MMA Fighting - On to the Next One: Matches To Make After UFC 266

Episode Date: September 26, 2021

On the 60th episode of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee put on their matchmaker hats following Saturday’s UFC 266 event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Future matchups were discussed for champions Alexander Volkanovski and Valentina Shevchenko after their successful title defenses, Brian Ortega, Lauren Murphy, Robbie Lawler, Nick Diaz, Curtis Blaydes, Jessica Andrade, and more. Follow Mike Heck: @MikeHeck_JR Follow Alexander K. Lee: @AlexanderKLee Subscribe: http://goo.gl/dYpsgH Check out our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/u8VvLi Visit our playlists: http://goo.gl/eFhsvM Like MMAF on Facebook: http://goo.gl/uhdg7Z Follow on Twitter: http://goo.gl/nOATUI Read More: http://www.mmafighting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support for this show comes from the Audible Original, the downloaded two. Ghosts in the Machine. The Earth only has a few days left. Rosco Cudulian and the rest of the Phoenix colony have to re-upload their minds into the quantum computer, but a new threat has arisen that could destroy their stored consciousness forever. Listen to Oscar winner Brendan Fraser reprised his role as Rosco Cudulian in this follow-up to the Audible original Blockbuster. The Downloaded, it's a thought-provoking sci-fi journey where identity, memory, and morality collide. Robert J. Sawyer does it again with this much-anticipated sequel that leaves you asking,

What are you willing to lose to save the ones you love? The Downloaded 2. Ghosts in the Machine. Available now, only from Audible. Welcome to a brand new edition of On to the Next One, as we are coming off, a very memorable storyline heavy UFC 266 event where both world champions retained and a legend got himself some payback nearly two decades later. I am Mike Keck. Thank you for checking out the show. It's time to matchmake and I'm always honored to be the co-matchmaker alongside the Prince of Positivity. He is the best friend to us all, Mr. Alex Kaylee. A.K., how are you, sir?

I'm great. My best friend, I missed a hell of a show apparently. I cannot lie to America. I had familial wedding obligations to go to, a very, very close friend of mine. This was not one of those casual weddings where you're kind of like, eh, I could go. I couldn't. This is a very, you know, a very dear friend slash cousin of mine. And it was wonderful to go.

So I had myself a UFC free day. I kept up with the results. I saw a few clips here and there. but I did not experience this live with you and the listeners. So I'll just get that out of the way now. But I think I have a pretty good idea of how things played out. And I heard it was a really good show. It was a really good show.

And let's get right into it because closing the show is often difficult to do. But man, did these two guys deliver? Alexander Volcanowski is a stud. And he beat another stud on Saturday in an incredible battle. The scores do not compare to how good this fight was against Brian Orte. tip of the cap to both men, but in the end, despite being in some hairy spots in that third round, Volcanovsky looked incredible, he's getting better, and he retained the title after 25 hard minutes.

So this one seems pretty obvious, AK, but kick us off. Who is next for Mr. Volcanovsky? Well, first of all, thank goodness Volcanovsky won. Otherwise, we would not have heard the end of it from the rogue panelists, aka E. Casey Leiden, who has been touting the sort of, You know, Volcanovsky's not the number one featherway train. Touting the train, anyway. He's been leading that charge for quite some time.

Not that he thinks Ortega, as he's had Holloway as number one featherway, which I'm sure a lot of people would agree with. But, again, if Volcanovsky had lost, my goodness. I would have stopped doing the rankings, maybe. Mike, I might not have been able to deal with it. So let's go. I mean, I don't know if there's a lot to say here. Holloway, Yeo Rodriguez, there apparently, fingers crossed, going to fight November 13.

That is the, that's the chatter, right? I don't know if it's official yet, but it has to be the winner from that fight. It sounds weird. We could end up with Volcanowski fighting Holloway three times in four fights. But I just don't, Rodriguez, obviously, if he wins, he definitely gets teloshot. I just don't see a lot of other options. So I'm going to go with a very simple answer. The Holloway, Holloway Rodriguez.

Yeah, it's Holloway Rodriguez. We confirmed it on Friday that agreements are in place. They announced the fight on the broadcast. and unless something crazy happens, it's likely going to be Max Holloway, and I am all in on a third fight between Volcanovsky and Holloway. I scored both fights for Volcanovsky, even the UFC 251 fight that was super close. But those are the best 245 pounds on planet Earth. Hashtag fight forever, AK, is what I say. But, yeah, the winner gets Volkanowski, and it'll be an interesting fight.

Now, for Brian Ortega, he obviously needs to heal up. He took a beating, but for the sake of the program, and I don't know if he'd be willing to wait that long, I'd love to see Giga Chikaze get that fight with Brian Ortega. But if not, it'd be a good fight for Josh Emmett to come back to. Something tells me Chikaze will probably be waiting in the wings for the November 13th fight if something were to happen to Holloway more so than Rodriguez. So for a no point purposes, I'm going to go with Josh Emmett is my official pick, but Chikaze works for me as well, A.K.

hoping that the Emmett Ortega recovery timelines line up I think right that's yeah I think a lot of people would like that yeah all good options I saw a lot of Giga I know a lot of people want a giga I'm gonna go I'd like cater I think him and Calvin Cater two guys who are both getting this reputation for me maybe being too tough for their own good Mike

I mean this could be this could be five rounds of two guys just I mean I like to think Ortega would probably go back to Jiu-Jitsu and win that way but I think it would probably still end up on the feet and they would just bludgeon each other for 25 minutes. Like it would just be so ugly. And, you know, this is a fan favorite, a fight night headlining kind of fight. So I'm going, I'll go with Calvin Cater.

Yeah, I would love to see that fight. And if Ortega is the fastest healer of all time, maybe we could see that before the end of the year. Because I know Cater definitely wants to get in there before 2021 wraps. But yeah, that'd be a hell of a fight. Valentina Shofchenko, A.K. continues to just. haunt the dreams of everyone at 125, maybe even 1.35 at this point. She goes on and dominates Lauren Murphy. She basically pitches a 19-minute perfect game and became the first fighter to finish Lauren Murphy in the process. What do you think could be next for the woman that just

leaps and bounds is above all of her peers and all 125ers on planet Earth? Yeah, you know, no surprise she won. I think the only question was because she finished Lauren Murphy. She could, she did, you know, just, and I really think that when we're looking back in your legacy, I hope people see that that's a pretty notable feather in Schoacchenko's cap, because as you said, no one had ever done it before. Lauren Murphy is so, so damn tough. This is a, you know, Magic Wand matchmaking pick. I'm just going to go, Nunez trilogy, if she beats Juliana Pena, U.S. 269, December 11th.

Again, we've probably mentioned Nunea's match speaking with her on the show before and saying, like, well, we don't want to assume, but I mean, she'd be a pretty heavy favorite against Pena. I would pick her, I think most of us on staff would. So yeah, let's just do that. I think you make that, you know, you make that hopefully a fight that could happen first quarter of 2022, assuming everyone's healthy. So we maybe probably aiming for March, maybe a March event. But yeah, let's just do that. I have more to say about it, Mike, the whole flyweight situation, but let's, I want to hear your pick first.

Yeah, I think we'll eventually see that fight. Maybe the fourth quarter of 2022 and probably will end up being Amanda Nunes's final fight of her career because I think. Yeah, I think Nunes will drop to 35 She'll fight Pena She'll go back to 45 Maybe fight once or twice up there And then she'll maybe make that weight cut

One last time And I think the only If she beats Nunez beats Pena I mean really there's only one left And it's Shevchenko The third time And I just want to throw this out there Because a lot of people are throwing this

So there's a lot of new fans They're like Oh, you're going to throw these two women in there together These two women fought twice They were not the most exciting fights They just weren't They just weren't the most exciting fights. Sometimes, no matter how talented you may be, sometimes just stylistically, you just don't mesh.

And for some reason, these two have not meshed. But I feel at this point with the dominance, if Schifchenko and Nunes can continue on winning, that would be a great fight to wrap the year. But for me, in terms of what's next for Valentina, it's kind of tough. Like, if Joanne Calderwood beats Alexa Grasso November 20th, I think she would get the fight. If Grasso wins, while it would be a merited title shot, I don't want her getting the title shot without another winner to under her belt first. I'd like to see her confidence sky high before she gets in there in fight Shepchenko. I would also like to see Tyler Santos fight Caitlin Chukagin right now. And if Santos wins, give her the title fight.

