL or his Bell tour, I mean, the guy's very flashy. and he's actually an older guy, but he doesn't look like, he doesn't fight like it at all. Man, I'm expecting to see some good things from Raymond Daniels. Well, right. And just finally, Stephen, I mean, you've said that Greenville is an option. When would you best like to be back in there?

Like, I mean, if you had your say, I mean, do you even know yet, or is there a date you kind of have in mind? There's not really a day, but hopefully, you know, this year, hopefully this year, we'll we'll be stepping back out there. Maybe September or October. We'd love to fight at Madison Square Garden again if that happens. So there's a lot of opportunities. The year's not over yet. So hopefully, you know, you'll see me back in there this year.

Stephen, thank you so much for talking to me today. I really, really appreciate it, man. You're always a gentleman. My brother. I appreciate it, my friend. And hopefully we can do this again sometime. Absolutely, man. I can't wait to see you back in there.

All the best. And thanks again, man. Yes, sir. You have a going, my friend. Bye, bye. Thank you very much to Stephen Thompson. A pleasure to speak to Stephen. I thought you came, brother. He is. He's a nice play, isn't he?

I love Stephen. I've tried to Stephen loads over the years and just a top jet and some fighter. What would you like? Just before we move on, would you like to see that Thale fight again? If Stills staying at 170. Makes sense, right? Yeah, but do the fans get behind that because they don't like chess matches like happened with Tiel and Wunderby the Forrestone. As I said, I was there and it was very tense to watch.

It was actually a really, really, really good fight to watch when you were there. I thought it was great in the TV and people were moaning about it. Oh, they never stopped pissing them on them. But I did have to fight to wonder about it. Yeah, and I said that to him actually during the... That must grade on him. But, I mean, I know a lot of journalists had it for him. Now, I didn't really, as I talked to you about that fight afterwards,

I wasn't really pushed one way or the other. I wasn't going to say, I don't think it's a robbery either way here. Whoever wins, like, no one's going to be getting upset about it. Because it was so close. but you know maybe it is like when you think about it both these guys are coming off knock out losses I think that was a false pretense for Darren as well I don't think that was the best thing that ever happened in Darren's career just rush him through then we talked about that you know Darren being elevated up into that main event status in his hometown when you probably should have put him over the states and had a fight first we always talked about

because he had Danskin then this right exactly should have you know fed him over to the US well maybe this is a good time to get him over to the US now but I think maybe they've they've maybe damaged Darren's stock of what he potentially could have been by throwing him to the wolves too quickly. And, you know, I remember speaking to Darren here a day before that fight was announced, or a few days before that the fight was announced here in Dublin. And Darren was,

you know, Darren was even, you know, I don't really deserve a shot against Woodley. So, yeah. Remember that, Darren? You know, it's going to be interesting what happens with Tilly next and, you know, I just hope his head's okay and he gets everything together and takes that time off, as we said, and I think it has to be that move to 185

seriously. I think it just, it translated a lot better. He's a big, big dude as well, man. It'd be interesting to see. But I'd watch Wonderboy again, like, you know what I would. Well, it's all about what he wants to do. I mean, like, as I said, as soon as he brought in on Galaher, Darren, like, I mean, is it cut the 170?

He looked great in London in fairness. You know, he looked fresh as a daisy when we were speaking about the media day, day before the way in. Yeah, it was lovely new teeth. Yeah, he's beautiful teeth. Yeah, so let's have a look at what happened last week. UFC 237, you know, the finish itself for Andrade A.V.

not me unis we had uh quite a few people from outside of the m m msphere kind of talking about this in ireland it's one of those things that you know when people from outside m m mc see a finish like that they're like this is a disgrace but um yeah you know if you're defending a submission well someone's going for a takedown um a number of colleagues i work with you know i'm constantly sort of defending m ms sure you're going for a submission sort of say sorry and yeah they were picking it up on as well it's always the controversial sort of yes aesthetically yeah i don't you see i i can't see a problem with this because as we say and I think Dave Doyle, my former

colleague now with MMA junkie and Caposa did a good point, had a good point of kind of sharing this. It's like, you know, nobody was kind of saying get rid of this when Ascran and Lawler happened and then we see it happens. You said that to me and you are right, you are right. And no, but like, you know, it's

not like I looked at that instantly saw the reactions and it came to a conclusion. I was kind of building it over the day. You know, it's Rose defending a take with a submission attempt. And, you know, some people were kind of saying to me, oh, it's kind of disappointing that, you know,

Rose can put on such a masterclass, which he did in the first round. It was a fantastic jab, straight kind of game, and her footwork was beautiful. And they're like, well, then, and then, you know, Andrade can just come in and bulldoze truer and win. But that's a, she made a huge adjustment on that takedown from the first round. If you remember.

I remember, yeah, yeah, yeah. I can remember, and I think someone on the commentary team said this, was perfect because when that happened in the first round and she managed to defend the single-leg takedown with the Kamara trap, I was going, what the hell is this girl going to be able to do to Rose? And then she makes the adjustment, I believe it was Dominic Cruz who pointed out, put the head in the outside this time in the second round and managed to get the leverage on the slam. You know, it's devastating for Rose. She fought so brilliantly in the first round, you know, there was a clear momentum shift there, obviously. That's the beauty of this sport though. Yeah. And, you know, I had

to clear with you yesterday. I wasn't 100% sure on the spike real. Yeah. I love. I love it. I looked at it, slowed it down a few times. And then Sean Welock also said what you said to me. Sean Wielock tweeted that out. Obviously, Sean was one of the guys who put together the unified rules. Yes. So you have to have your legs. You have to be basically pointed towards the ground and someone drive you into it.

If it has an arc where the person is flipped midair, that's aces our world in that case. And Rose was obviously, you know, the arm bar trying to get that. It locked in still. Yeah, it was just, it was just, it was uncomfortable to watch. It was. but maybe should there be There are a lot of brutal knockouts You know?

Should there be an adjustment on that real? No No I think they might have to look at it Why? Why now? Because Rose and me eunas

got slammed in her head No, I just think in general Because I think we're going to see a bad accident someday where someone's going to actually break their neck in that sort of situation

And I think Unfortunately with combat sports We're going to see a lot of unfortunate things That's a given I totally understand that That's a given I mean we're going to see people

You can minimize them To a certain an extent. And I think maybe if they change that up slightly... Ban takedowns? No, I'm not saying that. I'm saying just in that sort of position where the head is going and, you know... So where do you stop it though if you're the referee? Exactly, yeah, but that's it.

That Camara Trap is illegal. Can't use that when you're defending a takedown. No, no, no. I just think it's like where... How do you enforce a rule like that? I think it's nearly impossible? Um, no. Where do you stop that fight if you've enforced a rule then? Where do I stop it? Yeah. What do you mean? Where does it stop? Like where... Like, say if this rule is in place,

yeah. And that sequence, that finishing sequence happens, what happens? She gets disqualified. Wow, that's fucking rough. That is ridiculous. It says it ridiculous.

Because she's, it's technique. But if the rule was different and she did it, and if that was illegal, she would be disqualified. So you'd make illegal, what would be illegal?

I don't know. Well, then. No, no, no, no. No, no. There's ways you can do it. Why? I don't know what way. but I'm sure there's something that we can come up with

that would be a little bit more sufficient but yeah listen it was Rose's fault anyway to be honest to you if she had a let go of the grip she's probably going to land in a different way and she could readjust her body so yeah that was a tough one because when she landed at the first one she was underneath her when nearly had an arm bar you know what I mean so she probably said this is what's going to happen

maybe it's a confusing from the first one second one right but yeah if she if she is let go her grip there she can obviously adjust her head on the way down break her fall with her arms yeah exactly you break her forward arms or, you know, move to the other side, put her weight in her other side. So, yeah, I understand that. So, listen, yeah, Rose is your fault. I've retracted. Retracted statement. Anderson Silva, it seems like his body can't really keep up. I'm annoyed with this. With his need to compete. Like, he obviously wants to compete, but his body,

it's 44 years of age. And that, the legs have been trouble for Anderson for long time. Listen, I think it's disrespectful. He comes out and he says, oh, I pop my knee out three times in the fight camp. Listen, mate, you're 44 years of age. Pull out of a fight if your knees pop. popping. I don't care whether it's in Rio, whether it's in Dublin, whether it's in Switzerland, wherever. You pull out of the fight. It's not fair on your opponent. Jared Cananeer. He got booed. Which was absolutely disgrace from... And he caused that injury. He caused that. Exactly. He inflicted that damage. It was the kick. But Anderson Silva's coming out saying all these excuses afterwards, mate, you should not be getting in there if your knees popping out three times.

