The MMA Mad Podcast

This week, we were joined by one of our favorite guests as well as two more making their podcast debut. Make sure you stick around until the end of the episode for a sneak peak of our upcoming Special Report on MMA in the Olympics.

(5:44) Raquel Pennington returns to the show to discuss her stage fright - an unlikely trait for a professional fighter - and her ability to seize the moment on a microphone. Self described as the Black Horse of the Women's Bantamweight division, Rocky is on a journey for redemption... and a shot at the UFC Championship. Her next fight is on August 20th, as she battles Elizabeth Phillips at UFC 202.

(28:47) Tateki Matsuda discusses his unique journey through MMA, as he prepares for a fight back in his home country of Japan. As a veteran of the UFC, his goal is to return to the Octagon, and it all starts with his September 11th fight at Pancrase 280. 

(47:30) Adam Hunter makes his Octagon debut at UFC Vancouver on August 27th. He took the time to catch us up on his mindset heading into the fight, as well as his take on the middleweight division as a whole.

(1:06:53) We released a sneak peak of our upcoming Special Edition of the MMA Mad Podcast, featuring a report on getting MMA into the Olympic Games. The full episode will be out on Wednesday, August 24th. Enjoy!!

Direct download: Episode_70.mp3
Category:Sports -- posted at: 2:06am EDT

(7:18) Louis Smolka joined the podcast to discuss his recent win in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We got onto everything from the possibility of a bantamweight Mighty Mouse to how far Smolka is from a flyweight title shot. We also play some fantasy matchmaking and pitch a duel championship event for the inaugural UFC Hawaii.

(33:16) Rick Story returns to the podcast to discuss the turmoil atop the UFC Welterweight division, who he feels will get the first shot at the newly crowned Tyrone Woodley, and the value of trash talking your way up the rankings. Story fights Donald Cerrone on August 20th at UFC 202.

(1:06:00) Ty Reynolds returns with a brand new after show, discussing all the latest headlines in the world of MMA.

Direct download: Episode_69.mp3
Category:Sports -- posted at: 5:57pm EDT

This week, two of our favorite guests return to the show to reflect on their recent wins and breakdown some important fights in their respective divisions and beyond.

(3:31) Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson rejoins the show to breakdown the upcoming title fight between Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler and challenger Tyron Woodley. Plus, we get into everything from the upcoming Power Rangers movie to the drama between Mark Hunt and the UFC. It's always a fun one with Wonderboy.

(34:39) Cortney Casey returns to talk all things Women's MMA. From this weekend's co-main event between Rose Namajunas and Karolina Kowalkiewicz to Joanna vs. Claudia and the state of the bantamweight division, we cover it all. Plus, a full breakdown of her first UFC win back at UFC Sioux Falls. Don't sleep on Cortney Casey; she's one to watch in the strawweight division.

Direct download: Episode_68.mp3
Category:Sports -- posted at: 12:07am EDT

(2:24) Chuck Mindenhall returns to the podcast to discuss all things MMA. Everything from the rise and fall of superstars like McGregor, Rousey & Jones, to the undeniable violence of our sport and the inevitable numbness that we, as fans, ultimately acquire. Plus, an update on the current state of sports media and the need for new, unique voices in MMA. If this podcast had a Mount Rushmore, Chuck would most certainly be on it; hat and all.

(1:05:38) Jimmie Rivera joins the podcast to discuss his upcoming fight with Urijah Faber, as well as what the future holds for one of the most promising bantamweight up-and-comers.

Direct download: Episode_67.mp3
Category:Sports -- posted at: 2:32am EDT

This week, we spoke with Javier Mendez - head coach of #UFC200's Daniel Cormier and Cain Velasquez - to dicuss everything from the Jon Jones pull-out and the last-minute Anderson Silva switch-up to the boos from the Vegas crowd and DC's mindset throughout the week. We also discuss the latest on Luke Rockhold and Khabib Nurmagomedov, as well as the fallout from the $4 billion sale of the UFC.

