Best Alan Forrest Smith Podcasts (2025)

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Jalin Turner, Jan Błachowicz, UFC 323 picks 54:34

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3d ago54:34

54:34

Jim and Matt open the show with lightweight finisher Jalin Turner, who joins ahead of his return against Edson Barboza at UFC 323. Turner explains how training with Ian Machado Garry and reconnecting with his faith pulled him out of a brief retirement, helping him rediscover balance, purpose, and confidence. He also discusses studying the sport dif…

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Father Figure by Emma Forrest with Emma Forrest 52:42

1d ago52:42

52:42

This week's book guest is Father Figure by Emma Forrest. Sara and Cariad are joined by writer and director Emma Forrest. Emma has published five novels and two critically acclaimed memoirs and was named as one of Variety's 'Top 10 Screenwriters to Watch’. In this episode they discuss Watching people from busses, fantasies, ear-worms, obsession and …

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Episode 169: Is Pompeii the best bad movie/good history ever made? 1:39:43

1d ago1:39:43

1:39:43

2014's Pompeii is all over the place. Designed to be a Roman apocalypse story with a star making turn by Game of Thrones' Kit Harrington, Pompeii fizzled at the box office. But strangely, it's a phenomenal film to talk about the Roman empire and the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Historian and archaeologist Dr. Steven Tuck joins in to talk everything …

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Chris Weidman breaks down Merab's title run & Gaethje-Paddy; Coach John Wood previews Merab–Yan II 44:36

5d ago44:36

44:36

Jim and Matt kick off the week with former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, who checks in ahead of his trip to Las Vegas to support Merab Dvalishvili before the bantamweight champ’s fourth title defense of 2025. Weidman shares what he expects from Merab’s continued dominance, and also weighs in on how Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett match…

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White Male Stand-Up by Alan Davies (Live from the London Podcast Festival, Kings Place) 1:01:51

8d ago1:01:51

1:01:51

This week's book guest is White Male Stand-Up by Alan Davies. In a very special episode recorded live at the London Podcast Festival Sara and Cariad are joined by the incredible comedian, writer and actor Alan Davies. Best known for starring in the hit BBC series Jonathan Creek and for his regular appearances as a panellist on QI, they discuss his …

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Episode 168: How Colorado Springs became the epicenter of evangelical capitalism with Will Schultz 1:30:13

10d ago1:30:13

1:30:13

How did a small town south of Denver emerge as the center of evangelical capitalism after World War II? Historian Dr. William Schultz explains how evangelicals' faith intertwined with a specific interpretation of Americanism, especially during the Cold War era, and how this allowed them to transition from the margins of society to the epicenter of …

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Davey Grant, Valentina Shevchenko, UFC Qatar recap 1:11:02

13d ago1:11:02

1:11:02

Jim and Matt kick off the show with British bantamweight Davey Grant, who joins live from the UFC Performance Institute as a brand-new Las Vegas resident. Fresh off rehabbing a torn bicep and injured nose, Davey talks about settling into life stateside, training his kids at Syndicate MMA, and why moving to America has changed the way he studies the…

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Episode 167: Ken Burns' The American Revolution (Historians' Commentary) 2:12:56

12d ago2:12:56

2:12:56

It's a special podcast here at Reckoning. Early American historians Dr. Liz Covart, Dr. Michael Hattem, and Dr. Craig Bruce Smith joined me to live stream Ken Burns' new series The American Revolution and answer questions from people around the world. It's kind of like a Director's Commentary, only if the director was actually four people with degr…

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Ethyn Ewing stops by, Jim & Matt preview & predict loaded UFC Qatar card 42:01

17d ago42:01

42:01

Jim and Matt kick off today’s episode with rising featherweight Ethyn Ewing, who checks in after a memorable short-notice UFC debut win at Madison Square Garden vs. Malcolm Wellmaker. The soon-to-be father talks about his MMA journey, how camping, hiking, and spearfishing help keep him grounded, and how he balances training with his demanding day j…

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Audiobooks with Juliet Stevenson 55:41

15d ago55:41

55:41

This week Sara and Cariad are joined for a very special episode all about audiobooks by the queen of audio narration - BAFTA nominated and Olivier award winning actress, Juliet Stevenson. In this episode they discuss Elizabeth Gaskell, kids books, bully directors, José Saramago, acting and Geordie accents. The Speakies British Audio Awards take pla…

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Episode 166: Apollo 13 with Jeffrey Kluger 1:18:05

