Advertise on podcast: Cageside with John Morgan

On this last episode of “Cageside with John Morgan,” the guys preview the upcoming International Fight Week UFC card featuring the return of the one, the only Conor McGregor. Who has the edge, and what else does the card have to offer? All this and more, for one final time ...

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan look back at an amazing UFC Freedom 250 and the upset that will live forever. Justing Gaethje pulls it off against the unbeaten pound-for-pound king Ilia Topuria. Plus, Ciryl Gane proves again why he is at the top of the heap with a brutal second-round stoppage over the two-division champ Alex Pereira. All this and more ...

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan are downright giddy about the historic UFC card at the White House this weekend. Can Justin Gaethje pull off a monumental upset, and what is his best path to victory over Ilia Topuria. Alex Pereira is going for a UFC title in an unprecedented third division – will the added weigh make a difference, and can he get past the pinpoint accuracy of Ciryl Gane?  All this and more ... 0:00 – UFC Freedom 250 fight week has finally arrived, and it’s truly a remarkable moment 13:31 – Can Justin Gaethje deliver the ultimate American celebration? 25:58 – How will the move to heavyweight affect Alex Pereira against Ciryl Gane? 36:24 – How Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis became the fight you simply can’t miss 46:43 – What happened to Belal Muhammad? 49:26 – Is Eddie Hearn leading Tom Aspinall down the wrong path?

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan recap an incredible UFC 328, where Sean Strickland earned a win over Khamzat Chimaev, just like the guys predicted one week ago. Also, Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja II just got way more interesting, and has the promotion of this weekend’s MVP MMA card done more harm than good? All this and more ... 0:00 – Sean Strickland gets it done, and Eric’s go receipts 4:57 – Styles absolutely do make fights 14:24 – Strickland the UFC star you never saw coming – so what comes next? 28:29 – Joshua Van erases all doubt in thriller 34:46 – Is there diminishing hype around MVP MMA 1? 47:04 - MVP MMA predictions 49:01 – Previewing this week’s UFC in Las Vegas

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan look forward to UFC 328 and the epic showdown of Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland. Hear the breakdown and why they think the odds are so far off. Also, off his dominant victory at UFC Perth, does Carlos Prates leap frog Ian Machado Garry to claim a coveted welterweight title shot? All this and more ... 0:00 – Carlos Prates just changed the trajectory of his career 9:37 – Will Prates leapfrog Ian Machado Garry to face Islam Makhachev? 12:44 – Fear became reality with Beneil Dariush and Tai Tuivasa 16:49 – Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sena Strickland approach Khabib Nurmagomedov-Conor McGregor haeat 23:34 – Eric has a bold prediction for Chimaev vs. Strickland – and he backs it up 32:36 – Breaking down Chimaev vs. Strickland 46:46 – What to watch for outside of UFC 328's main event? 52:47 – UFC 328 prelims preview

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan break down what’s really happening between Ronda Rousey and Kayla Harrison, recap what unfolded at the UFC’s latest event at Meta Apex, and preview the UFC’s trip to Australia this weekend. All this and more ... 0:00 – What’s with all the UFC hate lately? 10:15 – Ronda Rousey and Kayla Harrison – who’s actually most relevant? 37:10 – Aljamain Sterling dominates Youssef Zalal – did he earn a title shot? 39:14 – UFC Perth preview with Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates 51:00 – Other key fights from Australia 1:00:30 – Primal Cage Warriors review, CFFC NextGen 3 preview

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan break down a busy week across combat sports and pro wrestling. The guys recap UFC Winnipeg, where Mike Mallot delivered a dominant, one‑sided performance against Gilbert Burns. Eric checks in from Las Vegas after attending Power Slap 19, while John was on the ground in Philadelphia covering CFFC action. Plus, the WrestleMania main event hit especially close to home for both hosts, leading to an unforgettable discussion. All this and much more on this packed episode! 0:00 – Roman Reigns and CM Punk shine in WrestleMania headliner 9:18 – Mike Malott delives, while Gilbert Burns calls it a career 18:58 – What’s next for Malott? 21:36 – Charles Jourdain survives a game Kyler Phillips 25:22 – Eric’s Power Slap experience 31:01 – Recapping CFFC 153 33:53 – What is going on with Arman Tsarukyan? 38:02 – Previewing Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal and this week’s UFC event

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan look back at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night event and the always likable Renato Moicano spoiling the coming out party of Chris Duncan – then taking it personal. Looking forward to UFC 327 and Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg for the vacant light heavyweight title. All this and more ... 0:00 – Renatio Moicano is the gift that keeps giving 7:54 – Is Chris Duncan a cautionary tale of too much, too soon? 12:34 – Ethyn Ewing is a star on the rise 16:27 – Tommy McMillen, Tresean Gore, Alice Pereira, Kai Kamaka III and more 19:47 – A call to end the Meta Apex hate 23:19 – Previewing Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg 35:27 – Don’t miss Cub Swanson vs. Nate Landwehr 39:37 – Aaron Pico and Patricio Freire’s Bellator battle 45:51 – Alexandre Pantoja’s frustrating reality