Direct download: Episode_66.mp3
Category:Sports -- posted at: 12:49am EDT

This week's episode gives you the most entertaining and comprehensive International Fight Week breakdown on the internet. Look no further. Sit down and enjoy!

(1:40) Jeff Danis and Ryan O'Neill return to the podcast to give their thoughts and opinions on UFC 200. We get into Bruce Buffer, Brock Lesnar, and everything in between in this hilarious preview of MMA's biggest event. Make sure you check out the hilarious Danish and O'Neill podcast every Monday and follow them on twitter @DanishAndOneill

(1:06:53) In this week's After Show, Ty Reynolds and Jon Paterson give their take on UFC 200, diving into every fight on the card. They also provide commentary on the Thursday and Friday's cards and the corresponding title fights in this absolutely loaded Fight Week.

Direct download: Episode_65.mp3
Category:Sports -- posted at: 1:36am EDT

(0:00) We kick the week off with a special introduction featuring my friend Nate Stark. Nate is the biggest Game of Thrones fan I know, and following the Season 6 Finale, I thought it'd be the perfect time to bring him on to discuss. We dive into all things past, present, and future in the world of GoT, so if you want to avoid spoilers, you may want to skip this one. But seriously... you should listen.

(38:07) Josh Samman joins us to discuss his amazing memoir, entitled The Housekeeper: Love, Death, and Prizefighting. This book explores some really heavy subjects, ranging from addiction to depression, expressed through the framework of a tragic love story. I was enthralled with the book from beginning to end and highly recommend you check it out.

(54:17) "Don't Kill My Vibe (Kendrick Lamar Acoustic Cover)" by Josh Samman and Chad Anderson

(56:25) Andre Soukhamthath returns to discuss his upcoming title defense against Kin Moy at CES MMA 37. We get into the risks of social media, the UFC Bantamweight division, and the pros and cons of all-day weigh-ins.

(1:16:37) On this week's After Show, Ty Reynolds breaks down Bellator Dynamite 2, the rounding out of the UFC 202 fight card, and more.

Direct download: Episode_64.mp3
Category:Sports -- posted at: 2:20am EDT

(1:09) Back by popular demand, Nick's dad returns to the podcast for the second annual Father's Day special. Nick and Steve dive into everything from the history of the podcast to UFC 200, Wonderboy, and the Helwani vs. UFC saga. This was a good one!!

(1:04:48) Belal Muhammad joins us ahead of his UFC debut on July 7th and gives his take on the current state of the UFC Welterweight division.

(1:21:40) On The After Show w/Ty Reynolds, everything from Fedor to UFC Ottawa is discussed in great detail, as Ty gives his take on the latest in the world of MMA.

Direct download: Episode_63.mp3
Category:Sports -- posted at: 10:39pm EDT

(2:00) We sit down for a free form discussion with Matt Bessette, where we explore how close he is to that UFC call-up, his relationship with Bellator and Scott Coker, and the grand opening of his new gym, Ascension Athletics.

(55:00) Bryan Lacey joins the show to discuss his upcoming fight at the finale of Wimp 2 Warrior, what he's learned through the process, and his immense respect for the sacrifices that professional fighters make every day.

Direct download: Episode_62.mp3
Category:Sports -- posted at: 11:34pm EDT

(1:35) David St. Martin returned to the podcast to give his take on the fallout between the UFC and his friend/former colleague Ariel Helwani. We get into the current state of MMA media, the risks of chasing a dream, and more. Really enjoyed this one!!

(1:31:22) Lorenz Larkin looks back at his drop to welterweight and what may be next for him after his huge win over Jorge Masvidal on Memorial Day Weekend.

(1:47:05) In this week's aftershow, Ty Reynolds discusses a slew of news story that broke over the weekend, including Brock Lesnar at UFC 200, Michael Bisping winning the UFC Middleweight Championship, and more.

Direct download: Episode_61.mp3
Category:Sports -- posted at: 6:12pm EDT