But, A.K., I'm going to do something here. I am admittedly forfeiting the valuable Otno point potential here because they're just, aren't a lot of options. So those are my two scenarios that probably make the most sense. Okay. So Santos fights Chakagan and wins. She would be option B. If Calderwood beats Grasso, she's option A. So I'm not going to sit there and take any check the tapes points. Pick one. Pick one. Pick one. Get a point. Go for that point. I'll go for that point. I'll go Joanne Calderwood, even though she's get a tough fight at her. Specific. Oh, and so specifically. If Calderwood wins,

If Calderwood wins, she gets the title shot. And the other way around, you said you really do not want to see Grasso. Not yet. Just, okay. So Calderwood, if she beats Gras. Yeah, I think that's the overwhelming sentiment. If not the Nunez trilogy and, you know, because again, Schuchenko, I assume she's probably minimal injury could want to.

What if she wants to fight in December, right? What if she wants to fight before the end of the year? She likes staying busy. So she's not going to wait around for Nunez if she does if that fight is not guaranteed, which is far from it. Like you said, it would probably. It would be later next year if it does happen. I mean, I would be hoping it would be earlier.

But yeah, I know what you're saying. It could just be Nunez retirement fight. So, I mean, yeah, it's quite a dilemma. I mean, I think you raised a lot of the good possibilities. I was just looking at like, if people are wondering, like, well, why is it so difficult? Just look at the right. So Jessica Andraz, she just beat. Chukagin, she's beaten.

Lauren Murphy, she just beat. Calvillo just lost. Jennifer Meier, she beat. John Calder would have said book, Jessica I No one ever wanted to see that fight again She beat her I mean that was a great highlight I'm just saying I don't think everyone

Anyone wants to see that Viviani Arrujo is booked Or just not ready or coming off a loss Yep And then some of the other names you mentioned Yeah it's it's the only other ones I came up with Would be Andrea Lee If she beats Jessica I maybe

And then Marina Marosh If she beats Luana Carolina And these are just fighters who are like on streaks Or have had recent or are ranked And yeah, it's really hard to find her someone to fly away. I would hope Jojo, because I think this is a fight we should have had already. But like you said, there's no guarantee she beats Grasso. And if Grasso wins, it's just a total, you're really not getting a satisfying contender.

You're going to pull from one of those fights somewhere else. Yeah, and you want to build Grasso up. You don't just want to like throw her to the slaughter right away. Like let her build her confidence, get a couple more wins, then give her the shot and see what happens. But yeah, throwing her up a title fight. Talos Santos has the record. I mean, I mean, I know she's not that well known to UFC fans yet, but, you know, it looks good on paper 18 and one record, right?

They can sell that. They can kind of sell that. I'm not convinced, but good win for her on Saturday. Yeah, and just thinking a couple years, we're going to have the Miranda Mavericks, the Casey O'Neils, the Aaron Blanchfields. Menon Firo. Like, it just, she's going to have some challenges. So we just got to kind of, we just got to enjoy the dominance while we have it.

Now, for Murphy, this is easy. There's heat between these two. They both suffered lopsided losses on Saturday. Now we can pay off the Lauren Murphy versus Cynthia Calvia feud, right? Yeah, I was actually kind of leaning towards a Chukagan rematch. I don't know why. It's been a while since their first fight. I think Chukagin wants to keep taking tough fights, keep herself in that title picture,

keep holding on to that sort of that number two spot that she has a death grip on, or I guess number three, I'm sorry, behind. And drive, excuse me. And so I would like that. But yes, I understand the Kavio talk and that, you know, they just found the same car. The timeline should match up. And like you said, they're both coming off losses. So yeah, yeah.

My other thing was, I don't know if she becomes a litmus test for some of the names you mentioned, Talas Santos, Miranda Maverick, O'Neill, Firo. I would hope that she's not at that stage yet. But I could see the UFC kind of kind of booking her that way. When you're a forward thinker, you don't just bring your A game. You bring your AI game. Workday is the AI platform that transforms the way. you manage your people, money, and agents, so you can transform tomorrow.

Workday, moving business forever forward. Now, the biggest story heading into this event was the rematch between Robbie Lawler and Nick Diaz, and the fight was way better than I thought it was going to be. But I made it at a point to enter this fight, clear-minded, completely open-minded, and prepared for absolutely everything that could happen. And Diaz came up... You have to. Yeah, you have to. Diaz landed.

Laller landed harder, and in the third, Robbie lands a big shot to the nose of Diaz, and that was enough. No further damage done. We got a fun fight. Nobody took life-altering punishment. The fight was stopped at the right time. Loller gets his revenge 17 years later. And Diaz, to me, it was more important for Nick Diaz to fight Nick Diaz and get on this path to some personal closure in his relationship with fighting. And I think he took a step further with that.

So I'll just go ahead and kick this one off because it's the same answer for me for either of these two guys. It's Cowboy Soroni. Like if Nick's willing to go to 170, that fight makes sense. If not, I know they fought a few years ago. Loller has the win over Saroni. But it was somewhat controversial. There were a lot of people who thought Donald Sironi should have won that fight. It wasn't the barn burner that everyone thought it was going to be.

It was a close fight. Not sure if it's the kind of fight that gets Loller. super amped considering he already has a win over cowboy, but it just makes sense to me, AK. Like, I don't want to see either of these guys fighting these up-and-coming studs. I don't want to see Lawler fighting, you know, Shopcott Rock Monoff or anybody like that. Like, I don't want to see any of that. So either way, I'm going with Cowboy.

Sean Brady. Yeah, I don't want to see that. John Brady versus Lawler. No. Yeah. Either way I'm going with Cowboy. Okay. Yeah.

I have him for Diaz, which I'll let's say a second. I'll go, I'll go Diaz first. I have him for Diaz because why. why else do you keep a Donald Soroni around at this point? He's not going to fight for a title again. He's lost. He's winless in like six straight or five straight, six straight? Some of that?

And again, that doesn't matter. He's his reputation. He's beyond wins and losses. Dana White loves him. The UFC loves him. So yeah, I'm down for Soroni Diaz. I kind of feel like in a way we're promoting the sadness Olympics here. But I do think this would give us one last, like you say,

and Nick Diaz looked better than expected on Saturday, right, considering his kind of demeanor leading up to the fight and the long layoff and all that, fighting the wrong weight class. So I do think that hopefully just to be down at 170 and a little more motivated, Nick, and, you know, we get one last, one more burst of glory from both these guys who have just given us so much entertainment. Wonderboy was my other pick for Nick Diaz. I'm sure Wonder Boy, he should start campaigning for that now.

I think maybe he can get it. Robbie, Mike, we're back. We're back. hashtag lobby for Robbie for Tim Means. It's back. It's back. It's back. Tim means, you know, he stayed busy.

He got some other business done from the last time. And we kind of dropped this. I think Tim's unscheduled now. So hashtag lobby for Robbie. Let's do it. Let's bring it back. Yeah. I mean, that's a fine fight.

Even Lollar Wonderboy would be fine with me. I had no issue with that fight either. There's just not a lot at this point that's going to get Loller excited and say, yes, I'll fight. So it's going to have to be something interesting. And, you know, kudos to Carlos Condit. Happy Trails. Yes.

Next chapter. But this is the kind of show that we kind of wish his name was still around. Because we could have used him for both of these guys. What I loved it. What I loved either of those rematches. Lawler, Nate Diaz? Anything? Anything?

Yeah, maybe. You think Nate would do it? He'd probably be interested in, right? Yeah, maybe. I mean, the money would have to be right. Five-rounder. Try to get one back for the bro. I mean, yeah.

Yeah. Yeah, I think Nate's got Connor and, I mean, Nate's got options. It's just, it's just crazy being the Diaz's. Who knows? Diaz will probably fight Israel out of Sanya for the middleweight title in his next fight. Hashtag UFC doing UFC things. But Curtis Blades got back at the win column, AK. Pretty dominant decision win, considering how the rest of the card went.

This was not the most entertaining fight of the night, but Blades negates Jarzina Rosenstrike and his power and his striking, and he gets the win, he gets two checks, and that's all that really matters at the end of the day. So who you got next for the 30-year-old Curtis Razor Blades? It has to be time for Steepa, right? This has been talked about for a long time. Blades have been calling out Steepay for, I feel like by two years or something. And again, there was reasons not to do it.