16d ago1:18:05

1:18:05

Houston, we have a podcast. Today, Apollo 13 author Jeffrey Kluger drops in to talk about the Apollo missions, what really made it on the film, and his new book, Gemini: Stepping Stone to the Moon, the Untold Story. About our guest: Jeffrey Kluger, editor at large, oversees TIME's science and technology reporting. He has written or co-written more …

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Unpacking UFC 322 & welterweight title picture, Johnny Walker plots next moves 58:37

19d ago58:37

58:37

With Islam Makhachev dethroning Jack Della Maddalena on a historic night stamped by show-stealing wins from rising welterweight contenders, Jim and Matt have plenty to unpack on today’s UFC 322 recap show. The guys break down the championship shakeup at 170, Valentina Shevchenko’s flawless title defense, and all the biggest moments from Saturday’s …

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Episode 165: How the United States failed Puerto Rico with Ed Morales 1:14:56

18d ago1:14:56

1:14:56

Puerto Rico is the oldest colony in the world, something that must change, says Ed Morales. Today Ed drops in to talk about the history of Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rican diaspora, and how colonialism has hurt the island over the last 500 years. About our guest: Ed Morales is an author and journalist who has written for The Nation, The New York Times…

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Malcolm Wellmaker, Tracy Cortez, UFC 322 picks w/ guest co-host The Schmo 1:05:30

24d ago1:05:30

1:05:30

With The Schmo filling in for Jim Norton, Matt Serra kicks off the show with undefeated bantamweight Malcolm Wellmaker ahead of his Madison Square Garden debut. “The Machine” talks managing expectations after two first-round UFC finishes, adjusting to a late opponent change, and how nine years as a welder shaped the discipline behind his undefeated…

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By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept by Elizabeth Smart 43:22

22d ago43:22

43:22

This week's book guest is By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept by Elizabeth Smart. In this episode Sara and Cariad discuss romance, T. S. Eliot, obsessive love and sniffing glue. Thank you for reading with us. We like reading with you! Trigger warning: In this episode we discuss people who have taken their own lives. By Grand Central Statio…

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Episode 164: Archie Bunker for President with Oscar Winberg 1:16:06

22d ago1:16:06

1:16:06

This week historian Oscar Winberg joins in to talk about the origins of All In The Family and how the politics of the 1970s were filtered through television's biggest show. About our guest: Dr. Oscar Winberg is a postdoctoral fellow at the Turku Institute for Advanced Studies and the John Morton Center for North American Studies at the University o…

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Mackenzie Dern eyes long title reign, Zachary Reese on short-notice win, UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs. Brown recap 53:51

26d ago53:51

53:51

Jim Norton and Matt Serra kick off UFC 322 fight week with a pair of recent winners — UFC strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern and rising middleweight Zachary Reese. First, Mackenzie joins the show fresh off winning UFC gold to discuss the emotion of celebrating with her daughter cageside, her evolution under coach Jason Parillo, and her readiness f…

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Episode 163: The American Revolution and the Fate of the World with Richard Bell 1:22:07

25d ago1:22:07

1:22:07

Have you ever wondered what else was happening during the American Revolution? It turns out that the conflict was waged far beyond the shores of North America. Historian Richard Bell joins in today to talk about the unexpected participants in and ramifications of the American Revolution across the globe. About our guest: Richard Bell received his P…

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Episode 162: The Cutting Edge with Paul Gagliardi and Dart Adams 1:36:10

28d ago1:36:10

1:36:10

Toe pick! If you don't love The Cutting Edge, something is seriously wrong with you. This week Dart Adams and Paul Gagliardi drop in to talk about the history behind the 1992 cult classic and why we love it so damn much. About our guests: Dart Adams is a historian, journalist and a lecturer from Boston, MA. His work has appeared in various online &…

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Gabriel Bonfim, Christian Leroy Duncan, UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs. Brown picks 39:06

1M ago39:06

39:06

Jim Norton and Matt Serra return for Wednesday’s episode of UFC Unfiltered ahead of this weekend’s UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs. Brown card at the APEX. Accompanied by the great Fabiano Buskei as a Portuguese translator, 14th-ranked welterweight Gabriel Bonfim joins the show to discuss his main event matchup against Randy Brown, the importance of fig…

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A Truce That Is Not Peace by Miriam Toews with Miriam Toews 54:49

