Hey Not The Face! Podcast

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIn today’s episode, we’re looking at new updates to the antitrust cases, the Congressional report on the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act and its additional views. We’re also discussing the comments of Ronda Rousey and Francis Ngannou regarding fighter pay and legacy, as well as Jon Jones asking for his release and whether that’s a feasible possibility. In our final segment, we ask the question: Is Eddie Hearn the savior fighters are looking for? There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going* Episode 234 Outline* Are there any updates to the UFC antitrust cases?* A congressional report on the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act came out yesterday. What is the purpose of this report?* It had a section called “Additional Views.” What were these “Additional Views?”* Speaking of the Revival Act, what did you think of USA Boxing revoking their support of the bill?* There was a presser for Rousey vs Carano that generated some interesting comments. Ronda Rousey said the UFC doesn’t pay its fighters well, but noted that if Dana White were running the promotion, they’d be paid much better. What do you think of that?* Francis Ngannou discussed legacy at the press conference, saying that legacy doesn’t pay the bills and that it was a construct for UFC to keep fighter pay down. Does legacy matter at all?* Both Jake Paul and Ngannou brought up Jon Jones asking for his release. Paul suggested he come over to get paid what he’s worth, and Ngannou tweeting that they [the UFC] should be rolling out the Red Carpet for him. Is there any chance Jones could be released or get out of his contract?* Jennifer Anderson, wife of Corey Anderson, said that Corey left the UFC at the height of his career to make more money with Bellator, but the media (save a few) care far less about covering him now. What are your thoughts on that?* Malki Kawa discussed how he was negotiating Ilia Topuria’s White House card fight and the focus was on Islam Makhachev, but the number UFC gave was too low so they came back and offered Gaethje instead. What do you think happened there?* Sean O’Malley said he didn’t even discuss his purse when accepting his fight on the White House card. How short-sighted was that?* He also talked about Tom Aspinall signing with Eddie Hearn and said that fighter management should be friendly to the UFC. What do you make of that?* Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian of MVP both spoke favorably of Eddie Hearn’s management skills and said they could see many fighters signing with Hearn in the future. What do you think of that?*Defendant’s opposition to Plaintiff’s request for attorney fees and the Comittee report on the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act*

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIn today’s episode, we’re looking at new updates to the antitrust cases and Dana White’s comments on UFC fighter reactions to Conor Benn’s purse. We also discuss Eddie Hearn’s new talent agency, what fighters can do if they don’t like their pay, and the Zuffa Boxing kerfuffle with the IBF. We weigh in on t…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTNote: Today’s episode will be our only one this week as John will be leaving Minnesota to fly back to LA this weekend, so he’s going to be busy with personal/family activities. We’ll be back on track next week.In today’s episode, we’re looking at new updates to the antitrust cases including a new filing directed at Dominance MMA. We also discuss topics Mark Shapiro spoke on during the Morgan Stanley Tech Conference, including the White House card and fighter pay. We weigh in on a whistleblower’s claims that Paramount’s president leaked details of the UFC broadcast deal, as well as how important the new WB merger is to TKO. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going* Episode 232 Outline* Let’s start with updates to the UFC antitrust cases. There were some exhibits attached to the Plaintiff’s motion for sanctions. Was there anything of interest amongst them?* There was also a filing that was directed at Dominance MMA. What was it?* Mark Shapiro spoke at the Morgan Stanley’s Technology, Media, and Telecom Conference and one of the things he discussed was the White House event. Was there any new information there?* He talked about Zuffa Boxing a bit. Did he say anything interesting?* He also brought up UFC fighter pay. What did he have to say?* How important is the pending Paramount-WB merger to TKO?* A whistleblower claims Paramount president Jeff Shell leaked details of the $7.7B UFC deal. What did you think of that?* Do you think we’ll see Zuffa Boxing on a different platform next year, perhaps one of the others from the merger?* What do you think of the Usyk-Verhoeven matchup?* A NY Times piece on Zuffa Boxing came out a few days ago. Was there anything in it that caught your eye?* Don King has launched a lawsuit against TKO and Sela. What do we know about it?* Lucha Lily, a reporter who was present at the Navarette-Nunez card, asked Eddie Hearn why they didn’t air the prelims on Youtube or DAZN and was told that it would depend on the show/location/budget whether or not they’ll have preliminary bout production at all. Do you think that will be the trend for all promoters not named Zuffa Boxing?* Is Eddie Hearn suing TKO?* Aleksei Oleinik revealed that he only made $250 in 2025 for his royalties for the UFC 5 game. Does that sound right to you?* Jon Jones claims he’s in negotiations with the UFC to headline the White House card. What do you make of that?* Lots of active UFC fighters have been appearing on RAF wrestling cards on FOX Nation. How do they get around the UFC to do that?*Expert declarations of spoliation, Proposed order of UFC sanctions, Plaintiffs reply in support of sanctions of Dominance MMA*