The timings didn't line up. Steepay was involved in the Corminate feud for the longest time. Steepa, I probably feels like he has nothing to gain from fighting Curtis Blades. But, you know, with what happened with John Jones this week, He's out of the picture now, so that's one less sort of big name for Miochich to possibly line up against and Ngano and all that. So I think Blades is back and sort of that top four, top five mix. And if Miochich wants to fight, I mean, I don't know if he wants to wait for Ngano and Gan. And Blades could do the same thing.

He could also maybe wait for Ngano and Gone. But otherwise, I think these two, I don't think either of them can wait that long and I think they end up getting matched up. Yeah, I will disagree with you on that. I think now that John Jones is out of the picture. or at least for the foreseeable future, I think Steve A just sees an open path. It's almost like he's guaranteed to get the winner of Venganum Gat. So what's the point? Like, just bulk up and get huge like you said you were going to do,

and now you get a little bit of extra time. You're probably going to get slotted in there. And I don't think Blades wins, and that's great. But I don't think his performance is going to put the UFC in a position to rush him any closer to a title fight. I just don't think they like his style all that much. And Blades is 30. So heavyweight prime, we're not even close to it yet. So maybe things will change and maybe he starts knocking dudes out, left and right,

and gets in the better grace of the UFC. So much like the Shevchenko pick, I got a couple of different options because things have to play out in certain ways. So if Marching Tibora beats Alexander Volkov on October 30th, that is the easy pick for me. But that is a big if. And if that happens, it's a no-brainer. If not, and maybe I'm just forfeiting Ot no points. all over the place despite their value. Tom Aspinall should get that fight.

Blades is good. He's young, but the UFC is not going to be, like I said, in any rush to put him in a title fight, and the queue is a little long as it is. So, Tibera with the win, 1A, Tibera loses. Give Tom Aspenol that fight. Let's give him a step up because this dude is legit. And I get like he wants to go step by step, but if you get throw him Curtis Blades, he's not going to say no to it. And I think it's a fight he can win.

I'm so rooting for Tabor to get to play out exactly that scenario, to beat Volkov and to win. But I didn't want to jinx them. Not that I believe in that sort of thing, Mike. And, yeah, Aspinol would have one of my other options, Chris Dachas, of course. Again, two of these undefeated heavyweights guys that are coming up. I feel like they're one fight away, maybe, from the UFC wanting to put them up against blades, just because he's so, like you said, he's not always the most entertaining fighter. And I think they're invested in both these guys, and he could beat.

either of them in a way that just makes them look bad. So I think one more fight away they might want to keep them away. I do think that Toboro one makes the most sense. But if I'm Blades, I'm trying to get that steep a fight. I'm really, really trying to get that steep a fight. But you mentioned some reasons why, I don't know, it might be more out of reach than ever. But I hope not.

I want to see that one. We've had some, like, Schochenko is tough. I feel like Blades is a little bit tough. But this is, in my opinion, is the toughest piece of business coming out of this card. Just Gondraj, who just goes out and destroy Cynthia Calvier. to kick off the main card, becomes the first fighter to ever stop Calvio in her career. She's just so powerful and so devastating.

And when she lands, you can feel it. And it just changes the complexion of so many fights. And she's just a tough vote for anybody in any division. She calls for the Namibunis Zhang Wei winner. She will not jump Asparza. At least she shouldn't. That idea makes sense certainly to fight the winner of that fight. but Asparza is next at 115 or the world makes no sense at all.

So if she does want to fight for the Strawway title, I don't think she's going to get in there and get an immediate shot. She'll need a win, at least one win to do so in my opinion. So if that's the plan, you want to get back to 115, which is smart because you have a better shot of getting back to a Strawway title shot than you do a flyway title shot at this point. I say give her the winner of McKenzie Dern versus Marina Rodriguez. That could be the next number one contender fight to face,

the winner of Rosamayune, Zhang Wei Li, the winner of that fight versus Carlos Sparza, and then you have another contender waiting in the wings. We're just playing a little bit of a get ahead.

I think that makes the most sense, especially if she really wants to go back to 1.15 and fight for the title. What do you think? The only other option of 1.15, and this might not be interesting to Andradez, would be a rematch with Tisha Torres. It was maybe like three years ago,

and Tisha's on a nice role, so I could see that one. I do think the Dern of Rodriguez's winner would obviously be more intriguing for Andrade and her team. If she stays in 125, I think the only real fight I could think of was probably Jennifer Maya.

But it's weird. It would still keep both of them like one fight away from any sort of rematch. Maya, I mean, might have a stronger case. I think she took a round or two from Shishol. It was one of Shetka's defenses

where she didn't look like amazingly dominant. There was a couple of moments where Maya at least kind of made the fight in a way if she wanted to make it. but I'm not saying it was a great fight. I do remember people saying like it was, you know. So kind of my pick, she stays at 125, 150, very interesting. Everybody's seeing how I've gone to actually keep yourself in two to the same time.

Like, she's such a star. And I almost wish that the UFC, there was a way to make her an even bigger star. But, I mean, she just keeps doing her thing. And that's, that's great. Uh, yeah, I agree. You, are you here there, A.K? Okay, we're back. You broke a little bit.

We're good. Yeah, did you lose any of that? Okay, okay. Yeah, we heard it. There's, you know, you just sounded like a monster a couple of different times. Like Darth Vader-ish, but we got you back. Okay, that's good. No, that's good.

I was just doing a voice. I was just doing a voice. So let us head to the wild card round. There's a lot to choose from here. Will we select one fighter we have not match made for yet, and we will do so right now. So I have two in line, AK. And this is based on what you pick. So if you pick what I pick, I'm going a different.

from around so what is your UFC 266 wildcard matchup I'm gonna guess you didn't that I didn't go with either of your so hopefully I can hear two wildcard picks from Mike heck but I'm going with the Maraud Walshvelli a boring pick I know the featured headliner you know obviously one of the biggest biggest winners in the night taking out more than mud ice I've chosen chaos Mike I've chosen chaos I want him to take his best bud Al Jameen sterling spot at UFC 27 I want to see him fight Pioter I want another interim title to be created. Keep the

interim title trained. Let's go. Keep turning these bad boys out. The more the merrier. It'll create an awkward situation. If he does end up winning, Al Jemaine and Sterling will presumably want to be right back in that title picture and he comes back. Him and Marab do not want to fight each other.

I think if there's a world title on the line that might consider it or them have to work out some other arrangement, I don't think he'd want to stand in the way of Marab Valsh-Feeley becoming a UFC champion either. So I know there's people ahead of Maraud Walshvili in the pecking order, in the rumor mill. I get it, I understand, but he's my pick.

I just think it would be fun. I'd like to see him jump over some of these people just to see their reaction. And I think he could win. I don't know. I'm all in now. I picked Maris to beat him. I know he had to come back,

DeVoschili, excuse he had to come back to win the fight. But I'm a believer. Man, I'm a believer now. So give me DeVoszvili and Jan at UFC 2. 67. I think Marab, I mean, Marab at the post-fight, they said, like, it's fake news that he would even be considered for this fighter, that he would even take it. So, although I would love him to be like, you want to do an interim title fight to fight my boy, there will be no interim title. I'm going to

win this title and I'm going to throw it in the trash and Al Joe's going to fight somebody else. Like, I'm going to just win the title just so there is no interim champion. So that would be like a good way to like to approach it. If I'm Rob, that'd be amazing. God, the Saralongo family would just be so. What a story that I would like. Oh my. And he's,

Rob's kind of eccentric. He would, I feel like he would do that. I feel like people are like laughing at that idea. He would do something crazy like that. He would a Lundra Blaze Medusa the crap out of that interim title. It'd be amazing. I won't with Marab as well.

I'll quickly reveal my other pick afterwards. But that fight with Mara Mara Mara's, insane. It was an incredible comeback after nearly being stopped in the first round. And with a night like we had, that round, at least at the time, was the round of the year in a lot of people's eyes. And now it's somewhat forgotten after what happened in the third round between Volcanowski and Ortega. So look, this guy, and I've said this for a long time on the show and throughout my career, Marab is going to be a nightmare to find fights for, especially now, especially after that performance. No top 15 guy.

seeing Marlin, like, crack him and Marab getting stronger afterwards, which is just so ridiculous, no one's going to want to fight him. But he should fight Dominic Cruz next. He deserves a name like that. And quite frankly, I want to see if Cruz can solve that puzzle.