29d ago54:49

54:49

This week's book guest is A Truce That Is Not Peace by Miriam Toews. Sara and Cariad are joined by Miriam Toews the internationally acclaimed and award-winning author of such works as A Complicated Kindness, Fight Night, All My Puny Sorrows and Women Talking on which the Oscar-winning film was based. In this episode they discuss writing conferences…

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Episode 161: Three Decades and a Bottle of Wine with Dr. Karen Cox 1:48:42

30d ago1:48:42

1:48:42

This week legendary historian Dr. Karen Cox drops in to talk about her life, her work, and advise for historians and students as we enter this new era. About our guest: Karen L. Cox is an award-winning historian and a Distinguished Lecturer for the Organization of American Historians. She is the author of four books, the editor or co-editor of two …

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Valter Walker, Quillan Salkilld, UFC Fight Night: Garcia vs. Onama recap 48:04

1M ago48:04

48:04

Jim Norton and Matt Serra are back to kick off fight week with two guests who’ve both made major statements inside the Octagon in recent weeks. On the heels of yet another heel hook submission, heavyweight submission specialist Valter Walker uses his UFC Unfiltered debut to talk through his UFC 321 victory in Abu Dhabi, reflect on his MMA journey, …

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Episode 160: A new George Washington Movie is coming your way with Dr. Craig Bruce Smith 38:01

1M ago38:01

38:01

Dr. Craig Bruce Smith and I break down the trailer for the upcoming film, Young George Washington About our guest: Craig Bruce Smith is Professor of History at National Defense University in the Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS) in Norfolk, VA. He authored American Honor: The Creation of the Nation’s Ideals during the Revolutionary Era and c…

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Episode 159: Jelani Cobb talks about Spielberg's Lincoln and the Promise of Black Freedom 42:12

1M ago42:12

42:12

This week Jelani Cobb drops in to talk about Steven Spielberg's Lincoln, what we don't see onscreen, the promise of Barack Obama, and the rise of Donald Trump. Plus, we preview his new book, Three or More is a Riot: Notes on How We Got Here, 2012-Present. This is a powerhouse episode. About our guest: Jelani Cobb joined the Columbia Journalism Scho…

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Steve Garcia, Jeremiah Wells, UFC Fight Night: Garcia vs. Onama picks 51:49

1M ago51:49

51:49

Two days removed from their chat with David Onama, Jim Norton and Matt Serra return for a Wednesday episode with his opponent in Saturday’s main event — 12th-ranked featherweight Steve Garcia. The Albuquerque native joins the show to discuss his six-fight win streak, his ongoing callout, and why this matchup with Onama feels like the biggest moment…

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A Complicated Woman by Rebecca Lucy Taylor aka Self Esteem 58:51

1M ago58:51

58:51

This week's book guest is A Complicated Woman by Rebecca Lucy Taylor aka Self Esteem. Sara and Cariad are joined by Rebecca Lucy Taylor aka award-winning singer Self Esteem to discuss her debut book. In this episode they discuss creativity, surviving capitalism, success, burnout and Blackadder. Thank you for reading with us. We like reading with yo…

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Episode 158: The Transformation of Hunting in the Modern South with Dr. Julia Brock 1:02:48

1M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

Today Dr. Julia Brock joins in to talk about how hunting transformed and was transformed by the Modern South. We talk about dimensions of race, class, and sex and how they informed land stewarship and environmental conservation in the early twentieth century and how those changes affect us today. About our guest: Dr. Julia Brock is Associate Profes…

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Charles Jourdain talks Vancouver win, David Onama on first main event, UFC 321 reactions 54:36

1M ago54:36

54:36

Jim Norton and Matt Serra kick off the show reacting to the wild ending of UFC 321’s main event — sharing their thoughts on Ciryl Gane’s dominant first round against Tom Aspinall before the anticlimactic finish via accidental eye poke. Both hosts agree they want to see that fight run back — and while Jim pulled ahead of Matt in the week’s win-loss …

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Episode 157: WWII Movies through Time with Dr. John McManus 1:27:29

1M ago1:27:29

1:27:29

This week Dr. John McManus joins in to talk about how WWII films have evolved over time, including our picks for best and worst movies ever made about the war. About our guest: John C. McManus is Curators’ Distinguished Professor of U.S. military history at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). This professorship is best…

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Merab Dvalishvili eyes fourth title defense, Glover Teixeira on Pereira’s future, UFC 321 picks 49:13

