Hit The Bell Episode 16: Eric Jackman, Bellator 300 Best Bets, UFC Vegas 80 Preview, NFL Week 5 Picks & More!

No Bets Barred: UFC Vegas 89 And The Return Of Rose Namajunas, Plus Bellator Belfast Bets: No Bets Barred returns with a full breakdown of UFC Vegas 89 and the flyweight main event between Rose Namajunas and Amanda Ribas, plus the best bets for Bellator Belfast. by MMA Fighting

53 min listen

BTL | Jamahal Hill vs. Alex Pereira, Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway, Countdown To UFC 300: It is officially UFC 300 fight week, and the countdown is on to one of the most stacked UFC fight cards in history. In the main event, Alex Pereira defends the light heavyweight title against former champ Jamahal Hill in a bout that has so many burning questions attached to it. On a special Tuesday edition of Between the Links, the panel will discuss the biggest questions surrounding Pereira vs. Hill, the challenger's incredible confidence, and what a win for either guy means in the overall MMA landscape. Additionally, they'll discuss the Zhang Weiii vs. Yan Xiaonan strawweight title fight and where the division goes after UFC 300, the BMF title fight between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway, what the best case scenario would be for the UFC at 155 following the event, the most under-the-radar fight on Saturday's card, and some news and notes. Host Mike Heck will moderate the matchup between MM by MMA Fighting

105 min listen

HOAM | Does Jamahal Hill Have the Most To Lose At UFC 300?: Jamahal Hill is ready to show the world that he is the man in the UFC light heavyweight division, and if he beats Alex Pereira at UFC 300, he will certainly be known as the best 205-pounder in the world and get everything that comes along with it. But due to his incredible confidence heading into the fight, how bad would it be for Hill if he loses? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the stakes in the main event between Pereira and Hill, and if the challenger has the most to lose on the entire stacked card this Saturday in Las Vegas. Additionally, listener topics include where Max Holloway goes if he defeats Justin Gaethje for the BMF title, what the main event could be for UFC 302, thoughts on the UFC making a big announcement this week in regards to new equipment, the card placement for UFC 300, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Frida by MMA Fighting

66 min listen

No Bets Barred: Grant Dawson And The Magic 8-Ball Bet At UFC Vegas 80 Plus Bellator 300 Is Finally Here: The No Bets Barred boys are back this week with a full breakdown of UFC Vegas 80 and Bellator 300, including a pile of gimmick bets. by MMA Fighting

46 min listen

Episode 356: Does UFC Want Stand-and-Bang Only?: We take listener questions about the UFC release of Justin Willis and Elias Theodorou, which fights we're looking forward to at UFC 238 and which items we'd choose for an MMA time capsule. by The Co-Main Event MMA Podcast

69 min listen

Bellator 297 | UFC Vegas 75 | PFL 5 Preview Show | Which Promotion Has Best Lineup This Weekend?: There will be a lot of mixed martial arts action this weekend from three of the biggest promotions on the planet with Bellator 297 and PFL 5 on Friday, while the UFC returns to the APEX on Saturday night. Which card will have your attention the most? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jose Youngs preview Bellator 297, UFC Vegas 75, and PFL 5, and make the case for Bellator having the best lineup of the three — which includes Vadim Nemkov vs. Yoel Romero in the main event for the light heavyweight title, while Patricio Pitbull will look to become a three-division Bellator champ as he challenges Sergio Pettis for the bantamweight title. They'll also discuss Saturday's UFC Fight Night event, headlined by Marvin Vettori vs. Jared Cannonier, why that's the kind of main event the UFC should be making more often, the card being pretty good compared to past APEX offerings, PFL's next regular season eve by MMA Fighting

48 min listen

HTB Episode 23: Eric Jackman, UFC Vegas 83 Best Bets & Breakdown, NFL Week 14 Picks & More!: Eric Jackman, the social media director at MMAFighting.com also part time Co-Host of Ariel Helwani's MMA Hour joins Mathias to preview UFC Vegas 83 as well as his hot take towards the NBA In Season Tournament. Mathias also gives his complete NFL week 14 picks and more! Follow Eric Jackman on X: @NewYorkRic Follow Mathias Berbel on X: @HitBerbel by Hit The Bell with Mathias Berbel