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIn today’s episode, we’re looking at new motions for sanctions filed by the plaintiffs in the UFC antitrust cases, as well as a brand new, unrelated complaint seeking class action on behalf of fans that paid for subpar UFC events. We also discuss TKO’s latest earnings statement and their monthly earnings call. We analyze the available information about Connor Benn vs. Regis Prograis, and we take a listener question. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going* Episode 231 Outline* Have there been any new filings in the UFC antitrust cases?* Has there been any movement with the Ali Revival Act bill?* A new earnings report was released about TKO’s finances. What did we learn from them?* There was an earnings call where Mark Shapiro discussed site fees and the White House card. What notable things did you derive from it?* They also discussed Zuffa Boxing. What was their take on it?* Why is Frank Warren’s Queensberry promotion exchanging legal letters with TKO and Sela?* News came out yesterday about Connor Benn vs. Regis Prograis as the co-main event for a Tyson Fury fight on Netflix, promoted by Ring. There seems to be some confusion about how this is all happening and if Zuffa Boxing will be promoting. Can you enlighten us about the details?* Terence Crawford was recently on Joe Rogan’s podcast. Was there anything significant that stood out to you?* Listener question from Eric Hamidi: Given the Conor Benn signing, what are starting salaries for the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL? Do you know and have the source of that info?*Notice of related cases, Class action complaint, Motion for sanctions*

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIn today’s episode, we’re looking at Ronda Rousey’s comments this week regarding how the UFC promotes fights in the current era and the way she plans to go up against them. We also discuss Dana White’s comments at the post-fight presser on a variety of topics including Ronda’s upcoming fight with Gina Carano, Sean Strickland, and Eddie Hearn We weigh in on the Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao II rematch, and we talk about the reported sabotage of Top Rank’s broadcast deal with ESPN. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going* Episode 230 Outline* Are there any new updates to the UFC antitrust cases?* Puck is reporting that the White House card could cost the UFC $60 million. Do you think that could be accurate?* There has been a lot of talk about Conor Benn signing with Zuffa Boxing for 1-fight and $15 million? What do you think of this signing and the amount?* It seems like a lot of fighters have taken note of how much they are paying Benn. Do you think this means Hearn is right that the boxing purses might cause problems with UFC fighters?* Ronda Rousey was interviewed by Jim Rome and spoke about why she & Gina Carano didn’t end up with their fight promoted by UFC. What did you think of the reason she gave?* She was in a filmed segment with Nikisa Bidarian discussing how she’d be “going hard in the trenches” promoting this fight against UFC. What did you make of her odd statement about the UFC “suffering from a lack of competition”?* When Dana White was asked about the fight, he said he was happy for them but that it just didn’t work out for UFC to promote. Do you have any thoughts on his comments?* After Saturday’s UFC Houston fight night, Dana took questions in the post-fight presser about several other topics. First being about Sean Strickland’s bigoted comments. He replied that it was basically the media’s fault for riling him up. What’s your take on that?* He was also asked about the Conor Benn signing in regards to his “beating up babies” comment where he referenced Eddie Hearn. He responded, ‘Is there a bigger pussy than Eddie Hearn?’ Is he being a little too bold right now, considering their proposed Revival Act bill hasn’t even been passed?* Eddie Hearn talked about how Zuffa Boxing would have to “do some crazy stuff” to land Bam Rodriguez. What did you make of his comment?* Brunch Boxing had a big story yesterday about how ESPN executives sabotaged the TOP Rank deal then left to join Paramount and/or Zuffa Boxing. What are your thoughts on that?* Reports are saying Top Rank is in talks with ESPN currently for a new broadcast deal. Do you think they’ll get a good one?* Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao II was announced yesterday for Netflix in September. Aside from this being way too late in their careers for it to be anything more than a cash grab, what did you make of the available details of the bout?* How do you think it will do?* Do you think Netflix is serious about combat sports or only these big name events?*Dominance opposition to Plaintiff’s motion of contempt*