He needs to get Stephen Seagal back in his corner. That's it, 100%. He needs to get Segal back. It's very frustrating and I do generally feel, sorry for Jerry Carnier, because I don't think people understand how tough it is to go out to Brazil. And I remember speaking, and I'll name him, I think he's admitted it before. Paul Felder went out and fought, Frantiscoe-Trenado, he'd never fight in Brazil again, just because of the abuse he sustained coming out. And Jared has luggage lost, everything before he went over there. He had a nightmare.

That's what I mean. And to put on a performance like that, and I was actually quite disgusted, listening to that commentary and that fight afterwards, just getting booed. Zero respect. It's not what the sport's about. Let the guy speak. He's done nothing wrong. You know, it's your countryman.

It's your fighter there that should them not. not being in the octagon that night. Absolutely. I think he should retire as well. Sorry. Jose Aldo was very underwhelming in his fight against Alexander Volcanovsky. Volcanovsky was very, very good.

I was surprisingly how Jose Aldo kind of lifting his hands at the end. He never got going, man. Yeah, he didn't leave Force Gear. I completely agree with you. But can I ask you about something that I really don't understand? Right, so Volcanowski,

these is what, 17 fights in a row, seven with the UFC, a win over Aldo. Why are people talking about Frankie Edgar could be the next one to fight the title. I think because it's open itself up again. But he's on a one fight winning streak. He's lost twice too well though. And you're going to put him in a title fight against Holloway? What the, like, am I going mad to think that when I'm saying that? I'm like, what the hell? I've seen

journalists saying who should get the next shot, Alexander Volcanozky or Frank Yeager. What? Yeah, no, I agree with you. I think Frankie's a couple more fights away from getting a title shot again. Mr. Unnecessary title shot himself, like. Yeah. No, I agree with you. So, you know, Volcanovsky as well, I just want to touch on honest performance. I talk about it. I it was a very, very clever performance. Clinical. Clinical. Very, you know,

brilliant stuff from Eugene Barerman. Again, maybe he was in charge of the strategic approach of the fight. He probably could have got the finish if he'd have pushed further. But he was about going in there, getting the job done, getting a potential title shot, as we said,

and walking out of Brazil with that in his pocket. And I think he did that. So I think you have to give it to him. It's so impressive. If it's not him, it's a beat. That's the way I see it. Like, I don't, I don't,

where's Frankie Yeager coming into this conversation? I do you. I think Frankie has to beat beat a couple of guys to get back in the title conversation definitely. Bet Coeia, sorry Loreno Starpoli got a good decision win over Tiago Alves

getting one back for Argentina against Brazil there fair play to him. Irene Aldana got a belly down submission over Bet Coeia who was back in action for the first time since 2017 and she came in six pounds over and I just I don't know if

Betta's not for an awful lot anymore. No, that's what I feel like. I mean, she was just banking on that one punch all night. Like, I mean, don't get me wrong, she connected with it a few times, but Aldana didn't look in trouble. Yeah, she's very lucky to be in the promotion still. You know, I think we look at the Jess guy fight as well

where, you know, I clearly had a fight in Cleveland scored a Jess guy. It's just been sort of that roller coaster sort of career missing weights, you know, not impressive performances, you know, nothing really there for me, Pizzi. On the under Card, Ryan Spann, got an upper-cut win over Nogera, Tiego Moises, got a decision win over Kurt Holoboo.

Warley Alva has some serious leg kicks in that fight against Sergio Morroyes. How did it even last that long? Clay Guida v. BJ Penn. Clay Guida wins. We'll talk about that in a second. Luana Carolina got a win over Priscilla Cachoera. She looked very good, actually, Carolina.

Barsellos with a win over I don't know how to say, his name, Carlos Hoeching, I believe. And this was a controversial stoppage. This is what I don't get. Everyone's talking about Chandler and Pitbull, and I get the titles on the line, but, you know, how can you be so disgusted about one finish and then not even kind of talk about the other, I don't understand it. Arjo and Bernado, Arjo gets the overhand Roy

victory in the third round there. But let's go back to BJ Penn here because we have a few things to say about this. First of all, did you see Michael Bisping criticizing MMA junkie because they wrote an article saying like BJ Penn is saying that he's trying to go for a title and it's cringe-worthy? Basically is what they said. It is cringe-worthy. What are you talking about, BJ? Why is Michael Bisping, a guy who was meant to give his opinions on a show too, who actually has defended the Roy for him to say whatever he wants? why is he shitting on a publication for saying these kind of things? That should be, that's absolutely their job.

Crazy. It's 100% our job to say what we want to say and give opinions on fighters and who they should be fighting and who they shouldn't be fighting. And BJ Penn has no business been in the Octagon for quite some time. Let's be honest, the guy isn't won in, what, eight, nine years. With Sean Sheehan put up a stat there, his last win came before Max Holloway made his UFC debut. That's fucking crazy.

There you go. And the UFC have a big responsibility here. And it hasn't been brought to Leiden off a lot. The UFC should not be entertaining this guy. And we can, you know, if we look at some of the issues he has gone outside of the cage as well, they've been very public against suspending other fighters in similar situations. And I think that's a situation-wise. B.J. Penn getting away with this as well. You know, sometimes the UFC, and it's driven me mad for years,

is the lack of inconsistency enforcing rules and disciplinary reaction on certain fighters and being so inconsistent about it. It's pathetic. And listen, B.J., you were great. One of the greatest. in his heyday, one of the greatest lightweights who ever competed. There's no doubt about that. But you know what? I don't even

want to say it because it kind of nearly gives people a crutch here. He looked brilliant in the first round. Compared to his other performance, he looked way better. Compared to what we've seen, Pete. Yes, yes. No, 100%. And we haven't seen an awful lot. There was shades of the old BJ there for about two minutes. And then he was just completely naked. Yeah, he was gassed and, you know, Clay Gede,

a guy who doesn't get a awful lot of finishes. He's going to, you know, last for six days. He could bop back head around. He's still fight? Yeah. He's still at the fucking octagon. jumping around is UV somewhere listen just it's time it is time and time is now I don't think

you know the fans should be entertained it and I don't think we should even we even hardly talked about him last week I think we mentioned them briefly it's got to that stage where now it's sad and pathetic and I think it just needs to come to an end but here's the problem if the UFC let him go

who's the first person picking up the phone Scott Coker yeah and it will that will happen 100% yeah now it's definitely a weird one um onto bellator two two one uh the finish of michael chandler and patricio pitiful fight has been debated up and down i feel like you know we have finishes to happen like this all the time yeah but the finishes that happen like that piece now when he pops up i get it you shouldn't be finishes no i get it when he pops up like that immediately you're going

well look he's still there well i think look at the reaction the referee as well says a lot yeah yeah and it's kind of like Herb Dane. It's kind of like that in that regard. But up until that finish, he gets dropped with a shot behind the air. He goes down. The referee is coming from behind. All you can see is pit bull's back. And it looks like Chandler's heads off to the side.

He's not doing anything. He moves it slightly, but then you can just see the punches moving his head back towards his arms. As soon as he comes in to touch him, Chandler's on the way up. And it's like, shit. It is, yeah. It's not. I can understand. I can understand what the rev's normal room.

But obviously, as I said, it was the wrong decision. If he gets up like that, you can't really, you know, it's pretty obvious. I think it's the wrong decision. I think,

you know, probably Bellator will be happy with this because they're going to have to give Chandler rematch, probably one of the 100 million rematches he's had in his career. He's the Frankie Edgar of Belatown. Oh, he's had so many rematches. It's absolutely incredible the many rematches this guy's had.

But yeah, he'll probably go and win the title again like he normally does, takes a beating first of all. But listen, you have to give credit to Pickwell, two-weight World Show. champion, I'm just after dropping something there, apologies.

But yeah, two-eight world champion, fantastic All right league, fantastic fighter. Eric O'Brockson's done a great job there with him. But yeah, you're just going like where, who was the next challenge for him, Bar-Channler in that division. It's, it's, it's, they need some more stars, I think, in that division. Yeah, it makes sense to the rematch, he doesn't it? It does. It does. They may as well.

