The Cage Zone podcast: Recent Episodes
Farzin Vousoughian
The UFC makes its way to St. Louis for the first time as two featherweights square off in the main event, both seeking relevancy in the division. Farzin previews the main card, plus other notable fighters in the prelims in St. Louis. Also, Farzin touches Conor McGregor’s latest Twitter spat and why it is starting to become annoying. Plus, one UFC champion need to revert his focus back to his division.
UFC 219 wrapped up MMA in 2017. Farzin recaps UFC 219, going over Cris Cyborg’s win over Holly Holm while discussing his impressions, plus questions about judging coming off the main event. Farzin also discusses Khabib Nurmagomedov dominant win and the future of the lightweight division. Farzin also hands out his 2017 UFC awards in the 5 Rounds segment.
Farzin hosts the final show of 2017 as he previews UFC 219, but also discusses some of the drama that took place before building and finalizing the entire UFC 219 card regarding Conor McGregor and Dana White shutting down rumors of a Tyron Woodley vs. Nate Diaz fight for this card. Who is at fault for UFC 219’s lack of hype? What can the UFC do better? Farzin discusses that and previews some of the biggest fights on this weekend’s card.
Farzin recaps the main event of UFC on Fox 26 between Rafael dos Anjos and Robbie Lawler. Where does RDA go from here after a dominant win. Farzin explains his near future, and another fighter who could learn from RDA. Farzin also talks about some of the other highlights from UFC on Fox 26. Plus, something has been revealed regarding Ronda Rousey’s activity with the WWE.
Farzin returns to recap Brian Ortega’s big win from Fight Night 123. Where does Ortega match up with the rest of the division and what is his next move? Farzin does not think it’s quite time to give him a title shot. However, Farzin will explain what big match should happen next for Ortega. Farzin also discusses the recent news of Conor McGregor possibly getting into another boxing match while GSP has had to vacate his title due to injury. Is Dana White losing complete control of his own fighters? And why do we continue to hear White say one thing while fighters have a completely different story? Farzin discusses all of that, and much more!
Farzin recaps an entertaining UFC 218 card, filled with little hype and drama, yet was one of the best UFC cards of the year. Farzin goes over the main card and what each win and loss means for those fighters. One fan illegally streamed the event, fooling the streaming service in a crazy way. Also, one writer was unimpressed with UFC 218.
The UFC has two events this weekend and Farzin is here to discuss UFC 218 and the UFC TUF 26 finale with a new champion to be crowned. Dana White spoke to the media this week, but his comments aren’t adding up with previous ones. Hear which comments of White’s Farzin talked about. Farzin also shares his thoughts on Michael Bisping fighting on short notice and suffering a brutal knockout loss. Plus, one former champion needs to keep her mouth shut.
Farzin returns to The Cage Zone podcast as he goes over the craziness of the UFC 219 card. The UFC has made Cyborg vs. Holm, but they could be trying for more to end 2017 on a big note. Hear what else they are trying and what Farzin thinks. Farzin gives his thoughts on Jose Aldo replacing Frankie Edgar, and what that could mean for Cub Swanson. Plus, the Colby Covington drama continues.
It was a crazy event with three new UFC champions at UFC 217. Farzin recaps the epic event and the leadup to UFC 217. He recaps the three title fights, plus what we can learn from the three former champions.
Farzin is back as he recaps some of the biggest news and notes from the UFC and Bellator as he previews Bellator 186 this Friday and UFC 217 on Saturday, both combining for five title fights.
It’s a solid weekend of MMA fights with Bellator 185 Friday night and UFC Gdansk Saturday afternoon. Farzin previews the key fights from both cards and tells you why you should follow the main cards for both events. Farzin also touches on one fight that Conor McGregor could be a part of, and Farzin hopes that match never comes to fruition.
UFC 216 is in the books as we have a new interim champion and a shocking submission that led to a record-breaking performance. Farzin recaps the event’s biggest fights. Is Demetrious Johnson the best fighter in UFC history? Will Tony Ferguson get Conor McGregor right away? And should the performance institute be used more by fighters? Farzin answers all of those on this episode.
UFC 216 is upon us as Farzin breaks down the top three fights, plus gives you his wild-card fighter of the card. Farzin will give you his predictions for the top three matches. Plus, Farzin has an idea for one network that could step into an agreement with the UFC, and possibly change the game for broadcasting combat sporting events.
There have been multiple dates thrown for the trilogy fight between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz, but nothing official. Farzin touches on the rumor, plus shares a comment he found on social media that would help hype of the fight even better, but even help another area for the UFC. Also, will the NFL-political drama spill over to MMA?
