Episodes

  • UFC’s Criminally Overlooked GOAT: Demetrious Johnson
    Jul 12 2025

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    #DemetriousJohnson #MightyMouse #UFC

    Widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson redefined the flyweight division and left a lasting legacy of technical excellence, consistency, and humility. His journey from regional circuits to becoming the most dominant UFC flyweight champion in history is a testament to his adaptability, intelligence, and elite athleticism. Before joining the UFC, Johnson built his foundation in the bantamweight division, competing under the Alaska Fighting Championship and then the WEC. Notable early bouts included wins over Nick Pace and Damacio Page, and a loss to Brad Pickett that highlighted both his promise and areas for development. These formative fights helped refine the high-volume striking and chain wrestling that would define his style. Demetrious made his UFC debut in 2011 at bantamweight, defeating Japanese veteran Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto at UFC 126. He then bested Miguel Torres and lost a close decision to Dominick Cruz for the bantamweight title at UFC on Versus 6—his only title fight loss in the UFC. This performance nonetheless underscored his world-class potential. With the introduction of the flyweight division in 2012, Johnson found his ideal weight class. He entered the UFC’s inaugural Flyweight Tournament, fighting Ian McCall to a draw and then defeating him in a rematch. Johnson then captured the UFC Flyweight Championship by defeating Joseph Benavidez via split decision at UFC 152. From there, Johnson launched one of the most dominant title reigns in UFC history, defending his belt a record-setting 11 consecutive times from 2012 to 2018. His run included victories over John Dodson (twice), Henry Cejudo, Kyoji Horiguchi, Ali Bagautinov, Chris Cariaso, Tim Elliott, Wilson Reis, and Ray Borg. Notably, his suplex-to-armbar finish of Borg at UFC 216 is widely considered one of the most creative and iconic submissions in MMA history. His reign ended in a razor-thin split decision loss to Henry Cejudo at UFC 227 in 2018, a bout that was intensely competitive and controversial. Shortly afterward, Johnson made MMA history by becoming the first part of a high-profile inter-organizational trade, moving to ONE Championship in exchange for Ben Askren. In ONE Championship, Johnson continued to challenge himself against elite international talent, winning the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix and eventually capturing the ONE Flyweight World Championship by knocking out Adriano Moraes in their 2022 trilogy. Even late into his career, Johnson remained a symbol of technical mastery, humility, and evolution in MMA. Demetrious Johnson’s legacy is defined not only by his title defenses and historic techniques but by how he elevated the lighter weight classes and proved that greatness isn’t measured by size, but by skill, dedication, and heart. He is revered for his clean fighting style, intelligence, and respectful demeanor—an ambassador of martial arts in the truest sense.

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • UFC’s 1st Champ: A Skinny Guy in Pajamas
    Jun 1 2025

    If you’re ever injured in an accident, you can check out Morgan & Morgan. You can start your claim in just a click without having to leave your couch. To start your claim, visit: https://forthepeople.com/lionel

    ------ #RoyceGracie #UFCdocumentary #UFC

    🎬 Videos you'll like:

    ✅ UFC’s Wildest Icon– Bas Rutten: https://youtu.be/F9DYeFsLG04

    ✅ Manliest UFC Fighter Ever - Don Frye: https://youtu.be/PYriU5WtqMY

    ✅ Why GSP is better than everyone: https://youtu.be/CvFIH0T5VJQ

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    Royce Gracie is a foundational figure in mixed martial arts, forever etched into history as the man who introduced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the world and proved its dominance in real combat. As the original face of the UFC, Gracie helped launch a global revolution in martial arts, shifting the paradigm from traditional striking disciplines to grappling-based systems rooted in leverage, technique, and ground control. Born into the legendary Gracie family in Brazil, Royce was trained from childhood in the art developed by his father Hélio and uncle Carlos. Unlike many fighters who relied on size or strength, Royce became a walking demonstration of the "technique over power" philosophy of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Gracie burst onto the scene at UFC 1 in 1993, a no-holds-barred, one-night tournament designed to determine which martial art was most effective. At just 180 pounds, wearing a traditional gi, Gracie submitted Art Jimmerson, Ken Shamrock, and Gerard Gordeau in succession to win the tournament. He returned for UFC 2, winning four fights in one night to claim another tournament victory, defeating Patrick Smith in the final. At UFC 3, he withdrew due to exhaustion after a grueling win over Kimo Leopoldo, but bounced back at UFC 4 with another flawless run, submitting Dan Severn in the finals. Gracie’s undefeated streak continued into UFC 5, where he fought Ken Shamrock in a 36-minute Superfight that ended in a draw due to time limits—an anticlimactic result to a highly anticipated rematch. After UFC 5, Royce left the organization, having already left a seismic impact on the sport. Over the next decade, Royce would compete sporadically in Japan for PRIDE Fighting Championships, facing elite competition such as Kazushi Sakuraba, who famously defeated him in a legendary 90-minute bout that handed Gracie his first MMA loss. Despite that, Royce’s bravery in facing much larger, more well-rounded opponents solidified his reputation as a martial artist with unparalleled heart. Gracie returned to the UFC in 2006 at UFC 60, taking on then-welterweight champion Matt Hughes in a non-title bout. Hughes dominated the fight, finishing Gracie via TKO in the first round, showing how far the sport had evolved since Gracie's prime. Yet even in defeat, Royce's influence remained unquestionable. Royce had a final MMA fight in 2016 at Bellator 149, where he defeated longtime rival Ken Shamrock via TKO. While the bout was marred by controversy due to an apparent low blow, it closed the chapter on one of MMA's earliest and most iconic rivalries. Royce Gracie’s contributions to the sport are immeasurable. He is a UFC Hall of Famer, a pioneer of submission-based combat, and the catalyst for the rise of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu worldwide. He didn’t just win fights—he reshaped combat sports and exposed an entire generation to the value of ground fighting. Without Royce Gracie, there is no UFC as we know it today. His legacy is etched not just in titles or victories, but in every gym where BJJ is practiced and in every fighter who ever learned how to defend a choke.

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    45 mins
  • Why Bas Rutten Pioneered Ass-Kicking
    May 5 2025

    If you’re ever injured in an accident, you can check out Morgan & Morgan. You can start your claim in just a click without having to leave your couch. To start your claim, visit: https://forthepeople.com/lionel


    ------ #Basrutten #donfrye #UFC

    🎬 Videos you'll like:

    ✅ Manliest UFC Fighter Ever: Don Frye: https://youtu.be/PYriU5WtqMY

    ✅ Anderson Silva Documentary: https://youtu.be/-uSCsGFLe3g

    ✅ Why GSP is better than everyone: https://youtu.be/CvFIH0T5VJQ

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    A true pioneer of MMA, Bas Rutten forged a legendary career through a combination of devastating striking, technical evolution, and an undeniable charisma that made him one of the sport’s most beloved figures. Born in the Netherlands, Rutten started as a pure striker with a background in Kyokushin karate and taekwondo, possessing some of the most lethal liver shots in combat sports history. But his early days in Pancrase were a brutal wake-up call, as he was repeatedly outgrappled by seasoned submission specialists like Masakatsu Funaki and Ken Shamrock.

    Rather than accept his shortcomings, Rutten obsessively transformed himself from a one-dimensional striker into a submission ace. Training relentlessly, he developed a slick grappling game, leading to a stunning career resurgence. He avenged his loss to Funaki in dominant fashion, finishing him with strikes, and secured multiple wins over elite opponents like Minoru Suzuki, Maurice Smith, and Frank Shamrock. His ability to blend his signature striking with a dangerous ground game allowed him to become a three-time King of Pancrase champion, one of the most prestigious titles in the pre-UFC era. Rutten ended his Pancrase run on an astonishing 19-fight unbeaten streak, finishing most of his opponents and solidifying his place as one of the greatest fighters of his time.

    Eager for a new challenge, Rutten entered the UFC in 1998 with his sights set on the heavyweight championship. Despite being undersized for the division, he debuted with a brutal knockout victory over Tsuyoshi Kohsaka, showcasing his signature striking prowess. His next bout would be his most controversial—a championship fight against Kevin Randleman for the vacant UFC heavyweight title. Randleman’s relentless wrestling and top control seemed to dictate much of the fight, but Rutten’s superior striking and late-fight activity swayed the judges, earning him a split-decision victory and making him the UFC heavyweight champion. The result remains one of the most debated decisions in MMA history.

    Unfortunately, injuries cut his UFC career short before he could defend his belt. Plagued by chronic knee issues and a series of injuries from years of intense training, he was forced to vacate the title and retire from MMA competition. Despite his short UFC tenure, his impact on the sport remained immense.

