Rear Naked Choke Radio (MMA): Recent Episodes
ronshowjoeted
Check us out! Joe Rizzo and Jay Kelly dig deep into the lives of the movers and shakers of the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) to get the real stories of the combat sports world. Join the guys on iTunes and your favorite podcasting apps.
Joe Rizzo brings you MMA on Rear Naked Choke Radio, breaking down the UFC 269 main card. Charles Oliveira meets Dustin Poirier for the 155-pound belt, while Amanda Nunes defends her title against Juliana Pena.
Riz also gives a look at some of the fights on the undercard, including a female underdog worth taking a look at.
For this and more, subscribe wherever you find your podcasts, be it Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube.
FOLLOW, WATCH, LISTEN, SUBSCRIBE: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/rearnakedchoke Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joerizzomma/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA
Joe Rizzo brings you MMA. As Rear Naked Choke Radio kicked off its 15th (!) year, Riz was joined by Nick Kalikas (@FightOdds) of Circa Sports in Las Vegas to talk about Conor McGregor and his fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 on January 23.
Nick is the Risk Supervisor and works in the Risk Room at Circa, and he specializes in making the betting lines for MMA, plus most of the other major sports. He offered incredible insight into the McGregor vs. Poirier fight, including the opening line, the movement of the line and the prop bets. Riz & Nick discussed who they like in the big fight, and kicked around which betting angles might be worth it throughout the card, not just for the stellar main event. Nick added tremendous insider perspective about how things work on the inside of the casinos. It was a great way to commence Year 15!
For this and more, subscribe wherever you find your podcasts, be it iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Talkshoe or others.
FOLLOW, WATCH, LISTEN, SUBSCRIBE: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/rearnakedchoke, https://twitter.com/RNCRadio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joerizzomma/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA
Joe Rizzo brings you MMA. Riz broke apart the UFC 253 title matches and a lot more with a crew from The Building Downtown, which includes long-time former co-host Jay Kelly. The middleweight division features champ Israel Adesanya against Paulo Costa, and there's a new champion to take Jon Jones' vacated spot in the light-heavyweight class between Dominick Reyes and Jan Błachowicz.
There was more than just critical fight analysis, as the crew reviewed Colby Covington's Trump-fueled shtick, political statements in sports, Diamond DIehards baseball coverage, and betting lines for the upcoming UFC event.
For this and more, subscribe wherever you find your podcasts, be it iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Talkshoe or others.
RNC RADIO: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/rearnakedchoke, https://twitter.com/RNCRadio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joerizzomma/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA
THE BUILDING DOWNTOWN: Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBuildingDT Facebook: https://bit.ly/34MjrUb YouTube: https://bit.ly/2xDC6VV Itunes: https://apple.co/3aeWXw9
Joe Rizzo brings you MMA. Riz broke apart the UFC 252 heavyweight title trilogy match between champ Stipe Miocic and former belt-holder Daniel Cormier. He talked about what it would mean for either fighter to win the title, in terms of their future prospects, legacy in the division and in the whole of MMA. Riz looked at this "old guy" card as fans' best opportunity to see the greatest in the UFC for at least a month, as the next Pay-Per-View is slated for the middle of September. He also broke down the construction of the card, which includes needle-mover Sean O'Malley, and the heavyweight tilt between former champion Junior dos Santos and rising contender Jairzinho Rozenstruik. He waxed poetic about old pal and fellow New Jersian Jim Miller, who meets Pedro Munhoz (finally), and found an angle on watching the female fights on the ESPN prelims, with two former Invicta FC strawweight champions in respective bouts, trying to move forward into UFC title contention. Lots to unpack ahead of possibly the best fight of a crazy 2020!
For this and more, subscribe wherever you find your podcasts, be it iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Talkshoe or others.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/rearnakedchoke, https://twitter.com/RNCRadio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joerizzomma/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA
Joe Rizzo brings you MMA. Riz (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) now of The Building Downtown (@TheBuildingDT) brought back the good ole days of RNC Radio on the heels of The UFC Fight Island event in which Deiveson Figueiredo wiped out Joseph Benavidez for the 125-pound title. They kicked it off with some talk about the event, which had ended mere moments before they talked, but then transitioned to the state of broadcasting in MMA, including critiques of UFC play-by-play announcer Jon Anik and reporters Laura Sanko and Megan Olivi, plus a review of what Mike Goldberg meant to the UFC. Then Jay asked Riz to name his dream promoter, matchmaker, and TV crew, with some surprise answers.
What set this show apart was the discussion about who would be a dream interview for Riz & Jay, from MMA to NBA circles. Intertwined was the analysis of what the media means to sports and to the world in general in 2020. Jay brought Riz back to his days in professional sports locker rooms, and got him to share some stories of how things work behind the scenes when the cameras are not necessarily on, with etiquette between reporters and what it means to the finished products in print, online, radio and TV. An absolutely packed couple of hours with the guys!
For this and more, subscribe wherever you find your podcasts, be it iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Talkshoe or others. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/rearnakedchoke, https://twitter.com/RNCRadio, https://twitter.com/JayKellyMMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joerizzomma/
Joe Rizzo brings you MMA. RIz (@RearNakedChoke) finally sat down with Sergio Da Silva to discuss all aspects of his amazing life. Da Silva (@TheSavage125) might not be the most recognizable name in MMA, but he's kept company with some of the biggest names in the world. Born in Rio and moved to Queens when he was 3, Da Silva explained his most unlikely introduction to late Soprano's lead James Gandolfini, and detailed how he ended up working for him for years and enjoyed a brother-like relationship. He revealed a story never-before heard about one of Gandolfini's many selfless charity exploits, this one starting with a call to Da Silva in the middle of the night shortly after Superstorm Sandy rocked the New York Metropolitan area. Sergio also recounted the last time he heard from his friend, one of the great actors of his generation, and mixed in stories about how they rubbed elbows with Jay-Z, Beyonce, Neo, Ethan Hawke and LeBron James at NJ Nets games. Then it was on to his relationship and evaluation of up-and-coming MMA fighter John Gotti, Jr., and Sergio explained his relationship with the family. That melded into talk about Da Silva's trial over an alleged bank robbery, of which has talked about very little to this point. Da Silva explained what he went through from a legal and personal standpoint during the harrowing time from the accusation through gaining his freedom. In the meantime, Sergio explained his expertise on pizza, and Riz encouraged him to start his pizza reviews, not worrying about being called a copycat to Dave Portnoy for doing it.
For this and more, subscribe wherever you find your podcasts, be it iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Talkshoe or others. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/rearnakedchoke, https://twitter.com/RNCRadio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joerizzomma/
Joe Rizzo brings you MMA. Riz devoured the UFC 249 card. After a few days to come back down to earth, he broke down what we saw in real time and what it means going forward, from the excitement of Sam Alvey absorbing cheers from a non-existent crowd, to Bryce Mitchell's domination, to Henry Cejudo's retirement and Dominick Cruz's criticism of referee Keith Peterson. Then there is the matter of Justin Gaethje. Riz explained why this destruction of Tony Ferguson somehow meant even more to Gaethje's success than it would appear (and it appears to have meant A LOT). Will it be Conor McGregor or Khabib Nurmagomedov next for Gaethje, or is that even the most important question?
The show closed with a quick look at the next two UFC cards, which also were slated for Jacksonville, Fla., with a couple of extra words on Ovince Saint Preux, who makes his heavyweight debut against former IFL champion Ben Rothwell on the May 13 event headlined by the match between Anthony Smith and Glover Teixeira.
For this and more, subscribe wherever you find your podcasts, be it iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, Talkshoe or others. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/rearnakedchoke, https://twitter.com/RNCRadio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joerizzomma/
Joe Rizzo explains why UFC 249 never stood a chance. The event was slated for April 18 at Tachi Palace in Lemoore, Calif., but was scuttled when UFC president Dana White was asked by the top brass at ESPN and parent company Disney to cancel the event, and others that were being planned there for the coming weeks. White told ESPN that he still plans on moving forward with his plan for Fight Island, and says that the infrastructure is being built at this time.
For this and more, subscribe wherever you find your podcasts, be it iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and more. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio/
The Corona Virus (COVID-19) is sweeping the globe with tremendous ramifications. Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) break down what it could make UFC events look like in the future. Find out how they arrived at the big question: If Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov had only 1,000 seats available, how much would people pay? Tweet your answers to the guys and @RNCRadio. There was also a full deconstruction of the meaning of the epic fight at UFC 248 in which Zhang Weili edged Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Was this the moment women's MMA finally became just MMA? And what happens with the main-eventers from UFC 248, champion Israel Adesanya and Yoel Romero after their snoozefest? You will always get answers here, and on this episode, you find out exactly how Joe would attack Jay if they ever fought on the Rainbow Bridge, for the declaration of supremacy between the USA and Canada. For this and more, subscribe wherever you find your podcasts, be it iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and more. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio/
Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and Joe Rizzo (@rearnakedchoke) hooked up RNC Radio with The Building Downtown to chat UFC 248, BTC 9: Rampage, Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder, and a strangely true comparison.
UFC 248 is headlined by middleweight champion Israel Adesanya vs. Yoel Romero, with a co-main event between strawweight champion Zhang Weili vs. former division queen Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Kelly and Rizzo talked about the four fighters at the top of the card, who they think will win, as well as some of the other key matchups, such as Sean O'Malley vs. José Alberto Quiñónez.
Rizzo also laid out a fair comparison between Romero and David Ayres, a 42-year-old emergency goalie who recently played in -- and won -- an NHL game for the Carolina Hurricanes.
Kelly and TBD co-host Kirill Kasatskiy attended BTC 9: Rampage at The Aud on Feb. 29, in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Kelly and Rizzo touched on the event's main-event winner, Jesse Ronson, and the importance of supporting local MMA. For more on the promotion, check The Building Downtown for a recap show in an upcoming episode that will feature fighters from BTC 9.
Kelly and Rizzo, though a little late to the party, discussed Tyson Fury's knockout victory against Deontay Wilder. The former co-hosts talked about Fury's performance, the costume fiasco, allegations of Fury cheating, and what they think will happen in July's rematch. Rizzo even added a rare rant, in which he panned the so-called experts who all seemed to have predicted the outcome correctly after the fact rather than before the fight, in which Fury went off as a slight underdog.
Subscribe to RNC Radio (@RNCRadio) and follow along on Twitter, in addition to joining our emerging Facebook group at facebook.com/RNCRadio.
Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) is joined by fellow gray-beard Joe LoZito (@Joe_LoZito) to reminisce about the day 30 years ago this week that the unbeatable Mike Tyson was knocked out by 42-1 underdog Buster Douglas, and the cultural impact of the event as they saw it with their own eyes. Eventually some other important subjects were covered, like Roadhouse, Heartbreak Ridge, the art of acquiring hockey-fight tapes, and how to follow MMA when VHS was a thing.
This week also marked another anniversary, as it was nine years ago that LoZito heroically stopped a man on a killing spree on a New York City subway car and lived (barely) to tell about it. LoZito recounted it on this episode, but does a more in-depth version on The Coliseum Chronicles.
Subscribe wherever you find your podcasts. Follow the show at @RNCRadio and Facebook.com/RNCRadio. And give Joe LoZito's Coliseum Chronicles a shot at @ColiSinBinPod. And do not forget about @JayKellyMMA!
UFC 247 featured some dubious judging, in a sport where we have seen way too much of it. Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) assessed what happened on a night where Dominick Reyes appeared to be robbed of the light-heavyweight belt with a great performance against legendary Jon Jones. In addition, Andrea "KGB" Lee and Ilir Latifi were on the wrong side of stunning decision. And James Krause missed a chance to have a career moment when he was not given the nod against Trevin Giles, despite clearly winning the first and third rounds. Krause took the fight on just 24 hours' notice, moved up a weight class and looked like he had completed a fairytale weekend ... until the judges stepped in. This was another shared show with The Building Downtown, so give them a follow (@TheBuildingDT) and a listen, and subscribe to RNC Radio on wherever you find your podcasts. A special note of thanks to RNC Nation for making the UFC 247 preview episode our most downloaded in 3.5 years! You guys are the best. Come at us on Twitter (@RNCRadio) and join our Facebook group at Facebook.com/RNCRadio.
The underdogs in the main events of UFC 247 are live, according to Rear Naked Choke Radio's Joe Rizzo and Jay Kelly. The hosts did another shared episode with The Building Downtown, and dove in depth to the fights in Houston. Joe gave reasons why old friend and former occasional RNC Radio host Katlyn Chookagian could upset Valentina Shevchenko in the women's flyweight division title fight, and why he thinks Dominick Reyes might be the one to finally upset Jon Jones, and take the belt for the light-heavyweight division. While Jay is more likely to stick with the favorites, he explained why he is interested in the fights and also why even if he is not wagering, he finds value in looking at the movement in the betting lines. Follow Rear Naked Choke Radio on Twitter at @RNCRadio, and at facebook.com/RNCRadio. Subscribe and listen to all the episodes on iTunes, Spotify, Alexa and wherever you find your podcasts.
The big return of Conor McGregor at UFC 246 against Cowboy Cerrone was good enough to get Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) on the air. Jay now also hosts The Building Downtown (@BuildingDowntown) and the guys got together to share this episode, so you can also catch it over there. McGregor returns to MMA for the first time since getting beaten by Khabib Nurmagomedov on Oct. 6, 2018, and has not won in the UFC since beating Eddie Alvarez on Nov. 12, 2016. Cerrone headed into the match with a two-match losing streak, falling by TKO to Justin Gaethje and Tony Ferguson, since beating Al Iaquinta on May 4, 2019.
