Np Podcasts - Not The Public Broadcaster

Two weeks out from the biggest crossover bout of the 21st century (and ever), all the news in the MMA sphere right now is about the Notorious one, Conor McGregor. Whether it's his fresh new rivalry with Paulie Malignaggi, accusations of racism, or folk songs, he's all anyone wants to talk about. So, of course, Rhys talks about him. But he doesn't leave out the rest of the MMA world, such as Daniel Cormier's first words since his loss at UFC 214, GSP's contract for his Middleweight title fight, and the lame poster for a historic UFC 215. 

This here is the 1st official episode of 2017 for the Sound & Groove Podcast but of course it's way overdue. Don't fret though. Another 5 will still follow here in the rest of 2017. This particular edition is the first of a 2-episode theme with songs of the celestial- ie dealing with or alluding to outer space and all the various orbital/flying objects found in it. And if you haven't been keeping up with S&G on Music of Evan's Mind and/or its newest home at www.notthepublicbroadcaster.com, here's the breakdown: Every month there will be a theme that the selection of music is centred around. It will be jam packed with my analysis, synopses, anecdotes and other witticisms you might enjoy while I played edited-down versions of each tune. And not to worry, each month will contain a different theme than the last. Got it? Get it? Good. Happy listening to you all!

We've reached the XX! One more X and the show gets an NC-17 rating. After the fervor of UFC 214, UFC Fight Night: Mexico City wasn't going to look as good. But it tried! Seven first round finishes and a couple of narratives worth paying attention to, from Sergio Pettis making his case as the next contender at 125, Rashad Evans looking more washed than your old pair of Levi's. Otherwise, we dabble on a few topics: boxer Vasyl Lomanchenko looking slicker than oil, a rumored Joanna Champion v. Thug Rose bout, and more!

The king is back. Jon 'Bones' Jones was stripped of his title nearly two years ago and this weekend at UFC 214, he took it back in the same dominating fashion that he won and defended it. We talk what the future holds for Bones and lament the legacy of DC, which will forever be punctuated by his losses to Jones. Rhys examines about Tyron Woodley v. Damian Maia, where more discussion has come from the aftermath than from the fight. Also, Cris Cyborg, Robbie Lawler, Donald Cerrone - it's a packed show! 

You smell that? That's the smell of victory, a Chris Weidman victory. The former Middleweight champ had fallen into hard times with a three-fight losing skid but found a way to exorcise his demons, nearly being finished and then rallying over Kelvin Gastellum at UFC FIght Night: Long Island. Also on that card, Jimmie Rivera and Thomas Almeida showed us all why the Bantamweight division is a damn goldmine of talent. But it's all about UFC 214. The big one, the kahuna. The grudge match to end all grudge matches: Jon Jones v. Daniel Cormier. If that doesn't get you going, the Crown Prince of Violence, Robbie Lawler, returns to scrap with the wrangler, Donald Cerrone.

Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather went on a four-city World Tour and the Earth managed to stay intact. The tour had it's ups (Toronto fans, McGregor's suit) and it's downs (alienating African American females, the LGBTQ community, and others...), but did it manage to sell the fight? Rhys also tackles the recent card in Glasgow (FREEEEDOOOOOM!) and the card this weekend in Long Island, where Chris Weidman plots his next monumental loss.

Two UFC cards in two days had the potential for a glorious weekend. Instead, we get a card-breaking case of sinusustitututs. Ok, we also got Justin Gaethje, destroyer of worlds, and the 40-year-old who most most you ashamed of your own athleticism squaring off against Bobby The Reaper Knuckles (a.k.a. Robert Whitaker). All in all, an up-and-down weekend in the world of MMA. But that's kind of the way we like it.

This here is the 6th episode of 2016 for the Sound & Groove Podcast but of course it's way overdue. Finally back from sabbatical, S&G is finally bestowing that final one from a year ago on you. This particular edition is a stand-alone theme just for this episode and it's songs that centre on the postal service side of things, i.e. sending off a letter, delivering a message, shipping a package. You catch my drift? 

In the wild, wacky world of MMA, few weekends could top the one we just witnessed. A double knockdown, a hype train derailed, and a floppy ankle (with a prime stool-pull gag), were only a few of the highlights of one of the stranger cards you will see at Bellator NYC. What about the UFC card? It was 'sh*tty'. Rhys ponders his reality after finding himself in the Twilight Zone for 48 hours. Join him this week on The Hurt Take!

It finally happened. The fight that for so long felt like a fantasy is now  coming true...even if it's still a fantasy. Conor McGregor will box Floyd Mayweather on August 26 in Las Vegas and Rhys is fired up about it. Too much to talk about, so you'll have to listen. What else is on the episode? What else matters!? Rhys talks Cyborg getting a crack at the 145 belt, the bizarre from last weekend UFC Fight Night in Singapore, and....ah, who cares? You want McGregor/Mayweather talk. Just listen up.