    Beyond fighting, Rutten became a fan favorite in the world of commentary, coaching, and entertainment. His deep knowledge of MMA and infectious personality made him a staple on UFC broadcasts, Inside MMA, and countless instructional videos. He also found success in Hollywood, appearing in films like Here Comes the Boom, The Smashing Machine, and Paul Blart: Mall Cop, often playing roles that capitalized on his real-life persona as both a fighter and entertainer.
    Few fighters have left a mark on MMA quite like Bas Rutten. From overcoming adversity in Pancrase to becoming UFC champion, to influencing future generations with his fight philosophy and larger-than-life personality, his legacy is that of a true martial arts icon.

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    36 mins
  • Why Islam Makhachev is the best fighter alive
    Apr 7 2025

    ------ #IslamMakhachev #khabib #Charlesoliveira

    🎬 Videos you'll like:

    ✅ Why Khamzat Smashes Everyone: https://youtu.be/R82bIHZMF2A

    ✅ The People's Champion - Dustin Poirier: https://youtu.be/C2vP5_VvXIA

    ✅ Why Daniel Cormier is Greater than Jon Jones: https://youtu.be/_sf_n3gjUyc

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    Islam Makhachev’s journey to the pinnacle of MMA is a story of resilience, discipline, and unyielding dedication. Born and raised in the small village of Burshi in Dagestan, Russia, Makhachev was immersed in a culture that valued combat sports as a means of discipline and identity. Growing up alongside Khabib Nurmagomedov, under the watchful eye of the legendary Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Makhachev honed his skills in sambo, a martial art that became the foundation of his dominance. A multiple-time sambo world champion, Makhachev’s grappling acumen was second to none, laying the groundwork for his eventual transition to mixed martial arts.

    Makhachev made his UFC debut on May 23, 2015, against Leo Kuntz at UFC 187. Displaying the clinical grappling and positional control that would become his trademark, he secured a submission victory in the second round. However, his meteoric rise was temporarily halted in his next fight, suffering a stunning first-round knockout at the hands of Adriano Martins at UFC 192. This loss served as a turning point, igniting a relentless drive to refine his striking, fortify his defense, and return to the octagon as a more complete fighter.

    From 2016 onward, Makhachev embarked on an impressive win streak, systematically dismantling a series of increasingly formidable opponents. Notable victories included dominant performances over Nik Lentz, Gleison Tibau, and Arman Tsarukyan in 2019. The Tsarukyan fight showcased one of the most technical grappling battles in recent UFC history, with Makhachev emerging victorious by unanimous decision.

    His rise continued with wins over Davi Ramos, Drew Dober, and Thiago Moisés, cementing his reputation as a future title contender. In October 2021, Makhachev faced Dan Hooker on short notice, finishing him with a kimura in the first round. His relentless momentum culminated in a title shot against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280, where he claimed the lightweight championship with a second-round submission.

    Makhachev successfully defended his belt in a high-stakes clash against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, winning a hard-fought unanimous decision. Later, in their highly anticipated rematch, Makhachev made an emphatic statement by finishing Volkanovski via head kick in the opening round, solidifying his dominance as the lightweight king. Between these bouts, he defended his title against former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier, overcoming Poirier’s experience and striking prowess to secure a submission victory in another statement performance.

    Makhachev’s reign continued with a second showdown against Arman Tsarukyan in 2025, revisiting their earlier grappling war. This time, Makhachev showcased his evolution as a fighter, dominating Tsarukyan and defending his title once again.

    From his sambo roots to his reign as UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev’s career is a testament to his upbringing, discipline, and the Dagestani legacy of combat sports excellence. With each challenge overcome, he continues to inspire fighters and fans alike, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats.

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    51 mins
  • Why Alex Pereira Speedran the UFC (again)
    Mar 1 2025

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    ------ #AlexPereira #jiriprochazka #Khalilrountree

    🎬 Videos you'll like:

    ✅ Why Alex Pereira Speedran UFC Part 1: https://youtu.be/dW92qYrR9Vw

    ✅ Why Khamzat Smashes Everyone: https://youtu.be/R82bIHZMF2A

    ✅ Why Sean Strickland Derailed UFC: https://youtu.be/WQEtjfD5iXg

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    Alex Pereira’s journey to UFC greatness began with his transition from a decorated kickboxing career to mixed martial arts, where his unparalleled striking and precision quickly became his trademarks. After defeating top contenders in the middleweight division, Pereira shocked the MMA world by capturing the middleweight title from his longtime rival, Israel Adesanya, in a dramatic finish. Though Adesanya reclaimed the belt in their rematch, Pereira’s ambitions extended beyond middleweight dominance.