AJ McKee looked very good as well. Got a lot of stick, man. I'm just like, what are you watching? This guy is, like, do they realize how hard this guy is to fight, man? He's like, he's, he's, he's, he's, he's legend, the Bellator legend. I tell you what, he's done very well off his back as well. A lot of people even though he was taken down by Corrin, I believe it was the first

time he's ever been taken down. He was brilliant off his back. Elbowed the head off. I'm like, really, really good. So yeah, he's consistently moving on. Biggest, longest unbeaten wind streak of Bellator history as well. And if Patricio isn't going to fight Chandler next, there's your 145 contender as far as I'm concerned. I'd like to see him of one more though. I would.

I don't really care. Do it either way. MVP. MVP versus Diego Lima We figured that this could be a bad night for him But it was a devastating finish He nearly caught him on the half volley Yeah

So he flicked out the legs from underneath him Michael Venom Page is on his way down And when he's on his way back up to join the fray again He gets hit with a monster's upper court Fair play to Lima as well You know he got clipped He's a savage Yeah that right hand

And to recover back so quickly And I tell you what man To have the brains And not to panic And to land so cleanly And pinpointly on Venom Page's face was absolutely sensational. And listen,

a guy that could give Rory MacDonald a lot of problems if they run that back again. Yeah, and I just want to say, like, I mean, a lot of people are saying, oh, he knocked him out, but that wasn't a conventional stand-up knockout. I mean, it was Michael Venom Page trying to get back to where he wants to fight,

where he's standing, but he wasn't quite standing before. Not that it was illegal, but it was just, he was on his way back up and he ate that big upper court. But I'd also like to say that MVP did a lot better than I expected than the grappling. When he went to the ground,

he completely neutralized Lima, is no mean feed, he's a black belt, he's a savage on the ground. And he, look, it wasn't the most exciting thing in the world, but he defended himself perfectly. And that's basically what you want to do on the ground. It's something like what I imagine Connor was trying to do against Kibibh, get the stand-up again. Look, he completely neutralised him. I think credit where it's due, MVP did a lot better than I anticipated in the grappling situations there. It's going to be very interesting to see now what happens with MVP as well in terms of, you know, is he going to come out?

What's he going to react to the first loss of his career? Both him and Ammi-Eas. I didn't hear the press conference. Yeah, Namathus was excellent in fair. I heard that. I didn't, what did it, Michael Vennepage said? I didn't actually hear it myself to post-wide press. He just talked about, you know, this is, you know, going to have to learn lessons.

Like, I mean, this is the thing. Losing in combat sports is inevitable. It's going to happen. Yeah, but the first loss is always the most interesting one to see how they bounced back. Rose has obviously lost before. We've seen how she's bounced back. But I think when MVP, it's a little bit different because there was this air of invincibility around him, the king of Bellator, never been beaten for so long.

And then we see a guy just take his head off. literally. And it's going to be fascinating to see how his mindset bounces back and see how confident he's going to be coming down the road in the bill up to his next fights because he's always brash, arrogant, cocky, confident in his ability.

So, to basically see how he performs. Should he change the way he carries himself? Are you joking me, mate? No, you don't do that. The whole reason you're watching him is that swagger. Is that reason? It's the same thing with James Gala, all these guys. The reason where you're tuning in is there is an element of their personality

that resonates you well or wrong, whatever way it is, and you want to see them either getting beaten or winning. And another point is, you know, we've criticized Bellator for so many years, and obviously he had to, you know, start fighting. In the tournament was always going to happen. Yeah. Had to happen. You know, you can't avoid guys like that.

But it's going to be interesting to see what Bellator do with him now to get him back up to possibly where they want to be, or are they going to just give him high-level opponents the whole time, which I think they have to do. Daily rematch. Do it. So, T.J. Jones, my new hero, didn't go well for him. No. against Jack Swagger

Jake Hager What a walkout Did you see the walk out? Yeah, unbelievable Just having a little jiggie jiggie And then going in Magic, just about his business man Jake Hager was an absolute disgrace

And I fully agree the crowd for being him And held onto that submission Like watched it back twice, three times yesterday Six seconds I believe it was Too late when the top came Just totally unnecessary You want to be in this sport mate You respect

The officials and your opponent don't treat them like a piece of shit where you're going to hurt them more. I was very angry when I watched that yesterday and a fair play to the crowd for getting on his back and the commentary team as well.

I think Morro Nalo did a really good job and John McCarthy criticising him because it wasn't a good look. Will this stand to him though? This is what I'm going to say. How would it? Because more people are now watching him going, they have an opinion on him.

Maybe. And he's from the pro wrestling world where heat in any way, good or bad is a good thing. It's more money. People are talking about him. Do you think he purposely did that to garner this kind of reaction

and become the heel. I think maybe he realised after he'd held on to the submission for as long as he did that this was an opportunity once he heard the booze and he went into WW remode. That's what I think and realised, oh, let's sell myself here. Yeah, and he's done a good job. People are talking about him. It was impressive again. But who's he fighting, man?

He's fighting a guy that was way over the heavyweight limit about three weeks ago. It's just, you know. And this guy, this guy has kids. He was talking about, oh, I want to buy a big, outdoor swimming people from my kids before I think wrong good to do it to me like he's helping you here

definitely and I think what Belletton needs to do here yeah putting you over here yeah putting you over the famous wrestling term but this ain't a work bro to shoot whatever these things

yeah I don't even know that means the work shoot and splatter or whatever the fuck they call it I don't know but listen at the end of the day Bellator need to

probably give him a drastic step up in competition now that's two or whatever it is on the bounce and quick succession of fighting absolute cans interesting he would do

clearly a very very good wrestling ability and we did see that let's just call it how it is man they're not like look at the same of the guy that came in but they need to push him up a little bit now because he clearly does have a good wrestling ability yeah now he's class on the ground and even if you noticed he nearly walked back into tj's guard at one point and he did a beautiful bit of movement just back around the soil little things like that will show you a lot about how good a grappler is but even like when the finish just you know stepping over realizing that he had to get there as well and transition over and locking in the arms with it yeah the choke was was pretty good

Yeah, yeah, absolutely. We are going to go to our second interview of the day. It's one of the greatest KSW fighters to ever grace their cage, Mr. Michael Matera, the former middleweight champion, who is going to try and win that title again when he faces Scott Ascom for the second time. If you remember, their first meeting, Scott Ascombe, scored a beautiful body kick, KO, really, really beautiful performance, and they are going at it again at KSW 49 this weekend on Saturday. So make sure you're watching. We'll be back to talk about KSW 49. about the UFC card and much, much more after this interview. I am now joined by one of the greatest fighters to ever grace the KSW Cage, Mr Michael Materla. How are you, sir? Hello, I'm good, thank you. I'm already just waiting for the next Saturday. Yes, yes, and what a fight that is, the rematch with Scott Ascombe. My first question, Michael, is about a tweet Martin Lewandowski put out just a couple of days ago.

he said that before your first fight would ask him, a lot of the Polish people expected you to absolutely crush this guy. Is that how you felt as well ahead of that fight, or did you have a lot of respect for Scott? I always got the respect for my opponent. Doesn't matter do he already fighting KSW or not. I was knowing that Scott is a very good striker, and I was know it will be not easy.

fight and just it was better this day but now I will be tried to make the different the fight will be go different for sure yes yes and I mean you know because so many Polish people expected you to win did you feel that affected your legacy at all when you lost to Scott well not really no because I got some loose before and I wanted to know the people, they will remember me as a fighter who never quit and never give up. And even sometimes make some mistake, even in the fight, I come back stronger. Yes, I have to say you looked amazing against Martin Zawada and Damien Janikowski. Do you feel like that loss has made you even better?

It has to be like this, you know? always I try to make I try to be after each my losing come back with more strength more skills more more tools in my my body

I always be make some something new after my losing yes yes and how different do you feel now compared to before your first fight with Scott We changed a couple of things in my game, for sure. I make three, maybe even four, the very strong training camps.

One was in Poland, one was in the United States and one was in Bayorka. And I tried to be as much more prepared to the fight than I was before, you know. Whereabouts were you training in the U.S.? Sorry. Where were you training in the United States? I was training one of the best academia in the world, AKA American Kemosankan Academy in San Jose. I was many times before, and it was a good reason also to invite the guys one more time.