Like, I really want to see if that incredible fight IQ can solve the Marab puzzle. And we've never, we've seen Cruz dominated in fights. We've seen Cruz lose fights. We've never seen Cruz on his back for 15 or 25 minutes. And Marab has the potential to do that.

So I would want to see that fight because I don't think anybody, I think he's got two choices. The two options he has is Cruz or Pedro Munoz because no one else is going to take that fight. Nobody. The other option I had, Chris Dawkes versus Derek Lewis. Let's just do the damn thing. People want it.

Let's just do it. You got to give the people what they want. People want it. You don't think Rob Font? He was not taking that one? Why would Rob Fon take that fight? Rob Fon is a win away from fighting for a world title.

And you're going to step back and fight Marab? Like that just be silly business. Maybe Marab is that, maybe he's that win. No. No. Maybe he's that win. Rob Fond could,

Rob Fond's next fight will be either against T.J. Dillishaw, which you would have to think he's next for the title. But now this whole interim title fight thing, throws a monkey wrench into all of this. So now Dilloshua's going to have to wait. Joseo Aldo or Corey Sandhagen if he doesn't get the interim title fight. Fighting Maraub makes no sense. Literally makes zero sense.

I would call his manager on the phone and be like Tyson, what the hell are you doing? You'd be offended. You'd be personally offended. You'd be like, I thought I knew you. I thought we knew each other. Like what? I'd be like gangster move,

but like there better be a, there better be some sort of clause in that contract that says no matter what happens if Rob if Rob beats Barab he's fighting for the title over T.J. over anybody else. Or like just they just give him the title. You're the captain now. Yes. Yeah.

That's just, I'd like to see it because it'd be an interesting fight, but not right now. I mean, that'd just, that'd be craziness. So, okay.

Do we have any check the tapes, Mike checks or anything like that? Really? I don't think there was. any like crazy like I know there's a few matchups of game official but nothing like nothing really new that hadn't been discussed like Rodriguez you know Holloway it'd be kind of been discussed forever so no we had a slight check I think you you got tagged in that we both got tagged in this from our pala ren oh at Rencredible on

Twitter he said this is from a bit ago says he wanted to make a note about our UFC Vegas 37 pre-show Mike he said he was disappointed in us that we didn't call the UFC to resign Sarah Kaufman to face for Kel Pennington on on onto the on onto the next one the last episode we did whenever that was uh and i'm like listen uh reno we we talk about sarah coffin all the time we yeah one we rarely match up uh people on the on onto the next one that aren't signed to the ufc right i don't think you or i the listeners do that you sometimes yeah yeah um very rarely uh so we have been pushing the the the sarah coppin train for like two straight years now uh reno so get off our backs all right we obviously we we we've

want to see Sarah Kauffman resign, fight with Raquel Penning should be great. So a good suggestion. Thank you for that. But don't be disappointed in us on our Sarah Kaufman should be back in the UFC coverage. We are, we're just on that constantly. All right. People have told us to stop to stop talking about it. This is the first time someone has said that we didn't talk about it enough. So I'm sorry, I got fired up. It's okay. And even if we did, it wouldn't have mattered because from what I understand it, I can't say because it's not completely confirmed. but Raquel Pennington's next fight is going to happen for the end of the year. So stay tuned for that news.

Okay. At Desjardin, we speak business. We speak startup funding and comprehensive game plans. We've mastered made-to-measure growth and expansion advice, and we can talk your ear-off about transferring your business when the time comes. Because at Desjardin business, we speak the same language you do. Business. So join the more than 400,000 Canadian entrepreneurs who are,

already count on us and contact Desjardin today. We'd love to talk business. Do you want to give your disclaimer for these listener picks? Well, the first one doesn't really matter because like we said, usually we only talk about winners, but this episode is pretty much fair game. There's just so many big names on it. Winners, losers, it's fair fun to talk with everyone.

Scatter Gorey's rule, we're trying to focus on unique picks here, but we'll let you know what the most popular picks are. Guys, please avoid these mistakes. Fighters car are you booked. Weight class, wrong weight class. People fought already recently. Someone's injured. Someone's been released, all right?

I'm seeing more in this every week. It's getting worse. I don't know if you guys are rolling. And this overall did apply this week a lot. Your pick might just be doo-doo. We don't want to read it. Guys, we had a lot of do-do picks this week. And I'm just not going to read them.

So if you don't hear your pick red, I just want you to look within. That's all I'm going to say. All right. I'm going to fire through these. We'll start with Poppy. underscore Bryant. He throws a wild card pick right off the bat because it's smart. It's a smart thing to throw a wild card pick out there right up to bed.

He likes Spitting strike right out of the gate. He likes Asmanela versus Abdurrahimov coming off of the Aburahimov loss. Okay. Androge versus Maya for the interim belt. Don't see you're sliding into the strawweight title. An interim title for Valencia Shepchenko. I assume he means Shepchenko because would go up to fight Nunez. Yeah, because he does say that. So, yeah.

But just the order of this was puzzling to me. Blades versus the Volkov Taibora winner. Yes, I know him and Volkov just fought. Lala versus Nathan Diaz. Volcanovsky versus the winner of Yair versus Max. And they showed Yairir tonight the fight slash day was under his name. So yeah, I mean, we

confirmed it on Friday that it was agreed to, and the UFC is going to put that stuff up there anyways. Brandon Nunez, screw it. Daccas versus Lewis. Hashtag wildcar pick. Hooker versus Luser of RDA versus Islam Makachev. Yeah.

Marab versus Fon. No, Androz versus Maya. Yes, people are talking about it, Mike. I mean, if they made it, I'd watch it, but it just makes no sense for Rob Fonce to take that fight. Tyson, if you're out there, don't say, just think about it. Tyson, just say no. He likes Andresmaia. Blades versus Steepay.

After some time off, Ortega versus Cater, and then, yeah, a lot of the same, a lot of the same zes. Owen Carroll, Jonathan Pierce versus Herbert Burns, Matthew Semlesberger versus Munier, Lizez, Nick Maximoff versus literally any middleweight. This is essentially a contender series fight. Jalen Turner versus Raphael Alvese. Tilos Santos versus

Jennifer Maya. Chris Dachas versus Volkov, Tybora. F. Mark Smith, by the way. Shamil must have done something to Mr. Smith. So you didn't see that. Go back and watch that fight, AK. Mark Smith was Chris Dawkes had poor Shamil Durahimov dead

to rights and was like, okay, You know what? Keep going. Keep beating them up, Chris. And Chris beat him up some more. And then Mark was like, okay, okay. Oh. Yeah, it was bad. Mark's a mystery is pretty solid, but I mean... Yeah, this is pretty awful. Dan Hooker versus B'Neil Darouche. Of course, he made the callout. No issue with that. Marab versus Rob Fon, or Corey Sanhagan, whoever doesn't replace Aljo. Androge versus the Calderwood Grasse winner. Robi Lala, retirement. Nick Diaz retirement. Yeah, Shailch saw a lot of that. And that's the originals there. Jake Marshall, again, no suggestions. Just when will Volk get the treatment he deserves?

As an avid Max Holloway fan, I freaking love Volk. Guys, a stud of studs. Do I think he lost the second Max fight? Yes. Do I blame Volk for the judge's decision? No, guys a savage. Love the podcast. So, yeah.

Who was this? Who was this? That was Jake Marshall. Thank you, Jake Marshall. You're a classy, educated man. Thank you. Yes, we love that. Alex Bonds.

Alex Bonds, big fan of the show, first time submitter. Welcome, Alex. Hi, Alex. Hi, Alex, Bons. Let's see what we got here. Anything new? Blades versus Dacus. And a smart man, Alex Munoz.

A smart man. Marab versus Pedro Munoz. That's the fight. That's a fight we should be making and focusing on. And that's the only thing he's going to be able to get right now, which is unfortunate. He's also calling for a Loller Diaz retirement. Oh boy, a lot of that. Our friend, Con Whizzle 91, Sean,

great night of fights. I'd say the obvious. Volkadovsky versus Winnera Max versus Ayer. What else we got? Ooh, I think Lawler versus Kevin Lee makes sense based off both their recent performances. I'm just making a face right now. Let me think about that one. I'm making a face. People can see it.