After Luke Rockhold’s big win at UFC Pittsburgh, he sent a message to GSP. Ronda Rousey’s coach wants Ronda to fight Cirs Cyborg. Farzin gives his thoughts on both stories. Did Rockhold make the right move? And would Ronda be able to fight Cris? Farzin also chats with Aaron Highfill and Jordan Dowdy of Shamrock FC ahead of Shamrock FC 295.
UFC 215 is over, but without some drama. The main event was called off and the other title fight ended with a controversial split decision. Farzin will give his take on whether he felt Amanda Nunes was the rightful winner. Plus, Valentina Shevchenko shares her near future with the UFC. Also, Farzin discusses the continuous cancellation with main event/big fights. Farzin also discusses Jon Jones officially being stripped of the light heavyweight title, and UFC 217 continues to add big names.
Farzin recaps 2017 so far for the UFC and how the UFC needs to find a way to finish strong, and bounce back in 2018. He breaks down UFC 215, and explains why Amanda Nunes and Demetrious Johnson are the two most underappreciated champions right now in the UFC. Also, Ronda Rousey might be heading to the WWE. Plus, When can we expect McGregor-Diaz 3?
The big super-fight between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor finally went down. Farzin recaps the fight, letting everyone know why it lived up to the hype, and worth the money to buy on PPV. Farzin also explains that even though McGregor lost, he is the bigger winner coming out of the fight. Farzin explains why. Also, one UFC fighter took a shot at McGregor after the loss. Plus, we say goodbye to one UFC broadcaster.
UFC Mexico City is in the books, and it is one of the best events the UFC has done this year. Farzin recaps UFC Mexico City. He also ranks the top five UFC events so far this year. The top spot may shock you. Farzin also discusses the UFC possibly bolstering their cards in future big events.
In this jam-packed edition of The Cage Zone podcast, Farzin recaps UFC 214, which has been the most successful UFC event of 2017 so far. Farzin gives his thoughts on Jon Jones returning as champion, Joe Rogan interviewing Daniel Cormier after a TKO, Cris Cyborg finally earning UFC gold, plus the drama between Tyron Woodley and Dana White. Shamrock FC, a Missouri-based MMA promotion, struck a major TV deal earlier this week. Shamrock FC president and CEO Jesse Finney joins Farzin to discuss the TV deal plus the future of the promotion.
Farzin previews a stacked UFC 214 card with three title fights, plus an unintentional theme to this card that you may have missed. Farzin will tell you what that is, break down the main card and give his predictions. Plus, he also gives you one fighter you should keep an eye on during the prelims. Also, one fighter crossed the line while trash talking with another fighter on social media.
Farzin goes over the world media tour that featured and promoted Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor. You may be surprised, but Farzin was not a fan of the tour. He explains why. Farzin also gives you who he thinks some of the top fighters from UFC Glasgow should face next. Plus, one fighter must win this weekend on UFC on Fox 25.
UFC International Fight Week is in the books. Some things did not go as planned, including the main event of UFC 213 between Amanda Nunes and Valentina Shevchenko for the UFC women’s bantamweight title. Farzin discusses the mishaps of International Fight Week for the second year in a row. With MMA fights constantly being called off, what is the solution? Dana White thinks he may have the solution and Farzin mentions it. Farzin also talks about Gegard Mousasi moving on to Bellator and why that is disappointing but good at the same time. Plus, the price tag for Mayweather-McGregor has been released.
After a holiday weekend, Farzin is back to preview UFC International Fight Week with ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ Season 25 finale and UFC 213. Amanda Nunes will defend her title after coming off a huge win over Ronda Rousey. Yoel Romero and Robert Whittaker will battle for the interim UFC middleweight title and a shot to face Michael Bisping. Plus, Justin Gaethje makes his long-awaited UFC debut. Plus, Ronda Rousey made a public appearance in a very horrible interview. Farzin breaks down all of that, and much more on this episode.
Farzin returns as he touches on a couple of big fights that have been announced in combat sports. UFC fighter, coach and TUF semi-finalist James Krause joins Farzin to talk about this season of TUF as well as Megan Anderson getting ready to fight Cris Cyborg. Farzin also goes over the UFC stripping Germaine de Randamie of the UFC Featherweight Title, in which she was shocked to learn through Twitter. But Farzin will explain why GDR should accept having to forfeit the title. Plus, Bellator NYC and UFC OKC will take place this weekend.
After a rough start in 2017 for the UFC, the promotion has picked back up midway through the spring and continuing to put great shows during the summer. Farzin recaps as he explains why UFC Auckland is one of the best events so far in 2017. Speaking of the best events, Bellator President Scott Coker said that Bellator NYC is the best MMA pay-per-view that will be offered in 2017. Farzin will explain if he thinks he is right. Plus, Dana White responds to Demetrious Johnson’s comments as Holly Holm and Bethe Correia try to rebound after both fighters were once undefeated for a long time. Farzin gives you his predictions for UFC Singapore.
