UFC Unfiltered with Jim Norton and Matt Serra

Matt is joined by friend of the show Jamie English to  break down the weekend of fights and interview some of Matt's favorite young fighters.  First, newly-minted #3 Bantamweight Cory Sandhagen calls in to talk about his impressive win over veteran Raphael Assuncao, his mental approach, and his back tattoos.  Then, Jim calls in from the road to catch up on Conor McGregor -- and then he and Matt discuss whether Aljo Sterling should take a rumored fight with Frankie Edgar.  Then, Matt and Jamie are joined by Drakkar Klose - and a surprise guest (his girlfriend, fellow UFC fighter Cortney Casey). They talk about his impressive win Saturday and why he decided to call out Gregor Gillespie.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What a weekend of fights! Jim and Matt are here to break down all the big storylines from UFC 241, including the return of Nate Diaz, the legacy of Daniel Cormier, the return of Stipe Miocic, the epic battle between Yoel Romero and Paulo Costa, and much more.  But first, two exclusive upcoming fight announcements. Jim and Matt break news and announce two future bouts in both the Middleweight and Welterweight divisions. First, the guys are joined by Robbie Fox of Barstool Sports. He interviewed Miocic last week on his podcast, My Mom's Basement. Did he see the upset coming? Then, Derek Brunson calls in after his impressive and resilient win against Ian Heinisch. How did he handle that massive leg kick in the first 7 seconds? What's next for the Middleweight fighter, who is sure to climb past his #8 ranking after this win?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt and Jim are excited to watch UFC 241 this weekend and break it all down for you in this jam-packed episode.  First, Jim and Matt talk about the latest with Devonte Smith and the upsetting back-and-forth on social media with John Makdessi, and then Smith calls in to discuss his roller-coaster ride as two fighters have cancelled on him on this card. Smith also talks about how he got into fighting, his strengths, and his relationship with his new opponent, Khama Worthy.  Next, Jim and Matt run through the news, including the odd Cejudo-Shevchenko conversation, Frankie Edgar moving to Bantamweight and Aspen Ladd potentially leaving the women's Bantamweight division.  Then, Anthony Pettis joins the show to talk about his chatty UFC 241 opponent, Nate Diaz. He talks about why he wanted Diaz, which divisions and weights he is most comfortable at, and if he could take years off between fights like Diaz has.  Finally, don't miss Jim and Matt's predictions, including Jim's very reluctant decision on who will win C

Matt and Phoenix (subbing in for Jim today) are joined by the one and only Daniel Cormier! They ask the #1 P4P fighter about his upcoming rematch against Stipe Miocic, if the legendary film-watcher found anything else to exploit, and what drives him to keep competing and defending his belt, even after he's notched an all-time-great resume. Plus, Matt and Phoenix dive deep into the fights last weekend, including an extended breakdown of the Mike Perry-Vicente Luque showdown and a few BJJ'ers in the prelims that caught Matt and Phoenix's eyes.  BlueChew: Unfiltered listeners can try BlueChew free at BlueChew.com, promo code UFC. Just pay $5 shipping.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim and Matt speak to #15 Welterweight Vicente Luque, who joins via Skype from Uruguay, where he's fighting Mike Perry this weekend. How does Perry's trash-talking affect Luque? What does he make of the rest of his division? As someone who once defeated Thiago Santos, what does Luque think of the way Santos fought against Jon Jones?  Then #7 Light Heavyweight Volkan Oezdemir joins the show to talk about prepping for his long-sought fight with former training partner Ilir Latifi this Saturday. He also talks about his brutal -- and controversial -- split decision loss to Dominick Reyes in March.  Then the guys discuss the latest with the Covington-Usman matchup, and preview the fights this weekend, including the main event between Women's Flyweight champ Valentina Shevchenko and Liz Carmouche, who has beaten her once before. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim and Matt are back to discuss the looming Covington-Usman title fight in the wake of UFC Newark this weekend, plus the Cyborg situation and Jim Miller's great win over Clay Guida.  But first, Mickey Gall calls in fresh off his win Saturday against Salim Touahri. How did he recover so quickly from kidney failure against Diego Sanchez? How has he bounced back? And what does he make of Mike Perry's "green" comments?  Then, #8 Light Heavyweight Corey Anderson joins to discuss his ongoing beef with Jon Jones, why he wants Johnny Walker at MSG, and whether Jones' fight against Santos proves the champ has lost a step.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt & Jim are finally reunited! The two kick off today's podcast talking to the headliner of UFC on ESPN: Covington vs. Lawler: Welterweight Robbie Lawler. He discusses his emotions after his controversial loss against Ben Askren, how he viewed his torn ACL as "a blessing," and how he doesn't allow Colby Covington's smack talk to get under his skin. Then, Matt describes what it was like at Dana White's 50th birthday party. He also tries to make Jim train with Matt for a fight against his new buddy, the Bagel Boss, who's somehow training with Al Iaquinta. Finally, UFC Lightweight Jim Miller, who is fighting in the co-main event this Saturday at UFC on ESPN: Covington vs. Lawler, calls in.  He talks about fighting in his backyard of New Jersey, his years-long battle with a previously undiagnosed case of Lyme disease, and his upcoming fight against Clay Guida. Bombas: Get 20% off your first purchase at Bombas.com/Unfiltered.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phoenix Carnevale joins Jim to recap the Cyborg-Spencer and Holloway-Edgar fights from Saturday, and talk to a fighter who just won a huge fight, and one who just booked one. First, Jeremy Stephens joins the show to talk about his main event fight vs Yair Rodriguez in Mexico City Sept. 21. Stephens discusses his Mexican heritage, how he's improved in his last few fights, and a prediction for the matchup. Then: What is Frankie Edgar's future? Can anyone stop Max Holloway? And is Cyborg-Nunes really going to happen? Next, Geoff Neal joins to talk about his incredible win over Niko Price in perhaps the most memorable fight of the weekend. How do you prepare for a fighter as unique as Niko Price? What's Geoff going to do with his $50k Performance of the Night bonus? Is he going to continue waiting tables for a day job?  BlueChew: Get your first shipment free at BlueChew.com, promo code UFC. Just pay $5 shipping!  Keeps: For a limited time, receive your first month of treatment for free at Keeps.com/UFC.    Lea

