MMA MATH

In this episode, host Roberto Diaz and his co-host Joe Soto look into bad matchups, and why blowouts and uncompetitive fights happen at the top of the divisions. Plus, a look at the Cowboy perspective, as well as the Gaethje point of view will be looked into. The key elements for this fight including pressure tactics and how to stop them, as well as Cowboys game and how he can use it to defeat the Gaethje machine will be analyzed. UFC Fight Night takes place on Saturday, September 14, 2019. This event will be held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: Bad matchups Ortega vs Holloway Khabib vs McGregor Products of the UFC ranking system Cowboy’s motivation Damage, a motivation Cowboy’s KO of Gaethje Size, and stopping a pressure fighter Links and Resources: Khabib Nurmagomedov Conor McGregor Donald Cerrone Stephen Thompson Bian Ortega Darren Till Justin Gaethje Max Holloway

In this episode, host Roberto Diaz and his co-host Joe Soto look into the destination for UFC 242, Abu Dabhi, and why it matters. Plus, a closer look will be taken at the Khabib and Dustin fighter perspectives, the baggage, and the legitimacy of the belts. The central and key areas of this fight will also be explored. UFC 242 takes place on Saturday September 7, 2019. This event will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: The importance of Abu Dhabi The evolution of MMA Pressures to perform Champion legitamacy Taking it from the champion Going deep with a grappler Fight strategy Who’s fight is it to lose Links and Resources: Khabib Nurmagomedov Dustin Poirier Abu Dhabi Dubai Conor McGregor Al Iaquinta Korean Zombie Justin Gaethje Max Holloway

In this episode, host Roberto Diaz and his co-host Joe Soto explore the UFC Rankings, who’s involved, and why it matters. Plus, we’ll take a closer look at women in MMA, their rise, their standing and their outlook. The fight between the 6th ranked Weili Zhang and the women’s strawweight champion Jessica Andrade, will also be explored. UFC Fight Night takes place on Saturday August 31, 2019. This event will be held in Shenzhen Shi, China. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: Who’s in the ranking panel Rankings vs matchmakers Chris Cyborg A growing segment of fighters Appealing and boring fights What to expect Weili Zhang’s case Jessica’s pressure Links and Resources: Jessica Andrade Weili Zhang Chris Cyborg Ronda Rousey Eddie Pappani Kayla Harrison Ilima-Lei MacFarlane Rose Namajunas Valentina Shevchenko UFC Rankings Panel

In this episode, host Roberto Diaz and his co-host Joe Soto explore what makes ex-football players viable in MMA, what makes them contenders, and why we watch. Plus, we’ll take a closer look at how these ex-football players have fared, who’s doing well, and who didn’t do well. The redo of the Matt Mitrione and Sergei Kharitonov fight for Bellator 225 will also be explored. Bellator 225 takes place on Saturday August 24, 2019. This event will be held in Bridgeport, Connecticut. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: Why Football players What make football players unique Successful football players in MMA Football player failures in MMA Backgrounds for success Getting hit in the goods Football player mentality Matts skillset Sergei’s game Links and Resources: Matt Mitrione Sergei Kharitonov Javy Ayala Eryk Anders Greg Hardy Brock Lesnar Bob Sapp Vitaly Minakov Bellator 225

In this episode, host Roberto Diaz and his co-host Joe Soto take a closer look at fighters that are bigger than the champions, and fighters who personify the fight game. The Diaz brand, and who Nate Diaz is will be explored, as well as what to expect in his fight with the former champion Anthony Pettis, and what Nate must overcome to be successful. UFC 241 takes place on Saturday August 17, 2019. This event will be held in Anaheim, California. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: The real main event The Ultimate Fighter 5 Who’s Nate Diaz Watchable fighters Nate’s absence, Anthony’s road Nate’s best friend Size, speed, and grit What to expect Links and Resources: Nate Diaz Anthony Pettis Nick Diaz Jon Jones UFC 241 Daniel Cormier Stipe Miocic TUF 5