Technically we are shooting for having this episode cover our entry in 2019. We DID a show, but technical crap on the back end with Talkshoe prevented us from ever airing it (until now). So here it is. Joe and Jay actually did it, and it literally took us a year (actually just a few days shy of a year) to post it. We talked about UFC Fight Night 143, and if anyone remembers that off the top of their heads, then kudos to them. Whether this is your first time listening to MMA's longest-running podcast, or you have been with us from the beginning days as The Ron Show, Featuring Joe and Ted: Mundane Family Entertainment, we appreciate you listening and want to keep you entertained, so hit us back with feedback on our twitter or Facebook (both @RNCRadio), or contact the hosts. You might be the first! Listen to RNC Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher and anyplace where podcasts are sold (they're free). Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
It happened! Joe Rizzo and Jay Kelly have hosted RNC Radio together for years, but this show in front of a live studio audience in Mississauga, Ontario was the first time they have ever met in person! The guys talked about UFC 226, but it was the dynamic of having them in the same room at the same time with beers that made this one of the most special RNC Radio episodes ever. Whether this is your first time listening to MMA's longest-running podcast, or you have been with us from the beginning days as The Ron Show, Featuring Joe and Ted: Mundane Family Entertainment, we appreciate you listening and want to keep you entertained, so hit us back with feedback on our twitter or Facebook (both @RNCRadio), or contact the hosts. Listen to RNC Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher, or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Conor McGregor, what have you done? Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) make the assessment of McGregorâ??s criminal antics ahead of UFC 223 at the Barclayâ??s Center in Brooklyn. They captured the moments where the news broke that McGregor had surrendered himself to police some eight hours after starting a melee that at once left a wake of damage to fellow fighters and the UFC 223 card. Did McGregor abdicate his throne as the king of the UFC? It might not be too early to tell, as Kelly and Rizzo looked at all the angles, from present to future, for the Irishman. Whether this is your first time listening to MMA's longest-running podcast, or you have been with us from the beginning days as The Ron Show, Featuring Joe and Ted: Mundane Family Entertainment, we appreciate you listening and want to keep you entertained, so hit us back with feedback on our twitter or Facebook (both @RNCRadio), or contact the hosts. Listen to RNC Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher, or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Max Holloway, you have officially been declared a Jersey Guy. The declaration came on Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio), as Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) declared it to Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) after Hollowayâ??s heart-felt tweet to Frankie Edgar after UFC 222. Rizzo and Kelly took the opportunity to do a deep dive into the careers of Holloway, Edgar, Cris Cyborg and even the retiring Mike Pyle. There was talk of the rash of split decisions at UFC 222, plus the latest on reactions from Nate Diaz, and the Burger King signing of new pitch man Conor McGregor (plus Hollowayâ??s take on it). It was also the UFC debu of jiu-jitsu phenom Mackenzie Dern and the second promotional fight for Sean Oâ??Malley. Whether this is your first time listening to MMA's longest-running podcast, or you have been with us from the beginning days as The Ron Show, Featuring Joe and Ted: Mundane Family Entertainment, we appreciate you listening and want to keep you entertained, so hit us back with feedback on our twitter or Facebook (both @RNCRadio), or contact the hosts. Listen to RNC Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher, or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Rear Naked Choke Radio turns 11 years old as Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) returned to the podcast ethernet to talk MMA. It's a hang in which the listeners get to know the hosts (and guests) as real people. With UFC 223 in Brooklyn in the offing, Rizzo and Kelly broke down the two title fights, and the possibilities for the men's 155-pound division, and women's 115-pound circuit. Rose Namajunas defends her title against Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Tony Ferguson puts his interim belt on the line against Khabib Nurmogomedov, in a bout to determine the real champion as Conor McGregor sits idle. Whether this is your first time listening to MMA's longest-running podcast, or you have been with us from the beginning days as The Ron Show, Featuring Joe and Ted: Mundane Family Entertainment, we appreciate you listening and want to keep you entertained, so hit us back with feedback on our twitter or Facebook (both @RNCRadio), or contact the hosts. Listen to RNC Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher, or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at
Emily Miller was the first guest in the history of the show known today as Rear Naked Choke Radio. For the 10th anniversary celebration, Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Emily (@EmilyMillerLV) shot the shit for an hour. It was in typical RNC Radio fashion - no frills, just a hang in which the listeners get to know the guests as real people. The first time Emily was on the show, she was a mere 20 years old and was just starting out as a ring card girl for the International Fight League (IFL). A third of her lifetime later, she has retained her role in MMA as a ring card girl for World Series of Fighting (WSOF). As it turns out, the day Emily joined Joe, she had just done her first podcast herself, as part of the Onnit group of shows! Whether this is your first time listening to MMA's longest-running podcast, or you have been with us from the beginning days as The Ron Show, Featuring Joe and Ted: Mundane Family Entertainment, we appreciate you listening and want to keep you entertained, so hit us back with feedback on our twitter or Facebook (both @RNCRadio), or contact the hosts. Listen to RNC Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher, or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather MIGHT happen. Georges St. Pierre vs. Michael Bisping WILL happen. Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) broke down the where, when and how for both in the latest installment of Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio). Rizzo and Kelly immediately gave their thoughts on McGregor-Mayweather, as they explained why this would be the biggest pay-per-view in combat sports history. When it came to St. Pierre vs. Bisping, the angles changed, with the focus on where this fight might take place, how marketable it will be, and why. The show took a turn toward nostalgia, as RNC Radio is approaching its 10th anniversary. Joe recalled some of the early days, when he captained the unofficial official show of the International Fight League (IFL). There was also a tease for who to expect on the 10th Anniversary Spectacular! Hard-hitting, intelligent and witty analysis has helped make RNC Radio the longest-running MMA-based podcast in history, now in its 10th year. Listen to RNC Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher, or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
There's barely enough intriguing MMA going on right now just to keep the conversation going ... so that's what we did. Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) on Rear Naked Choke Radio talked about Tito Ortiz vs. Chael Sonnen at Bellator 170, Bellator as a promotion, the upcoming UFC events, the fight they like, and kept the conversation going. Bellator is notorious for putting on tentpole events. They typically feature sideshows or over-the-hill fighters, but that wasn't necessarily the case at Bellator 170. Rizzo and Kelly expressed their gripes about Bellator and their subpar main events, but also talked about where Ortiz and Sonnen stack up compared to the promotion's previous tentpole main events. While complaints were made, the hosts found the positive aspects Bellator 170, the promotion's future and what could stand to change. As conversation lacked, Rizzo and Kelly resorted back to UFC talk. The UFC has a steady flow of events on the horizon, yet none of them spark a lot of interest in fans. The inaugural women's featherweight (145-pound) champion will be crowned after Holly Holm meets Germaine De Randamie at UFC 208. The UFC is returning to Canada in Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia. Gavin Tucker, a Newfoundlander making his UFC debut, made Rizzo happy for reasons unknown. Heck, even Anderson Silva is about to grace the Octagon in the near future, but Rizzo and Kelly were looking for a fight to sink their teeth into. The RNC Radio duo found their match in Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Tony Ferguson on March 4. Rizzo and Kelly talked about the lack of significant bouts between now and then, but also the ones that do just enough to keep the conversation going on this episode of RNC Radio. This hard-hitting analysis has helped make RNC Radio the longest-running MMA-based podcast in history, now in its 10th year. Listen to RNC Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher, or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
Ronda Rousey's future as a fighter is in peril as we hit 2017. With Rousey's loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207, Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) took a hard look at what got the former champion to the top, why she fell, and where she can go from here. Their unique, in-depth analysis comes from a different angle; not the same recycled phrases and thoughts that have been bounding around the internet. This was a complete dissection, from opponents to career plateaus, and trainers to athletic history. They looked at WHY she would want to stay with fighting or leave, not IF she will. This hard-hitting analysis has helped make RNC Radio the longest-running MMA-based podcast in history, now in its 10th year. Listen to RNC Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher, or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
Caroline Pearce has emerged as a star across the Atlantic and the Pacific. Americans and Canadians should expect to see and hear more of her soon. Pearce has moved from a career in international athletics to the side of the Octagon as a host for British-based BT Sport. When she is not interviewing the Conor McGregors of the world, she is sitting beside Gareth A. Davies talking about the happenings of the UFC. Otherwise, the newly minted Los Angelino could be on a plane to India, Australia or anywhere else around the world, where she might turn up on TV presenting a sport you may never have heard of, or convincing fitness buffs to Train Like a Gladiator on the Power Plates in their local gym (she's VERY convincing). If you cannot keep up with her, then she has the Total Body Collection app, available for iOS and Android, with DVDs available on Amazon Video. The most notable moment in Caroline's burgeoning career came when she scored a walk-and-talk interview with McGregor after the Irishman's defeat to Nate Diaz at UFC 196. Millions of folks viewed the BT Sport video in which Pearce used a bit of her athletic pedigree to keep up with McGregor as they walked and talked through the bowels of the MGM Grand Garden Arena, a place with which Caroline has a love-hate relationship (she explains why). Pearce broke down why she thinks her interviews with McGregor are consistently top notch, and what she thinks makes him a generational star, with insight few others have. She recounted her youth, going from a girl who ran before she walked, to competing internationally for England in athletics by age 15, to becoming a bobsledder and a Gladiator, to eventually settling in as the heptathlete of her business world. Caroline admitted she found more harsh criticism in front of the camera than she ever did as a competitive athlete, and gave thoughts about sexism in sports, the interesting turns at the top of a number of different UFC weight classes, and much more. Listen to RNC Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher, or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
The odds maker himself, Nick Kalikas (@FightOdds), joined hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) on Rear Naked Choke Radio to talk bets, corruption and fights. Kalikas, who you can find on mmaoddsbreaker.com, came through to chat about betting lines surrounding UFC 205, UFC Belfast and Invicta FC 20. Gambling can be viewed as a seedy hobby, especially combat sports betting. Boxing has a history of throwing fights, corrupt promoters and paid off judges, but MMA has seemed to have steered clear of the shadiness. Kalikas shared what he's observed in 15 years of making MMA betting lines, and the lack of dirty acts in the MMA betting world. Kalikas also talked about UFC 205 and the close betting lines on the card. He explained how Raquel Pennington vs. Miesha Tate was a difficult line to work with leading up to the fights, why Yoel Romero's victory over Chris Weidman was an underdog bet more people should've capitalized on, and spoke about betting on the UFC golden boy, Conor McGregor. The trio looked at the betting lines on 5Dimes for Invicta FC 20, which takes place on Nov. 18. Focusing on the main event, Tonya Evinger vs. Yana Kunitskaya, Kalikas explained where Evinger would fit into the UFC women's bantamweight in terms of being an underdog. The hosts also got Kalikas' thoughts on the lopsided lines that seem to be a common theme in Invicta FC as of late. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher, or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
You wouldn't be here if you didn't watch UFC 205, so let's just skip the lede. Amy Barton (@AmesBelle) joined the UFC 205 preview show and returned to discuss the aftermath on Rear Naked Choke Radio with Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA). Barton is the former host of Punch Drunk Radio and social media handler of MMA DieHards. She may not be in the MMA media game anymore, but she still keeps tabs on the UFC. The self-proclaimed â??Kick Ass Wonderchickâ?? is joining us for back-to-back shows to discuss the history-making event that is UFC 205. If you're an MMA fan living under a rock, you may not know Conor McGregor now holds the UFC lightweight and featherweight belts. You might not have heard about the Fight of the Night between UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen Thompson at UFC 205. Maybe you didn't know Miesha Tate retired. Perhaps you don't know what sarcasm is, just saying. Basically, what we're saying is, there's not a lot to tell you about the event that smashed pay-per-view buys and UFC live gate records, because you obviously watched it. You're here, you're listening and we're talking UFC 205. In the words of referee Big John McCarthy, Let's Get It On!
The UFC stacked the card, so we stacked the show. King of the Dot's Corey Charron (@CharronKOTD) and Dirtbag Dan (@DirtBagDan408) , as well as former Punch Drunk Radio host Amy Barton (@AmesBelle) joined Rear Naked Choke Radio's Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to preview the phenomenal card that is UFC 205. Charron and Dan made their bones on the battle rap circuit, but have since branched out into so many more avenues. Charron, a former MMA show host on MMA Cypher, is still a top tier battle rapper, but also runs his own business, records music and recently delved into stand-up comedy. Dan is the founder of The Dirtbag Dan Show, which can be found on YouTube, and he hosts BOTZ, a battle rap promotion in San Jose, Calif. While both gentlemen are well versed in word rhyming, they also have a close eye on the MMA scene. Barton is the former host of Punch Drunk Radio and social media handler of MMA DieHards. She may not be in the MMA media game anymore, but she still keeps tabs on the UFC and if you've heard her before, you know having something to say is never a problem for the self-proclaimed, "Kick Ass Wonderchick." Enough about them, though. UFC 205 is upon us and the foursome took the card apart, fight by fight. The top of the card features a lightweight championship bout between featherweight champ ion Conor McGregor and 155-pound title holder Eddie Alvarez. UFC 205 also features two other title fights, including a welterweight fight between champion Tyron Woodley vs Stephen Thompson, as well as a strawweight scrap between the champ, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, and Karolina Kowalkiewicz. The group of hosts gave their thoughts on the trio of title matches, plus the stacked preliminary card. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher, or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
The new regime of the UFC is now in full force. Weeks removed from large layoffs outside the cage, the company heads full-steam into the signature event of a stacked 2016 campaign, on Nov. 12 in New York. The card at Madison Square Garden marks the legal return of the promotion to the Empire State, and the card is overloaded, from top to bottom. Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) pull down the covers on the big questions of today, and look ahead to the years to come for the UFC under the ownership of WME. They examine how the company is giving itself a haircut in order to eventually grow its hair longer, how the UFC is like an awkward teenager who has shown a lot of promise but still must prove out to be worthy of prior accolades. Rizzo and Kelly break it all down, and even take a dig at the American Presidential candidates (it's not flattering). Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher, or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
Just when you think a hilarious guest is about to join Rear Naked Choke Radio, a host gets comedic and fools the listeners. If youâ??d like to know what that means, you have to listen to Joe Rizzo (@Rearnakedchoke) trick Jason Kelly @(JayKellyMMA) as well as the pair talking about UFC 204, UFC 205, UFC 206, UFC this and UFC that. With the rematch of Michael Bisping and Dan Henderson on the verge of happening, Rizzo and Kelly talked about the middleweight title match and other bouts and on UFC 204. UFC 205 is the talk of the town, as it is taking place in New York City, so Rizzo and Kelly talked about the stacked event. And since this show is based out of New York and Toronto, they added some chatter about UFC 206 in T-Dot. Having so many big names on the card makes it hard to pick out which fights have the most potential to deliver fireworks, but the hosts predicted the bouts they expect to come through. Rizzo and Kelly also touched on some of the upcoming cards and the interesting fights as the year closes. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher, or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
In the words of Jay Z, guess who's bizzack! Rear Naked Choke Radio hosts (@RearNakedChoke) and Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) talked the return of Canadian welterweight Jordan Mein, CM Punk and UFC 203, the UFC adding a women's flyweight division, and had a fun-filled show that ended on a serious tip. Mein showed potential from the beginning of his career, which began at 15 years old in a bout against a 16-year-old Rory MacDonald. Mein brought main stage attention to himself in Strikeforce, with a highlight-reel victory over Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos. After a 2-1 record in Strikeforce, Mein took a fight outside the organization and went on to compete in the UFC. Mein had great showings in the UFC, compiling a record of 3-2, before retiring at 24 years old. As the age old saying goes, Never Say Never, because Mein is allegedly returning to MMA. Rizzo and Kelly talked about Mein's time away, if he returns, who it benefits and how. With UFC 203 in the books and CM Punk behind us, the hosts talked about the event and the spectacle. Rizzo and Kelly tried to understand the complaining from the purest fans, but explained why nobody should be bitching. Along with addressing Punk's UFC debut, the hosts also talked about Jimmie Rivera's victory over Urijah Faber, Fabrico Werdum vs. Travis Browne, and heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic defeating Alistair Overeem. If you're a longtime listener of RNC Radio, you already know Rizzo wasn't letting a show go by without talking about women's MMA. Rizzo and Kelly talked about the 20-pound gap between the UFC strawweight and bantamweight divisions, as well as explained the benefits of a women's flyweight division. On a somber note, Rizzo and Kelly ended the show sending their condolences to the Florian family. Former UFC title contender and current UFC commentator Kenny Florian lost his brother, Kirk, and the news came out during recording. We wish the the Florian family strength and send out prayers in this difficult time. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher, or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
It was a lengthy one, and the topics went far and beyond MMA, but Rear Naked Choke Radio is back from vacation. So much has happened since Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) were last on the mics, but they got right back into it by talking UFC 202, UFC on Fox 21's main event between Carlos Condit and Demian Maia, some WWE, and whatever else popped up in the hang, including battle rap. Rizzo and Kelly talked about Condit's decision to fight Maia, after stating he'd only fight for a title. The hosts also talked about Anthony Pettis' drop to featherweight, what a win over Charles Oliveira will do for him and where he still ranks in the lightweight division. Speaking of fighters demanding a specific fight or no fight, Nate Diaz said he wants a trilogy fight with Conor McGregor, after losing to the Irishman at UFC 202. Rizzo and Kelly discussed other fights Diaz would be foolish not to take, as well as the upside to battling McGregor again immediately. Along with the talk about CM Punk's UFC debut, the hosts talked about other MMA-related pro wrestling news. Brock Lesnar, who defeated Mark Hunt at UFC 200, took his MMA skills back to WWE and dropped elbows on Randy Orton's head, resulting in gash that needed 10 staples to close. Rizzo and Kelly talked about the scripted WWE's storyline and the incident that took place with Lesnar and Orton. While hanging and chatting about MMA, Rizzo and Kelly went off the rails and discussed politics, King of the Dot battle rap, Dancing with the Stars, MMA Reddit and other chats. Some might call it nonsense, some might call it gold. You'll have to listen to find out. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher, or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