77 min listen

On To the Next One | What's Next For Alex Pereira, Max Holloway After UFC 300?: Alex Pereira and Max Holloway closed out the incredible UFC 300 card with a pair of highlight-reel knockouts of Jamahal Hill and Justin Gaethje. Following their big wins, where do the two big UFC stars go from Saturday's historic night in Las Vegas? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what could be next for Pereira after his first-round knockout of Hill to retain his light heavyweight title, Zhang Weili following her dominant title defense against an Yan Xiaonan, Holloway after delivering one of the greatest knockouts ever to win the BMF title against Justin Gaethje, along with fellow main card winners Arman Tsarukyan, Bo Nickal, and more. by MMA Fighting

99 min listen

Fighter vs. Writer: Jim Miller Ready to Make History at UFC 276; Josh Emmett Calls for Winner of Alexander Volkanovsk vs. Max Holloway 3: Ahead of his 40th fight in the octagon, Jim Miller previews his upcoming rematch against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone while Josh Emmett discusses his win over Calvin Kattar and plans to fight the winner of Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway at UFC 276 on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer. by MMA Fighting

77 min listen

BTL | Epic UFC 300 Reaction, Pereira Does It Again, Holloway's Viral KO, McGregor Return Official: UFC 300 over exceeded the lofty expectations, and when the dust settled on the epic UFC pay-per-view event, Alex Pereira knocked out Jamahal Hill in quick fashion to retain his light heavyweight title, before calling for a heavyweight fight at UFC 301 in less than three weeks. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses Pereira's sensational finish, if he should fight at heavyweight in Brazil next, who should be next for the title shot at 205, and where Hill goes from the loss. Additionally, they'll recap Max Holloway's history-shifting knockout of Justin Gaethje to win the BMF title, discuss the plethora of options in front of him, what's next for Gaethje, Zhang Weili's dominant win over Yan Xiaonan, other superlatives and storylines coming from Saturday's blockbuster card, Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler announced for UFC 303, Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier by MMA Fighting

98 min listen

HOAM | Who Will Islam Makhachev, Ilia Topuria Face In Next Title Defenses?: With huge fights on the horizon — most notably the UFC 300 "BMF" title fight between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway — it leads to a lot of questions in regard to who lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and new featherweight champion Ilia Topuria will face when they put their titles on the line in their next outings. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses what could be next for both champions, and if the Dustin Poirier vs. Benoit Saint Denis fight could play a role in determining Makhachev's next opponent. Additionally, listener topics include UFC Vegas 87, the UFC APEX as a Fight Night arena for the promotion, who Alexandre Pantoja could defend his flyweight title against at UFC 301 if Muhammad Mokaev loses to Alex Perez on Saturday, and more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces. by MMA Fighting

68 min listen

Michael Bisping Previews UFC 300, Responds to Justin Gaethje: Ahead of UFC 300, UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping discusses the biggest storylines for the historic event including complaints over the headliner, who should get the next lightweight title shot and Kayla Harrison's debut. by MMA Fighting

44 min listen

HOAM | Should Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje Get Next Title Fight vs. Islam Makhachev?: With Arman Tsarukyan's huge win in the main event of UFC Austin, there's been a lot of debate on how to matchmake the top of the lightweight division, including who Islam Makhachev should defend his lightweight title against next — Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the loaded 155-pound division, who Makhachev should face in his next title defense, and who Tsarukyan should face following his 64 second finish of Beneil Dariush. Additionally, listener topics include the future of UFC APEX cards, UFC Vegas 83, the flyweight development of Muhammad Mokaev and Tatsuro Taira, KSW and Oktagon MMA making big moves in 2023, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Morning Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10 a.m. ET on the MMA Fighting Twitter Spaces. by MMA Fighting

71 min listen

UFC Vegas 84 Preview Show | Reaction To Manel Kape Big Weight Miss; Plus, Ankalaev vs. Walker Stakes: The UFC is back for the first time in 2024 as they return to the APEX for UFC Vegas 84, and a high stakes main event in the light heavyweight division will take place between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker as they compete for the second time. Could a title shot against Alex Pereira be next for the winner of the scheduled five-round matchup? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and Eric Jackman preview Saturday's card, the Anakalev vs. Walker headliner, and discuss what is at stake for both guys. Additionally, they'll talk the co-main event between Manel Kape and Matheus Nicolau, Kape missing weight by 3.5 pounds, the rest of the main card as a whole, Jim Miller's road to UFC 300, the low-key banger of UFC Vegas 84, and much more. by MMA Fighting