In this episode, host Roberto Diaz and his co-host Joe Soto take a closer look at PPV cards, and those that are not, and how it can affect the champions fighting on those cards. Retaining the belt, and how difficult it is to defend a title will be explored. Also, the fight between Valentina Shevchenko and Liz Carmouche, does Liz have a chance, and what is it, that can give her the win. UFC Fight Night takes place on Saturday August 10, 2019. This event will be held in Montevideo, Uruguay. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: Fight Night for a Champion An opportunity for Liz Defending a title Not being on/off days Being on/Nothing can go wrong Last Chance Toughness vs skills A fight plan Links and Resources: Liz Carmouche Valentina Shevchenko Jon Jones Jessica Eye Joanna Jedrzejczyk Bohemian Rhapsody Ronda Rousey Miesha Tate Sarah Kaufman Marloes Coenen

For UFC Fight Night, host Roberto Diaz and his co-host Joe Soto take a closer look at the main event fight between the number two ranked Colby Covington and the former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler. Colby is trying to regain championship status after being stripped of his interim title, and Robbie tries to get back into the win column after losing two consecutive fights. In the Aftermath, the Jon Jones – Thiago Santos fight is revisited. Jon’s close fight, Thiago’s one leg loss. UFC Fight Night is scheduled for Saturday, August 3, 2019, and will take place in Newark, New Jersey here in the states. For this fight, Roberto and Joe will take a closer look at the histories, numbers, sizes, fighting styles and discuss the strengths and weaknesses, and options for these fighters. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: Walking the talk Size and power Resume of fighters/Experience Endurance Styles of fighters Speed/quickness Athlete vs fighter Strategies for fighters Who wins The Aftermath, Jon’s close fight, Thiago’s one leg loss Links and Resources: Jon Jones Colby Covington Robbie Lawler Thiago Santos Tyron Woodley Rafael Dos Anjos Ben Askren Strikeforce UFC 239

In this episode, host Roberto Diaz and his co-host Joe Soto take a closer look at the path of redemption. For the UFC 240 card, the main and co-main events are both headlined by fighters that are coming off big losses. Max will be defending his title after losing to Dustin Poirier, and Cyborg will attempt to win again after a devastating loss to Amanda Nunes. The significance of these losses, what they mean, how they affect the fighters will be discussed. Also, losing by mistakes and losing to better fighters will be explored, as well as how mistakes happen, split-second mistakes, how soon they’re recognized, and if they should be corrected. UFC 240 takes place on Saturday July 27, 2019. This even will be held in Edmonton, Canada. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: Max Holloway defends title after loss Cris Cyborg determined to win after loss Mindset and expectations Mistakes, split-second ones, fight mode Losing streaks Handling losses Skill loss Getting back to the cage after a loss Particular mistakes, and losing to an equal Facing opponents after a defeat Links and Resources: Max Holloway Cris Cyborg Frankie Edgar Felicia Spencer UFC 240 Joe Warren Brett Johns Dustin Poirier Amanda Nunes

In this episode, host Roberto Diaz and his co-host Joe Soto take a closer look at International Fight Week. Both the fan and fighter perspectives will be explored, including the weigh-ins, the UFC Hall of Fame, and the T-Mobile arena experience. Earthquakes, TV omissions and the knockout of Ben Askren will also be discussed. International Fight week took place in Las Vegas, Nevada from July 3 to July 7, 2019. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: Earthquakes Weigh-ins UFC Hall of Fame Meeting the Schmo Meeting Tony Ferguson Meeting Eryk Anders VIP Tables and Lounges Ben Askren’s knockout Things that are not televised Links and Resources: International Fight Week UFC 239 UFC Hall of Fame The Schmo Tony Ferguson Eryk Anders Ben Askren Jorge Masvidal

In this episode, host Roberto Diaz and his co-host Joe Soto take a closer look at what it takes to make a comeback. With Urijah Faber coming back from retirement, we’ll look at why someone like Urijah, who seems financially comfortable, puts the gloves back on and tries to resurrect his career. We’ll also look at the difficulties in juggling a fighting career with being a parent, and how Julianna who took time off to become a parent, approaches her fights going forward. We’ll also explore making tough decisions, what it takes to polish up after years of no combat, changing careers, and where Urijah and Julianna fit in the current bantamweight divisions. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: Making tough decisions Changing careers Motivating factors Parenting and fighting Mindset changes Polishing up/Experience Making a comeback Better fighter, or not Links and Resources: Urijah Faber Julianna Pena Ricky Simon Nicco Montano UFC Bantamweight Rankings

