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Cageside with John Morgan is a weekly video podcast that will breakdown and preview everything in the world of Mixed Martial Arts, including hard hitting interviews by some of the biggest stars in the sport. John Morgan is an award winning journalist and is widely regarded as the best MMA insider in the world.
196 Episodes
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On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan look back at UFC Fight Night from the Meta Apex, where Mario Bautista shined bright over Vinicius Oliveira. The PFL was in Dubai, and Usman Nurmagomedov retained his lightweight world title. Where does Usman sit in the overall lightweight MMA rankings? Looking ahead two weeks to Sean Strickland vs. Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez. All this and more ...0:00 – CFFC 150 review6:25 – LFA provides Eric with an MMA first10:01 – Mario Bautista shines in breakout win over Vinicius Oliveira17:37 – Meta Apex expansion makes it a must-visit venue23:44 – Where does Usman Nurmagomedov stand after PFL Dubai win?30:43 – Andrei Arlovski claims BKFC title with win over Ben Rothwell33:38 – What to expect with Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez38:54 – Other key notes at UFC Houston45:14 – UFC BJJ, Zuffa Boxing, Power Slap, and more
On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan recap an incredible performance from Alexander Volkanovski in his rematch with Diego Lopes at UFC 325. Jon Anik labeled Volkanovski the featherweight GOAT, but is he right?The guys also recap the rest of the card, take a look at the UFC’s return to The Meta Apex this Saturday, talk the future of the PFL, preview CFFC 150, and more.0:00 – Alexander Volkanovski not slowing down at 37 years old10:41 – Benoit Saint Denis steps up against a puzzling Dan Hooker17:55 – Where does Arman Tsarukyan fit in the lightweight picture21:21 – The Mauricio Ruffy hype train is starting back up24:18 – What’s next for Tai Tuivasa?27:06 – Is Alexander Volkanovski the GOAT?38:56 – Recounting the glory days of WEC43:08 - John Martin and the future of PFL47:42 – The UFC returns to the remodeled Meta Apex54:08 – CFFC 150 preview
Professional Fighters League CEO John Martin spoke with Grind City Media’s John Morgan. With five months at the helm of the organization Martin outlined several key changes and labeled 2026 the most important year in the history of the mixed martial arts promotion, which hosts its first event of the new year on Saturday, February 7, live on the ESPN App.Martin talked about recent personnel changes at the company, the importance of an additional fundraising round, a new deal with Fox, the implementation of fighter rankings, and much more – including the possibility of a Cris Cyborg vs. Dakota Ditcheva superfight later in the year.0:00 – Departure of Donn Davis, Pete Murray, Ray Sefo and more2:55 – Role of Knighthead Capital and 885 Capital as longterm partners3:53 – Fox broadcast deal in Mexico and Central America5:14 – Status of adding more international leagues7:29 – Partnering with Combat Registry to provide PFL rankings9:15 – Previewing PFL Dubai on February 712:24 – Dakota Ditcheva update14:00 – Checking in on Francis Ngannou14:35 – “This is the most important year in the company’s history”
On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan look back at the start of the Paramount+ Era, where Justin Gaethje battered Paddy Pimblett in a five-round epic battle. “Suga” Sean O’Malley gets back on track and calls for a title shot vs. Petr Yan. Looking ahead to UFC 325 from Australia with Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes II.All this and more ...0:00 – Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett kick off the Paramount+ Era in style8:06 – Pimblett proves he belongs even in defeat16:16 – Will Ilia Topuria be forced to wait for the White House in June?18:19 – What did we learn about Sean O’Malley against Song Yadong26:23 – Derrick Lewis looks flat against new contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta28:33 – Dana White struggles to hide his frustrations with Tom Aspinall29:48 – Where does Jean Silva fit in the featherweight division?31:16 – Why is Diego Lopes getting a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski?35:11 – What’s at stake in Rafael Fiziev vs. Mauricio Ruffy?40:15 – The people’s main event: Dan Hooker vs. Benoit Saint Denis44:36 – Changes that Paramount+ needs to make moving forward52:00 – Introducing Zach Underwood, recapping Eric’s historic stunt at The O2 London, get well wishes for Mark Smith, and more