Yes, yes. What a fantastic gym. This is something you say you've done a lot. Do you do this? How many times have you been to AKA? 13. I try to be two times a year, at least four or five weeks, you know, when I go there. Because it's a long trip, and you've got so many good fighters there with different styles.

And I was learned a lot from, of course, all of the guys, special from the cane, D.C., Luke. There are amazing fighters, and we know each other a long time from Phil. 2012 and we share our knowledge, you know, on the training, always. That's amazing. I did not know that about you, Michael. That's amazing. You know, when you look at AKA, obviously the first thing I think about is the fantastic wrestlers. You just mentioned, Kane, D.C., and I know that you have fantastic grappling. Given how the first fight went against Scott, do you feel like you may use more wrestling and grappling this time? You know, my background is Jiu-Zitsu and I always try to go down with my opponents.

But of course in some level, it's not so easy to put the guy to the ground, especially when he is a good feeling in the stand-up fight in his good striker. But I know when we put down the fight will go from my side. side for sure because I'm on very good grappling team in Poland from the circus team my coach bagi he always preparing me and Jiuzitsu in in this is my my strongest side for sure yes yes and do you think Scott has earned the respect of the KSW fans you know he is you know he has those two two fantastic kicks to the body he landed against yourself

and his last opponent do you feel like the polish people they now respect him even though they thought he was a he was a bit of a can when you fought him first time yeah but i think so the the people they are you know always all the time learning the fight and he he's just the real fighter and the real sports fans for sure yeah yes maybe he sometimes he do make some stressors but This is typical for some of the fighters, but in my opinion, he's two warriors and that's the reason what the people like him, of course. And the Polish fans, they open for the fighters from different countries also, yeah. Yes, yes. And, you know, I've got to ask you, Michael, I can remember in 2017, there was so much talk.

about you turning down the UFC and staying with KSW. Are you happy with that decision now two years later? Do you feel like you made the right choice to stay with KSW? I always, they treat me very good always. You have to know my career will grow up in KSW. And of course I am happy, especially as they make now, they go for the, also they make competition in different countries. And they're growing all the time.

The fans, they already make the big competition. I cannot go. I wasn't the fight on the stadium. But it was a very big show and very big organization. They tricked me good. And I am very happy about it. I don't think the UFC understand how famous you guys are in Poland. I don't think they understand how big KSW is in Poland.

Do you get that feeling too? I didn't think about that, you know. Yes. I'm more concentrating about myself than what's speaking the other organization about the KSW, you know? Yes, yes, of course, of course. Do you ever think about how you would do against the guys in the UFC? Do you ever watch the fights?

The middleweight division is currently very exciting, but for a long time it wasn't. But do you ever watch the fights and consider how you would do against the top fighters in the UFC's middleweight division? Of course, I was a couple of my sparring partner of Luke Rockhold, yes? Yes. He was the UFC champion, and I hope so he will be in the future also. Yes. Yes.

He got next fight with my with my homie with Dania. Yes. And it's a difficult fight for me because I know them each other. And I hope so in this fight, Yanik will be better. But in the future, I like look very much and I just wish him the best. And it was good also when I go to the AKA instead, just. the only technique it was good for me for my mentally to compare me about the best fighters you know yes and i know that a lot of polish fans believe my level is my level is no my my my skills and

my levels they are not worse than the guy and it was very good for me and when i was going after to my fight i was knowing i was started with the best guys in the world in in in their peak, you know? Yes. And I know a lot of Polish fans believe that you could go into the UFC and compete for that title, you know? I know a lot of people felt that way.

You know, do you agree with that? Oh, yes, but a lot of people will be said also. I didn't fight, I will be not fighting in the KSW. Yes. Always, you know, it's always, it's always 50-50, you know.

Yeah, no, 100%. And as you were mentioning there about Jan Blackowich, I feel like people are underestimating him a lot. Do you feel that way? I feel like people think that Luke is just going to run right through him, but I feel like Jan is a very serious challenge for Luke. Of course, he deserved for the fight, especially he got five or six straight wins, yes? Yes. With the good guys and he almost all the fight finished before the third round was finished, yes? Yes. Yes.

By submission or by TKO, then he deserves for what he has now, the situation on his. And it is, like you said, about the... Underestimating? Yeah, for sure. But in my opinion, because he is concentrating about the training and the fighting, not about the, you know, make the trash talking or some maybe... filming on the internet, I don't know how to say. Yes, yes, I know what you mean.

That is the reason, you know. Yes, yes, probably. You're probably right. Michael, thank you so much for your time. I just have one more question. We know how the first fight went. It didn't go your way. A lot of people were shocked by the result.

What is your prediction for the fight this time around when you meet Scott Ascombe next weekend? I don't know what will be the finish, but my hands will be right. to the top after the fight for sure Michael I cannot wait to see it and thank you so much for joining us it's a true honor you are truly with the great fighters in KSW

my English my hopes of the fans will be understand my my feelings no your English is fantastic I'm very very impressed okay thank you very much for your time thank you Michael all the best and thank you very much to Michael Materla who goes for the middleweight crown this weekend against

Scott Ascom, who has been in serious, serious form of KSW, it has to be said. What did you ask him? Ask him, I'll tell you. Tell you, the one line is just keep coming here, guys. It's nonstop. It's a nice little card there. We'll get on to that in a minute.

We're going to take a look at what's happening next week now. The UFC in Rochester, we have Danny Roberts is the only European. Hot chocolate himself coming off that controversial loss to Claudio Silva in London. should I say. He takes on Mr. Highlight Real himself, Perera, who has been a viral kind of guy for his last few performances,

a highly spectacular. A viral guy. It kind of sounds like he has an illness, doesn't it? Jesus. Oh, you're dored for it. Too much tinderin for him, mate. Well, viral in the sense that he has lots of spectacular performances. That was great.

I know. That's the end of the year. The viral guy. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, it's a big card in terms of the main event. It kind of strikes me the same way as Iaquinta and Cowboy did as in the main event is carrying a lot of the interest here.

Would you agree? Yeah, and the interesting thing I don't think people are talking about here is these two guys have been massive advocates for the 165 pound division. Will they both weigh in at 165 pounds on Fight Night? That's what I think is going to happen here. What? I would not be surprised if they did it. Why would they do that, though?

Because they are so keen on getting this belts. They're two of the guys that. big advocates of that, why wouldn't they do it? If they both agree in a performance. They'd have to agree, but I mean, they might have. They'd nearly want to have money down that, like, if you don't do this, I'm getting half your pores because if, to come in at 170 for a 165, like 165 for a 175 is a massive advantage. These two guys have been big advocates for this way class.

That would be so cool if they did that. Yeah. And let's see what happens. I wouldn't totally reel that out, man. Yeah, who do you have, who do you fancy there? Because I think, I think, I think. Lee. Do you?

Yeah. I don't, look at me, I don't. I don't, I don't really fancy him, to me honest. I think Kevin Lee and the Waycuts issues that he was having I think we saw that in the last fight against Ally Kinta And against Tony Ferguson and everything It's sapping him And I think this way class will be a lot better for him

And I think we're going to see A more relentless Kevin Lee Because he is really relentless when he gets gone He's in your face Remember Belfast? So good Yeah Crazy

Those kind of performances And listen Obviously DeSanos is you know A very very tough You know former champion Lightweight A guy that's a nightmare to fight It's a really, really close fight,

but I just think we're going to see a different Kevin Lee fighting at this weight class, a more relentless Kevin Lee, and I fear for DeSanias in this fight. I just think we're going to see... Kevin Lee is a chip on his shoulder as well, man. Not a nice guy to be in there with, and he does. Yeah, yeah, you feel like this is, like it's a big kind of move for him,

and you get the feeling that a lot of people expect him to feature in the kind of higher echelons of that division. And this is a huge one for career trajectory, man, this one, because Desaños isn't getting a younger. Kevin's young enough, relatively young. This is a big moment for both guys here. But when you look at who Dosanos has lost to at 170, it's who's who's who.