For UFC 239, hosts Roberto Diaz and Joe Soto take a closer look at the main event fight between the light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, and the number two ranked challenger, Thiago Santos. Jon will try to defend his belt and continue with his dominant ways at 205 pounds. Thiago is currently on a three fight knockout streak, and is trying to extend that streak by being the first to stop a seemingly unbeatable, Jon Jones. In the Aftermath, the Tony Ferguson – Donald Cerrone fight is revisited. Tony’s ways, Cerrone’s disruption. UFC 239 is scheduled for Saturday July 6, 2019, and will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada. For this fight, Roberto and Joe will take a closer look at the histories, numbers, sizes, fighting styles and discuss the strengths and weaknesses, and options for these fighters. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: Size, reach advantage Resume of fighters/Experience Endurance Styles of fighters Speed and power Styles/Capoeira Athlete vs fighter Strategies for fighters Who wins The Aftermath, Tony’s ways/Cerrone’s disruption Links and Resources: Jon Jones Thiago Santos Anthony Smith Alexander Gustafsson Daniel Cornier Jimi Manuwa Capoeira Tony Ferguson Donald Cerrone

For UFC 239, hosts Roberto Diaz and Joe Soto take a closer look at the main event worthy fight between the number four ranked Jorge Masvidal, and the fifth-ranked Ben Askren. Jorge is trying to capitalize on his popularity after knocking out the former title challenger, Darren Till. Ben is also coming off a big win after defeating the former champion Robbie Lawler, and is trying to remain undefeated. The stakes are high as the winner will most likely get a shot at the title against the current welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman. In the Aftermath, the Rafael Dos Anjos – Kevin Lee fight is revisited. Rafael’s solution, Kevin Lee’s dilemma. UFC 239 is scheduled for Saturday July 6, 2019, and will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada. For this fight, Roberto and Joe will take a closer look at the histories, numbers, sizes, fighting styles and discuss the strengths and weaknesses, and options for these fighters. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: Size advantage, history Resume of fighters/Experience Endurance Styles of fighters Speed and power Standup fight/Wrestling Athlete vs fighter Strategies for fighters Who wins The Aftermath, RDA’ solution/Kevin’s dilemma Links and Resources: Jorge Masvidal Ben Askren Robbie Lawler Darren Till One Championship Bellator Rafael Dos Anjos Kevin Lee

In this episode, host Roberto Diaz and his co-host Joe Soto take a closer look at what it takes to become a champion. With Henry Cejudo becoming a simultaneous champion in two weight divisions in the UFC, Joe talks about how difficult it is just to become a wrestling champion, how doubt, negative attitudes and people, obstacles and hardships, and fear play a role, and how they are all part of becoming a champion. Henry’s mindset, his composure, and how wrestling has contributed to the champions of the UFC is explored. What makes Henry Cejudo unique, what makes him a winner, and how he might be the first to defend both belts, or even be the first to win a third title in another division. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: Doubt and Fear Consistency and Composure Difficulties and Sacrifices Wrestling, a necessity for MMA Henry’s Championship rise Defending two titles Winning a third title Links and Resources: Henry Cejudo Daniel Cornier Amanda Nunes Conor McGregor