82 min listen

HOAM | Could Bo Nickal Be A Potential Option For Israel Adesanya's Next Title Defense?: There's been a lot of questions about who Israel Adesanya could face at UFC 293 in the promotion's return to Sydney in September with all of the middleweight bouts on the books, but could Bo Nickal be one of the names in play should he get a quick finish of Tresean Gore at UFC 290? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses that possibility after the question is proposed by special guest caller Eric "New York Ric" Jackman, and talk whether or not the UFC would give Nickal that opportunity so quickly in his promotional run. Additionally, listener topics include a potential Jared Cannonier vs. Khamzat Chimaev fight following Cannonier's UFC Vegas 75 win over Marvin Vettori, Arman Tsarukyan's next move following his third-round finish over Joaquim Silva in the co-main event, the PFL's poor pacing continuing with their cards, and more. You can listen live to Heck of by MMA Fighting

73 min listen

No Bets Barred: UFC 300 Is Finally Here And It Is Spectacular!: UFC 300 is finally here! That's right, the weekend everyone has been waiting for is finally upon us and the No Bets Barred boys do a deep dive into every one of the amazing fights this Saturday in Las Vegas. by MMA Fighting

79 min listen

UFC Vegas 83 Preview Show | Could Anthony Smith Earn Title Shot With Upset Win? | Song vs. Gutierrez: Song Yadong and Chris Gutierrez will battle it out in the main event of Saturday's UFC Vegas 83 event at the APEX, but the storylines seem to be centered on the co-main event in the UFC's light heavyweight division between Anthony Smith — who steps in on short notice — to face the surging Khalil Rountree. Could a win propel Smith to a title shot against Alex Pereira should the new champ want to stay active? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, José Youngs, and Jed Meshew preview the promotion's final stop before UFC 296, the 135-pound headliner between Song and Gutierrez and the stakes attached to the fight, Smith possibly sneaking into a title fight with Pereira if he upsets Rountree, Andre Muniz looking to get back on track against Jun Yong Park, Tatsuro Taira's bright future, and more. by MMA Fighting

66 min listen

UFC Vegas 62 Preview Show | Can Alexa Grasso Sneak Into Title Fight With Main Event Win?: Alexa Grasso can put the pressure on Manon Fiorot and Katlyn Chookagian in the main event of Saturday's UFC Vegas 62 event. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and E. Casey Leydon discuss the stakes in Grasso's main event bout with Viviane Araujo at the UFC APEX — which takes place a week prior to the UFC 280 bout between Fiorot and Chookagian — and if Araujo could get herself in serious title contention with an upset win. Additionally, topics include Cub Swanson's UFC bantamweight debut against Jonathan Martinez, the loss of Askar Askarov and Brandon Royval's impact on the card as a whole, what fight could be flying under the radar, and more. by MMA Fighting

63 min listen

HOAM | What's Next For Alex Pereira While Jamahal Hill Recovers From Injury?: Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill for the UFC light heavyweight title will be a super intriguing matchup, but it's doubtful that Pereira will sit on the sidelines for that long while Hill recovers from his achilles injury. If the UFC chooses to keep Pereira active, will he get his third fight with Israel Adesanya, or will there be a new challenger for the title? On an all-new Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck attempts to answer that question, talks options for Pereira, and why the UFC probably won't wait for Hill before booking the UFC's newest two-division champion. Additionally, listener questions include Bellator 301 possibly being the final promotional event, Scott Coker's run as the promotional face of the organization, Benoit Saint-Denis' future in the UFC's lightweight division, the UFC Vegas 82 main event between Brendan Allen and Paul Craig, Allen's ceiling at 185, and more. You can listen li by MMA Fighting