Shayna Baszler is not ready to leave MMA for good, but she is in the midst of a spectacular shift into professional wrestling. The Queen of Spades (@QoSBaszler) hung with Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and talked everything from her training with Nattie Niedhart and the Bella Twins at the WWE Performance Center, to her friendship with Ronda Rousey and the Four Horsewomen on RNC Radio (@RNCRadio). Baszler recounted her matriculation into the pro wrestling scene and explained how she made the move there from MMA, noting the similarities and differences between the two. She still trains daily as an MMA fighter, but she is working for the Shimmer promotion, which she explained is similar to a wrestling version of Invicta FC. Baszler recently was allowed to train at the WWE Performance Center, and gave an amazing account of what happened behind the scenes with her friend Nattie, and how watching her train with the Bellas was at once awe-inspiring, motivational and poetic. How did the Four Horsewomen end up at SummerSlam? It had everything to do with a private message from CM Punk to the Queen of Spades, who gave a behind-the-scenes look at Rousey's throw of Triple H at Wrestlemania. While she moves closer to pro wrestling stardom, Baszler aspires for at least one more MMA fight, and she explained why. As a cornerwoman and friend, she also gave insight into the recent struggles of teammate Jessamyn Duke's recent struggles. RNC Radio is insightful, intelligent and fun. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher, or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
UFC 201 is here, and we at Rear Naked Choke Radio want you to make better bets. Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) have their unique take on how to handle MMA cards from the angle of the bettor. RNC Radio (@RNCRadio) has a tact for when it comes to making your plays: Make your opinions, play them over and over, and optimize your chances to cash again and again. Whether you're a fan of headliner and defending welterweight champion Robbie Lawler who just likes to put down a couple of bucks on him whenever he fights, or you're looking to make some plays where you can find the best value, this show can be helpful. Rizzo and Kelly broke down what they think are some value plays up and down the ticket and gave examples of how to put together tickets regardless of who you like. RNC Radio is insightful, intelligent and fun (especially when you win!). Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
If you think you heard crickets during the show, it's not dead air. Serving as a third host, FOX Sports 1's Laura Sanko (@Laura_Sanko) - and her crickets - joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to talk Invicta FC 18, UFC 201, the state of women's MMA , Bellator and Michael "Venom" Page. Sanko, who handles in-cage post-fight interviews for Invicta FC, broke down Invicta FC 18, which takes place on July 29 at the Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City, Mo. Sanko talked about the main event, a bout featuring Alexa Grasso vs. Jodie Esquibel, as well as other notable names on the card, such as Jessamyn Duke, Mizuki Inoue, Peggy Morgan and more. Sanko makes her FOX Sports 1 debut at UFC Fight Night 92 on Aug. 6, and she's paying close attention to what's going on in the Octagon. The welterweight title is on the line on July 30, when champion Robbie Lawler attempts to defend his belt against Tyron Woodley at UFC 201. Sanko talked about the fight and other bouts on the card, including a women's strawweight co-main event match between Rose Namajunas and Karolina Kowalkiewicz. Kelly brought up a question Sanko asked him nearly two years ago on Rear Naked Choke Radio, regarding the stability of women's MMA. The trio of hosts found answers, and talked about the growth of women's MMA and the depth of star-status female combatants. At Bellator 158, "Venom" shattered Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos' forehead with a wicked flying knee. Sanko talked about being a fan of Page and how she and Rizzo have once again begun to embrace Bellator. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
Dr. Faisal Rehman is a kidney specialist who focuses on internal medicine as the Site Chief of Medicine at University Hospital in London, Ontario's Western University. Dr. Rehman joined hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) on Rear Naked Choke Radio to talk Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos' life-threatening injury, Jon Jones' failed USADA test, Brock Lesnar's similar violation and other MMA-related injuries as well as the health and sciences behind a mixed martial arts athlete. "Cyborg" was the victim of a flying-knee knockout from Michael "Venom" Page at Bellator 158. The concern is the injury Santos suffered from the blow. Along with a fractured skull, Santos suffered swelling of the brain and was kept under doctor's care in a London hospital. Dr. Rehman explained the severity of the injury, the immediate precautionary measures taken after the bout and the expected recovery. Santos' injury is a misfortune of competing in a sport that can produce brutal results, however, Jones' and Lesnar's respective misfortunes were the result of their own doing. Jones tested positive for two estrogen blockers and was removed from UFC 200 three days ahead of his would-be challenge of light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier. Lesnar competed at UFC 200 against Mark Hunt and won a unanimous decision, but is now facing suspension and possibly having the victory overturned to a no-contest following a USADA violation, which he blames on his asthma medication. Dr. Rehman explained the medication each combatant took, how they affect the body and why they are banned substances and performance enhancing drugs. Being a nephrologist (kidney medicine), Dr. Rehman explained how weight cutting is quite possibly the most dangerous part of combat sports. Dehydration, organ failure and poor performance are well-known side effects of of weight cutting, but the risk for concussion increases exponentially when weight is shed incorrectly. The good doctor also shared his thoughts on some of MMA's battles, both inside and outside the cage. Dr. Rehman spoke about pain killers vs. marijuana, and effects of alcohol on a pro athlete. when weight is shed incorrectly. Being a resident of Ontario, and a student at Adrenaline Training Center, Rehman spoke about the benefits of being a ringside physician in the province for the UFC, as well as someone who trains and has competed in combat sports. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
Jimmie Rivera joined hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) on Rear Naked Choke Radio to talk his upcoming fight, the UFC sale, his gym, UFC-champion training partners and Reebok. Rivera, who is on a 18-win streak, meets Urijah Faber on Sept. 10 at UFC 203 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. Rivera talked about the chance to improve his record against Faber, how he approaches fighting well-established fighter and his respect for "The California Kid." Rivera also spoke about the biggest news in the history of the UFC. Days before this show the UFC announced they sold to WME l IMG for a whopping $4.2 billion, which has media speculating some fighters may be wondering where their piece of the pie is. Rivera gave his thoughts on the price tag, how the UFC operates and his satisfaction with Dana White. Rivera runs a Tiger Schulmann's gym, but trains alongside names such as Frankie Edgar, Eddie Alvarez and other UFC champs and veterans, including old friend Katlyn Chookagian. Rivera talked about the benefits of being a teacher to students, and a student of mixed martial artists at the top of the sport. The Reebok deal didn't exactly win over fans and fighters. While Rivera admitted he doesn't know anyone that has purchased one of his Reebok kits, but he and Rizzo plotted a way to increase the popularity of Rivera's, stealing a script from soccer. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
Laura Sanko joined Joe Rizzo to give hard-hitting, intelligent analysis of UFC 200, and also dropped some career news near the end of the show. Sanko (@Laura_Sanko on Twitter and Instagram) is the cage reporter for Invicta FC and has acted as a co-host during her many appearances on RNC Radio (@RNCRadio). Sitting in for Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) for the recap, Sanko helped Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) with a critical breakdown of the event. Not only did they go fight-by-fight for what happened in the cage, but they also assessed the mood of the event as it took shape. Somehow, the stacked card did not register anywhere near its lofty potential, and they gave their thoughts why this was the case, and what happened along the way to back up their overall opinions, from the hot early start on the Fight Pass prelims to the lackluster FS1 matches, to the strange structure of the main card. Sanko also gave a detailed explanation of the incident in which Invicta 135-pound champion Tonya Evinger gave her an impromptu kiss during their live post-match interview, and later went on to talk about her new role coming up in August with FOX Sports 1. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
Two cards down and it's time to blow the bankroll on Anderson Silva. Rear Naked Choke Radio hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) talked about the fights and betting results for UFC Fight Night 90 and The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale, as well their views on UFC 200. Reflecting on the first two UFC events during International Fight Week, Rizzo and Kelly looked back at how their bets played out. The hosts also talked about Eddie Alvarez's lightweight title victory over Rafael dos Anjos and Joanna Jedrzejczyk's decision win against Claudia Gadelha. Looking at UFC 200 mere hours before its commencement, Rizzo and Kelly talked about the Canadian's impulsive bet on Silva. UFC 200 is stacked with superstars and bouts that could headline any pay per view or Fight Night and the hosts gave their picks for each fight. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
Leave it up to Jon Jones to give us even more to talk about during the biggest UFC fight week they've ever held. SIRIUS XM Rush 93 host and MMAMania.com writer Michael Stets (@Michael_Stets) joined Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) on Rear-Naked Choke Radio to talk about Jones' latest mishap, the cringe-worthy press conference, what this means for his future and his would-be opponent, Daniel Cormier. Jones failed a test administered by USADA and was removed from the UFC 200 main event. Expected to face the light heavyweight champion, Cormier, Jones instead is looking at a two-year suspension and is in the court of public opinion after ruining the main event of the biggest UFC fight card in the history of the organization. Fans are livid over the fact that they will not witness Cormier vs. Jones 2, but the champ is suffering the most. Not only was this Cormier's chance to avange his sole loss, it was undoubtedly the biggest payday f his life. Stets and Kelly talked about possible option for keeping Cormier on the card and ho the champ handled himself at the press conference when the news was broke that Jones was out. Jones' press conference, however, didn't go as well. Jones was in tears and appeared to show an emotional side, but at times flashed a grin of arrogance. He was hard to gauge. His manager, Malki Kawa, fieled questions for Jones, which nobody was a fan of. Then Jones' PR woman, Denise White, capped off the press conference with an awkward short speech. Stets and Kelly touched on how bizarre the whole ordeal was. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
Nick Kalikas (@FightOdds), the man beihnd the betting lines, joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to go in depth on the UFC 200 betting lines and angles. Taking fight-by-fight, line-by-line, the trio gave opinions and strategies on where to lay your cash. Aside from swapping thoughts on fights and bets for UFC 200, Kalikas shed some wisdom on mixing parlay bets between multiple cards. UFC Fight Night 90, The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale and UFC 200 have a combined 31 bouts, and it's tempting to lay bets on three cards in as many days. Kalikas, Rizzo and Kelly talked about the benefits of betting across various UFC events. Can Brock Lesnar regain his championship form against Mark Hunt? Is it worth it for backers of Jon Jones to bet him against Daniel Cormier? Should you make Frankie Edgar or Jose Aldo part of your parlay? To cap it off, Kelly and Kalikas revisited a conversation they had on RNC Radio two years ago, when CM Punk was signed to the UFC. Kelly asked Kalikas if it was possible for Punk to come in as a favorite on the betting lines. Kalikas explained why at the time, but Mickey Gall has since changed the reason and Punk a proper underdog. There was even a preview of an upcoming fight between Lauren Murphy and occasional RNC Radio co-host Katlyn Chookagian (@BlondeFighter), who is making her UFC debut on the Sioux Falls, SD card. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
Wanna bet the finale of the UFC's Ultimate Fighter 23 card? Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) broke it all down for the middle show of the promotion's three big days. The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale is headlined by UFC strawweight champion Joanna JÄ?drzejczyk and top contender Cláudia Gadelha. Rizzo and Kelly dissected the close betting line and discussed reasons for the small spread, seeing as JÄ?drzejczyk has been so dominant since winning a split decision in their first meeting. The hosts also looked at some underdogs, such as Ross Pearson, who fights former Bellator lightweight champion Will Brooks. Rizzo and Kelly disagreed on a couple of bouts and provided their thoughts on why each selected a certain fighter to win and why they would place their wager on the combatant. International Fight Week has the UFC hosting three events in as many days. Rizzo and Kelly touched on the best way to capitalize on your bets by starting with solid bets and parlaying between events. They explained why it's just as important to take time constructing bets as picking the winners. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
With all the UFC 200 talk, it's been easy to overlook UFC Fight Night 90. Rear Naked Choke Radio's Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) took a look a UFC Fight Night 90 competitors and betting lines. They want you to make better bets, optimize your opinions and limit risk. UFC Fight Night 90 takes place on July 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The event features a main-event lightweight title fight between the champ, Rafael dos Anjos, and the challenger, Eddie Alvarez. Rizzo and Kelly examined the bout and the betting line, which lists the former Bellator lightweight champion as quite a significant underdog to dos Anjos. Other fights discussed on UFC Fight Night 90 were Roy Nelson meeting Derrick Lewis in a heavyweight tilt, Anthony Birchak facing Dileno Lopes, John Makdessi taking on Mehdi Baghdad, and Gilbert Burns vs. Å?ukasz Sajewski. Rizzo and Kelly also took a quick look at the remaining bouts, betting lines and over/unders on UFC Fight Night 90. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
Battle rapper Corey Charron was talking bars, bashing and bullshit on Rear Naked Choke Radio. Charron (@CharronKOTD), a longtime friend of the show, joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA to talk two of the trio's favorite things, MMA and battle rap. The hosts also talked about a new addition to the UFC women's bantamweight division, Katlyn Chookagian. Aside from being one of the world's top battle rappers, a recording artist, possibly the best freestyler on the planet and an aspiring actor, Charron is also an avid MMA fan. Rizzo, Kelly and Charron got into conversations about Conor McGregor, the stacked event known as UFC 200, Chael Sonnen, trash-talking fighters and all things MMA. Outside of MMA, Charron talked about the battle rap culture and how it's changed since he first graced the KOTD stage. Charron's performances have led to many other avenues of success, such as acting, concerts with people he's looked up to his entire life, starting his own business and more. Charron's most recent target was a brave man that challenged any battle rapper to a showdown that involved putting up $100,000 of their own money. Charron, not taking the threat lightly, gave the challenger, Nick Cannon, more than he could bargain for with one short round. Charron talked about the positives that came from roasting the Wild 'N Out star, who was married to Mariah Carey for a short time. Self promotion and victorious performances are the combination that makes a battle rapper or mixed marital artist successful. Charron talked about fighters that know how to brand themselves as well as be perform at the highest level and how he can relate to their formula for success. He also touched on the the backlash of being the mouthpiece ahead of a match and taking a whooping during it. Being Canadian, Charron is not surprisingly a fan of Georges St. Pierre. The battle emcee talked about the French Canadian's return and who he'd cheer for in hypothetical matchups. It's patriotic. Rizzo also talked about how he and Chookagian have been friends since prior to the fighter's first amateur MMA bout. He talked about Chookagian's career and explained how he's watched the Jamal Patterson-trained combatant along the way to a 7-0 record. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
Business as usual, and like Bachman Turner Overdrive, Rear Naked Choke Radio is taking care of it. Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) discussed the ramifications of the UFC reportedly accepting a bid for $4.2 billion, the return of Georges St. Pierre, Bellator: Dynamite, athletic commissions and the competence of MMA judges. Flocombat.com writer Jeremy Botter reported the alleged sale of the UFC and it's been a buzzing topic of conversation since. The hosts talked how new ownership would affect UFC president Dana White, the fighters, broadcasting partners and those employed by the world's top MMA organization. The biggest MMA star from Canada, who left the sport three years ago with welterweight championship intact, St. Pierre announced on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani that his is ready to return to the cage. The French Canadian stated that he would like to return against middleweight champion Michael Bisping and challenge for the belt. Rizzo and Kelly talked about the 35-year-old's chances against Bisping, the sales for a fight featuring a Canadian and a Englishman, if GSP deserves the bout and other possible opponents. Because they felt they should, Rizzo and Kelly touched on Bellator: Dynamite. The event featured a mix of MMA and kickboxing, with fighters including Michael Chandler, Joe Schilling, Rampage Jackson and more. The hosts spoke about the champion once-and-again, Chander, Schilling's knockout loss against Hisaki Kato, Jackson's questionable decision victory and the shenanigans that seem to always follow around Bellator. While Bellator wasn't in question, the shoddy judging was. Rizzo and Kelly talked about the ongoing problems athletic commissions face, the lack of competent judges and a possible solution for some of their issues. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
Editor's note* At the time of recording Global Warriors 3 was scheduled to take place on June 24. The event is now postponed. It's not uncommon for a fighter to have a moniker, but how many aliases can one man have? Josh "The Gentleman" Hill (@gentlemanjhill) joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) on Rear Naked Choke Radio to talk his WSOF bantamweight title fight, Global Warriors FC 3, MMA in Ontario and his many nicknames, which are hilarious. Hill meets WSOF 135-pound champ Marlon Moraes at WSOF 32 on July 30 at the Xfinity Arena in Everett, Wash. Hill and Moraes squared off for a WSOF title fight in 2015, but the Canadian lost an razor close decision and it remains the only loss on his professional MMA record. Hill talked about the difference heading into the rematch and explained why he will walk away a crowned champion. Hill was supposed to headline Global Warriors FC 3, but was forced to withdraw for his WSOF title shot. A native of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Hill is a big draw and major supporter of combat sports in his backyard. Even though he is not competing at GWFC 3. he will be in attendance as a special guest. Hill talked about the event, fighters on the card and how much MMA is suffering in the province. WHile embarking on a legacy of his own, Hill talked about another Canadian legend that rtecently announced his return to Hill, or Sebastian as some of you may know him as, talked about his obscure side jobs that provide new nicknames and an absurd amount of hilarity. Hill has modeled for fitness magazines, can be seen on the cover of a romance novel, stripped for old ladies and recently picked up the name Jack Linwood, a bubble soccer player with a shady past. Have a listen and get to know Sebastian "Gentleman" Linwood, or as we call him, Josh. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
Fathers' Day is complete. After a night of rare third-round finishes and an established welterwieght title contender, Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) talked UFC Fight Night 89 on Rear Naked Choke Radio. Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson won a dominant unanimous decision against Rory MacDonald in the night's main event, which solidified his spot as the No. 1 contender in the UFC's welterweight division. Rizzo and Kelly talked about Thompson's outstanding performance in Ottawa and 26-year-old MacDonald's future. Valerie Letourneau vs. Joanne Calderwood marked the first-ever female flyweight fight in the Octagon. Calderwood won via TKO in an exciting fight, but missed out on a performance bonus. The hosts discussed Calderwood's Instagram post claiming she will have to work in her home country of Scotland to raise funds and return to Tristar in Canada to train, as well as the possibility and reason a woman's flyweight division is needed. Rizzo and Kelly also looked at other results from the card, including Donald Cerrone over Patrick C�´t�©, Steve Boss�© beating Sean O'Connell, Misha Cirkunov's finish of Ion Cutelaba, Olivier Aubin-Mercier's rally versus Thibault Gouti and the rest of the fights on UFC Fight Night 89. The Rizzo triplets also gave their special thoughts on Fathers Day. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
Fedor Emelianenko, the Last Emperor, might have had his last fight. Hours after his controversial majority decision over Fabio Maldonado at EFN 50 in St. Petersburg, Russia, Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) broke down Fedor's fight and outlook. Fedor was granted the decision, but appeared to lose the fight badly and was physically battered en route to the final bell of the three-round contest with the former UFC heavyweight. Maldonado repeatedly had Fedor out on his feet in the first round, and Rizzo and Kelly took a look at why the fight was allowed to continue. What will come of Fedor from here on in? Joe and Jay gave a career path for the MMA hero. They also broke down where Fedor belongs on the all-time lists for heavyweights and mixed martial artists, and you might be surprised at some of the observations and the names in the conversation. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. The all-time archive of RNC Radio is available on Talkshoe at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=25116&cmd=tc.