On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan discuss the excitement surrounding Real American Freestyle and what the future holds for them. Colby Covington and Luke Rockhold team up to bully Bo Nickel. Looking ahead to UFC 324 and why you shouldn’t count out the GOAT, Amanda Nunes.All this and more ...0:00 – Eric talks life on the road in Europe4:45 – Celebrating the Ferguson Invitational and a grand gesture from Alan Belcher7:39 – Real American Freestyle takes the spotlight, but can it survive?20:50 – Could the UFC end up supporting RAF?29:05 – UFC 324's most intriguing matchup: Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes44:18 – Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta, Alex Pereira vs. Khamzat Chimaev, and more50:02 – Paramount gives Mackenzie Dern and Brian Ortega the Hollywood treatment53:23 – Prepare for Zuffa Boxing54:14 – The future of MMA on ESPN
On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan look ahead at what the UFC’s scheduled in 2026 might look like. What should the UFC do with the heavyweight division, and would it be crazy to add an interim tag to the Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta fight at UFC 324?All this and more ...0:00 – Paramount’s immediate impact on the UFC6:23 – Tom Aspinall and the UFC’s current heavyweight disaster18:14 – Is the runway now clear for Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira?23:00 – Final predictions: Who’s fighting for the heavyweight title?28:14 – Looking ahead to the two title fights at UFC 32436:34 – Soccer kicks and knees to the head of a grounded opponent – should they be legal?48:42 – Previewing the big moments of 202655:02 – Final thoughts on Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul
On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan recap UFC on ESPN 73, where Manel Kape may have very well earned himself a title shot with a first-round finish of Brandon Royval.Additionally, the two react to Ilia Topuria’s strongly worded statement, where he revealed he’s battling attempts at extortion.Plus, a preview of Saturday’s CFFC 149 event, as well as some discussion on the PFL’s potential future on ESPN.All this and more ...0:00 – The end of the ESPN era, Eric’s near miss, and Manel Kape’s emphatic win7:05 – Kevin Vallejos arrives at UFC on ESPN 73, and the future of the UFC Apex10:21 – Breaking down Ilia Topuria’s claims of extortion and what it means to the UFC25:27 – Topuria appears to have lengthy battle ahead; will UFC lightweights benefit?38:33 – Looking to the launch of the Paramount era41:49 – CFFC 149 preview 46:31 – PFL primed for big 202650:01 – Dana White vs. Francis Ngannou
On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan look back at a spectacular card from start to finish at UFC 323, where Petr Yan captured the title vs. Merab Dvalishvili. Joshua Van wins via unfortunate injury to Alexandre Pantoja. What’s next for both new champions, and what is next in the new Paramount era of the UFC? All this and more ...0:00 – Eric McMahon’s guidance proved true, even if his prediction did not4:15 – Petr Yan was absolutely dominant over Merab Dvalishvili17:38 – Will Umar Nurmagomedov get the next shot at Yan?24:56 – Did Donald Trump really say nine title fights will be at the White House?27:43 – Joshua Van wins in unfortunate fashion – but a win is a win33:26 – Is Tatsuro Taira next, and was his stoppage win justified?36:39 – Derrick Lewis and Waldo Cortes-Acosta have epic faceoff38:16 – Henry Cejudo retires as one of the greatest combat sports athletes of all time47:31 – Manuel Torres stamps himself as a name to remember51:29 – Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape, CFFC 149 and CFFC BJJ 16
On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan preview UFC 323, where Merab Dvalishvili defends his title vs. Petr Yan, and Alexandre Pantoja defends against the upstart Joshua Van. Looking forward to the new Paramount+ deal and the blockbuster card that Dana White announced. Tom Aspinall puts out a medical statement – but was it really necessary? All this and more ...
On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan look back at UFC Fight Night from Qatar, where Arman Tsarukyan and Ian Machado Garry both made claims of why they each should be next in line for a title in their respective divisions. Also, what are the guys thankful for in the past year of working in MMA? All this and more ...0:00 – Statements made at the top of UFC Qatar1:54 – Ian Machado Garry is undeniable6:47 – Belal Muhammad kept it close, despite 30-27 scores11:13 – Does Garry get the next crack at Islam Makhachev?16:53 – What the heck happened with Garry and Khamzat Chimaev?20:36 – Arman Tsarukyan dominates Dan Hooker23:57 – Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett?32:10 – Volkan Oezdemir, Waldo Cortes-Acosta, and UFC Qater’s other big stars38:26 – MMA Thanksgiving, with Eric and John49:43 – Is Conor McGregor really coming back now?