Hooker versus Armand's Rukyan makes perfect sense. And he says, go, Pat's. Well said. Let's see if we got anything new from John Ray Jalen Turner versus Matush Gamrod. That's a sick fight. I saw so many different Jailin Turner matchups. He's in a three-fight win streak, right?

Two submissions in a row. That snuck up on me. I didn't know how well this young man was doing. He's a stud. Tyler Santos versus Viviani Araujo. What else do we got? Maraud de Wallis really versus the Frankie Edgar Marlon Verro winner. I got no problem with that one either.

No, that's good. Uh, Jessica Androge versus Yawani and Jacek 2. I saw that people suggest that at 125. Yeah, I got no issue with that. Robbie Loller versus Matt Brown. Matt Brown's fighting Brian Barbarina, but maybe, maybe after that fight, win or lose. Uh-oh. Oh, no.

All right, so Brian Orte, he throws up Brian Ortega versus Holloway-Hawah Rodriguez loser. John Ray says Valentina Shepchenko versus Anthony Joshua why not at this point Not Ousick You gotta give her Ousick

Oh God that was That's tremendous What the hell is going on here Marcus 1196 Who appellate I mean it's never good when you say I polished a four roses Apologize if I sent anything off kilter

This is just all over the place. Robbie Lala versus Daniel Rodriguez, he likes because they're cut from the same cloth. I would love that matchup, but man, I just feel like at this point, Rodriguez rolls over him, though. I just don't know if I want to see that. He likes Marab versus Corey Sannhagen, straight up. Dachas versus the loser of Olcoff-Tibora. Tyler Sonsis versus Miranda Maverick. Jalen Turner versus Mike Davis.

That fight is Redonk. Nick Maximoff versus Hidalpho Viera already? I don't hate it. I guess people are at Maximov? I don't know. They're certainly higher as far as Diaz's friends go. They're hiring Nick Maximov than they are in Martin Sano after last after Saturday. I'll tell you that one.

Yeah. Nick is a good fighter, man. He's definitely someone to keep an eye on. Jonathan Pierce versus Charles Jordane. I like that fight. Yeah, Matthew Semlisberger versus Jeremiah Wells is just full-on violence. Kegan Elliott. Marab versus Aldo.

he likes Dachas versus Derek Lewis Thank you Keegan Kyle Smith Do we have anything else I think it's just comments on the fights Hey guys, vocal, great tonight Definitely deserves some more respect from the fans Bullet picked Lauren Murphy apart

I don't really see any clear fight for her right now Aside from moving up and fighting Nunez She may have to sit around for a while For a new contended to be ready sadly I think it's time for Nick to retire He didn't look like He didn't look like himself Lala Alexine go back to 170, maybe go up against D-Rod to get him into the rankings.

Only fight a C for Andrade's Maya, another win for each could put them back into a title shot. Blades fight Marchine if he beats Volkov next month or maybe Tom Ashenol. Kyle, I'm on the same page as you, my man. Liam Jeffchenko versus Nunes 3, not going to happen, but I can dream. Loller versus Miguel Baezza. Beezza gets top talent that he can use to rebound and jump into the top 15. No, this is the please don't use Lollars. stepping stone thing we were discussing earlier.

Yes, no, we don't want, we don't want to do that. It's not that. What else we got? Maraub versus Aldo, Hooker versus Gillespie, AK. Yeah, I have them right next. In my rankings, they're right next to each other. Our man, Francesco from Italy, Volcanovsky versus Giga.

Let's go. I saw it. I saw people saying, forget it. Let's just get Giga right in there. People believe he's ready. Yeah, he says maybe it's too early, but I think he's the toughest matchup possible for Volcanowski. Lalo versus.

Santiago Ponzanibio Was that ever booked? I think it was on the book Was it never on the books? I thought it was. I swear it was a, that's a canceled fighter's

It had to have been at some point. It sounds so familiar, yeah. Semelsberger versus Carlson Harris is a fun one and another Devalish really versus Aldo. I think Aldo makes way more sense from Rob than Rob Font does. We'll let the people decide that.

I think the people, I mean, I know that was an Aldo, that was a point for Aldo there. You've said a few fonts. I've heard a few fonts. There's a couple fonts. A couple fonts. We may have to check the tapes on this. We're spacing.

All those are starting to gain some distance from Mr. Fonar. Oh, by the way, UFC 245, Ponzanibio Loller. Ponsonabu injury. So it's December 2019. Bobby Atkins has one suggestion and one suggestion only. Robbie Lawler versus Darren Till at 185. Yeah, Darren Till would love that fight. Gosh, he would love to take that fight.

You think so? I think that's one that would get him going. That's an interesting. I had not have thought of that. Let's see. Let's go to some of our regs. Jack Porter. I know Zabit is a huge question mark.

But can we just admire how entertaining a fight between him and T.City would be? There you go. He's on the Marab versus Fondrain. Hooker Gillespie. And that's the only kind of new ones. Jaron Kowada. Pierce versus Kamala Kirk. Semmelsberger, Jeremiah Wells, Jalen Turner

versus Ricky Glenn. Ricky Glenn, you may have missed this one, his book to fight Grant Doss in October 23rd. But that is new. That just happened, so I will forgive you for that. It is not due to do you. Your two friends. Santos versus Maya.

Barab versus Cheeto, if he beats Edgar. And Chico versus Triple C, Henry Suhudo. I love that. I love all these different ideas for, but he said he's just kidding. There's clearly no one left for since Androgy Chakigern.

Just going to keep beating off all the prospects. Tristan Gordettes. Let's see. Robbie Lawler versus the winner of Matt Brown versus Brian Barbarina. Another one for Androge versus the winner of Calderwood versus Grasso. Wildcard. Marab de Wallis Willie versus Usman Normaga Madoff. And you always know a good explanation coming when it starts with Mike.

Hear me out. Hear me out. Oh, gosh. Let me finish. I think he's the only one. that can match the pace of Marab, especially when it comes to the wrestling. And I know Usman has only one fight in the UFC, but I think that fight will be very competitive.

And I'm not sure that Marab will win that fight outright. Before you shoot this fight down, remember Sarukyuan faced Islam Makachev in his first fight, and now Islam is now ranked number five. You sit on the post show, no one wants to fight Marab. I think Usman would fight Marab. Now, listen to me, I normally am not one to shoot down ideas, but I'm going to shoot this one down a million percent. And the reason why is because the fight can't happen right now, because there are two different promotions, Tristan Gordat.

Usman Dima Madh Maghemagamayev is in Bellator and he's getting ready to fight in Russia on October 23rd. So I am shooting you down, Tristan Gordet. Oh, dear. Come on. Come on, man. Maybe he meant Said He said Usman 14 times I love you Tristan

I'm just I'm just We love just I'm busting your balls because we know you so well But yeah I have to shoot you down Just because you got it wrong So if you want to if you want to retract that Send it in we'll read it next week But no I would like to see the fight

That'd be a crazy matchup at some point But Usman Nirmagamatov is happy in Bellator Just running through these guys and building his legacy at such a young age. He likes Hooking Gillespie. You're mean. I read that whole message and I'm like, Ouss von Ermanga Madov.

I'm like, when did he sign to the UFC? And then I had to look it up because there's so many of them. I'm like, oh yeah, it's the same guy I thought of. You're so mean. Magic Mighty 67. Hey, Mike, firstly, I apologize for my Twitter mistake asking for Armand versus RDA. I forgot about the Islam fight. So there's penance.

penance and I dig that. You're not getting checked. Yeah, they're not getting checked. It's good. He likes Dacus versus Jarzino, Murphy versus Andrade, Calvio versus Santos, Marab versus Munoz, all the best guys. Also give Volk Volk versus Darius. I don't know if that's, I don't know if that's a typo. And then we'll end with Patrick Austin. Semelsberger versus Corte McGee. He likes Mara versus T. J. Dillishaw. Dachis versus Lewis. Ortega Jakhaze. Jalen Turner versus Patty Piglet.

I think I spelled this name right. Oh, that was like a burn. I thought there's a try to burn them. Sheesh. People are just, people had some pops last night. Hooker, Surukian. The last few require some weight changes, A.K., love these kinds of matchups.

Robbie Lawler versus Tony Ferguson for a million and 170 other reasons. Androds versus Klaugia Daly at 125. Wild cards from just random thoughts. How have we not ever seen Clay Gwida versus Jeremy Stevens? That's another fight. It has to have been booked. We really haven't seen that point? No, I don't think so.