I mean, it's Colby Covington and Camero Housman, the champion and the former interim champion. You know, he's beating Robbie Lawler. That decision win was very impressive. Neil Magny submitted him. Maybe Safidane wasn't as impressive as those ones, but, you know, it's not a gimmy by any stretch of imagination, I'd say. you know um dos anios is he even in the rankings at the moment he's number three actually so that's a huge

huge um fight for for kevin lee really like what what does it say to you if lee wins this fight where do you put him next do you put him right up in that oh yeah do you tyron woodley kind of situation oh yeah 100 percent you have to you're going in there beating as you said number three ranked well to wait in the world and raphael de sannios you have to be considered it's a no brain imagine the shit talk between kevin lee and daren't hill unbelievable Imagine the shit talk between Kevin Lee and the Colby Govington as well. Imagine the shit talk between Kevin Lee and Ben Ascreen. Oh, there you go.

Brilliant. You probably don't have to imagine that. It's probably already on Twitter. It's fantastic, you know. Listen, I like Kevin a lot. He is a good addition, actually, isn't he? He's a really nice guy outside of that facade that he puts on the cheeky, chopy, lovely fella. But there is fights there to be made.

And listen, maybe for the better of mixed martial arts, it might be better if we see Kevin Lee winning because he's a guy that can put bums and seats, in my opinion. Absolutely. What about that co-main event, Neil Magni and Vincenti, Vincenti, Lucay. Vincente, should I say. Vincente Luque. He's been on quite a tear, man. He's on four-fight winning streak. Nico Brice, Chad Lepreys, Yelene Turner, Brian Barbarina. He's always on a streak, but then he comes up against someone who's in the... A Leon Edwards. And yeah, it's just...

So do you think Neil Magne is going to do him? No, I could see Neil Magny's face getting planted off here by Vincente Leuke. And he's one of those guys that can absolutely smash. you and really hurt you. We saw that, obviously, against Brian Barbarina last time out.

It's an interesting fight here. I think if he tags Magny and tags him good, which I think he will win into three. I think it could be a lot safe for Magny here. Another man who's on a bit of a tear is Ian Hinesh.

He didn't get to fight Tom Breeze in London as Tom Bereans' 11th hour withdrawal, as we know. This is a big test, man. Antonio Carlos Jr., he's a guy who's floating under the radar. He's floating under the radar, man. He is a savage.

There is beasts in that division that are flying under the radar at the moment. It's one of those divisions. It's like the evolution of welterweight, bantamweight. This guy is sort of knocking on the door, and it takes one performance like this to really put them in the spotlight. Yeah, he's just, that could be a huge one.

I think either guy, whoever wins that, given that it's middleweight, I think it's a huge, you know, a huge situation for either guy. Yes. I like Oliver and Lentz there as well, I think. That's a lovely fight. Stylistically, you know, if you're a Jitz guy, Charles Olivero. I was a pleasure and wonder to watch. And Nick Lens just won't stop coming, man.

He's like a flying shit, pardon the French. But yeah, that's a good fight for me. Megan Anderson and Felicia Spencer, do you feel like, you know, when you're in a situation like Anderson's, like do you feel like, you know, you're only one win away from getting a shot at the title because they're so kind of lacking talent? You're also one loss away from being totally irrelevant. Yeah. You know, and she's already had one last. This is a big, big fight for her opponent hasn't lost.

She's never fought in the UFC. Yeah, that's what I was going to say the next issue. She is another Invictor former champion as well. I haven't really been following Invicta in the last couple of years. I used to be a big fan of Invicta.

I just haven't really with the mass amount of big sports on. It's hard to see her with everything. But yeah, listen, Megan Anderson, you know, I don't think she's ever beaten. I call her Megan, that way. The top couple of fighters. She's just too sloppy, in my opinion,

going forward with her striking, leaves her self-wide open to be hit. and she's been tagged to numerous many occasions and past fights that we've seen. I just think

that maybe Megan Anderson is where she is at the moment and I think there's a very valid reason behind it because I don't think

she's good enough to win her world title in the UFC. She beat Katzengano. Yeah, but let's be honest. Controversial.

Yeah. Austin Hubervee, Davy Ramos kicks off the main card. Aspen Ladd and Sahari, UBanks. That is a really good fight.

It's a high quality scrap right there. Wow, that is a really good fight. Let's just hope both ladies, you know, can get on the scales and and I may wait, so it's

going to be interesting. I think they're both, I think this has gone up to 135. Yes, that's right. So, yeah, hopefully that's, you know, it should be playing sailing for both them. But yeah, listen, very big believer and very high in Aspen, Lads. I followed her career through Invictive Fighting Championships, potential world champion there at her age.

Great attitude as well. Fascinating fight, and obviously, Sajari U-Banks. We've seen have a number of issues as well in terms of the cutting process and obviously pulled out of that ultimate fighter finale. So this is a really high level of fight and it's a big, big fight for Bellades. Des Green takes on Charles Giardin,

Pereira v. Roberts as we'll talk about in a few minutes. Trisano v. Dawson, Pat Cummins, V. Ed Herman, Trevor Joel v. Zach Cummings and Julio Arka versus Julian Arosa of tough fame the Artem Loboff as most people know.

And even Paddy Pimble. But Pereira v. Roberts, Roberts needs a big win and given the heat that Pereira has coming into this debut with all these spectacular showings he's put on Yeah, you're chatting about him It could be a great scalp for him

You know, and Danny's very technical with a strike and whereas Michael seems to be far more Kind of kind of sort of thing So it could be a good fight from I think it's definitely going to be a fantastic fight to watch Like if you've seen Pereira It's kind of like having Raymond Daniels in there You know what I mean? He's spinning through the air

Doing all types of crazy shit So I think fight will deliver whoever wins. Yeah, no, looking forward to it. I always like Danny. I love watching Danny fight. Always an exciting fight. But, you know, I don't understand bad,

but the one that always stands out is Manchester. I just can't get ever get out of my head. He fought well in that fight, Perry. I did, but, yeah, he did. But, you know, seeing him after and stuff, it's just, it's just hard to get out of your head when you see you guys. Same with Rory McDonald and that Robbie Lawler fight, you know, when he walked Boyers, that was a vision.

Horific. Yeah. So, yeah, that would be a big win. It's like PTSD. I was like Pokemon. You can never get out of your head. I don't know. Yeah, yeah.

Tough. A religious experience. KSW 49 goes down on Saturday night in Dansk, Poland. As we said, and as we just spoke to, Michael Materiel, it takes on Scott Asking again. Like, I mean, Scott Ascombe dealt with him so quickly that last time with a body kick. He's finished two guys with body kicks now. But I feel like Matera really needs to take the fight to the ground to really test Scott. to really kind of have an advantage over him.

So that's going to be interesting to see. I'm so buzzing for this common event, man. Roberto Salditch versus Christian Kajibowski. Two guys who have featured on my prospects list, one in 2018, Salditch and the other this year, Kajibowski. Solich is an animal. Yeah, I just can't. Look, I see Christian 7 and O, Saldage 15 and 3.

Solich is about 22. Experience here, Pizzi? So experienced for such a young guy and just so big. I feel like it's only a matter of time before Saldi. goes up to middleway because he's so huge. I know he took some extra precautions for that Draykus rematch, but he looks sensational and I think it's a, I think it's a very tough one for a 7-0 prospect

who's fought twice in KSW to go in against this guy. Like, I mean, Solich went in and took out Mankowski in his debut. That doesn't happen. Like, that's so unbelievable for a guy to arrive in and do that. It's crazy, and that's how he won the Polish support. Of course, Kazibowski would be taking all that momentum if he wins it too, but I can't look past Solich. I never really do, do it.

I don't blame me the guy's an absolute killer he's a beast man he's a beast Carl Badoff and Damian Grabowski if someone gets a big finish there in this heavyweight fight they could be putting themselves

next in line for Phil de Frease I think the plan was to do Eishy but Eish has now joined the PFL so there goes that idea that would have been a good rematch I think Grabowski probably more likely if he gets the win he's more

chance of being in line because of course Phil de Frees is already beaten Badeorf but you know Badeoff has a the longest title reign in KSW history so there's no point in ruling that man out. Erko Yon's back in action the influencer, bodybuilder,

turn fighter in typical KSW fashion. That should be fantastic. When's Norman fighting for KSW? He's fighting at this card. Oh, he is in this card, all right, yeah. So he's taking on Soz-Tac, Erko Yon. I feel like Erko Yon, who's 2 in O now, he could be the guy that will face Martin Ford.