On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan look back at UFC 322 from Madison Square Garden, where Islam Makhachev dominates Jack Della Maddalena to claim the welterweight championship. What’s next for the new champ, and how much does the upcoming fight between Belal Muhammad and Ian Machado Garry play into his plans? What’s next for Valentina Shevchenko, and could a future date with Kayla Harrison be on the horizon? All this and more ...
On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan preview the massive UFC 322 card at Madison Square Garden, where Jack Della Maddalena defends his welterweight title against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Will the added weight hurt or help Makhachev, and where could this fight be won or lost? What are some potential “Fight of the Night” bouts on this card, and what is the Underground Main Event? All this and more ...0:00 – Was the Gabriel Bonfim vs. Randy Brown stoppage handled correctly?4:20 – Understanding the challenges officials face8:21 – Breaking down Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev17:16 – The influence of Khabib Nurmagomedov33:43 – Legit women’s superfight on tap with Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili39:39 – Breaking down the rest of a stacked UFC 322 lineup, including Sean Brady vs. Michael Morales, Pat Sabatini vs. Chepe Mariscal53:59 – Weekend preview, and looking ahead to 2026
On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan unpack everything that unfolded at UFC Fight Night 263, where Steve Garcia shined, but the big story centered around Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Ante Delija. Eric had a front row seat for it all and details the process. The guys also look ahead two weeks to a massive UFC 322 lineup at Madison Square Garden. All that, and more ...0:00 – Steve Garcia absolute dominates David Onama5:03 – Outlining a bizarre sequence of events with Cortes-Acosta vs. Delija7:45 – Mark Smith, Herb Dean got it right – here’s why15:31 – John McCarthy’y checklist looms large again18:51 – Eric’s added airtime, and the post-fight briefings32:30 – Looking ahead to UFC 322 and Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev38:23 – CFFC well represented at UFC 32240:39 – Weekend preview, including CFFC 148
On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan recap a disappointing finish to UFC 321. What to do now about the UFC heavyweight division, and when can a Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane rematch get booked? Jon Jones and Alex Pereira agree to fight at the White House via a back-and-forth on X. Will the UFC agree? All this and more ...0:00 – Jon Jones is the big winner after UFC 3215:25 – Did Tom Aspinall simply quit after being poked in the eye?12:40 – The UFC’s heavyweight division is not in a good place20:23 – Are new gloves the answer to the eye poke issue?21:58 – Mackenzie Dern is a world champion24:36 – Tom Aspinall wants to box?33:38 – Is Conor McGregor really making a comeback?37:58 – Usman Nurmagomedov to UFC, and the state of the PFL44:17 – What will ESPN’s coverage of UFC look like next year?47:25 – Eric puts his foot down when it comes to streaming services52:36 – Looking at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 263
On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan look back at UFC Vancouver, where Brendan Allen left Reinier de Ridder on the stool heading into round 5. What is next for both men? Referee Dan Miragliotta in a little bit of controversy, but how should it all really have played out? UFC 321 is this weekend. Can Ciryl Gane take Tom Aspinall into the later rounds? All this and more ...0:00 – Did Dan Miragliotta screw up in Kyle Nelson vs. Matt Frevola?10:25 – How should Mike Malott vs. Kevin Holland have been handled?26:04 – Brendan Allen is exactly who we thought he was37:32 – Will Ciryl Gane be able to take Tom Aspinall into deep waters?49:44 – Breaking down Virna Jandiroba vs. Mackenze Dern54:58 – Will Jon Jones play a role at UFC 321?