Jamie English joins Matt today to preview the UFC 240 card, discuss the Jon Jones allegations, analyze the latest with Edwards-Masvidal... and catch Matt up on his new beard.  Then, Felicia Spencer joins to preview her fight against Cris Cyborg on Saturday. Matt can relate to her as a one-time long shot against UFC legend Georges St-Pierre, and they talk about how it feels to have everyone assuming you're going to lose.  Next, Jim calls in from Montreal to pick the fights this weekend and discuss the Weidman-Reyes fight in October (which was made official shortly after recording). Who do the guys like in the main event at UFC 240 this weekend: Max Holloway vs. Frankie Edgar?  Finally, the one-of-a-kind Niko Price calls in to discuss his fight with Geoff Neal this weekend at UFC 240. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim is away, which means Matt's old pal Phoenix Carnevale joins him in the studio today.  First, they are joined by Heavyweight Walt Harris, fresh off his decisive 12-second KO of Aleksei Oleinik on Saturday. Harris discusses how he trained to fight Oleinik, how he got tipped off to try the early head-kick, why he decided to switch gyms, and why he wants to fight on the Abu Dhabi card in September. Then, Jim calls in to discuss the results of this weekend's card with Phoenix and Matt, plus they touch on the Cowboy/Gaethje fight in September, a possible Jones/Adesanya megafight, and more.  Finally, Matt & Phoenix have their obligatory superhero movie geek-out session discussing Spider-Man: Far From Home.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Matt ran into Frankie Edgar's father, so they kick things off with their takes on the main event of UFC 240 next weekend, Holloway vs. Edgar.  Then, #13 ranked UFC Lightweight Alexander Hernandez calls in to talk about his upcoming fight against Francisco Trinaldo at UFC on ESPN 4 this Saturday, his training regimen, and what it was like to face Cowboy Cerrone on short notice.   The guys then run through all the big stories, from Masvidal demanding to fight either Usman or McGregor, Aljamain Sterling saying he should take on "Ce-doo-doo" instead of Urijah Faber, and Korean Zombie potentially facing off against Brian Ortega.  Then, they pick the fights for this weekend, including our next guest, Leon Edwards, who is facing off against Rafael Dos Anjos in the main event Saturday.  Leon Edwards joined for a bit, but we had serious phone troubles - apologies to our listeners.  Don't miss UFC on ESPN 4 from San Antonio this Saturday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice

On today's episode, the guys recap Saturday's fights, including whether the Germaine de Randamine/Aspen Ladd fight was called too quickly, if female fighters are treated differently than male fighters when it comes to stoppages, Urijah Faber's comeback, and which fighter impressed them the most on Saturday. Then, Jim and Matt talk to Lightweight fighter Jared Gordon, who is coming off a big win two weeks ago, and whose memorable post-match speech about addiction has stuck with fans. A warning to our listeners: Jared shares his amazing journey from former addict to UFC fighter, including some details about drug abuse, and tragic details about child abuse in his upbringing. Jared will be a coach on Dana White's Contender Series July 16, don't miss it! Also, around 29:45, Matt Serra weighs in on whether he is the Bagel Boss guy.  BlueChew: Get your first shipment FREE at BlueChew.com, promo code UFC. Just pay $5 shipping!  Postmates: Download the Postmates app and use code UNFILTERED for $100 of free delive