On paper, UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs Hunt did not have a lot of flash. But boy, did it sure have some bang. There was a surplus of finishes, from the brutal to the too-tired-to-carry-on (a.k.a. The Dada). Rhys breaks it down and touches on some of the other big topics in the MMA sphere, from Demetrious Johnson's Cold War with Dana White and the UFC to Conor McGregor hitting the Forbes top 25 highest paid athletes list. Also, a breakdown of this weekend's UFC card in Singapore headlined by the super relevant (*cough* UFC marketing *cough*) Holly Holm v. Bethe Correira. Never a dull week. 

Rhys forges on alone this week! It's for the best, though, because after Aldo v. Holloway, Rhys had a bittersweet taste in his mouth. The longtime featherweight king and P4P great, Jose Aldo, was toppled by a new great in Max 'Blessed' Holloway. How did the Hawaiian get it done? What does this mean for Aldo's legacy? Also on the UFC 212 card, Claudia Gadehla looked damn good. Rhys also takes a moment to chat about Alexander Gustafsson's big win, and the upcoming Fight Night: Lewis versus Hunt card.

It took a big-time pay-per-view, but the three prodigal sons finally came together in the same place at the same time: Rhys, Mitch, and Taylor got together to review UFC 211! The crew ponder Stipe's burgeoning legacy with his revenge win over Junior Dos Santos while considering at Joanna Champion's legacy as she topples yet another contender. Mitch provides his unadulterated love for Frankie Edgar whose dominating performance over Yair Rodriguez shifts the featherweight landscape. And lastly, the boys take a look at the UFC stock market now that GSP and Michael Bisping are no longer set to dance. All that, this week on The Hurt Take.

The boys are back in town - literally! After time away, Rhys and Mitch return to the show this time in person for the very first time for the greatest UFC 211 preview show of all time! Heavyweight king Stipe Miocic seeks to tie the record for title defenses in that class at two - yes, two - in a rematch against Junior Dos Santos, who toppled him once before. In the co-headliner, Joanna Champion looks to further establish her legacy as the best female MMA fighter ever against perhaps her toughest challenge to date, Jessica Andrade. Also, Mitch writes a love letter to Frankie Edgar and ponders why Dana White is showing boxing so much love.

Another week has come and gone and the MMA wheel keeps on spinnin'. UFC Fight Night: Nashville was one crazy ride - but not always for the right reasons. Ragin' Al Iaquinta returned from a self-imposed hiatus to starch the thricely-now nicknamed, Diego Sanchez, while John Dodson made the crowd boo...again. King Mo got hurt so he's out of a Bellator title crack at the champ Mr. Wonderful, so in steps an old adversary, Darth Bader. All that and more, this week, on The Hurt Take!

Two weeks made two UFC cards with significant implications. After the madness of UFC 210, UFC Fight Night: Kansas City was steady, solid, sane and awesome. Demetrious 'Mighty Mouse' Johnson tied the UFC record for title defences and reputation as the Pound-for-pound king (ten exclamation points and counting...), Robert Whitaker put himself firmly in the title conversation at middleweight, and Rose Namajunas does the same at women's strawweight. Plus, drama, drama, everywhere! Cormier, Jones, Cyborg!

The dust has settled. UFC 10 is now a distant memory. Thanks goodness for that. A bizarre few days was marred by controversies on everything from towels to breasts. Two duds (for very different reasons) at the top end gave us that lingering bitter taste on what was otherwise a delicious card. But hey, onwards and upwards! The greatest MMA fighter on the planet, Demetrious 'Mighty Mouse' Johnson, fights this weekend! Mitch and Rhys recap a strange weekend and look forward to a quietly solid Fight Night lineup. 

Mitch returns from his spirit journey in the forests of British Columbia to the seat he made famous - just in the nick of time, too! It's UFC 210 this weekend! Headlined by a huge Lightweight title fight between once Interim, now grandfathered-in official champion, Daniel Cormier and Anthony Johnson, there is a lot at stake near the top of a card which also features a crossroads fight between former Middleweight king, Chris Weidman, and Gegard Mousasi. Mitch and Rhys also discuss Cody Garbrandt's goal of three titles, GSP's probably more thought-out plan for three titles, and the end of Rampage Jackson.

With no UFC fights on the slate this week, we tackle Bellator. But no UFC means no Mitch! Cray Tay from Abe joins Rhys as this week's special guest surprise fill-in co-host. He and Rhys talk Chael vs. Wandy as Bellator's next PPV headliner and whether Bellator's fighter signings are a good sign. Then, in honor of Anthony Johnson, one of MMA's great headcases, they break down their top five headcases in MMA history.

London wasn't calling Rhys and Mitch this weekend - but it turned into a pretty entertaining card, albeit, a heartbreaking one near the top. We review UFC Fight Night: London from Jimi Manuwa's walk-off knockout to Brad Pickett going out on his shield. We take a look at whether ladies MMA prospect McKenzie Dern is the next Ronda Rousey while checking the Q-rating of the current biggest women's MMA star, Joanna Jędrzejczyk.