This is The A-Side Live Chat on MMA Fighting.
Today on the show, we’ll talk the UFC making its ESPN debut this weekend with UFC Brooklyn, a show headlined by a flyweight title fight between champion Henry Cejudo and bantamweight champ T.J. Dillashaw. Will MMA look a lot different on ESPN? Is the UFC being on the network a game changer? How do Cejudo and Dillashaw shake up — and should this fight be at 125? Can we guarantee Dillashaw makes weight?
We’ll also discuss Jon Jones vs. Anthony Smith, which was set last week as the UFC 235 main event. Is this the correct first title defense for Jones in his new reign as UFC light heavyweight champion? How does Smith stack up to one of the greatest of all time? Could he shock the world?
In addition, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Nate Diaz have been going back and forth in a heated social media beef. Could we one day see a fight between these two? Who will Nurmagomedov fight next anyway? Will we finally get some closure from the UFC 229 post-fight melee this month in Nevada?
We will also speak about Colby Covington’s ongoing feud with the UFC. Covington is not happy he was passed up for a welterweight title shot against Tyron Woodley, in favor of Kamaru Usman at UFC 235. Does Covington have a point? Why did the UFC peg Usman?
Also on tap, we’ll chat about the rest of the UFC Brooklyn card, which includes Donald Cerrone vs. Alexander Hernandez headlining the big ESPN prelims, as well as the controversial Greg Hardy’s UFC debut. Paige VanZant vs. Rachael Ostovich is also on the main card bill.
If there is time, we can also talk about Stipe MIocic continuing to call out Daniel Cormier; Bellator 214 next week, which features Fedor Emelianenko vs. Ryan Bader for the heavyweight title in the finals of the Bellator grand prix; grappling ace Gordon Ryan talking about an eventual transition to MMA and more.
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.
Audio-only versions of the podcast can be found on Soundcloud, iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, and Stitcher.
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