BTL | UFC 333 Fallout, Justin Gaethje vs. Alexander Volkanovski Chatter, UFC 336 Title Fights
MMA FightingSummary
The launch of the new SB Nation app generates excitement among combat sports fans, promising to enhance community engagement across various sports, including MMA, boxing, and pro wrestling. The app aims to facilitate real-time discussions during events, allowing fans to connect with each other and share their experiences.
The conversation shifts to the aftermath of UFC 333, which is hailed as one of the best events of the year, sparking discussions about high-stakes matchups and fighter performances. Notably, the episode addresses the upcoming welterweight championship drama, with Islam Makachev withdrawing from a scheduled fight against Carlos Proches, leading to an interim title bout between Proches and Michael Morales. The hosts express frustration over the handling of the situation by Makachev's team, emphasizing the importance of clear communication in maintaining fan trust.
The episode also delves into matchmaking discussions, particularly regarding fighters like Armin Sarukian, who is seen as deserving a title shot after a series of impressive performances. The hosts critique the potential for Volkanovski to receive another title shot, arguing that it could hinder the progress of other deserving fighters in the lightweight division. Overall, the episode highlights the complexities of fighter rankings, title shots, and the ongoing evolution of the MMA landscape.
Show Notes
UFC 333 delivered one of the best UFC cards of 2026 with high-level action and stakes across the board. When it was all said and done, it was Alexander Volkanovski and Petr Yan that left Abu Dhabi as champions following outstanding performances to cap off the card. The fallout has left a lot of questions, most notably, should Arman Tsarukyan be worried about his spot in the lightweight title picture?
On an all-new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses the fallout of the outstanding card from this past Saturday, the Volkanovski moving up to fight Justin Gaethje chatter, and where Yan sits in the bantamweight GOAT debate. Additionally, topics include all things RAF 14 — including Tsarukyan and Khamzat Chimaev's dominant wins, Saturday's UFC Vegas 123 event headlined by Renato Moicano vs. Tom Nolan, Islam Makhachev not competing at UFC 336, and now Carlos Prates and Michael Morales fighting for the interim welterweight title, Joshua Van vs. Manel Kape set for that card as well, and much more.
Join MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Jed Meshew as they answer your questions all show long.
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On the latest episode of The Fighter vs. the Writer, UFC legend Matt Brown and Damon Martin break down everything that happened at UFC 333 including Alexander Volkanovski’s dominant win and what comes next for him, Petr Yan successfully defending his title and whether Song Yadong or Sean O’Malley should get the next title shot? Plus we’ll reach to Islam Makhachev turning down a fight with Carlos Prates and now Prates battles Michael Morales for an interim title in January. All this and much more on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer.
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