Giving away tickets to an MMA event, handing out swag, letting a guest co-host run the show and teaching the term #WeAreNotReebok are just things we do on RNC Radio, Global Warriors Fighting Championships and well-known Ontario mixed martial artist Adam Assenza (@ADAMMaverick1)and Adam Machechern from Martial Law apparel (@MLC_Empire), one of the biggest sponsors the province's fighters have ever had, joined Rear-Naked Choke Radio host Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and guest co-host Alex "Pecker" Gasson (@PeckingClaw) to talk GWFC 3, sponsoring fighters, gymnastics, business and, of course, MMA. Global Warriors 3 takes place June 24 at the Brantford Civic Centre in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, and the event features a plethora of Ontario mixed martial artists. Assenza is a staple on the Ontario MMA scene. A Score Fighting Series veteran making his second appearance in the GWFC cage, Assenza spoke about his upcoming bout against Tristan Connelly, consistently fighting above his weight class to get to compete, his athletic background in gymnastics and his various business endeavors. Along with the serious talk, Pecker and Kelly busted Assenza's chops for his lack of social media use. Like, damn, he hasn't responded to either host on Facebook in years and they've been supporting him since the start of his career, but Assenza always made sure to reply to his number one sponsor, Marital Law. Machechern started Martial Law nearly five years ago in an effort to assist fighters with revenue for training, as well as give them a brand that is professional and clean. Being an intelligent, well-spoken, successful man, Machechern doesn't need to operate Martial Law, but out of passion he's built a respectable brand that Ontarian mixed martial artists consider an asset in their corner. jkhkjhk talked about his experience in the MMA apparel business, sponsoring fighters and events, as well as his coined hashtag, #WeAreNotReebok. Be sure to listen to this episode for a chance to win a pair of tickets to GWFC 3, free clothing from Martial Law and learn a thing or two. It's like an episode of Oprah giving away cars up in this bitch. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
UFC Fight Night 89 takes place in the Canadian capital of Ottawa, Ontario, and being that Rear Naked Choke Radio host Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) is from The Great White North, Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) had to give a lesson on betting with your head and not your heart. UFC FN 89 is headlined by Rory MacDonald and the Wonderboy, Stephen Thompson. Other than MacDonald, other Canadians featured on the card include Quebec's Patrick Cote, Olivier Aubin-Mercier and Valérie Létourneau, as well as Jason Saggo, Elias Theodorou, Misha Cirkunov and Rando Markos, who are from Kelly's province of Ontario. To make matters worse, some of the Canadians' opponents, like Donald Cerrone and Sam Alvey, are fighters Kelly doesn't like to bet against. Rizzo spoke about playing over-unders to your advantage and avoid making the mistake of betting unintelligent if players find the individual fighter betting lines unattractive for the most part. The two fights talked about in depth were the female bouts on the card, Létourneau vs. Joanne Calderwood and Markos vs. Jocelyn Jones-Lybarger, and their fights provide unique avenues to optimize your wagers. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Anthony Birchak, the UFC bantamweight and our pal, joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to catch up on being a dad, being a fighter and being a gym owner, as well as give his thoughts on the media and their shenanigans. Birchak (@ABirchakMMA) was let down his guard and allowed feelings flow about being a father and how life has changed since turning 30. "El Toro" talked about being away from his children for Father's Day in order to fight Dileno Lopes at UFC Fight Night 90 on July 7 in Las Vegas and how it motivates him to show his kids how to strive and sacrifice to achieve their goals. On a lighter note, Birchak recalled being mistreated by the media and how he's learned to refrain from saying what's really on his mind. He talked about a certain Periscope incident was blown out of proportion and Birchak explained how his wife now screens his tweets from time to time. Being a mixed martial artist, part-owner of Luta Elite Management and having other business endeavors wasn't enough to keep Birchak busy, so he is opening a 10th Planet gym in Tuscon, Ariz. Birchak talked about the facility and how the opportunity came about, as well as a possible promo video coming former Kelly co-host and battle rapper Corey Charron. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
The latest UFC gossip in a busy week is one thing, but there is nothing like getting to know your favorite co-hosts, so spend some time getting to know Jay and Joe. Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) gives some insight into his life as a kid athlete, and Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) gave some thoughts about his unique background. But it did not get in the way of talking about the world of MMA, from betting lines for the main event of UFC Fight Night 89 in Ottawa, Ontario, to actor Sam Heughan's tweet back to Rizzo (even though Kelly still does not know who he is). But one thing Kelly knows is MMA Reddit, and he explained why he likes it and a bit of how it works. The conversation twisted from Michael Bisping's trainer and recent RNC Radio guest Jason Parillo, to who the best athlete in the history of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia is (hint: Sidney Crosby vs. TJ Grant isn't much of a fight when it comes to this battle). There was even talk of the Stanley Cup Finals Game 5 in which the San Jose Sharks staved off elimination in beating Crosby's Pittsburgh Penguins. For about the 10th time this year, RNC Radio is enjoying its best week ever, and would like to thank the growing audience for their support. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Apparently something special happens when you have three guys drinking beer and chatting about MMA. To catch it, listen to striking coach Jason Parillo (Instagram: @ParilloBoxing) and Rear Naked Choke Radio hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) talk the triumphant victory for Michael Bisping at UFC 199, Anderson Silva, the connection between coach and fighter, special moments in the trainer's career, the return of Brock Lesnar and much more in this episode of RNC Radio. Parillo was in Bisping's corner at UFC 199 when the Brit starched Luke Rockhold to achieve his 10-year goal of winning a UFC middleweight championship. Bisping was a massive underdog heading into the bout, yet Parillo was confident in his fighter and predicted not only the victory, but also how the fight would play out. Parillo talked about his pinpoint prediction, what the win means to him, his connection with Bisping, who he considers a friend, and the champ's performance. Rizzo and Parillo found their own connection with LA Boxing. Parillo was one of the original founders of the boxing club and Rizzo used to host Rear Naked Choke Radio from the LA Boxing facility in Paramus, N.J. The coach and the host took a stroll down memory lane and talked about some mutual friends from the past, such as Benji Radach and other fighters. Parillo owns and operates Parillo Boxing in Costa Mesa, Calif. He explained the pros and cons of gym ownership. Parillo walked through his own past as a coach and explained how he got the chance to work with some of the mixed martial artists at the top of the sport. Aside from Bisping, Parillo has worked with Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino and various other fighters, but one of his more notorious runs was with B.J. Penn during the former UFC lightweight champion's title run and three defenses. Parillo detailed his past with Penn, including a hilarious story about showing up to hold mitts with one eye and one arm, as well as his journey with "Cyborg" and how she's made improvements by instilling a "no Wanderlei Silva" plan. Speaking of fighters he hasn't worked with, Parillo talked about the return of Brock Lesnar. Parillo admitted Lesnar is a beast and complimented the skills he possesses, regardless of whether or not the WWE star's chances of defeating Mark Hunt at UFC 200 are good. However, Parillo may be of assistance to to Lesnar and he talked about what it would take is the heavyweight would like to enlist the coach's services. Parillo shed some light on his personal life, raising twins, characteristics of personalities and how reactions affect the outcome of anything you do in life. To cap the show off, Parillo gave us his top five favorite punchers in MMA, excluding anyone he's trained. Cheers! Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
The lifetime ban of Ariel Helwani may have been lifted, but it doesn't excuse the UFC's actions. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA. Fellow media member and SIRIUS XM Rush 93 host and MMAMania.com writer Michael Stets (@Michael_Stets) joined Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) on Rear-Naked Choke Radio to talk about the treatment of Helwani, as well as GLORY Kickboxing and other coverage Stets provides for combat sports fans. It's quite publicized what happened to Helwani, and as a peer, Stets talked about the impression it leaves on other media members. He also spoke about Helwani addressing the situation on The MMA Hour, which divulged information about his past dealings with the UFC and FOX. While Helwani repeatedly said he didn't like to talk about himself, he felt it was necessary to let the public and other media members know tings are not always as great as they seem when working closely with the UFC and even touched on having a physical altercation with a staff member. Stets explained why he believes Helwani was targeted and why such people would not attempt a stunt like this with some media members that can handle themselves. Aside from talking about the bad news that trumped headlines in the MMA world, Stets talked about his role at SIRIUS XM Rush 93, writing for MMAMania.com, kickboxing, Bellator MMA and what's next on his schedule. During the recording of this show Kelly and Stets were informed of the passing of Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson. Kimbo may not have been at the top of the MMA food chain, but he was well liked by fans and media, and to find out he is gone came as a shock to everyone. Stets shared a story about Kimbo and talked about his place in the sport.
UFC 199 was off the chain, UFC 200 features the surprising return of Brock Lesnar, Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz 2 is set to go down, MMA media monster Ariel Helwani received a lifetime ban from Zuffa and so much more happened on June 4. We have it all, including an update on Ronda Rousey. Rear Naked Choke Radio hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) dove into the lengthy list of hot topics and discussed their favorite and flavorless moments of the night. UFC 199 was a card full of exciting fights and two championship bouts, one of which ended with a belt changing hands in one of the biggest upsets in the promotion's history. But rivaling for the headline of the night was the ejection of Helwani from press row, along with his camerman, Casey Leydon, and Leydon's wife, esteemed MMA photographer Esther Lin, all of MMAFight.com. Helwani is widely considered as the most important media personality in mixed martial arts. He creates some of the most memorable interviews the top athletes in the sport. Breaking news is a large part of Helwani's job, and he's damn good at it. Before the UFC 199 co-main event, featuring a bantamweight title fight between champion Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber, the UFC aired a promotional video for UFC 200 and one of the biggest draws to ever grace the Octagon, Lesnar, appeared at end, indicating he will be fighting on the card. Helwani, however, broke the news via Twitter before the UFC released the video and a tweet of their own, which led to the escorting of The MMA Hour host and his two colleagues out of The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. Rizzo and Kelly explained who loses with the absence of Helwani, and possibly MMAFighting.com, from covering live UFC events. They compared the UFC's actions to other sports leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB, and talked about how the banning affects the media as a whole. Michael Bisping made the most of a long-awaited opportunity and won the middleweight championship by knocking out Luke Rockhold in the first round, but in typical fashion of the Brit, the best night of his career was marred by his tasteless post-fight comments. Cruz defended his title against Faber, 45-year-old Dan Henderson crushed former Bellator middleweight champion Hector Lombard, and every other fight on the card delivered. The night's competitors came to put on a performance, so much so that the Fight of the Night bonuses went to the two combatants kicking off the Fight Pass prelims, Marco Polo Reyes and "the other" Dong Hyun Kim. Rizzo and Kelly also looked ahead at UFC Fight Night 89 and UFC 200, as well as predicted who Lesnar might meet in his return to the cage. Rizzo made his pick and backed it up emphatically. Also discussed was the rematch of Diaz and McGregor being made official for Aug. 20 at UFC 202, and Rousey's potential next bout and where it might be. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Luke Rockhold or Michael Bisping? Analyzing outside of what the obvious plays might be, hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) broke down the betting angles for UFC 199 on Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio). Kelly came with his best opinions, and for this card they all happened to be over-unders. Rizzo explained the best ways to opimize those opinions in order to make the most money with the least amount of risk. There also was the requisite preview and analysis of the main event, including the ways Bisping could pull off a stunning upset. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Global Warriors matchmaker Woodrow James and GWFC 3 lightweight combatant Scott Hudson joined Rear Naked Choke Radio host Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and guest co-host Alex Gasson (@PeckingClaw) to discuss the making of an MMA card, battling the Ontario Athletics Commission, training abroad, the walk of shame in Thailand and Global Warriors 3 (@GlobalWarriorFC). Global Warriors 3 takes place June 28 at the Brantford Civic Centre in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, and the event features a plethora of Ontario mixed martial artists. James (@WoodrowJames88), a mixed martial artist himself, has wore just about every hat possible in combat sports. He's fought, coached, cornered, managed, played matchmaker and consultant for promoters throwing an MMA event in the province. James detailed the headaches he endures trying to secure bouts for Global Warriors 3 and almost every other MMA event put on in Ontario. With many regional shows, last-minute changes are expected. James provided an updated fight card for Global Warriors 3 and let us know which fighters to keep an eye on that evening. James explained the reason for the card being moved form it's original May 28 date to June 24. Hudson (HandsomeScottHud on Instagram) meets Oliver Vadnais at Global Warriors 3. Hudson talked about his journey to GWFC 3, which consisted of living in Thailand for a year. Hudson shared stories of his travels, which were informative and hilarious, and his views on lady boys. Training out of Para Bellum MMA, Hudson spoke about his coach, Rory McDonell, training partners that are also on GWFC 3 and much more. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Youâ??d watch the fight, and thatâ??s why we do Rear Naked Choke Radio. If there were a tennis match, football game and baseball game on three different corners, but a fight on the other, everyone would watch the skirmish. Itâ??s in our DNA, and even a kid knows that. That kid, Dominic, joined co-hosts Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) to rant and rave about MMA and the UFC, Bellator, and a bunch of other sports. Itâ??s a step outside the norm, but something we have done on RNC Radio for many years. So join us on our virtual couch, and listen while we have a fun conversation that takes twists and turns you were not expecting. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
UFC Fight Night 88: Almeida vs. Garbrandt, is upon us, and Rear Naked Choke Radio hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) looked at the plethora of live underdogs, betting lines, betting angles, parlays and other ways to strategically wager bets on the event. Also, sticking with the theme as of late, Rizzo dropped knowledge on intelligently betting. Thomas Almeida and Cody Garbrandt headline the event, as the two undefeated bantamweights will look to disrupt one another's perfect record. Former UFC 135-pound champ Renan Barao makes his featherweight debut in the Octagon, when he takes on former lightweight Jeremy Stephens. Veteran Josh Burkman meets Paul Felder, female bantamweights Sara McMann and Jessica Eye are set to meet on the televised preliminary portion of the event, and Aljamain Sterling vs. Bryan Caraway headlines the Fight Pass card to kick off the night. Rizzo explained what is known as â??balloons,â?? while using Kelly's picks, which all happened to be underdogs. Rizzo's explanation went further than parlaying and straight betting, as he elaborated on a "trixie" and how if the strategy cashed, his co-host would be booking a flight to New Jersey. The same logic can be applied to your wagers and flight to a destination of your choice if your picks come through. Be sure to thank Rizzo if they do, and tell your travel agent to do the same. Rizzo and Kelly also discussed the marquee names on UFC Fight Night 88, and how the lesser-known names may be where the money lies when betting. Along with pointing out the live underdogs, the hosts also explained profitable parlays with maximized potential for cashing in a winning ticket. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
We're talking UFC 198 betting and class is in session. Rear Naked Choke Radio hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) strategized methods to victory for betting on UFC 198 and thoroughly explained the process of maximizing your chances of winning. Rizzo and Kelly took a real-life example of betting on some UFC 198 fights and explained the science. The hosts looked at Antônio Rogério Nogueira, Francisco Trinaldo, Maurício "Shogun" Rua and heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum, then divided them in column A or B, and discussed how to get the biggest bang for your buck. Rizzo and Kelly debated the biggest line spread on the card, which is Cris "Cyborg" Justino (-1700) vs. Leslie Smith (+1100). The American (Rizzo) presented a strong case for the underdog, but the Canadian (Kelly) countered with his concerns for placing a wager on Smith. The GTA-NYC tandem also analyzed other betting lines, such as Demian Maia vs. Matt Brown, Ronaldo Souza vs. Vitor Belfort, John Lineker vs. Rob Font and the rest of the bouts on the 12-fight card. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Global Warriors play-by-play commentator Reed Duthie and GWFC 3 lightweight competitor Oliver Vadnais joined Rear-Naked Choke Radio host Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and guest co-host Alex Gasson (@PeckingClaw) to discuss calling MMA bouts, the loss of a headliner, fighter sponsorship from the regional to UFC level, training abroad and Global Warriors 3 (@GlobalWarriorFC). Global Warriors 3 takes place May 28 at the Brantford Civic Centre in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, and the event features a plethora of Ontario mixed martial artists. Hamilton, Ontario native Josh Hill was scheduled to fight Bill Kamery in the main event at GWFC 3 Hill was on loan from WSOF, but has been called back to the promotion to challenge Marlon Moraes for the bantamweight tile match. Hill and Moraes Vadnais last saw MMA competition at Global Warriors 2 in May 2016. He joined Kelly and Gasson to talk about his return to the promotion to fight Scott Hudson, injuries and opponents pulling out of fights and preventing him from competing, sponsorship difficulties, as well as training with SBG in England. Vadnais, while only a mixed martial artist with three pro bouts and limited media experience, proved to have a veteran mindset and handled his guest spot with great composure. Duthie (@RCDuthie) holds down the play-by-play commentating alongside Robin Black at GWFC 3. The OHL's Hamilton Bulldogs commentator joined RNC Radio and gave his thoughts on the event, which fighters to watch for, his experiences calling MMA bouts and what lies in his future. Duthie, Gasson and Kelly also compared lack of ego in a trained fighter, as opposed to arrogance of an uneducated dick. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA
Will Dana White be in attendance at Global Warriors 3? Global Warriors president Garnet Ace, lightweight title challenger Alex Ricci and featherweight Jo Petahtegoose joined Rear-Naked Choke Radio host Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and guest co-host Alex Gasson (@PeckingClaw) to discuss Global Warriors 3 and why the UFC president should be in attendance. Global Warriors 3 takes place May 28 at the Brantford Civic Centre in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, and the event features a plethora of Ontario mixed martial artists. Ace (@GarnetAce), being the president of Ontario's most active professional MMA promotion, is trying to revive the sport in the province. He spoke about his efforts to get UFC president Dana White to bring Nick The Tooth and Matt Serra to Global Warriors 3 for an episode of Dana White Lookin' for a Fight, and also what activities the trio could partake in besides the event. Ace explained how the support from the most powerful man in MMA would help the Ontario MMA scene and why GW3 is the perfect event for them to witness. Ricci (@AlexRicciMMA) meets Kyle Prepolec at Global Warriors 3. Ricci defeated Prepolec at Global Warriors 2 via unanimous decision in May 2015, but this time there is a vacant lightweight title on the line. Ricci talked about his motivation ahead of this fight and explained why he's been out of competition for nearly a year before competing in April. The M1 Thai Boxing owner also spoke about his readiness for the UFC. Petahtegoose (@JoGooseMMA) has been competing in combat sports and martial arts for 14 years. He began his MMA career in 2009, but has not competed since 2012. After addressing some personal issues, Petahtegoose is fully dedicated to conquering his UFC goal. He spoke about his move from Tilbury, Ontario to Windsor, Ontario , where he is a member of the Maximum Training Canter and plans on showing off the improvements against Dave Hale at Global Warriors 3. isten to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Chris Lee Byrne (@ChrisLeeByrne) and Lyndon Whitlock (@LyndonWhitlock) joined Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to talk Global Warriors 3 and the Ontario MMA scene. Global Warriors 3 takes place May 28, at the Brantford Civic Centre in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. The event features a plethora of Ontario mixed martial artists, including Lee Byrne and Whitlock. Lee Byrne, owner of Munda Jiu Jitsu in London, Ontario, spoke about his upcoming fight against John kghghghk. He also talked about his future goals in BJJ, his feud with another local combatant and provided plenty of laughs, proving once again he is one of the more humorous fighters to follow on social media. Whitlock meets The Ultimate Fighter 12 winner Jonathon Brookins at GW 3. Whitlock spoke about fighting the most recognized name in his career and how the 15-fight veteran will come out victorious. Whitlock also talked about recently becoming a part owner of Para Bellum MMA (@ParabellumMMA), MMA in eastern Canada and dished some dirt on his good friend and Global Warriors 3 headliner Josh Hill. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
UFC bantamweight Rob Font (@RobSFont) joined Rear Naked Choke Radio hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to talk about his fight at UFC 198, his youth as a mischievous military brat and his budding MMA career. Font is scheduled to meet highly regarded John Lineker at UFC 198 on May 14 in Curitiba, Brazil, and is looking to extend his 11-fight winning streak. Font made his case on why he's going to defeat Lineker, and explained how being victorious over the Brazilian in enemy territory will advance his career. UFC 198 will mark Font's first bout outside the United States and only his second outside of New England. But it is not exactly foreign territory. Font was a military child, therefore he lived in various states and countries. He spoke about how the experiences he endured as a youth perfectly prepared him for travels into Lineker's home country. Font also talked about his childhood, his pizza-related path to becoming an MMA fighter, training under Mark DellaGrotte and more. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Conor McGregor retired from the UFC on Twitter and UFC 200 is missing a main event. Rear Naked Choke Radio hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA were joined by former MMADieHards.com partner Amy Barton (@amesbelle) and to talk about McGregor's sudden retirement from MMA and the ramifications it has on UFC 200. Rizzo, Kelly and Barton talked about the possible reasons for McGregor to retire, as well as what it means to the sport and for his legacy if he is truly walking away. Though their opinions weren't totally in agreement, through debating and stressing their points, the show examined a plethora of reasons for McGregor's departure. McGregor was scheduled to fight Nate Diaz at UFC 200, in a rematch of the fight that the Irishman was on the losing end of the first time. Rizzo, Kelly and Barton discussed the damage done to the card in McGregor's absence. With more fighters opting to take fun fights instead of chasing a title shot, the trio of hosts also talked about the benefits and detriments of conducting business in that manner. Other topics discussed included the return of Jon Jones, The Ultimate Fighter 23, the possibility of a TUF season created with flyweights currently on the UFC 125-pound roster and more. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
In an episode about so many fighters coming back to the cage, SiriusXM Rush 93 host and MMAMania.com writer Michael Stets (@Michael_Stets) returned to join Rear Naked Choke Radio hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to talk the return of a street fighter, a convict and possibly a French Canadian. Rumors of the return of Georges St-Pierre continue to swirl. The Reebok deal could be a road block in St-Pierre's decision to grace the UFC Octagon again. Stets talked about the former UFC welterweight champion's chances of returning, or not, pending a deal between St-Pierre's past and potentially future sponsors. In the event the UFC allows St-Pierre to wear more than a Reebok sponsor in the cage, Stets expects all the hell to break loose with every other fighter on the roster. Days away from the return of Jon Jones, UFC 197 was a hot topic. Stets talked about the former UFC light heavyweight champ's fight against Ovince St-Preux, as well as the flyweight title fight between champion Demetrious Johnson and American Olympic gold medal wrestler Henry Cejudo. The fate of former strawweight champion Carla Esparza, who returns from a 12-month layoff on the preliminary portion of the event, was another point of banter. Stets held no punches when giving his opinion on Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson returning to the Bellator cage since testing positive for performance enhancing drugs. While some may have a concern with the situation, Stets explained why there's nothing more Bellator can do, as Kimbo has already served his suspension, and how Scott Coker is simply doing a great job as a promoter. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Practice makes perfect. Rear-Naked Choke Radio hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) chatted about the revamped UFC on Fox 19, a couple of moderate favorites they think should be locks on that card, and Paige VanZant's season-best score on Dancing with the Stars. UFC on Fox 19 takes place April 16, and is headlined by Rashad Evans and Glover Teixeira in a light-heavyweight match. Rizzo and Kelly talked about the stacked main card, which also has bouts between Lyoto Machida and Dan Henderson, Rose Namjunas and Tecia Torres, as well as Khabib Nurmagomedov and Darrell Horcher. Along with the loaded main card, the hosts highlighted the exceptional preliminary card. Between the Fight Pass and television preliminary portions of UFC on Fox 19, there's a number of standout fights. Rizzo and Kelly looked at Beneil Dariush vs. Michael Chiesa, Cub Swanson vs. Hacran Dias, and the betting line for Bethe Correia vs. Raquel Pennington, which appears to be a potential money maker. At the time this show was recorded, VanZant was making her third appearance on Dancing with the Stars. Rizzo and Kelly discussed her phenomenal performances so far on this season. They also talked about Urijah Faber and Luke Rockhold's dubious visit to DWTS last week. There might have even been talk about how Rizzo raised the cup for winning his fantasy hockey league tied into the talk about how you could play your lineup for daily fantasy for UFC on FOX 19. Like new basketball Hall-of-Famer Allen Iverson says at the top of the show, weâ??re talkinâ?? bout practice! Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Croatia! Days ahead of UFC Fight Night 86 in Zagreb, Rear Naked Choke Radio hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) talked betting angles for the event. UFC FN 86 is headlined by the fight featuring former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos and Ben Rothwell. Rizzo and Kelly looked at that fight, the rest of the main card and highlighted betting angles on some of the bouts on the preliminary card. You might even be able to pick out a couple of parlays from their analysis, as Rizzo was surprisingly on point with his European UFC fighters. As he analyzed the betting lines, he likened MMA betting to horse racing and explained how betting logic between the two sports can be applied. While we had the usual fun on RNC Radio, Rizzo gave some thought-provoking insight about laying down money on UFC events featuring combatants with whom North American fans might not be so familiar. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
UFC 200 or UFC 100? The debate kicked off on Rear Naked Choke Radio between hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA), who talked about that and everything in between. A day ahead of April Foolâ??s, there was not much joking around with all the business at hand. As of the time of the show, UFC 200 featured Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor, Jose Aldo vs. Frankie Edgar, Cain Velasquez vs. Travis Browne and a dozen more marquee names. Rizzo and Kelly talked about the headliner, Diaz vs. McGregor 2, and what it would take for UFC 200 to exceed UFC 100. With UFC 200 not taking place until July, there are plenty more pay-per-view events and Fight Nights happening before hand. Rizzo and Kelly previewed the scheduled fights, such as Cristiane â??Cyborgâ?? Justino vs. Leslie Smith, Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier, and others. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
With MMA finally legal in New York, and so many other needle-moving headlines in mixed martial arts, hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) gave their insight the current topics of discussion. The legalization of mixed martial arts in New York has been a 20-year fight. As AXS TV Legal Analyst/Huffington Post Legal Contributor Amy Dardashtian reported on RNC Radio days before this episode, the battle ended on March 23. Now that the sport is legal in New York, the UFC will be quick to follow up with their first event there. Former UFC women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, being the crossover star she is, should be a shoe-in for the UFC's inaugural event at Madison Square Garden. Along with the former champ, Rizzo and Kelly gave their thoughts on other ideal matches to bring to the Big Apple. After pulling off an upset submission victory at UFC 196, Nate Diaz is expected to rematch Conor McGregor at UFC 200. Rizzo and Kelly talked about the details of the fight and if it is a sensible match. In a surprising turn of events, MMAFighting.com's Ariel Helwani recently stepped away from his role at FOX, where he was an insider on UFC Tonight. Aside from Helwani's statement about his departure, not much else has been revealed about it, but it has the MMA community talking. Without speculating, Rizzo and Kelly briefly spoke about the talented journalist's lightened workload. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Amy Dardashtian (@AmyDardashtian), AXS TV Legal Analyst for Inside MMA and Huffington Post Legal Contributor, joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to talk MMA in NYC. The ongoing battle to get mixed martial arts in New York has been a 20-year fight, and Dardashtian gave her in-depth analysis on why this time it appears imminent that the sport will become legal in the state, opening the door for the UFC to have an epic event at Madison Square Garden in New York City. As Dardashtian explained, MMA might be legal in New York by the time you hear her on RNC Radio (@RNCRadio). The bill was set to hit the Assembly floor March 21, 2016. MMA in New York was not the only topic, as Dardashtian examined and explained why and how neither Bellator nor the athletic commission in Texas would be liable in the cardiac arrest of Dada 5000 immediately after losing to Kimbo Slice at Bellator 149. Her career has taken Dardashtian from Emmy-winning television field reporter to legal analyst. That means college, law school and a lot of hustle in between. She reflected on her unique career path, and even engaged in some lively debate about who would be lucky enough to play her (or at least a character based on her) in a movie. If you have suggestions better than Rizzoâ??s tweet them to the group! Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Rose Namajunas, with Pat Barry chiming in, joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to talk movie rolls, farming, hot yoga, Paige VanZant, life and yes, a little UFC fighting. Though she could not completely confirm, Namajunas (@RoseNamajunas on Twitter and Instagram) did hint that she will be featured on the big screen soon than later. She's been fielding movie offers, and she's not surprised. Like she said to Rizzo and Kelly, â??Who WOULDNâ??T want to see me in a movie?â?? The 23-year-old UFC strawweight is focused on becoming a UFC champion, but she talked about potential plans when she's done fighting. Two of the options she will consider are becoming a farmer or a DJ. But as we found out, she's well-versed in a multitude of talents the MMA community is unaware of. Coming off a dominating submission victory against VanZant in December 2015, Namajunas is staying consistent on her road to the title, leaving aside Dancing With the Stars and fame outside the Octagon. Namajunas is scheduled to fight Tecia Torres on April 16, on UFC on FOX 19 in Tampa, Florida. Torres defeated Namajunas via unanimous decision at their first meeting on Invicta FC 16 in July 2013, and the Milwaukee native described the world of difference between then and now. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Corey Charron (@CharronKOTD), a longtime competitor in battle rap and fan of MMA, is going to Hollywood. Charron joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to give the exclusive story on his acting role in an upcoming movie, battle rap, his association with Floyd Mayweatherâ??s The Money Team and, of course, MMA. Charron, along with other King of the Dot (KOTD) battle rappers, are scheduled to begin shooting a feature film in June. The film boasts some of the industry's biggest names, and the script was written by a veteran battler that is still relevant. Charron filled in RNC Radio (@RNCRadio) on as many details as possible. The self-proclaimed SMACK Killer was a frequent guest on RNC Radio, but hadn't chatted MMA on the show since January 2015. With the landscape of MMA drastically changing in past 14 months, there was plenty to discuss. Charron also talked about the rise and (possible) fall of Conor McGregor, Holly Holm's head-kick knockout victory against Ronda Rousey and loss to Miesha Tate, the rumored return of Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silvaâ??s career legacy, and everything else that moved the needle in the last year. Charron also spoke about his most recent rap battles, and others he's a fan of, the infamous CTV Canada AM incident, his business, the Mayweather and The Money Team, what's next for him and more. And for Charron's sake, shout out to CTV! Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Sean Sheehan of Irish-based SevereMMA.com and the Severe MMA Podcast joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to answers questions about fellow Irishman Conor McGregor and what UFC 196 did for the countryâ??s MMA scene. Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) and Andrew McGhanon host SevereMMA Podcast. They're on the front lines of covering MMA in The Emerald Isle, and Sheehan gave a fantastic firsthand perspective of the stumble of Ireland's most popular UFC fighter. Sheehan speculated about McGregor's ability to still sell out Croke Park, dished on who the UFC featherweight champion would likely fight next, talked about how the perception of Mystic Mac changed since McGregor lost to Nate Diaz, and chronicled Ireland's mainstream media coverage of the upset. Sheehan noted the Irish are quick to jump on the bandwagon whenever a combatant sings their praises, making Diaz and Poirier potentially popular draws for future cards there. Speaking of singing, Sheehan became the latest guest to get caught busting out a few bars on RNC Radio. Hear his rendition of Fields of Athenry ONLY right here. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Host Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) was joined by Amy Barton (@amesbelle) to give a casual fan's point of view on UFC 196 and what lies ahead for the UFC, on this episode of Rear-Naked Choke Radio. Barton played a key role at MMADieHards.com in it's heyday, handling social media and hosting Punch Drunk Radio and MMA Beatdown. While her involvement in mixed martial arts may not be what it once was, she still keeps on eye on the fighters and events that rock headlines. Barton and Kelly talked Nate Diaz's victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 196 and where each fighter's road ahead will take them, along with newly crowned women's bantamweight champion Miesha Tate and her first title defense against Ronda Rousey. Aside from the main event and co-main event competitors from UFC 196, Barton also spoke on the combatants she cared for from the event, such as Jim Miller. There's never any shortage on predictions about who fights who next, how hypothetical match ups will play out, or what the UFC will do next. So, Barton and Kelly gave theirs, for whatever it's worth. With UFC 200 coming up in July, potential fights on the card were discussed. The current and former podcast hosts also played UFC matchmaker and talked about the future foes for UFC 196's winners and losers, as well as other fighters they want to see in the cage as soon as possible. Barton getting back into podcasting in the MMA realm is something Kelly and her former listeners would love to hear, so she wasn't getting off the hook without talking about her future plans. She did not fully commit, but did mention what might be in store for her, and her co-hosts Alex Donno and Mike Fester. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Paige VanZant is on Dancing with the Stars, and many MMA fans might not care, but it's important. Hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) explained why on the latest episode of Rear Naked Choke Radio. VanZant, the All-American Girl UFC strawweight, is a contestant on season 22 of DWTS although other UFC fighters have bigger names and more accomplished resumes. Rizzo and Kelly discussed the benefits of PVZ playing a part in pop culture, not only for VanZant, but also for the UFC. Later, the guys reminisced about the early days of RNC Radio in Las Vegas when Ken Shamrock and actor Sean Farris had joined the show, covered the latest Bellator news of Chris Leben's heart condition and questioned why Dada5000 did not get the same treatment before his fight. They heartily recalled fighters trying their hand in TV and film (for better and for worse), as well as the lengthy line of female bantamweights wanting a crack at new UFC bantamweight champion Miesha Tate's belt. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Laura Sanko knows barn burners, bad bitches and butt plugs. Along with rear naked chokes, Sanko discussed all of them on this episode of RNC Radio. Invicta FC's post-fight interviewer, Sanko (@Laura_Sanko) joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to talk about UFC 196, Invicta FC 16 and so much more. Sanko enjoyed Miesha Tate's upset victory over Holly Holm, but gave her thoughts on why she thought the bout was otherwise lackluster outside of the second and fifth rounds. In the UFC 196 main event, Sanko was excited to see one of her favorite combatants throw down, yet disappointed when Conor McGregor succumbed to Diaz's RNC. Sanko previewed Invicta FC 16, which features an atomweight title fight, interim flyweight title fight and is peppered with veterans of the women's MMA scene. Sanko will be there, undoubtedly, but can't promise her signature big hair will follow suit. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Katlyn Chookagian (@BlondeFighter) knows about fighting, because she does it for a living. She joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) on RNC Radio to break down the UFC 196 fights, adding her cagey insight to the matchups between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz, and the women's 135-pound title fight between Holly Holm (another blonde fighter) and Miesha Tate. Chookagian is the Cage Fury Fighting Championships' 125-pound champion. She defends her title March 19 at the 2300 Center in Philadelphia. In addition to being a rising force at flyweight, Chookagian (6-0 professional, 7-0 amateur) is a fan and student of MMA. She dove into mental and physical analysis of McGregor-Diaz and Holm-Tate, and gave her front-row, eye-witness account of the ill-fated side-show Bellator card that featured Ken Shamrock vs. Royce Gracie, and Kimbo Slice vs. Dada 5000 ("Is this actually real?"). Other topics included women in Bellator, the state of Invicta, the effects of switching weight classes like McGregor, Frankie Edgar's injury, Corey Anderson's nickname, predictions for UFC 196 and why she must follow Robin Black (@RobinBlackMMA). Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Kenda Perez joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to talk about the hype machine around Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz, creepy fans, Dana White and Jason Ellis. Perez (@KendaPerez on Twitter and all social media) admits to being a loyal fan of Diaz. She dished her thoughts on the Stockton bad boy's UFC 196 main event fight against McGregor. Following the fallout of lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, who was originally scheduled to fight McGregor, Diaz stepped in on 10 day's notice to become the talk of MMA. Perez decided that McGregor-Diaz is actually has her more interested, explained why. Perez is a and radio and TV personality, known for hosting The Best of Pride and The Best of WEC on Fox Sports 1. She is also a model and has been featured in Maxim magazine. Perez talked about being in the spotlight and joys and troubles of a fan's ability to reach her on social media. While she's a big fan of the block button, Perez described how White has social media skills that allow him to battle back occasionally with unruly fans. As for Ellis, she talked about her experience doing a weekly spot on his SiriusXM show, and how he talked her into a real exhibition boxing match in October. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Conor McGregor was scheduled to fight for the UFC lightweight title, but Rafael dos Anjos broke his foot and pulled out. RNC Radio host Jason Kelly looked at the best options to save the event's main attraction. Nate Diaz, Donald Cerrone, Anthony Pettis and Eddie Alvarez are a few of the rumored options. Kelly compared the front runners for "Red Pantie night," and explained who he thinks it should be and why. Kelly also talked about the UFC 196 co-main event, a women's bantamweight championship bout between Holly Holm and Miesha Tate, and why the UFC can't simply move them to the main event slot and scrap the McGregor bout. Other options were discussed that do not include McGregor, but with time running out, the UFC is needs to act fast to repair a card that is only 10 days away. For now, we wait. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