You're not a lunatic they signed, the big huge guy, the monster. He could be next in line to fight him. Anton Rackich, Anton Rackich even, is back in action against Politilo at 135. Martin Zawada has a 205 meeting with Tiago Silva. This card is stacked, man. And then, of course, Norman Park and Arter Swinsky, Norman Park's on a bit of a tear at the moment. He got that win over Mankowski last time. This fight is at a catchweight of 163. Like, do you expect KSW to just keep on making these catchway fights for Norman? I don't, I think he's going to have to commit one way or the other. He's going to have to, it's been gone on for listen.

We know Norman for God knows how long. And ever since his tenure in the UFC, he's at massive weight-cutting issues. You know, when does it stop? When does it end? You have to select where you're going to fight at. And I think Norman is literally needs to make a decision now. He's a pretty indecisive guy.

You know, we get on well with Norman, but finds it hard to make up his mind sometimes if you want to even do an interview with him. But, yeah, Norma, make a decision here. I don't think KSW are going to keep, you know, facilitating his requests. there's a problem here right that I see is like even when you saw him against Mankowski Mankowski's size

was like holy shit here look at Solich Solich is like a he's like a lot of refrigerator so you want to you want to put like if you want to look at Norman competing at 170 you've got to look at him up towards the top of the division and against a guy like Solditch or even Duplesses who was committed to

middleweight now I think he's finished at 170 but those guys are fucking massive just enormous massive I think Norman is one of these guys he needs a 165 10 division he's one of those guys definitely the holder he's got as well he's found a hard to cut weight but yeah like why would Martin Lewandowski

keep making exceptions for Norman Park it doesn't work like that no no it doesn't work like that I think he's got to commit one way or the other but they want them in a division so they can have a you know a clear um sort of path in there in mind where they see Norman Park going or what they want them to do that's what a promoter does that's what

you have to envisage things like that and Norman's not to himself any favours at the moment I think here you know having catch way bouts that's fair enough that's fair enough um elsewhere on the KS W 49 card Michael Andrazac

The man who fought Phil de Frease for that title takes on Louis Enrique, a UFC vet and Krakowski v. Dubois kicks off the action. I really can't wait for that card. I love KSW cards.

It just feels so different to the UFC and that's what I like to see a promotion do something completely different and I think they do it better than anyone and they're coming up to that big

50th show. I'm sure they're going to probably announce it during this broadcast some stadium I'm sure. It might be a stadium, could be an international location. Who knows, I want to be there anyway, because we've only been to one KSW show.

Yeah, in Dublin, yeah. It's crazy. I'd nearly go over for the crack. Yeah, I think we should try and get to 50 if we can. Yeah, just brilliant, you know, especially if it was in the stadium again, like, you know, do one in Lodge or whatever. And as Mattarilla said, that was the reason he didn't sign for the UFC. He wanted to be a part of that stadium show.

Oh, yeah. And when there's 60,000 people there, I mean, you can't blame the guy, can you? Yeah, 100%. A huge star was born. right well we have talked to michael later and now let's go to our last guest of the afternoon it is of course brendon lachnain who we can finally talk about competing on that day and white Tuesday night in center series i was so happy when that was announced like thank god we can talk about this and really brilliant to speak to brendon one of our favorites we've had a lot for so long we know him a long time you know

it's just so long since 2012 people have been saying get this man back in the ufc it's finally happening. I ask him how it feels that it's finally happening. Does he feel slighted that he has to go to day and a white Tuesday night contender series route? Don't tell them anymore. I can listen. And of course, Dominic Cruz, how much of an impact he had on the whole situation given that they're training

partners. So we'll be back about 15 minutes. Great to speak to Brendan. A fantastic lad and I can't wait to see that European flag flying high in Las Vegas. And as advertised, we are finally joined by Brendan Loch Nain, who has finally

been given that opportunity to impress the UFC brass. It has been announced that his fight with Bill Algeo goes down on Dana Hoyt, Tuesday night contender series on the 18th of June, I believe, and I'm just so happy

that I can finally talk to this man about this. Brendan, how are you, my friend? Well, it's a sunny day of Manchester. I finally got my shout again, so yeah, it's not bad at all, to be honest, mate. What is the atmosphere like there after cities win? How does it feel the whole shift in dynamic? Like, he's usually the United supporters who were living it up over there this time of year.

You know what? All the United supporters are so poorly now. The walking around is the devastating of it. But you know what? It's good for Manchester. It's good for the city that, you know, there's good competition around there now. But there's a real good buzz in the city at the minute. And yeah, it's been good.

Well, I got, let's get on to the pressing issue. I mean, this has been so long coming, man. Like, I mean, it feels like years we've been shouting from the hilltops that the UFC need to give you a chance. How good does it feel that you're finally going to get this opportunity to impress? Fucking hell, I mean, like you say, it's been a long time coming this. And, you know, there's a couple of missed opportunities last year, the PFL, and then I was going to jump in on short notice, give up 20, 30 pound again, like the healy thing, and then I just stuck by my guns and waited from the right opportunity,

and it did present itself in the end. And good things come to those who wait, and I'm just glad that I did wait. And I got my opportunity at my own weight. I got a full camp. and that's all I really needed and the rest will be history. You know, it's crazy when you think about it was all the way back in 2012

the last time you compete in the UFC and there's been many thrills and spills along the way since then, as any European MMA fan will know, was there ever a time where you were like, you know, I'm just going to pack this in, like I mean, your record spoke for itself for so long and the opportunity wasn't coming.

Was there ever any, ever any a time where you were kind of like, you know, I might as well jack this in because I've done absolutely everything I can to get back there. No, I mean, well, to be honest, it was one time. It was after the Duke and War because I was told those UFC contract waiting after that one too. So that was like, that one done made him because I did enough to win that fight. And then it was like, wow, been robbed there.

I have to start again. Then I got all the way to Healy again. And it was the same again. Then I got, it was Mike. And it was Tom. Then it was healing. It was the same story. It was like getting to the top of the hill and starting over again.

And honestly, that was getting so old that I thought. I thought, fuck, this is the last run now. And, yeah, I mean, I just went on a crazy run, knocking everyone out. And then, like I said, that a healing thing happened again. But then I already knew that I was right there. I thought, it doesn't matter now. That's irrelevant. You know, I'll give up a lot of weight in that.

And it didn't really matter. So I just thought, yeah, I'm here now. I'm at the top of the pile. Everyone knows who I am. And, yeah, I mean, like I say, the closest was Duke. I took about six months after that one. And I had to really reassess things. But, you know, my coach giving me time.

and said, you know, go away, do what you've got to do. I've got a natural fire inside my belly for this fight, I'm a fighter through and through, and I will see it out till the end, no matter what. Yeah, yeah, no, there's no doubt about you being a true fighter. I don't think anybody doubts that. But, you know, was there opportunities, like, you know, when we see all these UK signings to Bellator and stuff like that,

like, it seemed obvious to me that they would be trying to get you involved. Did that conversation ever take place, and did you forego that opportunity because you felt like, it could obscure your re-entry into the UFC. I had Bellator, a 1FC, a PFL, all them contracts were on the table in writing, do you know what I mean? And I was ready for all of them.

And I was ready for the UFC, though. That's the one thing I wanted to do. I even bumped into Ray CFO in the UFCPI. And that was random, because we've only ever spoke for email. And then he was like, he's like, come on, man, take this million dollars, what you're doing? And I was like, nah. And I still at that point,

didn't even know if I was going to get even on the contender. It was all just like, yeah, we'll give you the next chance we can give you. And I just thought, fuck, man. And that was a really hard, that was a really difficult decision that one. Yeah. And I got to, like, the last second,

and they were like, look, we're gonna have to move on. And I was like, okay, cool. And I still had no opportunities with the UFC. And then all of a sudden, I was in Dom's house, got a text through, right? Here's his date, here's his opponent. I went, bang, sweet. So it was like, right,

okay, now we've got a date, got an opponent. It was something like, I knew 13, 14 weeks out. So I've known for like the last three months, two months. So as you know me anyway, I train all the time. I've just up my training and never been so ready for a shot in my life. So you will see the best friend in there. So I'm buzzing. Buzzing, it's all come like to fruition at the end like this.