    In 2024, Pereira moved up to the light heavyweight division, aiming to test his skills against the larger athletes in one of the UFC’s most competitive weight classes. His return to the cage was marked by an electric trilogy fight with Adesanya, this time at 205 pounds. With both fighters carrying immense stakes into the bout, Pereira showcased not only his striking brilliance but also his ability to evolve as a mixed martial artist, walking away with a decisive victory.

    Pereira’s next challenge came against Jamahal Hill, the former champion known for his durability and versatile game. In a battle of willpower and technical prowess, Pereira delivered a performance that emphasized his ability to adapt and neutralize Hill’s strengths.

    The momentum continued into his bout with Jiri Prochazka, one of the division’s most unpredictable and dangerous fighters. Prochazka’s unorthodox style tested Pereira in ways no opponent had before, but Pereira’s composure and striking mastery carried him to another successful title defense.

    Finally, Pereira faced Khalil Rountree, whose explosive power and relentless aggression had earned him a reputation as a dark horse in the division. In yet another unforgettable contest, Pereira showcased his championship grit, overcoming adversity to secure his place among the UFC’s all-time greats.

    This documentary delves deeply into Pereira’s incredible 2024 title run, providing insight into the fights, rivalries, and moments that defined his time as the light heavyweight champion. From his striking evolution to the mental toughness that carried him through some of the UFC’s most intense battles, Pereira’s story is one of resilience, skill, and determination.

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    32 mins
  • Most Dangerous UFC Fighter Ever: Charles Oliveira
    Feb 6 2025

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    Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira’s journey to the top of the UFC lightweight division is the stuff of legends. From the favelas of Brazil to holding UFC gold, Oliveira’s story is one of perseverance, evolution, and redemption. In this documentary, Lionel Rivera explores the highs and lows of a career that has captivated MMA fans worldwide.Oliveira’s record-breaking submission wins and his evolution from a slick grappler to a dangerous all-around fighter have solidified his place in UFC history. From his early UFC days, where he showed flashes of brilliance, to his struggles to find consistency, Oliveira’s career has been a testament to resilience.This documentary dives into Oliveira’s biggest victories, including his emphatic TKO of Michael Chandler to capture the lightweight title, his stunning submission of Dustin Poirier to defend it, and his thrilling battles with Justin Gaethje and Beneil Dariush. Lionel Rivera also revisits the moments that tested him the most—losses that seemed insurmountable but ultimately forged the fighter and person he is today.Beyond his in-cage achievements, Lionel Rivera explore's Oliveira’s impact on the UFC and the lightweight division. As a fighter with the most submission wins in UFC history and one of the most exciting fighting styles, Oliveira has become a symbol of technical brilliance and sheer heart. His underdog story resonates with fans around the globe, who admire not only his skills but also his humility, charisma, and loyalty to his roots in Brazil.Join me in celebrating the career of Charles Oliveira, a man who proves that no matter how many times life knocks you down, it’s about how many times you rise again. This is the story of a fighter who never gave up and earned the love and respect of fans everywhere.


    ------ #Charlesoliveira #khabib #islammakhachev

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Why Khamzat Chimaev Smashes Everyone
    Jan 25 2025

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    🎬 Videos you'll like:

    ✅ Why Daniel Cormier is Greater than Jon Jones: https://youtu.be/_sf_n3gjUyc

    ✅ Why Jon Jones became GOAT (& threw it all away): https://youtu.be/Cgmy_vfDUBQ

    ✅ Why Sean Strickland Derailed UFC: https://youtu.be/WQEtjfD5iXg

    Khamzat Chimaev is one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history. This UFC documentary explores the rise of Khamzat Chimaev, his journey from Chechnya to Sweden to become a dominant freestyle wrestling phenom, and his transition from wrestling to MMA. Khamzat Chimaev made his A debut in May of 2018, beginning a dominant 6-fight win streak in a few organizations including Brave CF before Khamzat Chimaev made his UFC debut on fight island in July of 2020. Khamzat was able to submit John Phillips with a darce choke in round 2. Khamzat then made UFC history by returning to fight 10 days later against Rhys McKee, earning a first round TKO. Less than 2 months later at middleweight, Khamzat knocked out Gerald Meerschaert in 17 seconds. This propelled Khamzat Chimaev to superstardom. However, a health scare would prevent Khamzat from returning to the UFC until October of 2021, where Khamzat submitted Li Jinglang in round 1 of UFC 267. Another long layoff would lead to Khamzat Chimaev beating Gilbert burns at UFC 273 via unanimous decision. Soon after, Khamzat Chimaev controversially missed weight ahead of his match against Nate Diaz, getting his fight scrapped and instead Khamzat faced Kevin Holland at UFC 279 where Khamzat submitted Holland with a darce choke. Khamzat's next 2 fights would be spaced wide apart due to several issues. Khamzat was scheduled to face Paulo Costa but instead faced Kamaru Usman on short notice at UFC 294, winning a decision against the former UFC welterweight champion. Khamzat earned his UFC title shot by submitting Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, cementing himself as one of the most dominant fighters on the planet.

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    55 mins
  • Why Jon Jones became GOAT (& threw it all away)
    Dec 6 2024

    Get 20% OFF + Free International Shipping @Manscaped with promo code LRMMA at Manscaped.com/lrmma! #manscapedpartner

    ------ #Jonjones #tomaspinall

    🎬 Videos you'll like:

    ✅ Why Daniel Cormier is Greater than Jon Jones: https://youtu.be/_sf_n3gjUyc

    ✅ Why Max Holloway is the Baddest Man Alive: https://youtu.be/bNzEFd7zexM

    ✅ Why Sean Strickland Derailed UFC: https://youtu.be/WQEtjfD5iXg

    👉 Become a Member: https://bit.ly/LionelRivera

    👉 Become a Patron: https://patreon.com/lionelrivera

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    Jon Jones is one of the most notorious mixed martial artists in history. Jon Jones is highly regarded as the Greatest of all time in the UFC due to his spectacular fighting prowess. However, Jon Jones is not free of criticism. Throughout Jon Bones Jones' lengthy UFC career, he has drawn controversy after controversy. Jon Jones began his pro-MMA career in 2008, leveraging his college wrestling and jiu-jitsu background to begin a strong win streak, knocking out Brad Bernard, knocking out Carlos Eduardo, submitting Anthony Pina, finishing Ryan Verett, knocking out Parker Porter, and finally submitting Moyses Gabin to become the USKBA Light Heavyweight Champion. This fight earned Jon Jones a UFC contract, making his debut at UFC 87 and defeating Andre Gusmao, then defeating Stephan Bonnar at UFC 94, and submitting Jake O'Brien at UFC 100. Unfortunately for Jon Jones, he was disqualified in his next fight against Matt Hamill for throwing downward 12 to 6 elbows. This would be the only loss on Jon Jones' record as he would finish Brandon Vera, Vladimir Matyushenko, Ryan Bader, and ultimately Mauricio Shogun Rua to become the youngest champion in UFC history. JOn Jones then began gathering his title defenses, submitting Quinton Rampage Jackson, submitting Lyoto Machida, defeating Rashad Evans, submitting Vitor Belfort, and finishing Chael Sonnen. Jon Jones then had his controversial UFC 165 bout against Alexander Gustafsson where in this five round war, Jon Jones won a unanimous decision. Shortly After Jon defeated both Alexander Gustafsson and Glover Teixeira, Jones defeated bitter rival Daniel Cormier at UFC 182, but Jones was stripped of his title due to violating the code of conduct UFC policy after crashing his car into a pregnant woman and leaving the scene. Jones would return at UFC 197 against Ovince Saint Preux and defeated him to win the interim light heavyweight championship. Jones then earned his rematch to now-champion Daniel Cormier at UFC 214, where JOnes successfully head kicked Daniel Cormier to knock out his rival, but Jones did not win the title due to testing positive for banned substances. Jones won the vacant light heavyweight UFC title at UFC 232 by finishing Gustafsson, but then had 3 lackluster performances against Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos, and controversially Dominick Reyes. Jones then waited 3 years to return to the UFC at heavyweight where at UFC 285 he choked out Ciryl Gane to become the UFC heavyweight champion. Jon Jones then fought Stipe Miocic in November, 2024 to cement himself as one of the greatest fighters ever. He would easily be considered the greatest of all time if it weren't for the questions surrounding his steroid use.

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    2 hrs and 19 mins