For BKFC 6, hosts Roberto Diaz and Joe Soto take a closer look at what Bareknuckle fighting is all about, what makes this a unique sport, and the differences and similarities in comparison to boxing and MMA. The most anticipated fight in the history of this modern era of Bareknuckle Fighting will also be explored. This fight, between the former two-division boxing champion Pauli Malignaggi and the former UFC fighter Artem Lobov, has taken a personal tenor, as Conor McGregor, a team member and friend of Artem Lobov, has released small video segments of a sparring session casting himself as a superior boxer, humiliating the former champion. BKFC 6 is scheduled for Saturday June 22, 2019, and will take place in Florida, USA. For this fight, Roberto and Joe will take a closer look at the histories, numbers, sizes, fighting styles and discuss the strengths and weaknesses, and options for these fighters. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: Rule comparison to boxing and MMA Fighting with no gloves Size advantage, history Resume of fighters Endurance, five two-minute rounds Styles of fighters Speed and power Athlete vs fighter Strategies for fighters Who wins Links and Resources: Pauli Malignaggi Artem Lobov Jason Knight John "Jack" Broughton Miguel Cotto Danny Garcia Shawn Porter Juan Diaz Conor McGregor

For UFC 238, hosts Roberto Diaz and Joe Soto take a closer look at the most anticipated fight on this card. The former interim lightweight champion and current number two ranked Tony Ferguson will take on the number four ranked Donald Cerrone. Tony is trying to keep his contender status, trying to secure a possible matchup with the current champion, and Donald is trying to make his case for another championship title shot. In the Aftermath, the Rose Namajunas – Jessica Andrade fight is revisited. Rose’s mistake, Jessica’s fortune. UFC 238 is scheduled for Saturday June 8, 2019, and will take place in Chicago, USA. For this fight, Roberto and Joe will take a closer look at the histories, numbers, sizes, fighting styles and discuss the strengths and weaknesses, and options for these fighters. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: Size advantage, history Resume of fighters Endurance, three rounds vs five rounds Styles of fighters Speed and power Standup fight/grappling Athlete vs fighter Strategies for fighters Who wins The Aftermath, Rose’s mistake/Jessica’s fortune. Links and Resources: Donald Cerrone Tony Ferguson Anthony Pettis Kevin Lee Dustin Poirier Max Holloway Alexander Hernandez Mike Perry Lando Vannata Al Iaquinta

For UFC 238, hosts Roberto Diaz and Joe Soto take a closer look at the main event between the current flyweight champion Henry Cejudo, and the number two ranked bantamweight contender Marlon Moraes. Henry is moving up 10 pounds to try to become a double champion, and Marlon Moraes is trying to cap off his 4 fight win streak by claiming the vacant bantamweight title. In the Aftermath, the Donald Cerrone – Al Iaquinta fight is revisited. Donald Cerrone’s size, Al Iaquinta’s problem. UFC 238 is scheduled for Saturday June 8, 2019, and will take place in Chicago, USA. For this fight, Roberto and Joe will take a closer look at the histories, numbers, sizes, fighting styles and discuss the strengths and weaknesses, and options for these fighters. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: Size advantage, history Resume of fighters Endurance, Olympic champion Styles of fighters Speed and power Standup fight/wrestling Athlete vs fighter Strategies for fighters Who wins The Aftermath, Cerrone’s size/Iaquinta’s problem Links and Resources: Henry Cejudo Marlon Moraes TJ Dillashaw Demetrious Johnson Raphael Assunçao Donald Cerrone Al Iaquinta

For UFC 233*, hosts Roberto Diaz and Joe Soto take a closer look at the main event and main attraction of this past month. The Joe Rogan Summit is in the works, and with the addition of an undercover investigator, Conor McGregor’s conundrum is deciphered. Brendan has fun at a park and meets a former champion. Another president steps in and the time for the summit is re-scheduled. Luke Thomas is going beyond the transitive property and Harvey Levin's reputation is endangered. The intricacies of the Joe Rogan Summit, the members of the summit, and the historical perspective will be discussed. In the Aftermath, the show will be revealed in context of what was discussed. UFC 233* was scheduled for Saturday January 26, but took place in April. This fight occurred on social media, at a park, and at the Joe Rogan studios here in the states. For this fight, Roberto and Joe will take a closer look at the activities of the Summit members, William Shakespeare, and Joe Rogan’s plan. *Yes, this entire episode is a spoof. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: Helwani joins the summit MMA Junkie's Tailspin Conor’s code talk/inspiration New Summit Plans Brendan undercover Joanna can’t find her belt Luke’s 13 days Plagiarism/Imposter The Aftermath, revelations Links and Resources: Luke Thomas Dana White Harvey Levin Conor McGregor William Shakespeare Joanna Jedrzejczyk Rose Namajunas Joe Rogan MMA Junkie Theodosius III Ariel Helwani TJ Dillashaw Brendan Shaub ENRON