On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan break down everything that happened at UFC 320 and what it means moving forward. Will Alex Pereira fight Jon Jones at the White House? Will Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg meet for a vacant light heavyweight title. Plus, who else shined bright at T-Mobile Arena. Meanwhile, Eric might need to relocate to Las Vegas – Power Slap last week, Dana White’s Contender Series this week!! All this and more ...0:00 – Eric believes Power Slap may be the greatest spectator sport around9:49 – Alex Pereira absolutely dominates at UFC 32020:50 – Will “Poatan” face Jon Jones next?30:05 – Would Conor McGregor accept a co-main event at the White House?33:18 – Merab Dvalishvili outguns a game Cory Sandhagen38:05 – Jiri Prochazka is crazy in the best possible way – but what about Carlos Ulberg?43:33 – Joe Pyfer, Ateba Gautier take big steps forward48:59 – Previewing UFC Rio and Charles Oliveira vs. Mateusz Gamrot53:10 – Looking ahead to Dana White’s Contender Series, CFFC 147, and more
On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan dive into the upcoming UFC 320 card. What is the path to victory for former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira? Can he control the center of the cage in the rematch, or will Magomed Ankaleav prove once again why he is the king of the 205-pound division. Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen and Jiri Prochazka vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. preview. All this and more ...0:00 – CFFC 146 recap5:53 – Carlos Ulberg earned a title shot at UFC Perth14:21 – Was the right call made in Neil Magny vs. Jake Matthews?20:39 – A quick cameo from Ethan McMahon21:59 – Should Matthews appeal the result?26:26 – Breaking down Magomed Ankaleav vs. Alex Pereira46:11 – Can Jiri Prochazka or Khalil Rountree Jr. steal Carlos Ulberg’s spot51:06 – Just three UFC pay-per-view events left55:33 – What will we see with Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen?1:01:35 – Weekend preview, including CFFC NextGen 2, Power Slap, Dana White’s Contender Series, more
On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan look back on the past two weeks with Noche UFC and UFC Paris. Diego Lopes delivers a “Knockout of the Year” candidate in a barnburner of a fight. Where does Jean Silva go from here, and did the “L” really hurt him? The Fighting Nerds go 0-3 in the past two weeks. Do some minor changes need to be made in training? Plus, John was on hand for Terence Crawford’s massive win over Canelo Alvarez at Allegiant Stadium. All this and more ...0:00 – An emotional week off1:55 – Boxing debuts at Allegiant Stadium, and the scene was incredible8:39 – Diego Lopes and Jean Silva showed what MMA is all about, but did Silva’s stock drop in defeat?18:27 – What is happening with the Fighting Nerds?24:51 – Kelvin Gastelum’s great win marred by terrible weight miss29:17 – What does the future hold for Noche UFC?32:18 – Final takeaways from Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez, and what TKO Boxing and UFC ca do in 202641:00 – Looking ahead to UFC Perth and Carlos Ulberg vs. Dominick Reyes48:15 – Counting down to UFC 320 and some big moves in the light heavyweight division52:01 – Previewing Saturday’s CFFC BJJ 1556:14 – Looking ahead to CFFC 146 at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in North Dakota, and what’s going on with Bilal Hasan?
On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan are joined by a special guest Dustin “Five” Starr, owner of Memphis Wrestling, to give a little more insight as to how an incident like what unfolded with Raja Jackson could even happen. Will Jackson face criminal charges, and what was the level of the wrestling promotion where this took place? In addition, the guys look back at UFC Shanghai. All this and more. 0:00 – Raja Jackson makes national news in an awful way4:54 – Dustin “Five” Starr breaks down the Jackson incident from all angles16:10 – Will Knokx Pro Wrestling be found liable for Jackson’s actions?28:20 – Eric and John react to Dustin’s breakdown38:58 – Looking back at UFC Shanghai, including Johnny Walker and Kyle Daukaus41:50 – What happened to Brian Ortega?46:46 – Did Marc Goddard handle Taiyilake Nueraji’s illegal knee properly, or is Kiefer Crosbie right to complain?1:04:24 – Previewing Saturday’s CFFC 145
On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan look back at UFC 319, where Khamzat Chimaev dominated Dricus Du Plessis over five rounds to become the new middleweight champion of the world. Who is next for the new champ – and why? All this and more ...0:00 – What to make of Khamzat Chimaev’s dominant win over Dricus Du Plessis9:00 – Du Plessis was beaten in the basics15:41 – Eric makes the case for a rematch25:21 – Making the case for Reinier de Ridder, Anthony Hernandez, Nassourdine Imavov, Caio Borralho – and Bo Nickal?!?34:27 – Michael “Venom” Page delivers yet again36:21 – Booking Chimaev’s first title defense42:52 – Aaron Pico suffers another heart breaking setback, while Lerone Murphy gets a title shot48:08 – Singing the praises of Carlos Prates and Tim Elliott49:55 – CFFC champ Eric Nolan steps up against future UFC star Baisangur Susurkaev53:40 – Eric’s tales from the road in Arkansas, and some breaking Danny Barlow news1:02:28 – Weekend preview, including UFC Shanghai
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