Yeah, it's great. It's absolutely, it's a brilliant story. And, you know, on Dom Cruise, I heard him on Ariel Huanis' MMA show on ESPN talking about you. You know, this is a guy that you're very good friends with a very keen, training partner with but you know how instrumental was done in making this happen do you feel like he played a big part in this yes or no my record speaks for itself for number one yes um for number two it obviously doesn't help you you know your PR when you're training with dominant cruise every day and you know he did he did push the right buttons and got me in the place i needed to go um but

ultimately it was my hard work and fucking 18 pro fights that kind of did well so so um so um so um You know, I feel like with me, I've got, I've been, I've had one of the unluckiest runs, really, with decisions and, and not missed opportunities and things like that. But I don't know, I just feel like 29 in the prime. It all came round at the right time. And now it's like, I don't think there's any stopping me now for all the best guys now. I've been in higher weight classes, lower weight classes. I've tried and tested training methods, trained all over the world. And I know what's what. I know, you know, I training with Jeremy Stevens and Miles Doria, both top.

10 UFC fighters at my weight. So I kind of know where I'm at sort of thing. And, you know, I feel like I've got that whole gym behind me. I've got the whole of Manchester behind me. I feel like I'm the next postal boy for the UK now once I get in there. Honestly, I do. Yeah, no, it's absolutely a possibility. And we know how many fans you have over here already.

But is there any part of you that was like, why do I have to do Dana White's Contender Series? I've proven myself as one of the standout talents in Europe time and time again. Was there any part of you like, I don't really want to go this way about it? you happy to go with that stage because you know you're going to deliver when the fight comes around? Well, there's two ways of looking at this show. The first one was I could have waited out for another opportunity of pre-limb. But me and Dom sat down. We talked about it. They said, look, Brendan, this show gets aired and watched by a lot of people. A lot of people watch this show.

It's a big show. And he said, you've already got your UK audience. This is a big show in America. It's a good chance to build your American audience straight away. And obviously, everyone believes me like it's not going to matter who are going to put in front of me until i start looking at top 15 guys really so this bill algio like i feel like i can just get through these guys so uh i don't even feel like i'm fighting for a contract to feel like i've got the contract and this is my first fight so that's how i'm looking at this honestly that's how i'm looking at it so with the kind of shape and form that i'm in there's not really anyone are going to put in front of me until we get to the top 15 i think yeah yeah and to algio's credit like i mean he has won

regional titles he's won the ring of combat belt over there like this is this is this is no walk in the park but I'm sure you'd have it no other way you want to go in and show these guys what you can do against high caliber opposition well they already know this bill aljo I mean they've picked him they he's the thing in America really he's the next guy so I'm buzzing that they already all know who he is over there he's already got a good follow in Bill Aljo and and when I go in and take him out and be like right this kid's for real rather than both getting some unknown guy who's three and four and all no one really knows him anything called you just beat a bum on the contender no this guy's ranked this guy's on a four fight

win streak, not to a lot of people out, black belt and jiu-jitsu, fully legitimate fighter. So they're the type of guys I'm going to be fighting in the future and I want to be fighting. So I want to go in and make a special against him and move on from there. And like I say, build my American audience. I'll have Dominic in my corner. And, you know, I just think the stars are written for me now. And like I say, with Fispin retiring, Ross retiring, the UK market's just opening up now. So I feel like now's my time.

Yeah. And I mean, what kind of message you think at Sends if you go in? in here and you know get a finish win like we know that you do uh absolutely most of the time anyway like i mean do you feel like you know when they see what you can do your fantastic striking arsenal do you think business is going to pick up a lot for you well i've got a 75% knockout ratio so there's a good 75 cent knockout ratio if i don't knock you out you're going to try and split decision bit so that's kind of how brother lot of his career is gone if i don't knock you out because you've got a meeting you're definitely going to get to us

decision. But no, no, no. I feel like at 1.45, there's not many that are going to take the power. Like I said, I've been fighting at 55 and knocking people out, so I think at 1.45, once a good shot lands. And what I really

needed, if I'm honest with, when I fought, Mike Wilkinson, we had an absolute barn burner in the UFC, and Sean Shelby and Dana White weren't at that show. And I really do believe if they were there watching that fight live, they would have kept me on for that. But they wasn't. And, you know, Dana probably didn't even watch that show.

to be honest. So really, I'm introducing myself to Dana now on his show. I'm going, right, here's this young kid who was a young kid, went away, gained six years of experience for all over the world, Germany, Dublin, all Greece, all over, gaining experience. And now I'm coming back as a fully grown man with a real guy in my corner who wouldn't put someone bullshit on.

He's going to tell you the truth, this kid's got talent, and he's going to go in and he's going to do what he's going to do. And it's only up to me to provide it now. And so far in my career, I've shown that I can provide it. So, you know, I feel like, like I say, the stars are written for me. Absolutely. You know, I've got to ask you about the unexpected news we all got last night about Tom Dukenwa. For those of you who don't know, Brendan and Tom had a legendary fight in Dublin.

The decision is debated to this day. You can start a pub war by bringing up this fight in any part of your agree. But, you know, Tom came away with the win that light, and a lot of people dispute that they think you should have won. But seeing that he retorted yesterday, Brendan, how did that make you feel? I'm sure in your heart of heart you always wanted to redo that with Tom and go back through it, even though he dropped down to Bantam with. Yes or no, but it was a massive surprise, you know. Like 25 years, it's got the world at his feet is, you know, he's a great fighter.

He's good in all areas. And I did kind of get, I don't know if you're following my Instagram, which I'm kind of getting that feeling like, what's this guy doing? He's not fought in a while. And very tough to walk away from this sport, but I've got a lot of respect and admiration for him. If he's found happiness, outside of fighting, respect to the man, hope,

wish him the best to look. Absolutely no hard feelings. And thanks for the memories. Yeah, and I think that is something that people don't really understand. Like, you've always kind of said, look, Tom's a gentleman. It's not him that you're upset with it. It was the judges that night, right?

Not even that. You know, I'm so over that fight now. I mean, I'm so past that. I believe that it was all happened for reason. I mean, look where I am now. I'm getting back to the UFC when I'm in my prime era. So I feel like then I was far too younger than experience anyway. It would have been two or three fights and never again.

Rather than I got a little brush, little brush with the UFC. I've got the Tom Duke and well fight out to rebuild. And I feel like now I've gained all the experience and now is the time. So I thank God for putting me in his position. I know this will mean a lot to Manchester in general to have you back in there. but I mean are you planning to head back to the US before this fight starts? Are you going to spend the last couple of weeks with Dom

before the fight takes place or what's your plan? So the general feeling is I did six months at Alliance this year. Holy shit, that's a lot. Yeah, well, five months. And then I came home once I got the contract because I'm not training with my coach I've had back here from day one.

Tony Musa? Yeah, yeah, yeah. So yeah, I've missed him. So I've been coming back and I'll be here for like the next, I'll be here for 10 days. 10 days before the fight, I'll be flying out. The only reason was, I know Daryon got a big fight, Jeremy Miles, a couple of guys got a big fight,

so I know that, you know, they're getting prime attention right now, so that's absolutely fine. I understand how these gyms work. And yeah, it's been good coming back home, and I've been bringing in Mark Glover, Tim Barnett, Jordan Barton, bringing in young, hungry, undefeated fighters, you know, to spar with and basically just fighting them to the death.

I've been I've searched out Bilaljo style he's a tall guy striking jiu jihitsu so just like going around the country

and thought right you're good good records and I've just been messaging them and bringing them in 5 5s MMA so

I've brought in like specific sparring like I say I'm 11 years deep in this game now there's not much more you're going to see or do so

it's about getting my tools sharp seeing what Bill does well working up what we think's going to work in the fight and that's basically what I've been doing

that's why I've come back to do that. Do you know who's going to be in your corner that night, Brendan? Have you decided that yet? It'll be Tony Eric Delfiero and Dom Cruz. Oh, wow. That's an all-star line up right there, isn't it? Oh, mate, I'm over the moon. Yeah, yeah.

I'm buzzing. But like I say, they've got so much faith and hoping me for this fight too, so I'm not the type of guy to let people down either. There'll be no split decisions. There'd be no points. There be no judges needed in this one, trust me. Is that all-power is James still there in Stockport? It's kind of in an old building. It's a beautiful

Jim is that still there is that's still where townie works out of still there but i've give over the reins take somebody i'm and me panicus has got the tiebox in far too busy with the last couple of years of my career now i want to be out of this by 33 34 so you know me and you too brandon now me i feel like i've been in it forever i'm getting gray hairs and everything now so uh i want to uh i want to have a really good run at this ufc now train full time at least i know i give it my all for this fight now and uh yeah go with that road really and coaching will always be there. Brendan, absolutely brilliant to talk to you.