A Book and Bellator: We were kind to one, to the other, not so much. Chris Olech, author of â??The Fighter Within: Every Fight Has A Story,â?? joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to talk about obstacles, frustrations, setbacks and joy of writing a book. We were very kind to him. Rizzo, however, was not as gregarious with Bellator, eviscerating the promotion for its sideshow event, Bellator 149. Olech (@ChrisOlech) returned to discuss his book, which is now on the market. He reflected on encountering just about every problem possible when he began his eight-year journey into authoring a book. Marketing, publishing, securing interviews, reviewing contracts and so much more go into the finished product. As Olech put it, writing the book was the easiest part. â??The Fighter Within: Every Fight Has A Storyâ?? can be purchased at Chapters, Barnes & Noble, Target and most other book stores, or online at Amazon.com in print and digital versions. Someday Olech and Rizzo might join forces to write a book about Bellator, which Rizzo thinks will be out of business before long. Stepping away from his usually calm character, Rizzo ticked off reason after reason why he disagreed with everything about Bellator 149. He even went as far as selecting a replacement for Scott Coker, none other than SB Nationâ??s Luke Thomas. Hear the epic rant that kicked off the show, and get to know Olech on a landmark episode of RNC Radio. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Trying to find a correlation between Bellator and Pee-Wee Herman? Bellator 149 went down, and SIRIUSXM RUSH host, MMAMania.com writer Michael Stets (@Michael_Stets) joined Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to explain it on Rear-Naked Choke Radio as they talked about the spectacle. With a main event featuring 49-year-old Royce Gracie vs. 52-year-old Ken Shamrock, and a co-main event showcasing street brawling former friends Kimbo Slice and DADA 5000, Bellator 149 viewers expected a circus of an MMA show. In the end, the event was more of a puzzling disaster than anybody bargained for. Stets, who was at Bellator 149 in Houston, Texas, provided a first-hand opinion of what the atrocious mess between Slice and DADA looked like from cage side. He also spoke about the bizarre ending of the Shamrock-Gracie trilogy. Stets and Kelly talked about Bellator's recent announcement to host kickboxing matches, what's next for the winners and losers of the Bellator 149 main card and hypothetical, ridiculous fights Bellator could put on in the future. Listen to find out. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Ken Shamrock vs. Royce Gracie: The full fight option is here on Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio). Brought to you by hosts Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA). Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Scott Zerr (@ScottMaxFight) is the Director of Media and Fighter Relations for Prestige FC, A Canadian MMA organization based in Regina, Saskatchewan. He also handles the PR and Marketing duties at Lion Fight, a leader in letting muay thai fighters showcase their skills. Zerr joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) on Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) to talk about the near-future sale of the Maximum Fighting Championship, where he was the matchmaker and media relations coordinator. Along with the promotion's owner, Mark Pavelich, Zerr has recently been discussing the sale of the MFC brand. Zerr talked about the history of the organization and the value of the brand for any interested purchaser. He also spoke on his own efforts to remain with the company in the event Pavelich stepped back from being the promotion's front man. When not assisting combat sports promotions with their media, Zerr covers MMA, hockey and lacrosse on the other side of the mic, interviewing athletes and providing analysis. Listen to find out. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Battle rapper Dirbag Dan was with us when the news broke of Kevin Randleman's passing. With the passing of the legend, and ahead of so many highly anticipated UFC events while sitting a week away from one of the biggest battle rap events to date, you would be hard pressed to find a person to blend it all. A man of many hats, Dirtbag Dan (@DirtbagDan408) joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to thoroughly discuss it. Dirtbag Dan, host of The DirtBag Dan Show, lover of the hurt business and stand-up comedian, returned in perfect time to talk the big fights and King of the Dot's Blackout 6, which is an annual battle rap event. Like Rizzo and Kelly, he was taken aback when news of Randleman's passing came but was able to give his thoughts on the former UFC champion and what he meant to the sport. Aside from the sad news, we managed to incorporate something for any fan of Dan -- from champions like Conor McGregor to Illmaculate, legends like Anderson Silva to Iron Solomon, and attention grabbers like DADA 5000 to Daylyt. Along with the chatter about warfare, both physical and verbal, Dan also spoke about his recent venture into stand-up comedy. Known as a hilariously entertaining battle rapper, the transition is not overly surprising. Was he being funny when he placed the future of the sport on the outcome of the Bellator fight between Ken Shamrock and Royce Gracie, vehemently disagreeing with Rizzo? Listen to find out. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
The betting angles for UFC on FOX 18 are here! Rear Naked Choke Radio hosts Joe Rizzo (@rearnakedchoke) and Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) talked betting angles surrounding UFC on Fox 18, the shambles of UFC 196 after losing the main event heavyweight title fight between Fabricio Werdum and Cain Velasquez, and options for the promotion's big-man division. UFC on Fox 18 features a main attraction including light heavyweights Anthony Johnson and Ryan Bader, with a co-main event between heavyweight veterans Josh Barnett and Ben Rothwell. Along with that pair of fights, Rizzo and Kelly looked at the betting lines and parlays on the rest of the 13-fight card, including bouts between Iuri Alcântara vs. Jimmie Rivera and Bryan Barberena vs. Sage Northcutt to kickoff the main card. On Feb. 6, UFC 196 was scheduled to be capped off with heavyweight title rematch between the champ, Werdum, and Velasquez, but the challenger withdrew due to injury. In an obvious stunt, the UFC offered Stipe Miocic a chance to step in a as a late replacement, which he promptly accepted. The following morning, Werdum pulled out citing injury to his foot and back, which cancelled the night's main event. Rizzo and Kelly discussed possible options, whether it be pulling a fight from another upcoming show to fill out the main event for UFC 196, or upgrading a bout already scheduled for that night.
It ain't Valentine's Day, but it's a lovely day in the RNC Radio house. UFC cutwoman Swayze Valentine lent time to Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to give an in-depth interview, yet show her personality and be an instantaneous reoccurring guest. Valentine dug deep to share the painful parts of her past, both physically and emotionally, to allow her fans and our listeners into her life. While succeeding in a male-dominated industry, there's the obvious sexism the Alaskan faced. Valentine, however, went through much bigger obstacles. From a bitter custody battle, to being at once shunned and complimented by the public, Valentine persevered. Through moose, windows and all, Valentine made it to RNC Radio and gave you a glimpse into a life that is soon-to-be scripted, if Rizzo's heart has it's way. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Dominic Cruz is back, Eddie Alvarez never left, and Cris Cyborg is ... Cyborg. After a rare UFC Sunday night and Invicta card Saturday, Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) brings its powerful weekend review. Hosts Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) looked back at UFC Fight Night 81 and Invicta FC 15. The UFC was headlined with a bantamweight title match between newly crowned champion Cruz and former king T.J. Dillashaw, a co-main event featuring former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis losing via split-decision to former Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez, and Matt Mitrione's bulging eye trumping the infamous hematoma Mark Hominick suffered at UFC 129. Rizzo and Kelly debated who Cruz should face in his title defense and the options for Dillashaw and the rest of the UFC men's 135-pound division. They also touched on highlights of the card, questionable refereeing regarding eye pokes and fence grabs. Rizzo announced his fight to make with the night's co-main event loser if he were playing matchmaker. Saturday night, Invicta showcased featherweight champion Cyborg brutalizing another victim in Daria Ibragimova. Cyborg steals the attention on any card of which she is a part, but in one of the more exciting Invicta cards in a while, every competitor on the bill put on entertaining performances, with only fight seeing the judges' scorecards. The hosts reviewed the thriller event and looked ahead at Invicta FC 16 and its 125-pound tournament. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio, and find us YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1xs5I0-enSyN5ddDbqORwA.
Dominick Cruz or TJ Dillashaw? Get your wallet out and prepare to get richer than the Powerball, or more poor than the Monopoly Man with his pockets out. On Rear Naked Choke Radio, hosts Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) broke down the smart bets, risky wagers, over/under and parlay bets ahead of UFC Fight Night 81. Kelly, as usual, played it safe and avoided the heavyweights and non-paying bets on the card, which features Cruz and Dillashaw vying for the 135-pound title. Rizzo strategically laid out where the money lies in over/under and parlays, including the co-main event between favored former UFC 155-pound champion Anthony Pettis and ex-Bellator lightweight belt-holder Eddie Alvarez. With so many close betting lines on UFC Fight Night 81, you might want to take some guidance before placing your money. Not to say Jay and Joe will show you the way, but if you happen to hit a lick, remember who guided you to your payday! Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio.
James Lynch, host of Parting Shot Podcast, kicked it with Rear-Naked Choke Radio host Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and talked about their careers on the media side of the sport and all things MMA. Lynch (@LynchOnSports) hosts Parting Shot Podcast (@partingshotmma) with Carlin Bardsley (@CarlinBardsley) on mmaoddsbreaker.com and is also a writer for Sportsnet. Lynch detailed his career in combat sports media, which began in 2008 with the Fight Network, and explained the steps he's taken to grow his own brand and carve out his spot in MMA, Lynch also talked about the dedication it takes to effectively cover events and produce a show, the power of social media, shared some of his experiences when interviewing athletes, spoke on the characters covering the sport and, of course, talked about MMA. While Lynch has proven time and time again he is one of the elite hosts in the game, he showed he can also hang with the best on the other side of the mic. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio.
Tom DeBlass, owner of Ocean County BJJ, joined Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) on this episode on Rear-Naked Choke Radio to answer that question. DeBlass, a product of Ricardo Almeida, has devoted his life to BJJ. He is an elite competitor, who has only given up 15 points in his entire jiu-jitsu competitive career, and celebrated the 10-year anniversary of his academy, OCBJJ, this week. The professor spoke on the trials and tribulations of owning a jiu-jitsu academy, with most years reaching $150,000 in bills, and giving people a btreak when needed just to get them on the mats. He also talked about his recent venture into writing, which has DeBlass constructing articles for www.jiujitsutimes.com, generating revenue as tournament holder, the types if characters BJJ needs to grow in popularity and his future plans as a competitor. Always a gentleman, forever a scholar, the school-teacher-turned-BJJ-prof held class and educated us on what it takes to make it in a joint-manipulated world. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio.
TJ Laramie, the 18-year-old phenom that has done more with his life than most retired people, joined Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to provide us with another exciting update on his career. Laramie (@LaramieTJ) was scheduled to make his third professional MMA showing on Jan. 29, at Hard Knocks Fighting Championship 48 at WinSport in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It would've been the Canadian's second appearance in the HKFC cage, where he dismantled his past in opponent in 76 seconds via rear-naked choke, but history repeated itself and Laramie was left without an opponent again. HKFC is working hard to find a foe for Laramie, which "The Truth" hopes comes through, but as it stands he waits in limbo. While Laramie was preparing for his upcoming bout, The Maximum Training Centre team member spent time visiting Duke Roufus' gym in Milwaukee, Wis. Laramie filled us in on what it was like to visit the gym, housing with former UFC lightwight champion Anthony Pettis, meeting wrestler-turned-MMA-fighter CM Punk and how the training varied from his home gym in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Laramie also discussed gym hoppers, the dedication it takes to be a professional athlete, Conor McGregor vs. Frankie Edgar, his love for Wendy's and pizza, his 2016 plans and a former UFC teammate that he is not exactly fond of anymore. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio.
Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and Joe Rizzo (@rearnakedchoke) fill you in on where this show came from, how the hosts got their start and what the hell is going on with the UFC. While chatting about upcoming fights and UFC news, Kelly and Rizzo went in depth about the beginnings of RNC Radio, MMA DieHards, doing things before they were popular and what makes them still tick today. They also discussed some of their other favorite podcasts and reporters in the sport and what they expect to see from them in the future. In closing, there was an intense, yet thoughtful, talk about the age-old topic that is MMA judging. While Rizzo thinks he may be on to something, Kelly doesn't have an answer and is hesitant to complain about a subject he has no solution for. Fun was had, knowledge was dropped, therefore you should listen. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio.
The UFC 195 betting angles are in. The promotion wasted no time kicking off 2016, and neither did we. Hosts Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and Joe Rizzo (@rearnakedchoke) dug into the first UFC event of the year and provided a preview with a bettor's angle. UFC 195 is headlined with a welterweight title bout between champ Robbie Lawler and Carlos Condit. The event also features a heavyweight fight involving Stipe Miocic and Andrei Arlovski, a rescheduled scrap between Dustin Poirier and Joseph Duffy and the return of Michael McDonald, who has been out of competition since December 2013. Kelly and Rizzo examined the betting odds and over/under lines, which were provided by 5Dimes, and gave their insight on where the money should place. Straight bets, parlays and bouts to not place were discussed in the first episode of 2016. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio.
Robin Black joined Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and Joe Rizzo (@rearnakedchoke) on Rear Naked Choke Radio, and similar to his fight breakdowns, the show was intriguing, in depth and a little insane. Black (@RobinBlackMMA) is an MMA analyst and color commentator for the Fight Network, as well as the UFC fight breakdown specialist. As talented as he is at dropping knowledge on the MMA game, Black's supreme skill is being a conversationalist. Black talked about everything from being hated upon entry to mixed martial arts to getting a call to work for the UFC, the intense emotions that took over his mind and body when he interviewed Conor McGregor, his unique ability to dissect fights, his transition from the rock-and-roll industry to MMA and more. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio.
"The Man in the Shirt" can now add RNC Radio to his resume. Jeff Wagenheim (@JeffWagenheim), MMA writer for Sports Illustrated and the Washington Post, as well as a mainstay on The MMA Beat, joined Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and Joe Rizzo (@rearnakedchoke) to guide us on a reflective journey through the UFC triple header with the power of his signature Hawaiian shirt. The trio discussed Conor McGregor's 13-second knockout victory over Jose Aldo in UFC 194's main event to become the new featherweight champ, the night's co-main event that showcased Luke Rockhold defeating Chris Weidman to win the 185-pound title and other bouts from the weekend's record-breaking show. Wags, Kelly and Rizzo also highlighted the cards that preceded UFC 194, UFC Fight Night 80: Namajunas vs. VanZant and The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber. They revisited some of the 34 UFC fights that took place over the three-day period, and looked at what's next for the weekend's winners and losers. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio.
Nick Kalikas, the MMA oddsmaker at MMAOddsbreaker.com, joined Rear Naked Choke Radio with Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and Joe Rizzo (@rearnakedchoke) to explain why UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo is an underdog in his UFC 194 title defense against Conor McGegor. Kalikas (@FightOdds) talked an abundance of betting lines ahead of this weekendâ??s UFC triple-header, and explained the science behind the betting lines for UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. VanZant, The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber, and UFC 194. He did a deep dive with Kelly and Rizzo about how business picks up when his industry is faced with three cards in as many days. Along with discussing the upcoming odds, Kalikas talked about the massive upset at UFC 193, when Holly Holm defeated Ronda Rousey for the UFC womenâ??s bantamweight title, and how it was seen behind the scenes at the Las Vegas casinos. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com. Don't forget to like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RNCRadio.
Chris Olech, author of The Fighter Within: Every Fight Has A Story, chopped it up with Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) on Rear Naked Choke Radio about his book and the similarities between being a champion in life and combat sports. Olech (@ChrisOlech) wrote a book, which was an eight-year journey, detailing the paths to greatness walked by the finest competitors in the sport. Included in the book is a foreword by Bas Rutten, and chapters with Fedor Emelianenko, Rashad Evans, Rory MacDonald and a lot more, but itâ??s the common theme between all subjects in the book that Olech found inspirational. The fun Olech had writing the book was outweighed by the struggles he went through to complete the tome. His passion for telling the stories drove him to see it through, but he spoke on the days of wanting to give up and how he found the fighter within himself. Along with being an author, Olech has been a freelance video journalist in MMA since 2009. He worked regional shows in Ontario, Canada, and eventually conducting interviews with the gameâ??s elite. Olech, a child of Polish immigrants to Canada, recently got the opportunity to interview UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Needless to say, it was one of the highlights of his career, especially since he could pronounce her last name correctly. Follow @RNCRADIO and our partners @CombatPress.