2M ago49:13

49:13

Jim Norton and Matt Serra are joined by reigning UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, who returns for his 15th appearance on Unfiltered — just weeks after a whirlwind stretch that saw him defend his title on a Saturday and celebrate Aljamain Sterling’s wedding the very next day. Merab discusses staying hungry now that he’s beaten nearly eve…

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Book-street's Back Alright! 21:54

1M ago21:54

21:54

Sara and Cariad are back with another series of weird and wonderful reads! In this episode they welcome you back in to discuss what they've been reading, pencil cases, what's coming up this series, Cariad has some exciting literary news and we want your listener suggestions. Remember, you don't even have to have read the books to join in! Thank you…

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Drew Dober’s victory lap, Canada’s Melissa Croden talks debut win on home soil, UFC Vancouver recap 50:58

2M ago50:58

50:58

Jim Norton and Matt Serra are joined by lightweight knockout artist Drew Dober fresh off his record-setting 10th UFC lightweight KO — a win that came the same weekend he turned 37 years old. Dober opens up about balancing the pressures of a three-fight skid with life as a father to a two-year-old daughter, celebrating the victory with Krispy Kreme,…

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Series 4 Trailer - Sara and Cariad's Weirdos Book Club 0:58

2M ago0:58

0:58

Sara and Cariad are back for another series of weird and wonderful reads! Send us your listener suggestions and remember you don't even have to have read the book to join in! Thank you for reading with us. We like reading with you! For bonus content, access to BTS photos and videos, messages AND to support the pod 💖 sign up to our Patreon at patreo…

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Episode 156: Dr. Kevin Gannon 1:24:08

2M ago1:24:08

1:24:08

This week my friend Kevin Gannon drops in to talk about his career in history education, how education has changed, what to do about A.I., and the role of social media as a scholar. This is a cool conversation with one of the coolest dudes I know. About our guest: Dr. Kevin Gannon is the Director of the Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excelle…

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Friends of Weirdos - Pod Save the UK 50:04

2M ago50:04

50:04

Sara and Cariad are back with a brand new series next week but while you eagerly await our return, why not take a listen to friend of the podcast and nicest man in comedy Nish Kumar on his incredible show, co-hosted with Coco Khan - Pod Save the UK. Nish joined us for the very first episode of Weirdos - you can also go back and listen to him chatti…

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Episode 155: 13 Days, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Fate of the Americas with Renata Keller 1:06:36

2M ago1:06:36

1:06:36

For 13 days beginning on October 16, 1962 the world teetered on total nuclear destruction. Today, Dr. Renata Keller joins in to talk about the Cuban Missile Crisis, how it is depicted in the film 13 Days, and how the events played out in Latin America. This is a deep dive into arguably the most consequential two weeks in world history. About our gu…

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Mike Malott & Kevin Holland join ahead of co-main clash, UFC Vancouver picks 57:19

2M ago57:19

57:19

Jim Norton and Matt Serra are joined by both sides of UFC Vancouver’s co-main event — Kevin Holland and Mike Malott — just days before the welterweights step into the Octagon. Mike Malott stops by first to talk about representing Canada once again on home soil. Well aware of the danger Holland presents, he breaks down their matchup and shares what …

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Michael Aswell Jr., Bas Rutten, UFC Rio reactions 1:14:56

2M ago1:14:56

1:14:56

Jim Norton and Matt Serra return for a stacked Monday edition of UFC Unfiltered with two guests and plenty to unpack after UFC Rio. First, Houston’s own Michael Aswell Jr. joins the show fresh off his first UFC win — a first-round knockout in Rio — to talk about what it felt like silencing the Brazilian crowd, cutting down from 210 pounds in high s…

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Episode 154: Comanche Nation Chairman Forrest Tahdooahnippah 1:10:02

2M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

Comanche Chairman Forrest Tahdooahnippah joins in to talk about Comanche history, culture, and so much more. We had a chance to talk about the legal relationships between Tribal nations and the United States, the importance of language preservation, what it’s like to lead a Tribe, thoughts on how Comanche people have been portrayed on film, and how…

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Montel Jackson talks high-stakes co-main vs. Figueiredo, UFC Rio predictions 45:15

2M ago45:15

45:15

Jim Norton and Matt Serra return for a new Wednesday edition of UFC Unfiltered with bantamweight contender #15 Montel Jackson, who joins the show ahead of his co-main event bout against former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Rio. Reflecting on his journey from wrestling to the world of mixed martial arts, Montel discusses how watching…