Well, make it happen, Caput. I don't know. That's it for me, A.K., get after it, son. Let me blow through some of these. So, anyway, so the most popular picks, Volcanovsky Hallway, Arriga's winner. It's just such a no-brainer. I feel like everyone mentioned it. Ortega for Chikaze was the top name I saw for Ortega, Arnold Allen, Josh Emmett, Calvin Cater also mentioned.

Shvchenko versus Nunez three actually was about equal with people also saying Shvchenko Grasso Calderwood winner. So I think it's just people, you know, hedging, you know, trying to, whether they think she'll want to fight again at 125 within the next three or four months or if she'll wait for Nunez, because

Nunez one makes a lot of sense. From the UFC report, he said there's nothing left for Valentina after Amanda wins against Pena which, let's not kid ourselves, she will. There would be no one left for Amanda. The two best females to ever do it, it's maybe. He said, maybe the best fight, the UFC can make in 2022.

I need it. Is it though? I mean, it's probably true. I mean, again, John Jones and Gunn, it's definitely out the table now. Blades, Steve Bamyotich and Blades, the most popular pick there. Andrade versus Maya, Andrade versus Murphy, about even. And the most probably I saw for Devolishvili was Corey Sanhagan. But like we said, he's definitely in rumored to be one of the names being considered for the 267 spot.

But obviously, if that doesn't happen, him and Sanhagan. would be a great fight. Sanhagan, probably no interest in taking that one. Devalch really was also another popular one. Thomas Collins says, let's test Aldo's outstanding takedown defense. Kind of what you said with the cruise matchup, Mike. It's like, we've seen Aldo lose. He's never really been like outg grappled, out-wrestle. That's just hasn't happened.

So it would be a very, very interesting test and not a fight that Morav would be guaranteed to win at all. Same with the cruise matchup. Hooker v. Darius and Hooker for Syrucian, both about equal popularity. Again, a lot of people are still writing, you know, Surukes. Kien's callout of hookers. So I think either won great matchups. And, you know, it's funny. You said screw it.

And one of your, I know one of your suggestions said, screw it, Mike, I guess everyone's saying screw it because they all want Chris Dachas versus Derek Lewis. Yes. At A.O. its dad says, no threat of takedowns. Two guys who like to swing. This fight makes sense. Derek needs to step back. Chris deserves a big opportunity like facing a popular fighter such as Lewis.

And the other one, Dawkins versus Rosenstrike. And Stephen Breeder says, give the stuff. man a main event. So, you know, I think he wants to find a way to showcase Christakis. I think that would be a great, a great fight night main event. And then Tyler Santos, Sinjaquivio, Tyler Santos, Viviana Arrojo, about equal. And one weird one that I was surprised a couple of listeners picked up on. Maximov versus Andre Petroski. So I love any Ultimate Fighter 29 mention. And Petroski was a good fighter around that show. He was favored to win the show. He didn't not, but sure.

Altered Fighter for its Contender Series. Signed me up. People are on the same page of this. Got a couple of first timers, so I got to read them out. First, Dax at Pike Putt on Twitter, just as he wants, Artegger Chikaze and Marab versus Fonts. Yes. Oh, that's why I read this one.

And he says, it will never happen, but Hooker versus Gichi if Gitchie loses to Chandler. Why would that never happen? That's possible, right? Yeah, I mean, listen, anything's possible. anything's possible. Yeah, you're right. Kids. Yeah, follow your dreams.

Follow your dreams. And Alexander Carvalio. Thank you. Another first time. He says he's a big fan of onto the next one. First time sending a matchup. Did not want to send a doo-do pick. Here it goes.

He says, Jessica Andraj versus Irene Aldana. So obviously, Adrajan move up to 135. He says, I know it's kind of crazy. Just costly, she wants 10 to three divisions. Germain injured herself. So Irina needs to know. opponent. No one seems available at Bantamate. And it would make Jessica's legacy so much more

a badass than it already is, even if she lost. So he says, that's my pick. Cheers from Brazil. Keep up the great work. Abrazo, I think that's what he said. Alex is from Brazil. So I probably butcher that. Alexander, I apologize, but I'm doing my best here. Guy Cruz has really been trying to help me with this stuff.

I should have asked him first. Ayo, it's dad. He had a really nice greeting for us, which I wanted to read. I just got a, oh, I thought I had this organized. Oh, yes. He says, always looking forward to a lot, no, thankful, thankful for you, fellas.

Thank you. Yes, we have Canadian Thanksgiving coming up soon, or real Thanksgiving, as I like to call it. So thank you at Ayo, it's dad. You heard me. You heard, I didn't stutter for the early Thanksgiving, well wishes. Hooker versus Fazeve, he beats Riddell, Santos versus Murphy.

Oh, Martin Sano versus a mirror. He says, come on, my guy. Look at yourself in the mirror. Keep it real. You aren't a fighter. Wow. This is a lesson not every opportunity in your life should be acted upon. I wouldn't be that harsh, but yes, I think anyone who saw Martin Sano entered on like a two-fight winless streak.

He hadn't fought in years. He's a friend and training partner of Nick Diaz, which is why he was putting the card. And he was knocked out in 15 seconds. So really the kind of matchmaking that shouldn't happen at this level. So I understand the sentiment. That was a little harsh, though. But thank you for the message there. Colin Avery, I like this one.

Devalish Vili versus Shano Mali. No. O'Malley would never. Yeah, that's a terrible fight for shot O'Malley. But I like the suggestion. Thank you, Colin, for throwing that, putting that on their universe. And he says, maybe Valentina in a 20-round fight where every round is a new competitor. I mean, outside of that, there just isn't much in terms of matchmaking for her. Yeah, I would love that. I would love that.

I'll run through some of these quick. Four Corner Sports and Y. I like some of these. Pierce versus Jordains, one you mentioned. I like that. Oh, Blades versus Dana White. He said, I better read this to explain it. Blaz versus Dana White.

He says since Dana White just can't stand him, this is true. Dana has had some poor things to say about Blades's fighting style in the past. But in reality, he says it should be. He wants to see Blades versus Depe. And we had another Nick Diaz retire comment. The UFC report, another Lawler and Diaz retire. They said both should go off in the sunset after that fun fight. I have no desire to see either guy fight again.

Both are legends. This should be the last memory we have of them both. A nice sentiment. I think there's no way that we see the last, unfortunately. Timmy also Jalen Turner versus Mike Davis, John the Pierce versus Mike, Mike Grundy, and Lauren Murphy versus Jennifer Maya. Thank you for those, Timmy.

Locktogne, who has taken it upon himself to co-elate the Otno points. And I just want to repeat on air as many times as I have to. We are not authorizing this. He's doing this of his own volition. If anything should happen to Locktogon's mental health during this, we are not responsible, Mike. But thank you, Locktagon, for. doing this even though we don't want you to.

I want for legal, again, if our lawyers are listening, I'm not asking him to do this Otno project, okay? His only Otno pick, Nick Diaz versus Komar Usman, so he just wants to the world burn. Oh my God. I only read that troll pick because he's, he or she or she, I just say they, I don't know, it's a man or woman, are doing the Otno points project, so whatever.

Good for you. Hayes Bethard had a lot of good picks. I'll read one that I thought really, kind of tickled my fancy here. They want bring back Diego Sanchez for Nick Diaz. It feels like

this is the last we see him, but if it isn't, he says bring Diego Sanchez back for this to be his retirement fight. Sure. Jalen Turner versus Patty Pimlet, Matt Semelsberger versus Michel Pazeres. Ryan Doherty

is on the Daucus versus a Volkov Tobor Banwagon. I'm into that. Stephen Brighter, Jalen Turner versus Ignacio Bahaimondez. Very cool fight. And Hooker versus RDA, Makachev, loser, loser. So I saw a lot of that, hooker facing one of those guys, winner loser. Some one's in the mix there. Braden O'Neill, Lala retire.