I'm absolutely delighted for you. And I know Dana White's Tuesday night Contender Series is going to have record numbers tuning in for Europe when you take to the Octagon that night. So congratulations, and I can't wait to see it, and I'm sure I'll speak to you again afterwards. Has anyone else from England done it?

Yeah. I don't think so, no. And that's what I'm kind of saying. I always hoped that this would open up an opportunity for Europeans to go over. And I couldn't think of a more perfect guy than you to go over there and represent us, you know? Yeah, I think I'm the only...

You know what? After thinking back now, because I've seen UFC Europe post it today. And I was thinking, oh, wow, I don't actually think another Englishman has done it? So it is groundbreaking again, really, isn't it? Yes, and I don't think many Europeans get the chance at all, unless it's like a, maybe a Russian who's competing over in the US on that scene. So it's a huge deal, man. Yeah, no, that's what I'm saying.

That's why waiting out for them pre-lims. That's why I did turn down them prelims at 155 and stuff on, like, 6. days notice. I was like, no, man, I want a real shot at my own weight. And I feel like this has just popped up. And with Bill Aljo, he does like to exchange and get involved in the strike. And that opens me up perfect for a good knockout. So, like I say, this one will be written in the stars, trust me. Brilliant, Brendan. Come here. I know you're probably, you have to rush off to another training session. You never seem to stop training. Thank you so much again for this. I really can't wait for it, man. Buzing. Thanks. Thanks. Nice.

talk to you guys again always all the best man talk to you soon take care bye bye and thank you very much to brendan laknane um he says manchester's buzzing after city one would believe that uh not happy with that no it's just been it's just been a painful season i'm just really looking forward now to the champions league final so it just ends so we know whether liverville win aren't or not my dad is a spurs man i hope spurs man i have a lot of spurs fans as friends um spores fans as friends Oh yeah, that makes sense. Sorry, I just process that wrong. So, I hate Liverpool.

I'm not going to delight. I have a lot of twat Liverpool. I hate Liverpool. It's a great city. Have you ever been to Liverpool? Yeah, I'm not madness, I'm honest. What? It's an unreal city, man.

I love both of them. So, yeah, I just want the season. It's been horrific. It's been tough. So I just wanted to end Pizzi. And I hope it ends very, very soon because I'm getting very frustrated with Manchester United Football Club.

I hope Paul Pogba just goes. I can't stand the guy. Wow. Wow. It's grace. You know, I've got to ask you because there has been another Game of Thrones that I haven't seen, the penultimate episode of the whole thing. And you still think it's shit.

Yeah. Shit, would you go as far as there? Well, maybe not. It's a big pile of steaming brown. The latest episode of you, obviously people, you know, they'll probably seen it. I haven't. Tomorrow. It's on tonight.

Yeah, it's, yeah, it's good. It's grand. It is what it is. really. I think this season hasn't been as good as it could have been. I think last week's episode was brilliant. This week's again, sort of a bit of a schick in the mud again. Not great.

Just watch it yourselves. What about Tinder? How's that going for you? Unbelievable. Really? Yeah, I changed a few pictures in your laughing. Topless? Yeah. Flexing and shit. And with the tash. No tash. Well, I was going to say like if Twitter, if Tinder was negative again for you, I'd be like, maybe you're the problem.

No, it wasn't. Very positive experience. Do you have any plans for this weekend, O'ler? No, I'm off to a stag in a few weeks, so I need to watch my pocket now. I'm going to Porta. One of my mates getting married is a beautiful place, man. Have you been?

No, I've just seen pictures. Yeah, no, it looks. Everyone's amazing. So we're going over on the 5th of June, staying for the weekend and stuff like that, and then I'm staying on the next few days because it was actually cheaper nearly with the flights. The flights were like 400 to go on the Thursday back on the Sunday.

So I made of mine, Massey, John was brother. I've seen some great videos. We're going on the Thursday and we're coming back on the Thursday because it's actually working out cheaper to stay on. That's mad, isn't it? So that's sort of where it is. But the only thing is I found out this.

Two of the games of the Nations League are on in Porto. Oh, brilliant. It's semi-final on the Wednesday, which is Russia and Portugal. And then the final is on during the Sunday, so it could be fucking England in Portugal.

That'll be class. I don't think it could be class if there's a lot of English fans coming into town. lovely people. Yeah, they're a little people, yeah, but they're a bit, a bit boisterous

they're all football fans. You're a bit boisterous yourself. I've been to many of your football games. So I might, to be honest you, I might actually work at that game if I can on the Sunday

if it does come to fruition that England to play Portugal in the final because England are playing Netherlands and the semi-final. It would just be a great experience. Stadio, the draga in Portuguese. Beautiful, beautiful. So I heard it's cool.

I'm looking forward to it and I'm sure I'll be dying with a hangover a bit a week after that. All right, so let's just put this one to who do you sign if you sign if you're Manchester you know for next season.

Who don't you sign and who don't you get out, I think. Just name one person to sign. Just get the players out first of all. It's a mask. Who do you get out?

They need to cleanse the club. Listen, you have to look at Paul Pogba. I think we saw some videos there yesterday. That was incredibly disrespectful. Yeah, incredibly. You've got out that

who Alex Ferguson. No, no, no. No, not disrespectful Pogba. The guy screaming at him. But there was actually other videos that came out that there was other videos that circling around

of Paul Pog actually taking the piss out of the fans as well. Oh, really? Really? And listen, I think, you know, Ed Woodward said it's for a long, long time, has had seven seasons there at Old Trafford, the hierarchy, he's signed the wrong managers, he's brought in the wrong players, he has to take responsibility for this. The club needs cleansing from top to bottom.

A lot of trash in there. And I think in terms of the players, Paul Pogba, if we look at Paul Pogba. You said that? Ferguson was the one who got rid of him originally, and Mino Royola. Obviously, Ryola is now as a world transfer ban, which is going to... I have no idea what you're talking about anymore. It's going to be an issue, I think. But, you know, once Ferguson's getting rid of a player, don't ever bring him back.

It's as simple as that. God knows what he's doing and Alex Ferguson, and I don't think Ed Woodward has... Get rid of Ashley Young, get rid of Phil Jones. Listen, there's the one thing I'll say about Ashley Young. He runs his ars off, maybe not the most talented footballer in the world. But there's other players there. Anna Herrera's got a lot of praise this week,

and they've done a little goodbye video, which I thought was absolutely pathetic. The guy's been there four seasons. He's already started five games in a row, saying, oh, I love you, Manchester. are all this rubbish. Like, if you love the club, you wouldn't be going to PSG for next year,

not from the contract. Fecum, see you later, man. Right, well, that's enough on football. Angry. Yeah, you're very angry. Football, I've got fury in your eyes. I have. I have the passion.

I might even buy a season ticket again. Here it is. Here it is. Here it is. Why don't you take yourself to the gym with that passion and get back out in the Ireland squad? I tell you what, I need to start going on.

I haven't been to the fucking gym in about 10 years. I'm heaviest I've ever been. I'm feeling good now, back in that exercise routine. angry with football. It's disturbed me. Well, look, it's been another beautiful week. Get on iTunes and fucking say...

I have lots of energy. I think it's the sun out there. I want to just got to go out and drink a lot of beer and just chill out of the sun. I do. I feel like that. And I'm off for a few days as well. So if we get a bit of a heat wave this week, I'm buzzing. Right. Well, listen, everybody, get on iTunes and saying nice things. I'm actually going to be on the

A-side this week with... Oh, God. With Sean Al-Shady. Yeah, he's not looking forward to it. I'm sure he's not. They have to do a run-through of me just to make sure everything in my house works because I doubt they trust me and I really don't trust myself so I've asked them like will you just show you enough over the last feck and I have your microphone right that will work that you plug into it yeah that's all you need to do and put the head but you couldn't even manage exactly exactly there's some issues there as well where do you put the headphone

jack it's it's very difficult it's a whole new thing for me you know I started off as a humble a humble feature right now I'm a swiss army knife but um that's how it goes uh love his loads hopefully Noel will be in a more positive frame of mind. Excuse me, I'm in grateful. After Lenters and Manchester's disgraceful outings this season, an absolute disgrace to everyone that spent any time watching them play their game.

Thank you very much to everybody. We love his loads, but just go out of bleeding review on iTunes. All the best, Louise.