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIn today’s episode, we’re looking at UFC’s Sean Strickland problem ahead of their first on-the-road Fight Night. Considering how Strickland always ramps up hateful commentary ahead of his fights, and how Dana White is staunchly supporting “free speech” among UFC athletes, is there a solution? We also discuss the twists and turns in the Golden Boy lawsuit, the Zuffa Boxing belt, and the WBC championship necklace. We analyze comments on the importance of Rousey vs. Carano, and weigh in on Marquel Martin’s astute observations. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going* Episode 229 Outline* Do we have any updates in the UFC antitrust cases?* There has been some discussion on social media that Rousey vs Carano is not that big a fight, or would not have been a big fight in the past. Do you agree with this?* Eddie Hearn and Dana White have been going back and forth about Zuffa Boxing. Do you have any thoughts on their feud?* Matchroom and DAZN announced an extension on their deal. Is this good news for Matchroom?* Zuffa Boxing revealed their diamond encrusted belt yesterday. What did you think of it?* WBC also revealed a $40K diamond encrusted necklace. What are your thoughts on that?* Marquel Martin, who acted in an advisory position to Francis Ngannou, has moved on to getting his NFL agent license and had some sharp comments about working in the MMA space. What did you think of his statements?* Sean Strickland has made the headlines again, even bleeding into mainstream news, with incendiary comments about Bad Bunny, about women’s MMA, and women in general. Backlash has been mounting against Paramount and Toyota with calls to remove him from UFC’s roster. What are your thoughts on the situation?* Dana White was asked about the situation and he had this to say: “If you get your feelings hurt that bad you shouldn’t ask these questions when you know the response you’ll get from Strickland. I don’t tell any human what to say or think, there’s no leashes”. Do you think his approach is bad for UFC given how new their relationship with Paramount is?* Graham Boylan gave an interview where he discussed managing/developing fighters while simultaneously promoting them via his Cage Warriors. Did anything stand out to you?* Are there any new updates with the Golden Boy lawsuit?* Listener question from Eric Hamidi: Can PFL differentiate themselves and not be a walled garden by partnering with Rizin?*Golden Boy’s reply in support of restraining order*

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIn today’s episode, we’re looking at UFC antitrust updates regarding a third party vendor to review discovery, and how UFC seemed to dodge a major bullet in the spoliation of required evidence. We also discuss Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano from a business perspective, whether UFC should be worried about the White House card not delivering, how MVP ended up with the fight, and how Ronda and Gina likely got out of their previous contracts. We also analyze Vergil Ortiz’ formal opposition to Golden Boy’s restraining order, and we answer some listener questions. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going* Episode 228 Outline* Do we have any new updates to the UFC antitrust cases?* Were you surprised that Ali Abdel-Aziz now wants you to include him in your antitrust filing tweets?* The big news today is the announcement of Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano in a featherweight MMA bout for Netflix, promoted by MVP. What do you think of this fight?* Do you think it will outshine the WH card?* Should Dana and company be worried?* How did Ronda and Gina end up out of their contracts since both still had fights on them?* Do you think Ronda is still tied to TKO in any capacity via WWE?* Ronda said that they were in talks with Dana White last year for this match but couldn’t make it happen. Does that sound like it came down to money?* With MVP promoting, how big a purse do you think these women are getting?* Dana White has been making lots of comments about competitors for Zuffa Boxing. Was there anything he said that could possibly be pointed to for Revival Act changes?* Is there any hope this bill gets rejected?* Max Kellerman said he wanted Zuffa Boxing to introduce the BMF belt. What are your thoughts on that?* What in the world is going on with Casey Wasserman and Ari Emanuel?* Are there any new updates in Golden Boy’s lawsuit?* Emilio Destifano from Twitter asks: From your “Deep Dive Into Congress...” episode: Could the plaintiffs have allowed defendants to sneak in that particular clause which essentially guts any Ali Act restrictions in order to expose that tactic, in hopes it gets shot down sooner rather than later?* Emilio also asked this question from that episode: Could Zuffa Boxing have pushed added healthcare regs in order to not only price out competition of other promoters, but to have more control over fighters I.E. more leverage/opportunity to deny fighters? Just demand “testing” until they are able to secure a favorable result?* Eric Hamidi also had a question: Do you or John find it funny, ironic, or hypocritical that TKO staff and supporters talk about them revolutionizing boxing & it needs to be back on TV and yet, their first events are at the Apex on Paramount+?*Vergil Ortiz opposition to Golden Boy restraining order*