Jailen Turner versus Nasut Hakparas, Semelsberger versus Trinaldo, Dwight Grant winner on October 23rd. Or just rebook Jonathan Pierce, GSP, versus Moguli Benitez. Chris at Dragon Slayer 2 says Jalen Turner versus Austin Hubbard Hubbard is a free agent I believe right not necessarily release but he is a free agent correct? I believe so

I feel like he said this in the interview after the Vince Pichel fight so but either way yeah so I'll count that though he very likely I think will come back so I'll give Chris you'll get a point for that if that matchup happens um J.C. Rodriguez wants to see Daniel Rodriguez

versus Robbie Lawler Thomas Collins I don't know what is going on with these people, but he wants to see, Yoros Medici versus Darren, the Dentor Stewart. The battle of the medical workers at catchweight, Darren should be resigned by the UFC just for this fight. We have had more Darren Stewart matchups since he was released than I feel like we had.

Just to play off with this dentist, okay, anyway. Our man in Denmark, Toke-Gurting Jensen always come with the Diaz-Loller, retire, and Drydei versus Yoanna, Yajic, at 125. And he says, good luck to Marlon Moraeis. in next year's PFL tournaments. Come on. And they don't even have a band. You know, it's double heart?

They didn't even have a bantamweight division. That's a double burn. Yeah, because listen, Marl will not be cut, nor should he, because that's why I was insane. But now you give Sean O'Malley a little pay increase, give him a main event, and you do O'Malley Marais. Oh, that little bonus, bonus wild card pick. That's it. That's the fight you make. I love it.

I think O'Malley should 100% take that fight. I'm not saying it's like an easy win from them. I'm saying it's a winnable fight against a really good name. Oh, I love that. Liam Perry wants to ask, Nick didn't look interested in fighting. I mean, never does. Is it possible he may have like one fight left on his contract to fulfill and just did this so he could leave the O.C. And jump into boxing like a lot of other many fighters.

Is there possible, Mike? Even if it's not one fight, do you think he's just knocking off however many fights he has left? I have no idea what his contract looks like. I mean, literally, I haven't seen any reports or anything. Like nothing. He signed it like 10 years ago. Yeah, he signed a 30 fight. He signed a Brett Hart, WWF contracts.

He's signed for 20 years. He's only fought like three times since then. Yeah, I, I, I, like honestly, just his demeanor, how he approached the fight, how he approached fight week. I really think that Nick was fighting himself. Like, it wasn't Nick versus Robbie Lawler. I think he just needed to get in there and see if he could still do it. I believe a lot of things he said were a little concerning. but I totally believed him saying,

I don't want to live life and regret anymore. I don't want to look back two years later and think like, you know, I should have done this. I should have gotten back in there. I think that's what it was. I think he was, he's trying to find closure within himself

and his relationship with mixed martial arts. And I think that this was at least a step towards getting there. I like, I want to look at it that way, but I do think there's some, truth in what Liam's saying and that he wants to get this contract over with at some point and I do

I'll be shocked if he doesn't do boxing. Let's put that way. I'll be shocked if Nick Diaz doesn't do boxing at some point. Liam suggests Lawler versus Diaz trilogy Triller boxing in sometime in the year 2006 so yeah I mean look we're joking but we've seen so many stranger things that doesn't even

cause me to bat an eye at this point. Can you imagine the numbers that Nick Diaz versus Anderson Silva would do in a boxing in boxing? It'd be huge. I hope he would reenact the lying down in the ring. Yeah. That's an homage. You know, they won't have a laugh about it.

Yeah. And I like what he had to say about the Chakot possible Chikaze jumping the line. He just says, he thinks he'd fight for the title next. Not keen on the Holloway trilogy with Volcanowski. If Max obviously was to lose, then, sorry, if Max was to lose again, it would just create a weird situation where he couldn't stick around a featherweight. And he doesn't think they'd fight a fourth time no matter what. That is, I could not disagree with, with, with, with, with. anything, and I respect your opinion, but I could not disagree anymore. Max Holloway versus Alexander

Volcanovsky 3, from like a Jose Young standpoint, this is as good as it gets. That is high-level martial arts. Yeah, but if he loses. It doesn't hurt him. Like, Max Holloway doesn't need the title. Like, Max is still a relevant name. Max is still a problem for a lot of these guys. And Max doesn't care about the title. Max just wants to fight the toughest challenges. And guess what fight would still be available for Max Hollow? Win or lose? Justin Gaichi. The Dreamer. fight. It's still there. No matter what. Keep on it. Mike, you speak that truth. You keep that out there in the universe.

Marcus McGahey calling this UFC 26 the great edition of matchmaking. And he had a lot of the again, same picks to other people, but some good deep cuts here. Pierce versus Josh Kulabow I think there might be going in obst directions. Oh no, no, no. Kulabat has come off that nice wind. Yeah, that's fun fun. And then a couple. You'll like these

a contendive series stuff. Sammosberger versus Jack Delamadelena. I just like saying that name. And Nick Maximov versus A.J. Dobson. So there you go. Mike, those are free, he threw your bone there. Barry O'Reilly, Pierce versus Juliana Rosa, Nix Maximov versus

EC-Paticofu, I think, again, that's the name that people just keep wanting me to say on the show. Jalen Turner versus Joel Alvarez, what else here? Oh, Lala versus Michelle Pereira. I'm not against it. I'm not against it. Shevchenko versus

Zhang Wei Li. He says, if Wei, if Zhang loses to Namajunas net rematch, he could see her moving up to 125, and the division is a bit messy, and she would just get an automatic title shot. Yeah, honestly, they're so in love with Zhang, and obviously, of course, the potential market she brings in, that would not surprise me in the slightest. And Ortega versus Ferguson, Ortega realizes he can't beat the top of 45, moves up and gets

a huge pay-per-view main event versus tone. It wouldn't be a pay-per-view main event, Barry, but maybe a pay-per-view main card fight. and he had to throw it out there Volcanovsky versus Sehudo Brian Cashman says Okay, okay So are the former New York Yankees GM

As we know Brian Cashman Coming in He says He wants to mention Casey O'Neil for Valentina Not next, obviously He's not suggesting

At all that next He's saying keep a close eye in here He thinks that I think he's implying He thinks that she will be That Challenger someday Which I like And he said Marab should fight

Montel Jackson Kind of based on what we've been saying today There's just so many people ahead of him that are not going to be willing to fight him. But I think Montel's a little bit. A little too far back. Yeah. Maybe Montel for Marlon. Yeah, that might make more sense.

Michael Perrigini, Pierce versus Casares, tried like that. Semmelzberger McGee, you brought that one up, Maxim versus Makoon, Nate Andrews. Lawler versus Nico Price, winner, winner-le-Liver. Nico Price would dream of that fight. He would love it. And I want to read this message from the Pound Town podcast, who said Vittori versus a dictionary. Am I missing?

I saw him hate. I saw Votori hating on Paul Felder. I saw that. I saw him, which is ridiculous. What happened? Was Feldor talking a certain way that I didn't see? Was Vittori? So, I mean,

so to peel back the curtain a little bit, AK, I was on AK duty on Saturday where I was doing the play-by-play. Sure. So it began with Martin Votori tweeting out, had to mute the comment, commentary on the fights, I can't stand Felder. It works to ever do it. And then Felder said, am I using too many big words?

And then they just kept going back. You said, it's just a puppet. Paul Felder said, why? Because I have a job or because I called it like it was in your last fight. Vittori responds with, it's not even about me. You are double-faced. You have no problems calling a fight one side. And when it's really not,

it would go out of your way to back your opinions up with lies that you know our lies. But you keep lying. I guess people love it nowadays. And then Paul Feldor responded with, well, I'll do my best not to do that on October 23rd. I think you're a talented fighter, Marvin. I don't mean to upset you, but I call what I see. If you don't like it, that's not my job.

Talk soon. And that was it. Dang. What is it? Marvin Vittori, why? Why go after Paul Feltre? Like, I don't like, I don't know how I feel about that. All right.

Let's go to the email real quick here. Tom Rotor, thanks for chiming in. I just had this funny comment. Volcanowski versus Holloway year winner. And he says, I'm sure the rogue. panelists will find a way to move a Volkanowski down the ranks. Yeah, look, we're going to have to have a talk about this. So thank you, Tom.