Three UFCs in three nights? @RNCRadio has you covered, as Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) took an informed look at the Dec 10-12 cards, which culminate with Jose Aldo facing Conor McGregor. The sharp conversation about the UFC events included the assessment of the "Beauties and Beasts" card that commences the three-day UFC bender on Dec. 10. Rizzo and Kelly examined the match-making, gave a preview of the betting lines, and talked about which fighter could pull off the shaved-head look (and it's not a male). Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com.
Tonya Evinger, Invitca champ, talked Gina Carano, Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm on Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio). Evinger (@TonyaEvinger) is awaiting her next fight announcement but had plenty to say to Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA). She even admitted the infamous post-fight partying with Carano was eventually sealed with a kiss in an exclusive disclosure. Fresh off UFC 193, Evinger gave her thoughts on the main event between newly crowned women's UFC bantamweight champion Holm and Rousey. She also talked about which fighters pose the biggest threat to Holm's belt and predicted what Rousey's future plans are. Evinger took a trip down memory lane and detailed growing up, high school and college days, wrestling, missing out on the Olympics and her journey through MMA to becoming the Invicta FC signature champion. Don't miss Rizzo breaking out his first-ever Iron Sheik imitation. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com.
Ronda Rousey and Joanna Jedrzejczek defend their titles at UFC 193 on Nov 14 in Melbourne, Australia. Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke), Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and Nick Hammar (@Nick RNCRadio) broke down all the betting angles around the huge event on RNC Radio (@RNCRadio). Rousey and Jedrzejczek are prohibitive favorites, making it difficult to find value in betting them. But the trio found some interesting and solid angles for those looking to get action on the card. They took a deep dive into the over-under lines and discovered the potential values on what appears to be an otherwise difficult card to bet. Rizzo, Kelly and Hammar examined most of the fights on the card and gave their opinions. They were glad not to have to discuss the merits of the newly announced fight in Bellator between Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock. Rizzo and Kelly lambasted the promotion for putting on the event, and gave their reasons why the fight is bad for the sport in a passionate and well-delivered final segment. Listen to Rear Naked Choke Radio by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com.
Daniel Cormier won at UFC 192, and Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) broke down all the action from his win over Alexander Gustafsson on Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio). Not only did Rizzo and Kelly review the action, but they also broke down what is next for almost all the fighters on the card. How will the light heavyweight division be settled when Jon Jones comes back? Will Juliana Pena get a shot at Ronda Rousey? Rizzo and Kelly give you their opinions and work through the possible scenarios. Also hear about Kelly's newest fan! Follow the show on twitter: @RNCRadio. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com.
UFC 192 betting angles and fights were dissected and discussed on this episode of RNC Radio with host Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and MMA Sucka's Matt Parker. Kelly and Parker, with the assistance of 5Dimes betting lines, talked about each match-up from a viewerâ??s perspective and a betting standpoint. They gave their thoughts on live underdogs, solid locks, parlay ideas and bets to avoid. During their heated debates about picks and betting strategies it became clear Parker hates more than one person during the course of this show, including Kelly. His fierce critiques of combatants on the UFC 192 card made for a lighthearted show with some insight on the evening's bouts. In light of the recent news that former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has had his day in court and will likely grace the Octagon again sooner than later, Kelly and Parker spoke about the possibilities upon his return. While most talk has been about Jones facing the winner of UFC 192's main event between 205-pound champ Daniel Cormier and Alexander Gustafsson, Parker came up with a suitable opponent that adds to the story line and revive a once highly anticipated fight. As always, feel free to comment below or send feedback about the show to @RNCRadio or @CombatPress on Twitter, or on Facebook at RNC Radio or Combat Press.
Stephen Quadros will #FreeNickDiaz. Quadros, a.k.a. "The Fight Professor," joined Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) on Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) and his comments about Diaz might just provide the impetus to get the fighter â??free.â?? Quadros (@StephenQuadros) undressed the Nevada Athletic Commission with harsh words about their five-year ban on Diaz, called for a reversal and explained why the rule is, in his opinion, archaic. Quadros has been around combat sports for decades and just came off calling the GLORY kickboxing portion of the Bellator Dynamite 1 card in San Jose, Calif. As part of the show, Fedor Emilianenko was presented to the audience with news of his return to MMA, on New Yearâ??s Eve in Japan. Quadros covered all the angles on Fedor with Kelly and Rizzo. He is uniquely qualified to discuss the Russian, with years of experience on the Japanese martial arts circuit to compare and examine. Quadros held various media positions covering combat sports, from editing Black Belt magazine, to holding down the commentary duties for Pride FC, to reporting live on site for Strikeforce, to his current role as an analyst for GLORY. Bellator's event on Sept. 19 was a co-promoted show with GLORY, which featured MMA and kickboxing, along with a series of themes and personalities that were prominent in Pride FC and DYNAMITE era of Japanese MMA. Quadros was one of the few perfect people to analyze and constructively critique efforts put forth by Bellator. Follow the show on twitter: @RNCRadio. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com.
Laura Sanko, Invicta FC's post-fight, in-cage interviewer, joined Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) on this episode on RNC Radio to recap Invicta 14 and an abundance of other MMA-related topics. Sanko (@Laura_Sanko), who took on the media gig after winning her only Invitca fight, jumped into the role with little-to-no experience. Sanko has improved in leaps and bounds and she said Invicta 14 was her best showing yet. The former atomweight combatant spoke about her growth in the position, some of her favorite moments and her signature look that had Twitter buzzing on Saturday night. In women's MMA there is no more sought-after fight than UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey vs. Invicta FC featherweight Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino. Sanko talked about the possibility of the bout, plus Justino's fight at a catchweight of 140 lbs., scheduled for Invicta FC 15 in November. Sanko also gave her thoughts on Rousey's next opponent, Holly Holm, who was abruptly placed in a title match ahead of Miesha Tate. Shedding some light on Nick Diaz's five-year suspension by the NAC for a marijuana-related failed drug test in a bout against Anderson Silva in January 2015, Sanko agreed with the masses that the penalty was a little harsh. Sanko also talked about the amount of mixed martial artists she thinks use marijuana in the sport, and how she feels about it being a banned substance. As for Invicta, Sanko discussed the resurgence of bantamweight champ Tonya Evinger, the impressiveness of Andrea "KGB" Lee as of late, DeAnna Bennett's couple of judges' gifts (and her petting of Sanko's hair), the retirement of Katja Kankaanpaa and what the promotion has planned in the coming months. Follow the show on twitter: @RNCRadio. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com.
Anthony Geathers is one of the up and coming stars in the area of sports photography, and he joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) on Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio). Geathers (@BrooklynsSon) has most recently been photographing the camps of Bellator light-heavyweight champion Liam McGeary and World Series of Fighting middleweight belt-holder David Branch. The Bedford-Styvesant, Brooklyn-based Geathers also spent significant time over the summer shooting summer-league basketball in New York City. Geathers (Instagram: @AnthonyBGeathers) recounted his experience as a member of the United States Marine Corps and recalled the events in his life before joining the armed forces that led him to his career. He spent plenty of time at the library, but back then did not much like the classroom life, instead opting to pilfer books and videos. Listen to find out why, and which ones, but here is a hint: It led him toward MMA. Kelly and Geathers shot around some hip-hop talk (perhaps they'll spin off a separate podcast about it), and the stage was set for a new friend of the show to return. The episode kicked off with the report by our partners at CombatPress.com going with the story of Fedor Emelianenko signing with the UFC. How do the bigger, established MMA websites and the sites that cover MMA react when one of the emerging, smaller sites hits a potential scoop? That kicked of the discussion of the night, and can be continued on twitter. Follow the show on twitter: @RNCRadio. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com (especially on their big day!).
UFC 191, which is headlined by flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson and John Dodson, is broken down by Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) on Rear Naked Choke Radio. Rizzo and Kelly, with the assistance of 5Dimes betting lines, talked about each match-up from a viewer's perspective and a betting stand point. They gave their thoughts on live underdogs, solid locks, parlay ideas and bets to avoid, such as a specific fighter set as a -1600 favorite. They cannot guarantee you will get rich off their betting advice, but if you do, they accept cash and gifts as a thank you. Apart from the UFC 191 breakdown, Rizzo and Kelly talked about the stunning announcement of UFC women's bantamweight champion defending her title against relative newcomer Holly Holm. It was originally announced that Rousey would meet Miesha Tate in a trilogy match, but this out-of-left-field change in the script left everybody scratching their head. Follow the show on twitter: @RNCRadio. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com.
Betting angles for the UFC are evolving, and Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) took a deep dive into them on the latest episode of RNC Radio (@RNCRadio). The event in review was UFC Fight Night 73, in which Glover Teixeira defeated Ovince Saint Preux in the main event in Nashville, Tenn. Rizzo and Kelly reviewed their picks, scrutinized their strategies and explained why some of their plays were good and others were not so much. There was discussion and analyzation of the luck that gave Beniel Dariush a split-decision win over Michael Johnson, and what it means to players when the judges make an egregious decision. Follow the show on twitter: @RNCRadio. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com.
Bet UFC FN 73 Nashville at your own risk without listening first to this episode of Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio). Joe Rizzo (RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) broke down the card with the odds and the best betting angles. This has been somewhat of an overlooked UFC event, with the rabid success of Ronda Rousey at UFC 190 and Conor McGregor at UFC 189 gaining attention throughout the mainstream media. Ovince Saint Preux, a.k.a OSP, takes on Glover Teixeira in the main event, and Joe used the logic from horseplayers to explain why he is an excellent play. Find out who else you should look at for your wagers and daily fantasy tournament plays by listening to the episode right away! If you've hit it after UFC Fight Night 73, then listen back and critique their performance. Follow the show on twitter: @RNCRadio. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com.
Dirtbag Dan (@DirtbagDan408) will tell you he is not an authority on MMA, but he sure sounded like one when he joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) on Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio). Originally a battle rapper, Dirtbag Dan has become a multi-media force with his podcast (find it on DirtbagDanShow.com), as a music maker and an aspiring stand-up comedian. He also might want to steal Bruce Buffer's job sometime down the line. But in the mean time, he is all about talking MMA, something his partners rarely let him do on the podcast that bears his name. Dirtbag Dan shared his well-formed thoughts about Ronda Rousey's place in the Pantheon of MMA greatness, and added a twist on the movie careers of Rousey and Gina Carano. He talked about the potential of Rousey figthing Cyborg, Jon Jones' missteps, and his experience as a San Jose, Calif. native who has followed the sport from its infancy, including attendance at many Strikeforce events. Follow the show on twitter: @RNCRadio. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com.
Tim Hughes talked Glory 23, the outstanding kickboxing event set for Aug. 7 in Las Vegas, with Joe Rizzo on Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio). Hughes (@VoiceByHughes) has one of the most recognizable voices in the combat sports industry, and you can hear it at every Glory event, among other fight nights. He also was the well-known ring announcer for the International Fight League (IFL) and is a long-time personality on superstation KSL in Salt Lake City. Hughes broke down the Glory 23 card with Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke), and you can watch the main card on Spike TV. When old friends get together, sometimes the conversation takes interesting turns, and Cecil the Lion took up a chunk of the discussion. Hughes has a unique insight on the controversial hot-button case of the slaughtered beast, as one of the host of the KSL Outdoors radio program, during which big-game hunters have often appeared live, including during their actual hunts. Follow the show on twitter: @RNCRadio. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com.
Meet Fedor Jr., a.k.a Dominic Rizzo, who did his first stint as a full-fledged co-host in a family affair on Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio). Dominic joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and brought Fedor Jr. to life, as the character recalled his time in Soviet Russia. When Fedor Jr. was all talked out, he called back Dominic, who made his UFC Chicago picks and talked about some of the things he likes about MMA, including his own experience as a youth wrestler and how it influences his watching of fights. Join in for a brief and light-hearted episode. Follow the show on twitter: @RNCRadio. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com.
UFC Chicago & Stitch Duran's dismissal were the topics of the day covered on Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio). Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) gave their takes on the most important happenings in MMA, examining the fight card and why it's on FOX, the UFC's Reebok deal and Stitch's stunning firing. In the main event, TJ Dillashaw defends his 135-pound title against former champion Renan Barao. Rizzo and Kelly agree on how it will go down. Follow the show on twitter: @RNCRadio. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com.
Irishman Conor McGregor had his coronation at UFC 189, and Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) break down the fight and everything that is in store for the new interim 145-pound champ. Both decided that there will eventually be a welterweight champion that fought on the card, and it's not Robby Lawler. Why did the Lawler-Rory MacDonald fight appeal to so many but might not go a long way in earning the UFC a new set of fans. Rizzo and Kelly also covered the Invicta 13 card and explained why Cris Cyborg will never fight Ronda Rousey for the UFC 135-pound title. Follow the show on twitter: @RNCRadio. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com.
Tom DeBlass and Chris Lee Byrne joined RNC Radio to talk about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and their matches at Submission Series Pro. DeBlass, who headlines the event opposite of Joao Assis, is a highly decorated grappler. A student under Ricardo Almeida, DeBlass has spent a lifetime honing his craft and admittedly is still learning every single day. DeBlass spoke on his upcoming match, how likely it is he will return to MMA and provided an in-depth perspective on the controversial video of Ruben Alvarez kicking a fake black belt out of his gym. Lee Byrne began training in jiu-jitsu seven years ago under the Carlson Gracie system in Calgary, Alberta. He since moved to London, Ontario, where started his own team, Munda Jiu-Jitsu (@mundajiujitsu), which translates to clean jiu-jitsu, and is currently working out of the Adrenaline MMA facility. Lee Byrne, a competitor that is always looking for more experience, gave his thoughts on the Submission Series Pro and his opponent Cameron Florczak. He also touched on the growth of grappling in the southern Ontario area. Submission Series Pro takes place July 11 at the Meadowvale Theatre in Mississauga, Ontario.
UFC 189 and Invicta FC 13 breakdown with MMA Maniaâ??s Michael Stets and Rear Naked Choke Radio host Jason Kelly . UFC 189 takes place on July 11 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The dual title-fight card is headlined by Conor McGregor and Chad Mendes doing battle for the featherweight interim belt and welterweight champion Robbie Lawler pts his belt on the line in a co-man event affair against Rory MacDonald. Stets and Kelly also highlight other key matches on the card, such as Brandon Thatch vs. Gunnar Nelson, Dennis Bermudez vs. Jeremy Stephens, Matt Brown vs. Tim Means and more. Invicta FC 13 is scheduled to go down on July 9 at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. The main event features featherweight champion Cristiane â??Cyborgâ?? Justino vs. Faith Van Duin in a fight that many people speculate could be the Brazilianâ??s last fight in the weight division. Stets and Kelly provided a brief overview of the event and discuss the possibility of Justino dropping to the 135-pound division and eventually squaring off against the face of womenâ??s MMA, UFC womenâ??s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey.
Bellator welterweight champion Douglas Lima (@PhenomLima) joined Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and guest cohost Matt Parker of MMA Sucka on Rear Naked Coke Radio to discuss his healthy return to the game, his upcoming opponent, WMMA and his arch nemesis. Lima is scheduled to meet Andrey Koreshkov at Bellator 140 and defend his welterweight title. While "The Phenom" is anxious to get back in the cage and battle the deserving Russian opponent, there's a combatant the ATT product can't wait to get his hands on. Lima, as respectful as he is toward as his upcoming opponent, doesn't have such kind words for Paul Daley. He is willing to meet the British kickboxer in the MMA realm, or the squared circle of Glory. Lima also spoke on UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo pulling out of UFC 189, his thoughts on a possible match between UFC women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey fighting Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino and his brother Dhiego's release from the Zuffa-owned promotion. Parker released some of his upcoming plans, which may or may not include a new podcast and even a Twitter account. It was a revealing episode to say the least. Follow the show on twitter: @RNCRadio. Listen by subscribing via iTunes, Stitcher or by checking us out via our content partners at CombatPress.com.
Alex Donno of famed Miami sports station WQAM 560 joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to talk about the featherweight division in the UFC on the heels of the interim title fight between Conor McGregor and Chad Mendes. Donno (@AlexDonno) gave his thoughts on Jose Aldo's future, the state of the pay-per-view industry and the revised UFC 189 card. Dominic Rizzo joined the show and kicked if off with an intro, ahead of Tim Hughes. Subscribe to @RNCRadio on iTunes, find us on Stitcher, or check out the show with our partners at CombatPress.com.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Kimbo vs. Shamrock and the debut of another Rizzo highlighted the latest episode of Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio). Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) broke down the phenomenon that is Jedrzejczyk, the dominating 115-pound UFC champion that dismantled Jessica Penne in Berlin to defend the UFC belt for the first time. Xavier Rizzo made his debut on the show and named Jedrzejczyk on of his favorite fighters, along with a couple of others, but it was Xavier's pre-intro that stole the show right from the top. Look out, Tim Hughes! Xavier stayed on for the first segment, then Joe and Jay took a deeper dive into the UFC 115-pound division and dissected the event at Bellator 138 that featured Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock? Was the outcome pre-determined? What does the fight mean on the landscape of MMA? Joe and Jay did not like it one bit, and neither held back their criticisms. Subscribe to the show on iTunes, find it on Stitcher or visit our friends at CompbatPress.com to grab episodes and find more related content. Thanks for listening, and please keep coming back!