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIn today’s episode, we’re looking at major UFC antitrust updates regarding Dominance MMA’s “revolt” and failure to cooperate with agreed upon discovery measures. We also discuss Zuffa Boxing’s ability to ignore current Ali Act protections regarding the creation of their own belt, as well as Stepen Espinoza’s comments on the promotion in a recent interview. We also weigh in on the suit Golden Boy filed against Rick Mirigian and what their future looks like amid obvious financial struggles. In our final segment, we answer listener questions from Eric Hamidi. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going* Episode 227 Outline* We had some happenings in the UFC antitrust case. First, tell us about filing to hold third party Dominance MMA in contempt?* There was a hearing yesterday. Do we know what happened?* What happens next?* TKO answered questions from Ilhan Omar last month during a hearing about the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. Did anything stand out to you?* Zuffa Boxing announced a title fight between Jai Opetaia and Brandon Glanton for their inaugural belt, well before the Revival Act has passed. What do you make of this?* Stephen Espinoza gave an interview where he was asked about Zuffa Boxing. Did he say anything that caught your attention?* Golden Boy just sued Vergil Ortiz’ manager, Rick Mirigian for $10M. What do you make of that suit?* It seems that Golden Boy is in serious trouble financially. What kind of future do they have in your opinion?* Social media influencer Adin Ross claims Dana White may pay him $6M a year to cover UFC. What do you make of that?* We had a listener question from Eric Hamidi who asked: Is this the only provision in the original Ali Act that prevents promoters from having their own championship belts?Excerpt states: “No officer or employee of a sanctioning organization may receive any compensation, gift, or benefit, directly or indirectly, from a promoter, boxer, or manager.”* Eric also asks if you’ve heard the same rumors Fred Garvin has, that democratic senators have been contacting people involved with boxing regarding the Revival Act, and how they (dem. senators) don’t support the proposed changes.*Plaintiffs’ request for Dominance MMA to be held in contempt, Golden Boy v. Rick Mirigian, answers to questions posed by Ilhan Omar for the official record*

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIn today’s episode, we’re looking at Zuffa Boxing’s lofty goal of becoming a $20B third arm of TKO’s combat sports empire and how that can be achieved. We also discuss Floyd Mayweather’s legal complaint in detail and whether we think it will be settled. We review the WBC’s latest failings and include Mauricio Sulaiman’s social media faux pas along with those. But in our introductory segment, we walk down Memory Lane with a discussion of the classic movie Taxi Driver which celebrated its 50th anniversary on Feb. 8th. John is a certified cinema nerd, so this was a rare treat for him. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going* Episode 226 Outline* Taxi Driver 50th anniversary chat* Are there any updates to the UFC antitrust cases?* Now that we have Floyd Mayweather’s lawsuit available to look at, what are your initial thoughts after looking it over?* Does the complaint say how much he did make in his career and how much is unaccountable?* Is there a reason they are suing Showtime and Espinoza and not Al Haymon?* Stephen Espinoza seems unbothered by the accusations against him. Do you think he should be worried?* Do you think it will be settled?* The sanctioning organizations, specifically the WBC, are under fire again, with Shakur Stevenson declining to pay $100K in fees. What’s going on that we should know about?* Do you think Mauricio Sulaiman is handling things correctly considering his social media behavior (liking derogatory/demeaning posts about Shakur)?* An interview was conducted with Mark Shapiro and Ari Emanuel where they discussed the value of UFC and WWE being $20B/each. Do you agree with that valuation?* Shapiro said there are still ways they can cut costs from UFC and WWE. Are you surprised by that and do you have any ideas how they could possibly achieve that?* They said they will be announcing some international deals soon. What might those be?* They also discussed their goal of bringing Zuffa Boxing to that point. Do you think it’s possible, and how fast could they get it to that value?* Nakisa Bidarian noted in an interview that he felt Zuffa Boxing would be successful thanks to them playing the long game. Thoughts on that?*Floyd Mayweather’s lawsuit complaint PDF*