61 min listen

UFC Vegas 80 & Bellator 300 Post-Fight Show | Did Bobby Green's Stunning KO Give UFC Weekend Win?: Bobby Green knocked out Grant Dawson in just over 30 seconds at the UFC APEX on Saturday, which may have overshadowed a historic night for Bellator that featured three world championship bouts. MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and José Youngs react to UFC Vegas 80 and Bellator 300, and discuss which promotion won the weekend. Additionally, they discuss Green’s massive finish of Grant Dawson to pull off the big upset, where “King” goes from here, Joe Pyfer’s future at 185, and more. Also, the panel talks Usman Nurmagomedov’s complete dominance of Brent Primus to retain the Bellator lightweight title in the main event, Cris Cyborg’s destruction of Cat Zingano and Leah McCourt appearing to be next in line for the featherweight title, the lackluster flyweight title fight between Liz Carmouche and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, and more. by MMA Fighting

45 min listen

No Bets Barred: Can All Five Unbeaten Prospects Keep Their 0s At UFC Vegas 87?: No Bets Barred returns with a full breakdown of this weekend's UFC Vegas 87 card, headlined by a heavyweight fight between Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Shamil Gaziev. by MMA Fighting

51 min listen

On To the Next One | Matches To Make After UFC Vegas 79: Mateusz Gamrot picked up the biggest win of his UFC career in the main event of UFC Vegas 79 on Saturday, but it certainly didn't happen the way he would've liked it to with Fiziev suffering a knee injury throwing a kick in the second round. Regardless, Gamrot got the victory, and then called for a fight with a former lightweight champion next. Will he get his wish? On an all-new edition of On To the Next One, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee discuss what could be next to Gamrot following his victory over Fiziev at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. Additionally, future matchups are discussed for Bryce Mitchell following his unanimous decision win over Dan Ige, Marina Rodriguez after her dominant finish in the rematch against Michelle Waterson-Gomez, along with fellow main card winners Bryan Battle, Charles Jourdain, and more in the capper event of a 17 week stretch for the UFC. by MMA Fighting

77 min listen

HOAM | Reaction To Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg, Jose Aldo's Return At UFC 301: With UFC 299 and UFC 300 being absolutely stacked fight cards on paper, many were wondering what would take place at UFC 301 in May, which will serve as the promotion's return to Brazil. Over this past weekend, it was announced that Alexandre Pantoja will defend his flyweight title against Steve Erceg, while it was also revealed that Jose Aldo would end his MMA retirement to face Jonathan Martinez — and both fights certainly got the MMA community talking. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck reacts to the bookings, the reactions from fans, and the giant opportunities for Erceg and Martinez. Additionally, listener topics include whether or not the UFC should move Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan from UFC 300 to UFC 301, Alex Pereira potentially making a quick turnaround for the May pay-per-view if he gets out of his fight with Jamahal Hill unscathed, the UFC's next t by MMA Fighting

50 min listen

UFC Vegas 86 Preview Show | Will Joe Pyfer Deliver In Biggest Spot To Date? by MMA Fighting

83 min listen

HOAM | Will Nate Diaz Return To the UFC In 2024?: With the UFC 300 main event still to be announced, many fans and pundits have declared that the biggest fight the promotion can put together for the card would be the trilogy fight between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz? With Diaz seemingly wanting to do things more independently without being under contract with the UFC, but the door being still open following his departure, could Diaz find his way back in the octagon in 2024? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the chatter about a Diaz return to the company, why he doesn't see it happening at UFC 300, or in 2024 at all, and if there's a chance it could ever happen. Additionally, listener questions include the hesitation from the UFC to announce the UFC 300 main event, if there will ever be another McGregor-like star that emerges in the UFC, Kevin Lee announcing he's coming out of retirement, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of a Mor by MMA Fighting

68 min listen

HOAM | Is Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3 Best Option After Shocking UFC 278 Result?: Leon Edwards is the UFC welterweight champion after an incredible, come-from-behind fifth-round KO of Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC 278. While Usman more than deserves his chance at vengeance, is the trilogy fight the best option in the 170-pound division? On an all-new, and loaded edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck gives his response to multiple listeners about the potential of Edwards vs. Usman 3, or if the UFC should pivot towards a fight with Khamzat Chimaev — should he defeat Nate Diaz at UFC 279 — or even Jorge Masvidal due to their history. In addition, future topics include the refereeing at UFC 278, José Aldo's loss to Merab Dvalishvili on Saturday and why it was horrible matchmaking, Luke Rockhold's retirement following his loss to Paulo Costa, Tony Ferguson returning to welterweight to face Li Jingliang next month, and much more. You can listen live to Heck of by MMA Fighting