UFC strawweight Jessica Aguilar (@jagatt) joined host Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and guest co-host Matt Parker, who writes for MMA Sucka, to chat about new things involving the UFC. Aguilar, the UFC�¢??s newest 115-pound competitor, talked about the time being here and now for her to enter MMA�¢??s biggest promotion and grasp the most sought after championship belt in the sport. A former WSOF and Bellator top contender, Aguilar spoke about her journey in MMA, which began in 2006, what it means to be an athlete under the UFC banner. The ATT product also shed light on The Ultimate Fighter 21, the all-female league known as Invicta FC and her personal relationship with president Shannon Knapp, living out her dream of fighting in Mexico, and how the UFC chapter of her career will begin with a victory over Claudia Gadelha, who she meets at UFC 190 on Aug. 1. Parker, a writer with equal passion and knowledge about MMA, took part in this episode as a guest co-host, but his insight on legalizing MMA in New York made him a legit guest on some accounts. Parker provided in-depth details to the prevention of mixed martial arts in The Empire State, plus the strong possibility of the sport being legalized there and what to expect if it is.
UFC 188 was reviewed and UFC Berlin was previewed. Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) reviewed Fabricio Werdum's heavyweight championship victory over Cain Velasquez, and talked about Werdum's historic run late in his career. They previewed the strawweight title fight in Germany between champion Joanna JÄ?drzejczyk and Jessica Penne, plus a look at the 115-pound division of the UFC. Follow the show - @RNCRadio, and subscribe on iTunes. Like our Facebook page, and check out the show on Stitcher, or via our content partners at CombatPress.com.
Anthony Birchak, in RNC Radio tradition, re-joins the show a week after appearing ahead of his performance at UFC New Orleans. Birchak (@ABirchakMMA) finished JOe Soto in 97 seconds as part of an epic UFC card. It was one of seven first-round finishes on the night. RNC Radio (@RNCRadio) has a rich tradition of bringing back a guest from the previous week's show, giving listeners the unique perspective of hearing fighters before and after. Birchak (12-2) was driving through the desert while he took time to talk with Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA). He was on his way to the UFC offices to talk about what is coming next for him in the competitive bantamweight division.
UFC's Anthony Birchak and MMA Mania's Michael Stets provided a fun and free show. Birchak, a man who is admittedly looking for a fight, thinks he will get one when he meets Joe Soto at UFC: Ultimate Fight Night 68 in New Orleans. The pair of combatants were scheduled to meet in their UFC debuts, but outside circumstances led to Birchak taking the night off and Soto getting a last-minute title shot. Now, after Soto lost to UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw and Birchak lost to Ian Entwistle, they both sit at 0-1 in the UFC and "El Toro" believes this will be the fight he's looking for. The former MFC champ, who was stripped of his belt for odd reasons, spoke on his exit from the Alberta-based promotion, what he hopes to accomplish in the realm of sports management with Luta Elite, the debacle that is Jon Jones and much more in a revealing one-on-one interview. Stets joined the show to talk about the weekend in combat sports, but the conversation quickly turned into a humorous chat about 1980s martial arts movies and Seinfeld. Ninja topics were covered, but they managed to highlight UFC: Ultimate Fight Night 68 and Glory 22, yet stay with the theme of fun. Join us. Have fun. Admission is free.
Josh Hill, Denis Puric and Garnet Ace take us on a trip through Thailand jails, WSOF title fights and one-and-only heart surgery survival stories on this episode of Rear-Naked Choke Radio. Hill, former WSOF bantamweight No. 1 contender, won the main event at Global Warriors 2 against Josh Rettinghouse via third-round rear-naked choke. And, of course, we appreciate that submission on this show. Hill talked us through his first bout at home since 2012, and what he is hopeful for in the future, as well as his future plans that may take place south of the border. Puric, well, he enlightened us on what itâ??s like to fight in a Thailand jail. Need we say anymore? Then thereâ??s Ace. Ace mustâ??ve had an ace up his sleeve as he is the only person in N. America to survive sextuple heart surgery. His heart was rebuilt in May 2014, yet he lived through it and then brought MMA back to Ontario just 12 months later. His perseverance and willingness to live breathed life into Ontario MMA and may be the first step in bringing one of the three major organizations in the world to the province that houses Canadaâ??s capital for a special cross-promotion event. Listen here, listen clear, shut your mouth and open your ears. MMA in Ontario has returned.
Bas Rutten and BJ Penn have been announced as the latest inductees into the UFC Hall of Fame. Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) talked about the past, present and future of the UFC HoF on Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio). Rizzo and Kelly overviewed Rutten's and Pennâ??s respective accomplishments and debated whatâ??s next for the hall of fame. Will it be a Pride FC wing, possibly a womenâ??s hall, or maybe an executives' division? Listen, decide and let us know what you think will be the next step in the endless options for the UFC Hall of Fame.
Joe Rizzo (@rearnakedchoke) and Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) look back at the fights and highlights from UFC 187. In his second consecutive opportunity to capture UFC gold, Daniel Cormier submitted Anthony Johnson and secured the light heavyweight championship. Middleweight champion Chris Weidman retained his title by disposing of Vitor Belfort in Round 1. Along with the dual title fights, UFC 187 positioned some winners in the title mix in their respective divisions. Donald Cerrone extended his win streak to eight when he defeated John Makdessi, which makes it difficult to argue giving him a title shot. John Dodson won a questionable decision against Zach Makovsky and most likely earned a rematch against UFC flyweight champ Demetrious Johnson. Andrei Arlovski, proving the doubters wrong, derailed Travis Browneâ??s road to other title and is now being mentioned as a possible title contender later in the year. Join us as we look back at UFC 187, a card that lived up to the hype it appeared to be on paper. On this episode of Rear Naked Choke Radio, hosts Joe Rizzo (@rearnakedchoke) and Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) look back at the fights and highlights from UFC 187. In his second consecutive opportunity to capture UFC gold, Daniel Cormier submitted Anthony Johnson and secured the light heavyweight championship. Middleweight champion Chris Weidman retained his title by disposing of Vitor Belfort in Round 1. Along with the dual title fights, UFC 187 positioned some winners in the title mix in their respective divisions. Donald Cerrone extended his win streak to eight when he defeated John Makdessi, which makes it difficult to argue giving him a title shot. John Dodson won a questionable decision against Zach Makovsky and most likely earned a rematch against UFC flyweight champ Demetrious Johnson. Andrei Arlovski, proving the doubters wrong, derailed Travis Browneâ??s road to other title and is now being mentioned as a possible title contender later in the year. Join us as we look back at UFC 187, a card that lived up to the hype it appeared to be on paper.
Joe Rizzo (@rearnakedchoke) and Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) preview the fighters, bouts and topics surrounding UFC 187. We also feature a guest picker! Headlined by Daniel Cormier and Anthony "Rumble" Johnson duking it out for the vacant light heavyweight title, UFC 187 also offers a second title match as middleweight champion Chris Weidman puts his belt on the line against Vitor Belfort. Along with discussing the dual championship fights, we take a look at Donald Cerrone squaring off against late replacement John Makdessi, a bout featuring heavyweights Travis Browne and Andrei Arlovski, as well as John Moraga and Joseph Benavidez, who complete the main card in a flyweight match-up. The preliminary portion of the event showcases a flyweight No. 1 contender fight between John Dodson and Zach Makovsky. The preliminary card also has Uriah Hall meeting Rafael Natal, Rose Namajunas making her first appearance since a loss in The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale when she faces Nina Ansaroff and veteran Mike Pyle, who will have his 38th professional MMA bout at UFC 187 when he scraps with Colby Covington. Join us as we look at what appears to be the biggest event of the year. As always, feel free to comment below or send feedback about the show to @RNCRadio or @CombatPress on Twitter, or on Facebook at RNC Radio or Combat Press.
Who is â??Jabber Jaws?â?? Who is potentially the new voice of Hamilton hockey? Why does an athlete need a sports psychologist? How does a rising MMA prospect juggle a full-time job and train hard enough to compete in the UFC? And why does Jason Kelly want to see Ryan Dickson out of his jeans? Find out on this episode of Rear-Naked Choke Radio, as Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and guest co-host Alex â??Peckerâ?? Gasson (@Pecker17) are joined by Kyle Prepolec (@KPrepolec), Dickson (@rydmma), Alex Ricci (@alexriccimma) and Reed Duthie (@rcduthie) to highlight Global Warriors 2 and to find out whatâ??s shaking with some of Ontarioâ??s finest in the sport of MMA. Global Warriors 2 takes place on May 30 at the Burlington Arena Centre in Burlington, Ontario, and features Canadaâ??s top talent. Prepolec and Ricci provided updates on what theyâ??ve been doing since the last competed as well as their thoughts on fighting each other on May 30. Prepolec agrees heâ??s in for the toughest test of his career, while Ricci enlightened us on what heâ??s had to change mentally to elevate his stature in MMA. Dickson, a cancer survivor who never has a dull moment in life, talked about his recent trip to Thailand and how he caught dengue fever, which is a mosquito-transmitted virus that can lead to West Nile virus infection and yellow fever. Duthie, a play-by-play commentator of many sports, spoke on his role from outside the cage and his upcoming gig in the world of hockey.
Welcome to the latest edition of Rear-Naked Choke Radio. On this episode, Fight Chix owner Elisabeth Nuesser (@FIGHTCHIX) joins Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to discuss not being welcome at the 2015 UFC Fan Expo. The recent Reebok deal that has fighters in an uproar has now affected longtime MMA apparel brands such as Fight Chix. Fight Chix, which has been around since 2006, has been major brand in the sport and been welcomed by the UFC brass to any and all functions. However, Nuesser was surprised to receive an email stating Fight Chix is not welcome to this yearâ??s Fan Expo in Las Vegas, nor are any other brands as Reebok will be the only apparel company at the event. Not too pleased, and with good reason, Neusser went into great detail about how this affects Fight Chix, fighters, other companies involve in MMA and how she plans to remedy the situation.
Do you know how to say congratulations in Finnish? Learn how to with Laura Sanko, who does the interviews from backstage to the cage for all-womenâ??s promotion Invicta FC on UFC Fight Pass. Sanko (@Laura_Sanko) took time with Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to learn the phrase in Finnish, as she got ready to work Invicta 12, featuring Finnish headliner Katja Kankaanpää, a.k.a The Killer Bunny. Sanko gave a detailed preview of Invicta 12, which takes place April 24 at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. Acting as a third host on the show, Sanko assisted Rizzo and Kelly in recapping UFC on Fox 15, from New Jersey. The former Invicta atomweight provided unique insight on sexist comments female combatants receive on social media, and specifically weekend winner and surging UFC strawweight Paige VanZant will encounter, being an attractive and talented female in the spotlight. Sanko also shed some light on the judging, both positives and negatives, in the sport.
Alexis Davis (@AlexisDavisMMA) joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) on Rear Naked Choke Radio (@RNCRadio) ahead of her UFC 186 fight in Montreal with Sarah Kaufman. Davis (16-6) gave her unique insight into fighting Ronda Rousey for a UFC title and what it's like to come up short in mere seconds with the dream on the line. Her reaction to Cat Zingano's similar experience is one of the highlights of the show. The versatile Davis broke down the UFC 185 title fight between new champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk, who battered former champion Carla Esparza. Davis shared her insight into the women's divisions of the UFC and discussed what she thought about the potential for the promotion adding the 125-pound weight class. She gave her thoughts on the idea of trying to make that weight if the UFC added the division, and you might be surprised at her answer. Subscribe to RNC Radio on iTunes or Stitcher, and catch the show and reviews from our partners at CombatPress.com.
UFC Announcer Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) for a special one-on-one episode of RNC Radio. They took a deep dive into Anik's diverse background, including his transition from the famed Boston radio DieHards to ESPN to the UFC. Anik is a pioneer on the media side of MMA. He was a rising star at ESPN who craved the opportunity to call MMA fights when the market had not yet matured. Through hard work and a couple of things breaking his way, Anik landed his dream job of calling UFC fights and living in the MMA world. There is more to the story, and you'll only get it here on the RNC Radio podcast. Subscribe to us on iTunes, Stitcher, or check us out via our partners at CombatPress.com. For more on the podcast, follow @RNCRadio and also @JayKellyMMA.
Laura Sanko has gone from Invicta atomweight fighter to become the event reporter for the all-women's promotion on UFC Fight Pass. Sanko (@Laura_Sanko) took time with Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to talk about all the news-makers in women's MMA, including Ronda Rousey and Cris "Cyborg" Justino, both of whom won title fights over the weekend. Sanko was in attendance for both, working the cage and the hallways for Invicta 11 on the UFC Fight Pass telecast Friday, and sitting cage-side Saturday for UFC 184. Sanko takes RNC Radio behind the scenes of her post-fight interviews in the cage, gives her unique critique of Joe Rogan's similar work, reveals how she made it from the cage to the mic, and tells the story behind her first interview with UFC president Dana White. She addressed her possible future inside the cage, discussed her first experience with haters on Twitter, including fighter Amanda Lucas, and expressed her admiration for UFC announcer Jon Anik. To listen to RNC Radio, subscribe on iTunes, find us on Stitcher, or check us out through our partners at CombatPress.com. Follow the show on Twitter: @RNCRadio.
Nick Lembo (@NickLembo), Counsel to the NJ Athletic Control Board, joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to break down the PED epidemic running rampant through MMA. Lembo is able to take the complicated matters and articulate them into terms the average fan can understand. He explained the differences between how New Jersey operates from how the Nevada State Athletic Commission handles matters, including the cases of Anderson Silva and Nick Diaz. Subscribe to the show on iTunes or catch it on Stitcher, TalkShoe or CombatPress.com. RNC Radio is brought to you by Drone Strike -- download the free app from the Apple Store today!
Shannon Knapp (@ShanKnapp) joined Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) for a special one-on-one. Knapp, the founder of the highly successful all-women's Invicta FC promotion, had an open discussion about Invicta 11 headliner Cris Cyborg, PEDs in MMA, her unique relationship with Bas Rutten and much more. When she was little, Knapp wanted to grow up to be a ninja; find out why. She also talked about Strikeforce, the IFL and how she has built Invicta's current strong relationship with the UFC. Follow the show on Twitter: @RNCRadio, and co-host Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA). Subscribe to the show on iTunes, or listen via Stitcher or CombatPress.com.
Nick Kalikas (@FightOdds) from MMAOddsbreaker.com and Marc-Andre Drolet (@madaboutmma) joined Jason Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) and Joe Rizzo (@rearnakedchoke) to talk about UFC 183 and the drama surrounding it. Kalikas is the man in the know when in comes to combat sports betting. With 10 years in the odds-making game, Kalikas has a wealth of knowledge on the science of making the betting lines. Kalikas broke down Glory 19 kickboxing and the odds MMAOddsbreaker.com has posted, as well as explaining the intricacies of developing a betting line. The man behind the odds also touched on just how CM Punk can easily be a favorite on the lines heading into his UFC debut. Drolet is a senior agent with Premium MMA Management, but has extensive hands-on experience in almost all facets of MMA. From media to PR, manager to referee, fighter to promoter, Drolet has witnessed the sport grow since inception. His path has crossed athletic commissions many of times, so who better than to join us and discuss the failed drug tests of UFC 183 headliners Anderson Silva and Nick Diaz? Drolet also talked about the handling of the situation by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. As always, feel free to send feedback about the show to @RNCRadio on Twitter.
Josh Hill (@gentlemanJHill) is a title contender for the World Series of Fighting bantamweight belt and also took a recent turn as a pro wrestler, following in the footsteps of his grandfather's brother. Scott Zerr (@ScottMaxFight) has run the media and fighter relations for the Maximum Fighting Championships for 14 years, and is possibly taking a step back. Hear them, and listen to Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) break down Anthony Johnson's win over Alexander Gustafsson, and preview Anderson Silva vs. Nick Diaz on @RNCRadio.
Battle rapper Corey Charron (@CharronKOTD) of King of the Dot and Irish writer Sean Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) of SevereMMA.com join Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) to discuss Conor McGregor's performance at UFC Boston. Listen to Charron rhyme what he thought McGregor said to Jose Aldo when he leaped out of the cage after the fight to confront the champion! Charron also gave the landscape of the Battle Rap scene and talked extensively about his upcoming mega-battle at Blackout5 (Feb 7-8). Sheehan not only has the pulse of Irish MMA, but he also is one of the most underrated observers of the sport, with pointed analysis. He shared his assessment of the McGregor Factor and its impact both in Ireland and across the world. Sheehan also broke down the rest of the card and looked ahead to the McGregor-Aldo UFC featherweight title match, slated for the end of May in Las Vegas.
Fighter Jessica Philippus and UFC 182 were on tap for Joe Rizzo (@RearNakedChoke) and Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) on Rear Naked Choke Radio's first show of 2015. Philippus (@JessPhilippus) is getting back into the cage for the first time since 2012 on Jan. 10 when she fights at atomweight (105 pounds) on the RXC card in Corpus Christi, Tex. She talked about her amateur wrestling career, and the bumps along the road to get back into the cage, from motherhood to her original amateur MMA fight with Invicta champion Barb Honchak - who now fights 20 pounds heavier. Philippus lost her passion for MMA and tried the corporate world, only to storm back in after being spurred on by the TUF 20 tryouts. After talking to Jess, Joe and Jay broke down the disappointing UFC 182 card and looked at the state of UFC cards as we turn to 2015. The hosts also shared their opinions on Conor McGregor and the upcoming UFC Fight Night card in Boston, Jan. 18.