the best UFC podcast episodes

Why this pick: This recent 2023 episode of UFC Round-Up with Paul Felder and Michael Chiesa delivers a comprehensive preview of UFC 294, analyzing short-notice changes like Volkanovski vs Makhachev and Usman vs Chimaev. As a sports-style discussion show, it provides expert fighter breakdowns, legacy implications, and answers to fan questions on potential title paths and upsets. Its high production quality, timely analysis of major events, and engaging co-host chemistry make it one of the best modern UFC podcasts for fight strategy and outcomes.

Why this pick: A high-quality 2023 recap of UFC 294 on the UFC Round-Up podcast featuring Paul Felder and Michael Chiesa, breaking down Islam Makhachev's dominant KO win over Volkanovski and Chimaev's majority decision over short-notice Usman. This sports-focused episode excels with post-fight takeaways, Khamzat's gas tank analysis, and unique fan questions including Taylor Swift dating a UFC fighter. It stands out for its recency, insightful fighter evaluations, and entertaining mix of serious analysis with light-hearted topics.

Why this pick: This 2023 UFC Round-Up episode with Paul Felder and Michael Chiesa offers a detailed preview of UFC 295, covering Jon Jones' injury withdrawal, the Pavlovich vs Aspinall interim heavyweight title fight, and Pereira vs Prochazka for light heavyweight gold. The sports-style format includes expert impressions of fighters' growth and historical MSG combat sports moments. Its recent production, co-host expertise, and balanced preview of multiple divisions provide excellent value for UFC fans seeking strategic insights.

Why this pick: From the official UFC Podcasts series, this 2016 episode features Dustin Poirier discussing his philosophy on the fight game, move to lightweight, and maintaining life balance as a professional athlete. It provides unique personal insights from a top contender, complementing the more event-focused recent episodes. The in-depth interview style offers timeless value on fighter mindset, making it a strong addition for listeners wanting depth beyond previews and recaps.

Why this pick: This official UFC Podcasts 'On the Brink' episode dives deep into Michael Bisping's preparation and mindset ahead of his iconic fight with Anderson Silva. It offers behind-the-scenes access and analysis of one of UFC's most memorable underdog stories. As quality sports content, it adds historical perspective and fighter psychology to the selection, contrasting with modern preview episodes while maintaining high relevance to core UFC fandom.

Why this pick: An official UFC Podcasts episode looking back at Luke Rockhold's victory over Chris Weidman and his upcoming title defense at UFC 199. This sports-style retrospective provides tactical breakdowns and career context for a former champion. It diversifies the list with mid-2010s middleweight division focus, offering valuable historical insights that enhance understanding of UFC evolution while meeting quality and relevance thresholds.

Why this pick: This UFC Podcasts 'Breakdown' episode features Fabricio Werdum's jiu-jitsu coaches analyzing his historic fight against Cain Velasquez where he claimed the heavyweight championship. The technical focus on grappling strategies adds an educational layer to the curation. As expert commentary from coaches, it provides unique tactical depth not found in fighter interviews or event previews, enriching the sports content mix.

Why this pick: The 'Michael Bisping: MMA Dad' episode from official UFC Podcasts explores the family side of the fighter ahead of his UFC 199 title shot against Luke Rockhold. This humanizes a key UFC personality and adds emotional depth to the athletic analysis. It complements the more technical episodes in the selection, offering a well-rounded sports podcast experience with quality production and personal stories that resonate with fans.