For UFC Fight Night, hosts Roberto Diaz and Joe Soto take a closer look at the main event between the former lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos, and the number 6th ranked Kevin Lee. Rafael Dos Anjos is trying to cement his ranking as a top five contender, while Kevin Lee is attempting to move up in weight, and take a stand as a competitor in the welterweight division. In the Aftermath, the Kelvin Gastelum – Israel Adesanya fight is revisited. A durable Adesanya, Gastelum’s mistake, and what about Robert Whittaker. UFC Fight Night is scheduled for Saturday May 18, 2019, and will take place in Rochester, New York. For this fight, Roberto and Joe will take a closer look at the histories, numbers, sizes, fighting styles and discuss the strengths and weaknesses, and options for these fighters. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: Size advantage, history Resume of fighters Endurance, championship rounds Styles of fighters The Kamaru Usman/Colby Covington blue print Wrestler/Jiu-jitsu Youth vs experience Strategies for fighters Who wins The Aftermath, Adesanya’s revelation/Gastelum’s mistake Links and Resources: Rafael Dos Anjos Kevin Lee Al Iaquinta Kamaru Usman Colby Covington Eddie Alvarez Tony Ferguson Donald Cerrone Khabib Nurmagomedov Nate Diaz Robbie Lawler Israel Adesanya Kelvin Gastelum

For UFC 237, hosts Roberto Diaz and Joe Soto take a closer look at the main event between the defending strawweight champion Rose Namajunas, and the number one ranked contender Jessica Andrade. Rose is trying to defend her title for the second time, and Jessica is trying to capture the title for her second time. In the Aftermath, the Max Holloway – Dustin Poirier fight is revisited. What happened to Max, a 145er vs a 155er. UFC 237 is scheduled for Saturday May 11, 2019, and will take place in Brazil. For this fight, Roberto and Joe will take a closer look at the histories, numbers, sizes, fighting styles and discuss the strengths and weaknesses, and options for these fighters. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: Size advantage, history Resume of fighters Endurance, championship rounds Styles of fighters Speed and athleticism Standup fight/grappling Athlete vs fighter Strategies for fighters Who wins The Aftermath, Dustin’s size/Max’s problem Links and Resources: Rose Namajunas Jessica Andrade Joanna Jedrzejczyk Claudia Gadelha Karolina Kowalkiewicz Tecia Torres Raquel Pennington Marion Reneau Liz Carmouche Paige Vanzant Mike Tyson Max Holloway Dustin Poirier Amanda Nunes

For UFC Fight Night, hosts Roberto Diaz and Joe Soto take a closer look at the main event between the number 4 ranked Al Iaquinta, and the 7th ranked Donald Cerrone. Al Iaquinta is trying to make the case for a rematch with the champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, while Donald Cerrone is trying to extend his win streak to three, and get a top 5 ranking. In the Aftermath, the Justin Gaethje – Edson Barboza fight is revisited. The path to Khabib, what’s next for Edson. UFC Fight Night is scheduled for Saturday May 4, 2019, and will take place in Ottawa, Canada. For this fight, Roberto and Joe will take a closer look at the histories, numbers, sizes, fighting styles and discuss the strengths and weaknesses, and options for these fighters. HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EPISODE: Size advantage vs youth Resume of fighters Endurance, championship rounds Styles of fighters Speed and athleticism Standup fight/wrestling Athlete vs fighter Strategies for fighters Who wins The Aftermath, Justin’s case/Edson’s problem Links and Resources: Edson Barboza Justin Gaethje Khabib Nurmagomedov Paul Felder Joe Lauzon Jorge Masvidal Diego Sanchez Mike Perry Alexander Hernandez Rafael Dos Anjos Jamie Varner Benson Henderson Leon Edwards