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIn today’s episode, we’re looking at both days of the UFC antitrust spoliation hearing. It’s our comprehensive review of Dana White’s testimony, Tracy Long’s, Hunter Campbell’s, and the two assistants tasked with setting up phones, social media and clouds for UFC executives. We discuss Judge Boulware’s interactions, the believability of testimony, possible remedies if UFC is found to have malice with missing discovery and what comes next. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going* Episode 225 Outline* What stood out most to you from Day 1 proceedings?* What were the most significant things revealed on Day 1?* Do you think people should fully invest in the idea that Dana White is no longer part of contract negotiations and matchmaking?* On the first day’s proceedings, Michael Dell Angelo seemed to irritate the judge on a couple occasions. Is that an accurate statement?* What was Tracy Long’s demeanor?* Do you believe the story of Ari Emanuel’s relative stealing crucial evidence?* What were the most significant things revealed on Day 2?* Personal assistants and tech advisors to the UFC were brought in to testify about the setting up of phones, social media, etc. Did you find their testimony particularly impactful?* Were you surprised by anything Hunter Campbell said?* Do you feel like he was in cleanup mode after Dana’s testimony?* Judge Boulware stated that the UFC’s failure to produce these messages, phones, et al were sanctionable offenses. What would be the most likely sanction?* What’s next for UFC; did Boulware issue any orders?*Chart Exhibit of Missing Data from Employee Devices*

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIn today’s episode, we’re looking at boxing’s sanctioning organizations: how they’ve grievously injured themselves, how they lack transparency, how they could do better to protect boxers, and if they’re even worth saving. We also discuss Max Kellerman’s lip service to Dana White’s promoting ability and whe…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIn today’s episode, we’re looking at the possible measures UFC might try now that Judge Boulware and the Ninth Circuit have ruled against their emergency motions from last week. We also examine some of the things revealed in Thomas Hauser’s sprawling article about Zuffa Boxing, including the contracts and …

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIn today’s episode, we’re looking at the desperate maneuvering the UFC has done to stop Judge Boulware’s demand for six-and-a-half years of missing messages. We go over the risks the UFC faces if the Ninth Circuit doesn’t rule in their favor, the risks to the Plaintiffs if they do, and more. We also discus…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIn today’s episode, we’re looking at the new amendments introduced to the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act bill at the Education and Workforce Committee meeting. We go step by step through all the changes and what they mean for boxing from the top tier all the way down to the club level. We also talk about the emergency ABC meeting that happened right after the committee meeting. There’s also some very significant antitrust updates you won’t want to miss. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going* Episode 221 Outline* Are there any updates to the UFC antitrust cases?* Can you explain what took place yesterday in the Education and Workforce Committee?* What changes were made to the UBO section of the bill?* Let’s go to Sec 4 Industry Standards. What changes did they introduce for Medical Examinations?* What did they change about the Insurance coverage?* Did they change the purse minimums?* What did they add into the bill about the number of titles?* What changes did they introduce regarding drug testing?* What is the concern for club shows from these last few changes?* The effective date was also changed. What does it say now?* What were the amendments that Ilhan Omar read off during the hearing?* Is this the end of it or will there be more changes before they vote on it?* So what happens next? What is the process before it becomes law, and do you think it will become law?* You reported that the ABC had an emergency meeting, what was that about?* So what is the ABC going to do about their concerns over the bill?* What impact would these changes have to the bill and the industry?* Do you think this bill is better or worse than it was before?* What’s your greatest concern about the bill?* What amendments would you like to see introduced?* For those that oppose the bill or certain parts of it what do you suggest they do?PDFs of the antitrust case filings & PDFs of the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act amendments

