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 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…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTWe’re looking back at the biggest news of 2025 and giving it a thorough analysis. We’ve broken down what we think are the four most important news stories in both MMA and boxing, with two umbrella topics for each sport and a devoted group of questions under each topic. Make sure to follow along with our ou…

SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTToday we’re featuring a terrific interview with amateur boxer and activist Gabriel Burris. Gabriel’s name has been associated with TKO’s Ali Act bill proposal ever since he called in to the CSAC committee meeting several weeks ago. In this episode, we discuss his background in boxing, how he got into the sport, and what he hopes his future will be if he continues into the professional ranks. We also get his thoughts on the Ali Act changes TKO wants to institute, and what changes he would actually like to see addressed in boxing. There’s 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 214 Outline* What is your boxing background? How did you get into boxing and what is your current status?* What are your future plans/goals for boxing?* What led you to call into the California State Athletic Commission hearing?* Do you worry that your outspokenness on TKO’s Ali Act changes will harm your future in boxing?* What about the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act do you oppose?* Critics will argue that the Ali Act doesn’t work. What parts of the current Act do you think work?* What do you think of the response from boxing’s stakeholders regarding the bill?* What do you think of influencer boxing, especially Jake Paul’s ability to thrive in the sport, both as an athlete and a promoter?* Are you surprised that individuals in the MMA media seem to be active in their opposition to the bill?* Dana White recently said that MMA’s athletes shouldn’t expect to have careers in the sport, that instead, they were granted ‘opportunities’. What do you think of that statement considering he’ll be effectively running Zuffa Boxing?* What would you like to see addressed in boxing?* If you had the chance to speak to congress what would you tell them?* What do you want to promote?The Hey Not the Face! Podcast is an independent publication. Please consider a paid subscription to keep up with our best work and learn how you can support us. With all forms of news media crumbling, especially in the combat sports space, we could really use your help. Thank you. We appreciate all of you.Thank you for checking out the Hey Not The Face! Podcast, a listener-supported publication. We’d be eternally grateful if you could help us by purchasing a subscription and spreading word of this episode by sharing it far and wide. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heynottheface.substack.com/subscribe

SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTToday we’re featuring a terrific interview with “The Immortal” Matt Brown. He has a long list of accolades, and we like to think his thoughtful take on the state of combat sports is among them—don’t worry, we list a lot of those amazing achievements right at the top of the show. Matt and John discussed a wide array of topics, and Matt’s unique insight into the fighter mind, gives a bird’s eye view of the complicated relationship between promoters and athletes. There’s 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 213 Outline* How has retirement been for you? *16 years and 30 fights with the UFC, 9 performance bonuses, most KOs in UFC welterweight history and right behind Derrick Lewis for most KOs in UFC history proper, most finishes in UFC welterweight history, Bloody Elbow’s 2012 fighter of the year and 2017 KOTY vs. Diego Sanchez, two-time Sherdog all-violence team (and many more, but we’d need a lot more room to list them)* Do you think Dana White is accurate in calling MMA an ‘opportunity’ and do you think you were able to take advantage of that opportunity fully?* On your podcast with Damon Martin, you’ve talked about how the nature of fighting and the athletes it draws to its promotions makes it harder for fighters to be fully informed or easier to be taken advantage of. Is this something you think most outside pundits—fans or media—miss?* Did you get your settlement check yet? Are you happy with the outcome of the Le case?* What do you think the fighters’ reaction has been to the antitrust cases?* Are you following the other cases and do you think other fighters are paying attention to them? Should they be?* Do you find that some fans and fighters struggle with the idea that criticizing or disagreeing with some of the UFC’s actions doesn’t mean that you hate them?* During the CSAC meeting, you mentioned that no one is looking out for the fighters? Could you elaborate on why you said that?* What do you think looking out for the fighters would mean for managers or the athletic commissions?* If there were some changes you could make to MMA, the UFC, or combat sports in general that you think would help fighters economically, and what would you change?The Hey Not the Face! Podcast is an independent publication. Please consider a paid subscription to keep up with our best work and learn how you can support us. With all forms of news media crumbling, especially in the combat sports space, we could really use your help. Thank you. We appreciate all of you.Thank you for checking out the Hey Not The Face! Podcast, a listener-supported publication. We’d be eternally grateful if you could help us by purchasing a subscription and spreading word of this episode by sharing it far and wide. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heynottheface.substack.com/subscribe

SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTToday we’re featuring a terrific interview with “The Immortal” Matt Brown. He has a long list of accolades, and we like to think his thoughtful take on the state of combat sports is among them—don’t worry, we list a lot of those amazing achievements right at the top of the show. Matt and John discussed a wide array of topics, and Matt’s unique insight into the fighter mind, gives a bird’s eye view of the complicated relationship between promoters and athletes. There’s 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 213 Outline* How has retirement been for you? *16 years and 30 fights with the UFC, 9 performance bonuses, most KOs in UFC welterweight history and right behind Derrick Lewis for most KOs in UFC history proper, most finishes in UFC welterweight history, Bloody Elbow’s 2012 fighter of the year and 2017 KOTY vs. Diego Sanchez, two-time Sherdog all-violence team (and many more, but we’d need a lot more room to list them)* Do you think Dana White is accurate in calling MMA an ‘opportunity’ and do you think you were able to take advantage of that opportunity fully?* On your podcast with Damon Martin, you’ve talked about how the nature of fighting and the athletes it draws to its promotions makes it harder for fighters to be fully informed or easier to be taken advantage of. Is this something you think most outside pundits—fans or media—miss?* Did you get your settlement check yet? Are you happy with the outcome of the Le case?* What do you think the fighters’ reaction has been to the antitrust cases?* Are you following the other cases and do you think other fighters are paying attention to them? Should they be?* Do you find that some fans and fighters struggle with the idea that criticizing or disagreeing with some of the UFC’s actions doesn’t mean that you hate them?* During the CSAC meeting, you mentioned that no one is looking out for the fighters? Could you elaborate on why you said that?* What do you think looking out for the fighters would mean for managers or the athletic commissions?* If there were some changes you could make to MMA, the UFC, or combat sports in general that you think would help fighters economically, and what would you change?The Hey Not the Face! Podcast is an independent publication. Please consider a paid subscription to keep up with our best work and learn how you can support us. With all forms of news media crumbling, especially in the combat sports space, we could really use your help. Thank you. We appreciate all of you.Thank you for checking out the Hey Not The Face! Podcast, a listener-supported publication. We’d be eternally grateful if you could help us by purchasing a subscription and spreading word of this episode by sharing it far and wide. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heynottheface.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTWe’re looking at reports of UFC and DraftKings parting ways and opining on why it might be. We also discuss the UFC White House card and the massive ripple effect it could have for the company without ever having to sell a single ticket. We weigh in on Bud Crawford’s retirement and if he could have done mo…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTWe’re looking at what could happen to the regional promotions that currently make Fight Pass their home if the platform should end its run. We also discuss statements Dana White has made on the Ali Act and on Arman Tsarukyan, and Mark Shapiro’s comments on TKO’s plans for UFC’s numbered events and the debu…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTWe’re looking at all that went down in the Congressional hearing that reviewed TKO’s newly proposed Boxing bill, the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. We analyze the witnesses that spoke, the representatives that asked questions and gave them a letter grade. We also discussed material that went int…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTWe’re looking at tomorrow’s congressional hearing that will be looking at arguments for and against the new Ali Act bill, and at the UFC antitrust hearing in regards to discovery, or lack thereof. John takes on answering the who, what, where, and why questions you might have about both hearings and how imp…

SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTToday, we’re taking an in-depth look at three versions of the Ali Act: the Muhammad Ali Professional Boxing Act, the Muhammad Ali Expansion Act, and the most recent bill proposal that was introduced to Congress this year, the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. We discuss why they were formed, what their intended purpose was, what protections they offered, who they benefit, and more. It’s our most detailed, easy to understand explainer, built for those that want a crash course in boxing legislature. An excellent companion for this episode is John’s written post that can be found HERE. We’ve also included links to all three Ali Act bills we covered, so that you may peruse them yourself. Make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:*This holiday week episode is completely FREE, but we urge you to pick up a paid subscription, as it helps us keep the lights on. Episode 208 Outline* Why are we going over the Ali Act?* Can you give us some background as for why people back then felt the need to pass special federal legislation for boxing?* What was the intent of the Ali Act?* Can you give us a quick summary of what the Ali Act amendment did?* Let’s go into more detail on some of the sections of the bill. What were the new contract requirements?* Explain the section about protection from coercive contracts.* What did the Ali Act require of sanctioning organizations?* What does the required disclosure for promoters do?* What are conflicts of interest and what does this section do?* How are the bill’s provisions meant to be enforced?* What was the impact of the bill?* What was the Muhammad Ali Expansion Act?* What changes did the Expansion Act seek to make to the Ali Act?* What was the intent of these changes?* Give us a quick summary of what the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act is?* What are the additions it makes to Boxing industry Standards?* What about the additions to the Professional Boxing Safety Act’s section of Referees and judges?* Do you think these additions and changes are good?* What is a UBO?* What are all the requirements in order to be a UBO?* Is a UBO really just an alternative to the traditional Ali Act?* Do the other protections of the Ali Act apply to a UBO?* Why should we be suspicious of the intent behind this bill?* What is your worst case scenario if UBOs are allowed?* What are you hoping the outcome is?Here are links to all three bills/proposals we covered:https://www.congress.gov/committee-report/106th-congress/house-report/449/1https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/44/texthttps://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4624/textThe Hey Not the Face! Podcast is an independent publication. Please consider a paid subscription to keep up with our best work and learn how you can support us. With all forms of news media crumbling, especially in the combat sports space, we could really use your help. Thank you. We appreciate all of you.Thank you for checking out the Hey Not The Face! Podcast, a listener-supported publication. We’d be eternally grateful if you could help us by purchasing a subscription and spreading word of this episode by sharing it far and wide. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heynottheface.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTToday, we take a look at Dana White’s media rounds with a focus on his comments about fighter pay and a story about Francis Ngannou roughing him up. We also discuss the latest developments in the UFC antitrust cases with Judge Boulware’s reaction to the Defendant’s meager discovery offerings. We chat about…

SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTToday, John welcomes back boxing manager and attorney Kurt Emhoff for an all-encompassing discussion on boxing. They discuss what’s gone wrong, what level of danger TKO/Zuffa Boxing pose to the sport, and if there’s a possible fix for the looming threat. There’s more, so follow along with our outline as you listen:Episode 206 Outline* What do you think of the current status of boxing?* How alarmed should boxing be with the proposed Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act?* What do you think of the response from boxings’ current stakeholders?* Do you think its unrealistic to expect any kind of response from the boxers?* What kind of response would you like to see from boxing, especially from the promoters?* What kind of response would you like to see from the sanctioning organizations?* How realistic would it be for the ABC to rein in the worst behaviors in boxing instead of supporting TKO?* If you could propose changes to the Ali Act what would they be?* Is boxing doomed?The Hey Not the Face! Podcast is an independent publication. Please consider a paid subscription to keep up with our best work and learn how you can support us. With all forms of news media crumbling, especially in the combat sports space, we could really use your help. Thank you. We appreciate all of you.Thank you for checking out the Hey Not The Face! Podcast, a listener-supported publication. We’d be eternally grateful if you could help us by purchasing a subscription and spreading word of this episode by sharing it far and wide. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heynottheface.substack.com/subscribe

SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTToday, John welcomes back boxing manager and attorney Kurt Emhoff for an all-encompassing discussion on boxing. They discuss what’s gone wrong, what level of danger TKO/Zuffa Boxing pose to the sport, and if there’s a possible fix for the looming threat. There’s more, so follow along with our outline as you listen:Episode 206 Outline* What do you think of the current status of boxing?* How alarmed should boxing be with the proposed Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act?* What do you think of the response from boxings’ current stakeholders?* Do you think its unrealistic to expect any kind of response from the boxers?* What kind of response would you like to see from boxing, especially from the promoters?* What kind of response would you like to see from the sanctioning organizations?* How realistic would it be for the ABC to rein in the worst behaviors in boxing instead of supporting TKO?* If you could propose changes to the Ali Act what would they be?* Is boxing doomed?The Hey Not the Face! Podcast is an independent publication. Please consider a paid subscription to keep up with our best work and learn how you can support us. With all forms of news media crumbling, especially in the combat sports space, we could really use your help. Thank you. We appreciate all of you.Thank you for checking out the Hey Not The Face! Podcast, a listener-supported publication. We’d be eternally grateful if you could help us by purchasing a subscription and spreading word of this episode by sharing it far and wide. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heynottheface.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTToday, we’re looking at all the angles of the exclusive partnership the UFC just forged with Polymarket. Fresh off the announcement block, UFC is steamrolling through a gambling scandal by signing on with the Number one predictive betting company. We also have the latest UFC antitrust updates, and some new…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTToday, we’re looking at all the moves Paramount+ has been making, including their recently announced subscription price hikes. We’re also discussing TKO’s earnings call last week and the newest updates in the UFC antitrust cases. We’re also examining PFL’s latest business moves, and their partnership with …

SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTDuring this long, winding conversation, John and Lou discuss the current state of boxing, what has gone wrong with the sport, what has worked in the original Ali Act, why the new bill will only help TKO, and why this entire conversation is moot. We also go over (several times) Lou’s statements from his deposition in the UFC antitrust lawsuit as for why a promoter should not own their own titles. The Hey Not the Face! Podcast is an independent publication. Please consider a paid subscription to keep up with our best work and learn how you can support us. With all forms of news media crumbling, especially in the combat sports space, we could really use your help. Thank you. We appreciate all of you.Thank you for checking out the Hey Not The Face! Podcast, a listener-supported publication. We’d be eternally grateful if you could help us by purchasing a subscription and spreading word of this episode by sharing it far and wide. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heynottheface.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACTToday, we’re looking at how the UFC has yet again found themselves embroiled in a gambling scandal thanks to another James Krause affiliated fighter. We examine all the angles from that and how Dana White’s public statement comes across. We also discuss Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis falling through, and we …