Things get real between Demetrious Johnson and UFC President Dana White. Farzin gives his take on the public feud between Mighty Mouse and the company and why the UFC has no reasonable case to put him against TJ Dillashaw. Farzin also recaps UFC 212. Plus, Farzin is surprised one champion is receiving some hatred from fans.
UFC Stockholm is in the books, and it may be one of the best cards the UFC has had so far in 2017. Farzin recaps the event and talks about Alexander Gustafsson’s, win as far as what it means for him and when he will fight for the Light Heavyweight Title. Is it possible his title shot could get delayed? Farzin also previews UFC 212 and gives you his predictions for the three big matches for that card. You may be surprised with one of his predictions. Plus, Farzin will tell you who could emerge as a superstar in the UFC and one big decision the UFC has made with one of their inactive divisions.
The UFC Athlete Retreat took place this past weekend. Everything was just fine, until Cris Cyborg punched Angela Magana in an altercation. Both Cyborg and Magana have commented on the issue since it occurred. Farzin weighs in and tells you what the consequences should be for Cyborg. But even worse, the UFC’s only women’s featherweight fighter might now be inactive. Two fighters lashed out on Ronda Rousey for her silence. Farzin tells you who those two fighters are, what they said, and why they are right. Farzin also has a suggesgtion for Rousey’s next fight. All of that, plus much more, on this episode.
UFC 211 is in the books and Farzin is back to recap the highs and lows. Should Stipe Miocic and Joanna Jedrzejczyk be tabbed as some of the top superstars in the UFC? Farzin also goes over a suggesgtion Dana White received after controversy ensued between Alvarez and Poirier. Plus, Bisping-GSP has been called off and Farzin goes over some of the highlights from the UFC Summer press conference.
The UFC looks to have its first successful pay-per-view of the year after struggling so far in 2017. With a stacked card for UFC 211, Farzin believes it will deliver. Farzin gives you his predictions for the main and co-main events as well as why the entire card from start to finish is a “can’t miss” card. Plus, Farzin gives his take on Nate Diaz’s recent interview. And Dana White reverts back on something he said about Jon Jones.
Former WSOF Lightweight Champion and superstar Justin Gaethje has reportedly signed with the UFC. He was called out by a fighter late Saturday night on Twitter, and Gaethje accepted. Farzin will tell you who that fighter is. If you’re not familiar with Gaethje, Farzin will tell you what you need to know and why this is a big deal. And in the Five Rounds - Going The Distance segment, Farzin touches on the struggling UFC’s women’s featherweight division, Tyron Woodley’s possible surprise opponent and more.
The UFC completed its first trip to Kansas City, and it was a success. Along with the entire card going as planned, the event shattered the Sprint Center record for highest-grossing sporting event in Sprint Center history. Though the UFC does this often, Farzin tells you why this is an impressive accomplishment in Kansas City. Also, how do we quantify who is the greatest UFC fighter of all time? Does that honor go to Mighty Mouse? Also, one fighter claims he has a huge announcement coming up soon.
Farzin previews the stacked card for UFC on Fox 24 in Kansas City. Can Wilson Reis challenge ”Mighty Mouse” and capture the UFC Flyweight Championship? Which strawweight can inch closer to a title shot? And will is the UFC on the brink of losing a pair of big time middleweights? Farzin answers all of those questions. Plus, Farzin explains why Tony Ferguson is right in his comments about Nate Diaz.
Farzin recaps a week filled with great fights, drama, controversy and retirements before, during and after UFC 210. Why was Daniel Cormier able to have an easy time with Anthony “Rumble” Johnson? Did “Rumble” throw the match? Does Gegard Mousasi deserve more money? Will Chris Weidman be able to overturn his loss? Farzin answers all of those questions in this recap edition.
The UFC is back with a pay-per-view this week. UFC 210 is under pressure after a poor start for the promotion in 2017. Farzin will explain what the UFC needs in order to snap its drought in 2017, as well as give you his predictions for the main and co-main event. Will Daniel Cormier retain the title against Anthony “Rumble” Johnson? Can Chris Weidman snap his losing streak against Gegard Mousasi? Farzin will answer those questions in this podcast. Also, Farzin will explain why Bellator isn’t closing the gap on the UFC quite yet.
Ever since Conor McGregor became a two-division champion, other fighters are trying to make their case as to why they deserve a money fight, including one who wants to be a three-division champion. Farzin dives into the subject in detail and explains why the UFC may fear allowing another two-division champion ever again. Will Nate Diaz fight soon? There is one person who wants to fight him, and Farzin explains why this would be the perfect non-Conor fight for Diaz. Also, there is one free agent every MMA fan should keep their eye on.