This is The A-Side Live Chat on MMA Fighting from Las Vegas.
Today on the show, we’ll talk Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor, which headlines UFC 229 on Saturday here at T-Mobile Arena. What is the current buzz like for the fight? Could this be the biggest fight in UFC history? What should people look out for during fight week?
We’ll also discuss the new UFC 230 main event, a UFC flyweight title fight between Valentina Shevchenko and Sijara Eubanks. Should the UFC just moved up Nate Diaz vs. Dustin Poirier to the headline spot? How did Shevchenko vs. Eubanks even come about? Is this a poor choice by the promotion?
In addition, there are a bunch of other fascinating matchups at UFC 229, including Tony Ferguson vs. Anthony Pettis, Michelle Waterson vs. Felice Herrig and more. What else is there to keep an eye on during fight week? Are some of those other solid fights being obscured by Khabib vs. McGregor? Where does Ferguson fit in this lightweight milieu?
We will also speak about the UFC’s anti-doping policy change with regards to when the promotion announces positive drug tests. What consequences does the UFC only announcing violations after the USADA adjudication process is over have? Is this the right move?
If there’s time, we can chat about Bellator 206, which featured a big win by Gegard Mousasi over Rory MacDonald and Aaron Pico’s coming out party. Quintet 3 is Friday in Las Vegas, featuring the likes of Josh Barnett, Urijah Faber and Kazushi Sakuraba. If there’s time, we can discuss interest in that card.
There is plenty to talk about, so join us to discuss all of the above and much more. All is up for discussion. The chat will start at our time of 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT.
As always, we’ll post the video window as the event draws near and answer any questions you might have if you post them in the comments below. For the comments you deem the most deserving, please click the “rec” button. Comments in green will get first priority.
Please link this page and use the hashtags #theaside or #chatwrappers on Twitter when you’re watching to tell everyone you’re taking part with us.
An audio-only version of the podcast can be found on MMA Fighting’s official Soundcloud.
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