I thought this is funny comment. Casey Carpenter coming in. Want to see Volcanovsky versus Zombie. Next, zombie lost Artiga. So, I mean, it'd be a cool fight. I think zombie has to at least win one before getting that. Robbie Lawler, she said, Casey Carpenter, they say, Robbie Lawler, called a career, one of their favorites and see them put in the Hall of Fame in

2022, great win to go out on against a rival. Tyler Burrell coming in with some popular picks here again Thank you Tyler for the picks I like Tyler Santos Jennifer Maya yeah I think that's a good one Another Ortego versus Chircadese Robert Miller Again Davao Svali versus the Bearer Edgar winner He says big log jammed top division

I don't think Rob's gonna get someone high ranked He should be happy getting guys like Edgar or Vera next I actually think he would But he's happy all the time just to be beating people up so I don't know what that says Sammelsberg and Jeremiah Wells And there you go there's another Lawler versus Tills So I'm sorry I missed that one.

Going to Instagram real quick, Cameron Wynch, first time. This is love this show, long time listener, first time message for on the next one. Doc is Aspinall. It makes sense, ranking-wise. What with Aspinall wanting to slowly step up? I know a lot of people don't want to see the matchup mic, but I've mentioned this before. I'm not against it. I'm not saying it's my number one pick.

But if you want to put these young heavyweight studs against each other, I think it's cool. I think it's a cool thing to do. I don't think it's a loss like hurts either guy. I would love to see who's better right now. I'll watch it. Yeah, I'd rather. These two guys are going to be in the top five at some point together. I'm not against it.

Michael Conner Frye, coming in with some good picks here. Rebook Roberson, Maximov. Of course, now everyone wants to see A.J. Anthony Johnson fight Jake Paul. It would be a good bounce back fight for him. Hooker, Sarukian, and JSP versus Mackwon. Miracani. He said, does that sound like a fair matchup? Absolutely. Yeah. Absolutely. Yeah, it's a fair matchup. I think he's asking that there's a big difference in UFC experience, but I do think Amir Connie really needs to rebuild like his, he kind of had a reputation earlier as a big prospect.

That's past now. He kind of has to fight these other prospects. I think guys are prospects now and see where he is. We got a lot from Just Call Me Bob. Just going by a pause. I cannot read all this and especially unfiltered. I did not have a chance to look this over. This guy always has some great thought. Let's see. Boom, Nick versus Cowboy. Effing legends that aren't holy field pitiful.

Pitiful, excuse me, but don't need to be fighting U.S. Loew C fighters. He just wants to see Nazarat fight Gaslam. Somehow have Calvin drop down to 170 prove that he actually wants to make it like his identical twin easily could. Gosh. Okay. I'm just coming about you know what. I will reply to your message personally. I think you always drop me in these long messages.

Matt Bradbury. Jonathan Pierce versus Duho Choi. Sure. I like that. Turner versus Demer Hadesovich. Yeah, good picks. Really good picks here. Hooker versus Tony Ferguson. I saw a few of these. I'm not against it at all. I saw a lot of people saying like this sounds like a crazy pick. That's not a crazy pick, right? No, I think that's fine. I'd rather see. Hooker fight Ferguson than Surukion fight Ferguson. Yeah, yeah, same. But only because I think the UFC will just, I mean, Tony's in that spot right now.

He's in that real deal, get you over the hump spot. And I think Hooker and Ferguson would just be like a fun fight where there's some stakes, but it'd just be like a fun fight. MMA heads, Robbie Lawler versus Max Griffin. Yeah, people still want to say what I got from this episode is people just really still want to see Robbie Lawler in brawls in fun fights against other stand-up fighters. I'm okay with that. I agree. If you're, yeah, none of this prospect matching. If you have fun matchups for him and it's something that'll get him off the couch, I should say, motivated him to get him out

the couch and sign that contract. I'm not against it. I'm fine with it. Hooker Darius, I saw a lot of that. Turner versus Zaytar. Maximov versus the loser of Marquez versus Wright. So a lot, again, a lot of deep cuts here. And Buffalo Gums just coming with one, a couple of picks. Jalen Turner, Vince Pichel, and two exclamation points. Marcus versus Giorzino Rosenstrike. And I'll close out with, we got a very long message from our pal, Trip Harper. Obviously, I cannot read the whole thing.

But very enthusiastic about last night's card. Tripp, I'm sorry, I cannot read this. But just he wants to think us both again. Oh, here's what he said. Trip wanted to say he really liked seeing your son on the show the other day. So there you go. Shout out to your boy. Yeah.

But Trip, I will respond. Actually, Tripp, I will pass along your messages to Mike. Love this guy's passion. and such a big fan. And I'm glad I got to meet at that show. So that's it. But awesome picks all around, guys. I heard it was an awesome show.

I think the picks were even better. Listeners, I think you guys crushed it. Again, I didn't see the show, so I can't really say objectively. But you guys are awesome. Keep in common, guys. Hit me up on Instagram at Alexander KK Lee on Twitter at Alexander Klee. That's just 1K on Twitter. And email, alex.le at sbation.com.

We're going to have to stop giving out the contact info because these, I mean, we're getting over. There's just so many. There's just so many. I know. It's a lot. Yeah, so I'm going to play a little game. I'm not even going to give mine, okay?

Not just because I'm too cruel, but let's see if you, let's see if, let's see if you put, I challenge you to provide more submissions next week without the info. I challenge you. How about that? Don't make them do work. Don't make you do work. I'm just trying to plant some downloads for past episodes so people who go find it. You make this podcast.

I know this is not an appropriate comment. but you make this podcast so sexy. I'm just going to say it. You know, we're at the end of the episode. You know, just throwing challenges out to everybody. I wouldn't even think of to do that sort of thing. All right. So, UFC 266 is in the books.

We are on the road to UFC 267 and UFC 268, which will happen in back-to-back weeks, October 30th, and then November 6th. So we're going to have some big shows on the horizon. But we will have fight night cards every week until that point. starting with next week. UFC Vegas 38 headlined by

guess what? Another light heavyweight matchup. Tiago Santos versus Johnny Walker in the main event. We will see the return of one Aspen Lad taking on Macy Chieson.

They've rebooked that one. Kevin Holland will take on Kyle Dawkins. So Chris Doc is sticking around Las Vegas to be in the corner of his brother. Kyle's biggest fight of his career against Kevin Holland. Kevin Holland needs a win.

time. Misha Sarkinoff, A.K. Drop into 185 to fight Christoph Yako. Joe Selecki versus Jared Gordon, very interesting fight. Carol Rosa, looking to build upon the victory of her teammate and close friend, Jessica Androj.

And Bechkehya's seemingly final fight of her career. Is that not on the main card? Or we don't know the card. We don't know the card. We don't know the card. That better be on the main card. That better be on the friggin' main card. Yeah, I would agree. I mean, there's some other fights. There's some fights that should definitely be on the main card.

Jamie Malarkey, Devonte Smith is a great fight. Nico Price, Alex Alvera. Antonita Shevchenko versus Casey O'Neill. Really interesting fight. Shana Young versus Stephanie Eggger. Alexander Hernandez will welcome Mike Breeden to the UFC, former contender series. A alum who lost to Anthony Romero on the contender series.

Mike Breeding gets a shot. Alexander Hernandez was supposed to fight Leonardo Santos is out Mike Breeding gets the call he is in so I think I'm Alejandro Perez Johnny Eduardo don't want to disrespect them Douglas Androge versus Guytono Porello Johnny Eduardo 43 year old Johnny Eduardo still cooking Yeah 13 fights AK

13 fights next week He's been fighting since 1996 Welcome back son This is going to be fun one talking for Johnny O'Donardo's retired. God bless him. God bless you, John Erdward. Do you do it?

You know, man, if you're... Holy crap. He hasn't... Fosson's 2018. What is going on? Hopefully we get a, uh, a Giermei Cruz special.

A little feature on Mr. Eduardo. I'd love to, I'd love to read that. He's, he's interviewed him before. So, yeah, I mean, I hope,

I'm sure he'll talk to him again. But yeah, guys, go to M.A.fine.com, look up Eduardo and, and, and, as read his stuff. I know he's done an interview with Guy Cruz in the past. he's a he's one of one yes guys one of one uh so yeah ufc 266 is done we'll be back next week

talking all things and the fallout of ufc vegas 38 but until then everybody thank you for listening to the program once again thank you for making us one of the fastest rising podcasts in mMA podcasting we appreciate that very much love doing the show they can even on like no sleep i love the show it's just so fun and remember it's so fun and remember everybody and this is It's just a valuable lesson for all things in the MA. Don't take the stuff too seriously. MMA is supposed to be fun. We'll have more fun right here next week on.

On to the next one, the podcast. You're listening to the Vox Media Podcast Network.