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Episode 153: Notting Hill with Kate Sheppard and Colin Colbourn 1:46:12

2M ago1:46:12

1:46:12

This week Kate Sheppard and Colin Colbourn return to ask if Notting Hill is the greatest romcom of its generation. About our guests: Dr. Kathleen Sheppard earned her PhD in History of Science from the University of Oklahoma in 2010. After a post-doctoral teaching fellowship at the American University in Cairo, she arrived at Missouri S&T in the fal…

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Edmen Shahbazyan, Yousri Belgaroui, UFC 320 takeaways 1:01:56

2M ago1:01:56

1:01:56

Jim Norton and Matt Serra kick off the week with a pair of middleweights at very different points in their UFC journeys. First, Edmen Shahbazyan joins the show fresh off his third win of 2025 to break down his first-round knockout at UFC 320, share what’s changed in his mindset since joining Xtreme Couture, and explain why he believes his best days…

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Cory Sandhagen talks title shot vs. Merab, Josh Emmett confident at 40 vs. Zalal, UFC 320 picks 48:47

2M ago48:47

48:47

Jim and Matt are back with a midweek edition of UFC Unfiltered featuring two top contenders with massive fights on the horizon. First, bantamweight standout Cory Sandhagen stops by ahead of his second shot at the 135-pound title to preview his clash with Merab Dvalishvili. Cory breaks down Merab’s relentless style, and reflects on his growth in the…

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Brendan Allen on short-notice scrap vs. RDR, Manel Kape talks Royval showdown, UFC Perth recap 53:49

2M ago53:49

53:49

Jim and Matt return with a stacked Monday episode of UFC Unfiltered. Middleweight contender Brendan Allen joins the show to preview his short-notice showdown with Reinier de Ridder in Vancouver, explain why he’s confident he’ll score a knockout by Round 3, and weigh in on the wide-open middleweight title picture. Then, flyweight contender Manel Kap…

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Mario Bautista eyes 9-fight win streak, Mateusz Gamrot on Oliveira matchup, UFC Perth picks 53:01

2M ago53:01

53:01

Matt Serra and Jim Norton return for a midweek edition of UFC Unfiltered with a pair of No. 8–ranked contenders, bantamweight Mario Bautista and lightweight Mateusz Gamrot, as both men prepare to embrace the road-dog role against fan favorites. Bautista joins the show to reflect on his eight-fight winning streak and preview next month’s bantamweigh…

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Youssef Zalal talks Josh Emmett matchup, Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani on DWCS win, guest co-host Din Thomas 1:06:29

3M ago1:06:29

1:06:29

Din Thomas jumps in as guest co-host alongside Matt Serra for a jam-packed Monday edition of UFC Unfiltered! First up, 9th-ranked featherweight Youssef Zalal stops by ahead his UFC 320 showdown with Josh Emmett. Riding a four-fight UFC winning streak, Youssef shares stories from his long-awaited trip back to Morocco before shifting his focus to his…

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Aljamain Sterling on Ortega win & 145-lb. title path, Aly Mac talks next weekend’s UFC Perth card 56:12

3M ago56:12

56:12

Matt brings the heat with a brand new microphone as he teams up with guest co-host John Morgan for a midweek edition of UFC Unfiltered! Nearly a month removed from his UFC Shanghai win over Brian Ortega, Aljamain Sterling returns to the show to discuss Ortega’s weight-cut struggles, his recent back-and-forth with Lerone Murphy, and what’s next in h…

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Alden Coria on UFC debut win, Teddy Atlas talks Bud Crawford & newfound MMA appreciation, Noche UFC recap 1:16:05

3M ago1:16:05

1:16:05

Guest co-host RJ Clifford joins Jim and Matt for a packed Monday show after a huge week for fight fans! Flyweight Alden Coria kicks things off by discussing his journey from preparing for a Contender Series shot to making a successful short-notice UFC debut at Noche UFC. He also shares how training alongside Joshua Van at 4oz Fight Club has elevate…

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Rob Font, Tatiana Suarez, Noche UFC predictions 54:08

3M ago54:08

54:08

Matt Serra and Jim Norton look ahead to this Saturday’s Noche UFC card in San Antonio with two fighters set to compete: Rob Font and Tatiana Suarez. First up, bantamweight veteran Rob Font joins the show to discuss preparing for yet another short-notice opponent change and how training in Texas with Gordon Ryan has sharpened his ground game. He als…