Matt & Jim are joined in-studio with MMA coach and co-leader of the Serra-Longo Fight Team, Ray Longo.  The guys discuss whether or not Thiago Santos should get a rematch against Jon Jones, who they predict will win in Khabib vs Poirier, and why Chris Weidman probably won't ever fight in New York again.  Then, they're joined on the phone by UFC #1 ranked women's bantamweight contender, Germaine de Randamie. She reveals her feelings on refusing to fight Cris Cyborg in 2017, Amanda Nunes' incredible run, and her soccer injury that damaged her vision.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim and Matt have a lot to say about Saturday's fights, on everything from the unbelievable KO by Jorge Masvidal against Ben Askren, to the champ-champ Amanda Nunes, to who Jon Jones should fight next, and more.  Today, they're joined by the interim middleweight champ Israel Adesanya, who is going to fight for the undisputed belt in October against Robert Whittaker. Adesanya talks about Whittaker and Jon Jones teaming up to train, why some people prefer to do their trash talk online vs in person, and why he hopes to fight Whittaker in his home turf of Australia.  Next, Michael Chiesa joins the show to discuss his impressive welterweight win over Diego Sanchez, his future plans on who to fight, and a truly odd request he had to make in the middle of the fight against Sanchez.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show, Matt & Jim kick things off with UFC Bantamweight Holly Holm. She talks about evolving as a martial artist, singing with Jon Jones, being underestimated by others ahead of her fight with Amanda Nunes at UFC 239, and more.  The guys also give their takes on what Darren Till recently said about his (alleged) taxi theft in the Canary Islands which landed him in jail.  Then, UFC Welterweight Ben Askren calls in to the podcast. He discusses why he called Nate Diaz "delusional", his relationship with Dana White, and what he's expecting from Jorge Masvidal ahead of their fight this Saturday. Finally, Matt and Jim make their predictions for the main card of UFC 239 taking place in Las Vegas this Saturday July 6.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt & Jim kick off today's podcast discussing Thiago Santos against Jon Jones this Saturday at UFC 239 and Aljamain Sterling's recent comments on Joseph Benavidez's dominant win over Jussier Formiga.  Then, they dive into the results from UFC Fight Night: Ngannou vs. dos Santos and debate the best way to defeat Ngannou.  After that, UFC Light Heavyweight Eryk Anders calls in to talk about his use of hypnosis to help him off his three-fight losing streak. Finally, the guys end the show debating who Kelvin Gastelum should face now that he is cleared to fight and who Chris Weidman's first opponent at Light Heavyweight will be.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a jam-packed episode to preview UFC Fight Night: Ngannou vs. Dos Santos on ESPN this weekend! First, lightweight Roosevelt Roberts joins to discuss his fight with Vinc Pichel, his rise to prominence in the UFC, earning a contract, and his amazing life story.  Then, one of the all-time grappling greats, Demian Maia, joins to talk about his fight against Anthony Rocco Martin, his fighting style, and his incredible career since joining UFC in 2007.  Next, Joseph Benavidez joins to talk about his flyweight battle with Jussier Formiga, Saturday's co-main event. Benavidez is the last fighter to beat Henry Cejudo and believes he's next in line to fight the champ when he returns from his shoulder injury.  At the end, Jim & Matt make their predictions for the main event: Francis Ngannou vs Junior Dos Santos.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt & Jim kick off the show with a recap of UFC on ESPN+ 12. They give their thoughts on all the action from this past Saturday, including Korean Zombie's sub-one-minute KO of Renato Moicano.  Then, Middleweight and winner of his first UFC bout Deron Winn calls into the show. Winn discusses what it's like to be 5'6" in the Middleweight division, starting out as a collegiate wrestler, and what it's like to train at the American Kickboxing Academy.  The guys close out the show with a roundup of other news, including their thoughts on an interim Bantamweight bout between Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan & UFC Bantamweight Sean O'Malley being pulled from UFC 239.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt & Jim kick off the show with a recap of Matt's jiu jitsu appearance on Fox & Friends yesterday morning.  Then, UFC Middleweight Kevin Holland calls in to talk about how Dana White gave him the nickname "Big Mouth", starting up a Twitch channel with Matt, and his upcoming fight against Alessio Di Chirico at Fight Night Greenville this Saturday. Next, Bantamweight Rob Font joins the guys to discuss his bout against John Lineker at Fight Night Greenville, how Calvin Kattar tricked him into liking golf, and the current state of the Bantamweight division.  Matt & Jim close out the podcast with highlights from the Dana White Contender Series Season 3 premiere.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First, we're joined by Sean O'Malley, the former Dana White Tuesday Contender Series star who has fought his way to prominence in the UFC's Bantamweight division. He talks about his lucrative Twitch channel, how he's handled his rapid rise in popularity, and his fight July 6 at UFC 239 vs Marlon Vera.  Don't miss the new season of Dana White Contender Series on ESPN+ this Tuesday through August.  Next, the guys touch on TJ Dillashaw's statements about his failed drug test. Was it enough of a mea culpa to change Matt or Jim's opinion of him?  Then, we're joined by Francis Ngannou, who, in addition to being in a viral photo with Shaquille O'Neal this weekend, is fighting Junior Dos Santos as the main event June 29 at UFC on ESPN 3.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices