From the dojo to the octagon—this is Budocast. In this episode, we break down the finalized bout order for Conor McGregor’s massive return at UFC 329 against Max Holloway. We also dive into the wild scenes at UFC Baku, where Rafael Fiziev scored a legendary knockout while virtually blind in one eye. Plus, we discuss the controversial salary disclosures from PFL San Diego, Dan Hooker’s theory on why Khabib Nurmagomedov really retired, and Jaron "Boots" Ennis's dominant performance in the boxing ring.

Show Intro Official Budocast opening: Your source for the latest in martial arts news, culture, and competition.

UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2 Official The UFC has confirmed the full fight card for July 11 at T-Mobile Arena. We discuss the main event—Conor McGregor's first fight in nearly five years—and the stacked main card featuring Paddy Pimblett, Cory Sandhagen, and the highly anticipated debut of Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson.

UFC Baku Debrief: Fiziev’s Visionary Finish Rafael Fiziev details how a jab to his left eye left him seeing double, forcing him to land his Round 2 spinning wheel kick on Manuel Torres essentially "blind". We also highlight Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev’s stunning 8-second knockout, which earned him a $100,000 bonus.

The Mid-Roll Break (Sponsors) A message from our sponsors: Elite Sports (EliteSports.com) for premium fight wear and Lotus by Open Black Belt (OpenBlackBelt.com) for dojo management software.

The Khabib Retirement Debate Dan Hooker stirs the pot, claiming Khabib Nurmagomedov retired because he "mastered the game" and knew when to stop rolling the dice, rather than solely due to a promise to his mother. We also look at Conor McGregor’s recent jab at Khabib regarding the "lack of courage" in refusing rematches.

PFL San Diego: Salaries and Retirements A deep dive into the 90,000paygapbetween∗∗A.J.McKee∗∗(100k) and his opponent Salamat Isbulaev ($10k). We also pay tribute to Ariane Lipski da Silva, "The Queen of Violence," who announced her retirement following her loss to Jena Bishop.

Training Roundup: Strickland and Jubli Sean Strickland shares his unfiltered thoughts after training with India’s Anshul Jubli at the UFC PI, praising the lightweight for "bringing it".

Tha Boxing Voice: Jaron "Boots" Ennis Reigns Supreme Breaking down Boots Ennis’s dominant 7th-round stoppage of Xander Zayas in Brooklyn to become the new unified WBA/WBO junior middleweight king.[27:30] – Outro Closing remarks: Train hard, stay humble.

In this episode of Budocast, we dive into the psychology and business of elite combat sports. Conor McGregor is back in the spotlight, claiming he "sonned" Max Holloway years ago and that the former champion only reached the top by "adopting" his moves. Meanwhile, the MMA world is buzzing after Justin Gaethje’s historic undisputed title win over Ilia Topuria, prompting legend Georges St-Pierre to urge him to retire while on top. We also discuss the fallout of Topuria’s first loss, Paddy Pimblett’s skepticism about his comeback, and the Professional Fighters League’s massive roster expansion, including the retirement fight for the legendary Cris Cyborg

[00:00] – Intro: From the Dojo to the Octagon Welcome to Budocast. Your source for the latest in martial arts news, culture, and competition.[01:15] – The Return of "The Notorious" vs. "Blessed" 2

• • Conor McGregor discusses his upcoming UFC 329 main event against Max Holloway on July 11.
  • McGregor claims Holloway "adopted" his moves to win the world title after their 2013 bout.
  • Analysis of the transition to 170 pounds and McGregor’s belief that he is mentally and physically superior.

• • Justin Gaethje secures undisputed gold with a corner-stoppage victory over Ilia Topuria.
  • Legend Georges St-Pierre (GSP) urges Gaethje to retire on top, stating he has "done it all".
  • The discussion on Gaethje’s quest for equity in a new UFC-owned company for long-term financial stability.

• • Paddy Pimblett critiques Topuria’s ego following his first career defeat at UFC Freedom 250.
  • A look at the physical toll: Topuria suffered facial fractures and a broken nose in the loss.
  • Pimblett questions if Topuria has the "cojones" to return from such a dominant defeat.

• • Elite Sports: Premium fight wear for BJJ and MMA. Visit EliteSports.com.
  • Lotus by Open Black Belt: Dojo management software for tracking ranks and billing. Visit OpenBlackBelt.com.

• • Cris Cyborg announces her retirement fight against Ketlen Vieira for PFL Tampa on August 22.
  • A look back at Cyborg’s 20-year legacy as a champion across five major promotions.
  • The PFL roster expansion: 18 new signings including UFC veteran Javid Basharat.

• • Coach Andre "Dida" discusses Brunno Ferreira’s preparation to neutralize Ikram Aliskerov at UFC Baku.
  • Analysis of Alex Pereira’s loss to Ciryl Gane, highlighting the disadvantage of losing his range advantage at heavyweight.

[05:30] – The Gaethje Legacy: To Retire or Not?[10:00] – Adversity in the Octagon: The Fall of Topuria[13:30] – Mid-Roll Break: Support Our Sponsors[14:45] – PFL’s Global Expansion & Cyborg’s Last Dance[19:30] – Coach’s Corner: UFC Baku and the Heavyweight Landscape[22:15] – Outro: Train Hard, Stay Humble That’s it for this episode of Budocast. Thanks for joining us. We’ll be back soon with more news and insights.

In this heavy-hitting episode of Budocast, we dissect the historic UFC Freedom 250 event held on the South Lawn of the White House. We lead with Justin Gaethje’s masterful lightweight title win and the specific technical error by Ilia Topuria that "The Highlight" believes handed him the belt. We also dive into the firestorm surrounding Josh Hokit’s post-fight comments and Dana White’s complex defense of free speech paired with his personal praise for Barack Obama.The conversation shifts to the technical side of the mats as we react to Bryce Mitchell’s controversial stance on butt scooting in BJJ and Alex Pereira’s grievances regarding officiating in his heavyweight debut. Finally, we look at the business of the sport, from Usman Nurmagomedov’s potential pay-cut for a UFC legacy to Turki Alalshikh’s race against time to unite the world of boxing.Show Notes[0:00] The Intro

• • “From the dojo to the octagon—this is Budocast. Your source for the latest in martial arts news, culture, and competition. From breaking fight results to evolving techniques, we cover it all. Let’s get into it.”

• • Analysis of how Justin Gaethje turned his title fight into a "dog fight".
  • Gaethje explains the "Shane Carwin-esque" mistake Ilia Topuria made by dumping his gas tank after landing heavy body shots.
  • Why Topuria’s reliance on his submission background may have backfired in the championship rounds.

• • Dana White’s blunt rebuke of Josh Hokit for "disgusting" comments regarding Michelle Obama.
  • White’s surprising anecdote about his respect for Barack Obama and his stance on the office of the presidency.
  • The history of Hokit’s controversial remarks and the UFC’s refusal to police fighter speech.

• • “Before we dive deeper, shoutout to our sponsors. First up—Elite Sports, leaders in premium fight wear for BJJ and MMA. Whether you’re rolling or striking, they’ve got gear built to move with you. Check them out at EliteSports.com.
  • And if you're a school owner looking to optimize your dojo’s performance, you need to check out Lotus by Open Black Belt. It’s the ultimate management software for tracking ranks, attendance, and billing. They are currently offering a free trial to our listeners. Streamline your business so you can spend more time on the mats. Visit OpenBlackBelt.com to start your trial today. You can find links for both in the show notes. And if you’ve got a story, news tip, or question—send it to us at Budocast.com.”

• • Bryce Mitchell calls out BJJ professors for teaching "gayness" via the butt scooting technique.
  • The tactical reality of pulling guard in MMA vs. pure BJJ.
  • Alex Pereira breaks his silence on his loss to Ciryl Gane, alleging Herb Dean missed illegal strikes to the back of the head.

• • Islam Makhachev advises Usman Nurmagomedov to leave the PFL for the UFC, even if it means losing half his purse.
  • Kyoji Horiguchi’s emotional statement following his TKO loss to Manel Kape at UFC Vegas 119.
  • Turki Alalshikh’s "white smoke" mission to bring Dana White and major boxing promoters to the same table before his health declines.

• • “That’s it for this episode of Budocast. Thanks for joining us as we break down the latest in martial arts. We’ll be back soon with more news, stories, and insights. Until then—train hard, stay humble.”

[2:15] Gaethje’s Tactical Masterclass at Freedom 250

[15:45] Controversy at the White House[28:30] Mid-Roll Break (The Sponsors)

[31:00] Grappling Ethics and Officiating Woes

[45:15] The Future of the Lightweight Division and Global Boxing

[58:00] The Outro

From the lawn of the White House to the wrestling mats in St. Louis, this episode of Budocast breaks down one of the wildest weekends in combat sports history. We dive deep into UFC Freedom 250, where Justin Gaethje silenced the critics by dismantling Ilia Topuria to claim undisputed gold. We also analyze Ciryl Gane’s dominant interim title win over Alex Pereira, and whether "Poatan" made a mistake moving to heavyweight. Plus, we cover Mauricio Ruffy’s spectacular KO and post-fight proposal, Diego Lopes’ tactical masterpiece, and the absolute chaos that erupted after Khamzat Chimaev pinned Dillon Danis at RAF 10

[00:00] Intro: Welcome to Budocast From the dojo to the octagon—this is Budocast. Your source for the latest in martial arts news, culture, and competition. From breaking fight results to evolving techniques, we cover it all. Let’s get into it.[02:15] UFC White House Main Event: Gaethje Stuns Topuria

• • The Upset: Justin "The Highlight" Gaethje captures the undisputed lightweight title after Ilia Topuria’s corner stops the fight at the end of Round 4.
  • The Stats: Despite entering as a heavy underdog (as high as +525), Gaethje’s relentless pace and 119 total strikes broke the previously undefeated champion.
  • Makhachev Reacts: Islam Makhachev’s pointed response to Topuria’s "humbling" lesson.

• • Interim Gold: Ciryl Gane secures a second-round TKO at 1:27, using his jab and superior range to neutralize Alex Pereira.
  • Weighty Issues: Heavyweight Josh Hokit weighs in on Pereira’s 251-pound frame, suggesting the move up may have cost "Poatan" his speed.
  • The GOAT Debate: Jon Jones responds to the results with a pointed social media message.

• • Mauricio Ruffy: A spectacular spinning wheel kick finishes Michael Chandler in the first round, followed by a successful marriage proposal to his girlfriend, Nadine.
  • Diego Lopes: How cornerman Alessandro Costa’s specific tactical advice led to a Round 2 finish of Steve Garcia.
  • Josh Hokit: "The Incredible Hok" continues his rise with a lopsided stoppage of Derrick Lewis and sets his sights on Pereira.

• • The Match: Khamzat Chimaev pins Dillon Danis in just 45 seconds.
  • The Brawl: The scene turns "unprofessional" as Chimaev’s team swarms the stage, leading to a wild brawl that Colby Covington claims was pre-planned.

[12:45] Co-Main Event: Gane Halts the Pereira Hype Train[22:30] Mid-Roll Break: Our Sponsors Before we dive deeper, shoutout to our sponsors. First up—Elite Sports, leaders in premium fight wear for BJJ and MMA. Whether you’re rolling or striking, they’ve got gear built to move with you. Check them out at EliteSports.com.And if you're a school owner looking to optimize your dojo’s performance, you need to check out Lotus by Open Black Belt. It’s the ultimate management software for tracking ranks, attendance, and billing. They are currently offering a free trial to our listeners. Streamline your business so you can spend more time on the mats. Visit OpenBlackBelt.com to start your trial today. You can find links for both in the show notes. And if you’ve got a story, news tip, or question—send it to us at Budocast.com.[24:15] Undercard Fireworks: KOs and Proposals[35:00] Chaos at RAF 10: The Chimaev-Danis Riot[45:00] Outro That’s it for this episode of Budocast. Thanks for joining us as we break down the latest in martial arts. We’ll be back soon with more news, stories, and insights. Until then—train hard, stay humble.

In this episode of Budocast, we dive into the most controversial stories currently shaking the MMA world. We break down the conflicting reports surrounding Sean Strickland’s absence from the upcoming White House event and the escalating bad blood between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. Plus, we discuss Alexander Volkanovski’s roadmap for his return to the octagon and the PFL’s surprising "wait and see" strategy regarding their undefeated champion, Usman Nurmagomedov.Show Notes[00:00] Intro: From the Dojo to the Octagon

• • Welcome to Budocast, your source for the latest in martial arts news, culture, and competition.

• • Analysis of the rumors surrounding Sean Strickland’s alleged ban from the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House.
  • Dana White’s response, claiming Strickland is "banned from humanity" but citing limited seating (only 4,300 tickets) as the reason for his absence.
  • Strickland’s own claim that while the UFC tried to get him an invitation, he was ultimately "not cleared by the White House".

• • A look at the heated exchange between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje ahead of their June 14 main event.
  • Topuria doubles down on his vow to knock Gaethje out in the first round, while Gaethje promises to "make him look human" and put him to sleep.

• • Elite Sports: Leaders in premium fight wear for BJJ and MMA. Visit EliteSports.com.
  • Lotus by Open Black Belt: The ultimate dojo management software. Start your free trial at OpenBlackBelt.com.

• • Alexander Volkanovski reveals plans to return between August and September, potentially headlining UFC 331.
  • Volkanovski identifies undefeated Movsar Evloev as the most deserving No. 1 contender for his next title defense.

• • PFL CEO John Martin discusses the "wait and see" approach to Usman Nurmagomedov’s contract renewal following his July 31 fight against Archie Colgan.
  • Insights into the PFL’s philosophy of prioritizing the brand over individual stars, mirroring the UFC’s long-term organizational model.

• • Wrapping up the latest in martial arts. Thanks for joining us on Budocast.

[01:15] The White House Snub: Sean Strickland & Freedom 250[12:45] Tensions Boil Over: Topuria vs. Gaethje[22:10] Mid-Roll Break: Shoutout to Our Sponsors[24:30] "The Great" Returns: Volkanovski’s Next Target[35:50] The PFL’s Business Strategy: Usman Nurmagomedov’s Future[48:15] Outro: Train Hard, Stay Humble

In this episode of Budocast, we break down the major shifts in the welterweight and middleweight divisions following UFC Vegas 118. Gabriel Bonfim delivers a career-defining performance against Belal Muhammad, while Brendan Allen and Bryce Mitchell secure critical victories to cement their spots in the rankings. We also look ahead to the historic—and legally contested—UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, examining the tactical breakdowns for Topuria vs. Gaethje and the drama surrounding Alex Pereira’s heavyweight interim title bid. Plus, we dive into the UFC’s massive overhaul of its ranking system and the complicated history between Dana White and Donald Trump.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Show Notes[00:00] Intro: From the Dojo to the Octagon Welcome to Budocast. Your source for the latest in martial arts news, culture, and competition.[02:15] UFC Vegas 118: Apex Highlights & Results

• • The Main Event: Gabriel Bonfim’s one-sided unanimous decision win over former champion Belal Muhammad, catapulting him into the welterweight Top 5.
  • Middleweight Heat: Brendan Allen defends his ranking with a dominant showing against Edmen Shahbazyan.
  • Thug Nasty’s Return: Bryce Mitchell feels at home at bantamweight after a late-round submission of Santiago Luna.
  • Top 15 Bound: Tom Nolan outclasses Fares Ziam to secure his spot in the lightweight rankings.

• • Title Unification: Dricus Du Plessis gives his breakdown and prediction for the explosive Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje main event.
  • Heavyweight Interim Belt: Alex Pereira remains unbothered as rival Artem Vakhitov assists Ciryl Gane with a blueprint to beat him.
  • Suga’s Mission: Sean O'Malley discusses his "finish or bust" mentality for his upcoming bout with Aiemann Zahabi.

• • Legal Hurdles: Inside the lawsuit filed by the Public Integrity Project seeking to halt the White House event over corruption and environmental concerns.
  • The Trump Myth: A factual look at the decade-long narrative surrounding Dana White and Donald Trump’s history with the UFC.
  • Ranking Revolution: The UFC announces it is moving away from "opinion-based" rankings toward a system centered on measurable performance.

• • Zuffa Boxing 7: Chris Billam-Smith forces Ryan Rozicki into retirement after a brutal seventh-round onslaught.
  • The Aspinall Debate: Dana White fires back at Eddie Hearn’s calls to release interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall.
  • Oktagon 89 Controversy: Igor Severino vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov ends in a frustrating No Contest.

• • Elite Sports: Leaders in premium fight wear for BJJ and MMA. Visit EliteSports.com.
  • Lotus by Open Black Belt: The ultimate dojo management software. Start your free trial at OpenBlackBelt.com.

[18:45] UFC Freedom 250: Showdown at the White House

[32:10] The Business & Politics of the Fight Game

[45:30] News & Combat Sports Roundup

[55:00] Mid-Roll Break: Shoutout to Our Sponsors

[58:00] Outro: Train Hard, Stay Humble Thanks for joining us for another breakdown of the martial arts world. We’ll see you after the Octagon touches down on the South Lawn.

In this episode of Budocast, we dive into the historic construction of a UFC fighting cage on the South Lawn of the White House. This 5,000-seat temporary arena is being built to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary and will host a major card featuring an interim heavyweight title bout between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.We also discuss the end of a unique dual-sport era as former NFL defensive end Austen Lane announces his retirement from the UFC. After 30 games in the NFL and seven appearances in the Octagon, Lane leaves behind a legacy of competing at the highest levels of both football and mixed martial arts.Also in this episode:

• • PFL Controversy: We break down the "bizarre" scene at PFL Brussels where Joe Schilling refused to continue following a head-butt incident.
  • Road to UFC Macau: Highlights from the opening rounds of the bantamweight and featherweight tournaments.
  • Karate & Resilience: A recap of the intense Female Team Kumite Final between Germany and France, and the inspiring story of a martial artist returning to kickboxing at age 40 to face an arthritis diagnosis.

• • Elite Sports: Leaders in premium fight wear for BJJ and MMA. Whether you’re rolling or striking, they’ve got gear built to move with you. Check them out at EliteSports.com.
  • Open Black Belt: If you're a school owner looking to optimize your dojo’s performance, you need to check out Lotus by Open Black Belt. It’s the ultimate management software for tracking ranks, attendance, and billing. Visit OpenBlackBelt.com to start your free trial today.

Show Notes & Sponsors:For more stories and insights, visit us at Budocast.com. Train hard, stay humble.

In this episode of Budocast, we explore the fundamental shift from "grit-only" training to biomechanics-informed coaching. We dive into how modern US dojos are adopting spinopelvic alignment, joint-safety protocols, and stance adaptation to protect aging students and elite competitors from common injuries like ACL ruptures.We also look ahead to a historic milestone for martial arts in North America:

The 2026 Kyokushin-kan America Open International Championships in Saint Augustine, Florida. Hosted by the Azadani Dojo, this event marks the first time these official international championships will be held on U.S. soil, featuring top athletes in both full-contact kumite and traditional kata.The episode also breaks down the U.S. Marine Corps CY26 schedule, specifically highlighting the Force Fitness Instructor Course (FFIC). This program utilizes structured functional exercise science to optimize performance and maximize unit resiliency, mirroring the broader industry move toward scientific injury prevention.Finally, we take you inside the modern martial arts academies of 2026, from Evolve MMA to Sor Dechapan in Bangkok. Discover how these world-class facilities are professionalizing the student experience by creating supportive communities and clearly defining paths for professional fighters versus fitness enthusiasts.Train hard, stay humble.