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

MMA MATH

Episode 53: Ropin’ The Wind

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

Episode 52: The Eagle

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

Episode 51: A Chinese Champion

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

Episode 50: Football Players in MMA

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

Episode 49: The Main Event, Nate Diaz

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

Episode 48: GirlRilla

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

Episode 47: UFC Fight Night – Colby Covington vs Robbie Lawler

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

Episode 46: Redemption

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

Episode 45: International Fight Week

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

Episode 44: The Comeback Kids

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

Episode 43: UFC 239 – Jon “Bones” Jones vs Thiago “Marreta” Santos

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

Episode 42: UFC 239 – “Gamebred” Jorge Masvidal vs “The Funky One” Ben Askren

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

Episode 41: The Making Of A Champion

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

Episode 40: BKFC 6 – Pauli Malignaggi vs Artem Lobov

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

Episode 39: UFC 238 – “El Cucuy” Tony Ferguson vs “Cowboy” Donald Cerrone

MMA MATH is a weekly Podcast featuring real fighters, real fights and real discussions with former Featherweight Bellator Champion of the World and former Bantamweight UFC Title Challenger, Joe Soto.

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MMA MATH

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