126 min listen

HOAM | Who Has More Pressure In UFC 281 Main Event — Israel Adesanya or Alex Pereira?: Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira will meet in the highly anticipated main event of UFC 281 this Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York. With the storied history between these two athletes, and with the stakes as high as can be, which fighter needs to win this bout more? On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses the fascinating headliner between Adesanya and Pereira, what could happen if either guy wins, and whether or not there could be some takedowns in the bout. Additionally, listener topics include the fight between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler, the run of opponents Chandler has had since coming over to the UFC, Bellator 288 coming up Nov. 18, the craziness of the UFC's bantamweight division with Aljamain Sterling, Sean O'Malley, Henry Cejudo, and Marlon Vera, the MMA Fighting UFC 281 Watch Party going down on Saturday, and more. You can listen by MMA Fighting

77 min listen

UFC Vegas 88 Preview Show | Will Tai Tuivasa Avoid Four-Fight Skid?: Tai Tuivasa returns to the UFC octagon this Saturday to face Marcin Tybura in the main event of UFC Vegas 88, which takes place at the APEX. Following a memorable UFC 299 event, can "Bam Bam" provide some more fireworks and avoid a four-fight losing streak, or will Tybura be the one who gets back in the win column? MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and José Youngs previews this weekend's Fight Night event for the UFC, the headliner between Tuivasa and Tybura, and discuss what is at stake for both fighters in the matchup. Additionally, they'll talk the co-main event between up and coming welterweights Bryan Battle and Ange Loosa, Ovince Saint Preux making his 27th octagon appearance, other standout fights and fighters the crew has their eyes on, how the card from top-to-bottom looks on paper, and more. by MMA Fighting

60 min listen

HOAM | Bellator 290 vs. UFC Vegas 68, Bellator Honoring Legends For Fedor's Final Fight: With a historic event for Bellator MMA this Saturday, they are putting their best foot forward in the heads up battle with the UFC, which includes the final fight of Fedor Emelianenko's legendary career, along with the sendoff "The Last Emperor" will receive. On an all-new edition of Heck of a Morning, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck discusses Saturday's doubleheader, and explains why Bellator 290 is far better than UFC Vegas 68 on paper. Additionally, listener questions include Bellator president Scott Coker's announcement of a host of MMA legends attending the event to honor Emelianenko following his heavyweight title fight with Ryan Bader, the hopes of seeing more things like that to remember the history of the sport, Bloody Elbow's future, whether or not UFC 284 is getting enough promotion, Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski, how Kamaru Usman matches up with Leon Edwards ahead of UFC 286, and by MMA Fighting

76 min listen

BTL | UFC 289 Fallout, Nunes Retires, Oliveira Shines, Weekend Tripleheader, More: UFC 289 is in the books, and will go down to most in the MMA community as a card that exceeded expectations, and also saw one of the best to ever compete inside the UFC's octagon calling it a career after a dominant final title defense. On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses the aftermath of this past Saturday's pay-per-view event, Amanda Nunes retiring following her win over Irene Aldana, and where the women's 135-pound division goes from here. Additionally, topics include Charles Oliveira's first-round finish of Beneil Dariush and if the rematch for the lightweight title with Islam Makhachev is the fight to make, Bellator 297 this Friday, featuring Patricio Pitbull's quest to become a three-division champion, if it's the best card of the weekend, plus UFC Vegas 75, PFL 5, and more. Host Mike Heck moderates the matchup between MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Alexander K. Lee. by MMA Fighting

98 min listen

Discover this podcast and so much more

Hit The Bell Episode 16: Eric Jackman, Bellator 300 Best Bets, UFC Vegas 80 Preview, NFL Week 5 Picks & More!

Hit The Bell Episode 16: Eric Jackman, Bellator 300 Best Bets, UFC Vegas 80 Preview, NFL Week 5 Picks & More!

Description

Titles in the series (38)

More Episodes from Hit The Bell with Mathias Berbel

Related podcast episodes