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIn today’s episode, we’re looking at the lawsuit Vergil Ortiz filed against Golden Boy Promotions and how Vergil’s contract illustrates the stark difference in boxing and MMA purses. We also discuss whether there’s cause for alarm over ZUFFA Boxing’s likely monopolization of the sport, Dana White being the centerpiece for the promotion, and the possible proposed changes to the ring and ruleset. Further along, in our final topic, we examine Queensberry Promotions’ latest financial filings in detail. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going* Episode 220 Outline* Have there been any new filings or updates with the UFC antitrust cases?* The promo for ZUFFA Boxing came out and it was focused solely on Dana White. What did you think of that?* The belt was also unveiled and it has an octagon shape. What’s your take on that?* In a recent interview, Dana spoke about possibly changing the ring and the ruleset. How do you see that going down?* The House Committee on Education and Workforce is going to put the TKO-proposed changes to the Ali Act in markup this week. What does this mean?* The Sports Lawyers Association will be holding a webinar on January 22nd to discuss litigating the Ali Act and pending changes in Congress via the Revival Act, which you’ll be covering. Can you give us some details on it?* On social media there have been a lot of people that are nervous that the launch of Zuffa Boxing signals their takeover of the sport, while others seem to be dismissive of them based on the card they’re holding. Should fans be worried or not that they’re going to monopolize the sport?* Conor McGregor says that his UFC contract is void thanks to the Paramount broadcast deal. We talked about this several months ago. Do you have any additional thoughts?* Do you think UFC is likely to play ball with him, considering he’s linked himself to the Trump family somewhat through his business dealings?* Has there been any further developments with the reported San Francisco card and its promoter, Ed Pereira?* Vergil Ortiz is suing Golden Boy. What is the complaint?* Do you think he has a case?* His contract was attached as part of the complaint filing. What were the financial details of his contract with Golden Boy?* Queensberry Promotions recently filed their finances with Company House. Can you give us a summary of how they’re doing?* Does it give us any details on where their revenue is coming from or what their expectations are for the future?PDFs of Vergil Ortiz’ suit against Golden Boy Promotions and the financial statements of Queensberry Promotions

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIn today’s episode, we’re looking at the top paid combat sports athletes in 2025 and it should come as no surprise that boxing is king, as it always has been. But the difference was so stark, it even gave us pause. We also take a look at new interview quotes from Dana White, Laura Sanko, and Ed Soares. The…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIn today’s episode, we’re looking at a fresh infusion of cash for ONE Championship, and asking the question, ‘How much money from their massive fundraising efforts is left. We also discuss some of the things Dana White has said over the course of last week’s interview rounds, as well as a lawsuit being bro…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIn today’s episode, we’re looking at a Brazilian court case that has flown under the radar for months, but we’ve got the documents that reveal details of the relationship between fighter managers and the UFC. Behind our paywall, we’ll be going over What’s App messages between an MMA manager and UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard. We also discuss Paramount Plus’ big price hike that goes into effect next week and why Canadian fans will still have to buy UFC PPVs. We also talk about VICE TV’s forays into combat sports with the latest being LFA. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:*We urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the show going* Episode 217 Outline* Have there been any new filings in the UFC antitrust cases?* Sean Strickland said he was pressured into taking the Dricus du Plessis fight while recovering from a shoulder injury saying, “You don’t say no [to the UFC], they’re our pimps. You don’t say no to the master. I was backed up into a corner taking that fight.” What are your thoughts on what he said?* Our friend Rob Nashville reminded us a couple days ago of the price increase for Paramount Plus happening next week. The hike will see the annual plan skyrocket from $59.99 to $89.99. Considering how steep that increase is, do you foresee them hiking up prices as rapidly as ESPN did?* Why will Canadian sports fans still have to pay for UFC events as PPVs?* Will there be a change at some point so that they can also just pay one subscription price?* You quoted a post on Twitter about online gambling destroying young men in America. Remind listeners how much of an impact on sports gambling the UFC will have with Polymarket.* LFA recently announced it had signed a deal to air on VICE TV. Is that platform large enough to provide any real lifeline for them, or are they just delaying their own demise with this deal?* Are there any other outlets that could throw a lifeline to struggling MMA and boxing promotions?* Do you think Top Rank could end up on VICE TV?* PFL’s former CEO Peter Murray is out and additionally, several longtime key employees have been laid off. What do you make of that?* We have some documents from a Brazilian court case involving Taila Santos. Can you tell us more about what the case and what the documents we will be looking at are?* What do these filings reveal about the relationship between managers and the UFC?* Apparently, Mick Maynard explained why some fighters get 10/10 deals and other fighters 12/12 when they debut. What was the reason?* Do we have any examples of contract negotiations?* Do we see any communications from the UFC regarding extensions?*PDF (42 pages) of What’s App messages between Marcelo Brigadeiro and Mick Maynard

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTIt’s our first episode of the year and we’ve got a hodge-podge collection of topics to discuss. We’re looking at the latest filings in the UFC antitrust cases, Polymarkets and the UFC, why Joe Rogan’s statement all but says UFC is a monopoly, and the Paramount Plus broadcast rights deal. We also discuss so…