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan look back at a thrilling UFC Seattle event, where Joe Pyfer vs. Israel Adesanya played out exactly as the boys had predicted. Alexa Grasso delivered one of the scariest MMA finishes you’ll ever see, and Mike Beltran’s veteran skills were on display. Renato Moicano vs. Chris Duncan is a perfect example of UFC’s current matchmaking strategy. A quick look ahead to a stacked UFC 327 show an incredible lineup. All this and more ... 0:00 – Joe Pyfer takes a massive step forward with win over Israel Adesanya 9:30 – Could Michael “Venom” Page factor into what’s next for Pyfer or Adesanya? 13:04 – Alexa Grasso delivers a finish for the ages 16:27 – Mike Beltran’s quick reaction saved an even worse outcome 27:44 – Eric’s refereeing career path 34:04 – Is Chase Hooper a cautionary tale? 37:22 – Michael Chiesa gets the perfect send-off in retirement fight 41:39 – Renato Moicano vs. Chris Duncan reveals the UFC’s matchmaking strategy 48:04 – UFC 327 is coming up, and it is stacked 52:58 – Weekend preview, including CFFC BJJ 17

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan look back at UFC Fight Night from London. Does Movsar Evloev finally get his shot, or does Jean Silva have something to say about that? Looking ahead to UFC this weekend from Seattle, is this Joe Pyfer’s breakout moment, or will Israel Adesanya prove once again why he is widely considered the middleweight GOAT? Is Ronda Rousey helping or hurting herself going after the UFC? All this and more ... 0:00 – How do you score Movsar Evloev vs. Lerone Murphy? 7:13 – Does Evloev get the title shot over Jean Silva? 13:29 – Michael “Venom” Page vs. Sam Patterson falls flat 17:10 – Danny Silva ruins the debut of Kurtis Campbell 21:51 – Incredible life lessons from the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships 30:16 – Will Joe Pyfer have breakout win vs. Israel Adesanya 38:55 – Maycee Barber’s big opportunity at UFC Seattle 45:55 – CFFC 152 preview 51:54 – Ronda Rousey looking to take Hunter Campbell’s job

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Mogan look back at what is the UFC “Card of the Year” so far. Kevin Vallejos continues to impress with another first-round TKO, this time over the vet Josh Emmett. Marwan Rahiki and Harry Hardwick go to absolute war, ending with a corner stoppage due to a  very badly broken jaw. Looking ahead to UFC from England and the announcement of Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry on Netflix. All this and more ... 0:00 – Kevin Vallejos dominates Josh Emmett 4:05 – Eric’s regret from Marwan Rahiki vs. Harry Hardwick 16:56 - Hardwick aftermath and meeting Hunter Campbell 19:36 – Eryk Anders calls it a career 21:07 – Bia Mesquita and Manoel Sousa have arrived 23:36 – Nate Diaz facing Mike Perry on Netflix 36:40 – Movsar Evloev vs. Lerone Murphy for a UFC title shot 40:32 – What is the UFC doing with Michael “Venom” Page? 44:58 – CFFC 151 review 50:05 - Weekend preview

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan recap a wild weekend in the world of combat sports. The UFC’s White House card was revealed – is it a hit or a miss? What was the fight that dropped out, and do you believe Jon Jones was never going to be on the card? Charles Oliveira dominates Max Holloway at UFC 326 en route to becoming the new BMF champion. All this and more ... 0:00 – Was Jon Jones the fighter that fell off the UFC White House card? 8:31 – Is Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje the right main event? 9:49 – What to make of Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane for an interim title 26:00 – Tom Aspinall, Eddie Hearn, and a weird situation 27:58 – Previewing the rest of UFC Freedom 250 35:03 – Charles Oliveira dominates Max Holloway at UFC 326, and boy did we get it wrong 43:49 – Gregory Rodrigues delivers a huge highlight on CBS 45:50 – Eric’s Power Slap experience 52:42 – Zuffa Boxing awards its first tile, and the Meta Apex was rocking 53:56 – MVP adds Francis Ngannou to Rousey vs. Carano 1:00:47 – Weekend preview, including CFFC 151

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan recap an incredible weekend of action, including Lone’er Kavanagh’s big win over Brandon Moreno in Mexico, as well as a few other standout performances from the card, while also discussing the madness that unfolded at Real American Freestyle 06 and what it means for Arman Tsarukyan and his shot at a UFC title moving forward. The guys also look forward to this weekend’s UFC 326, where BMF champ Max Holloway takes on Charles Oliveira, and lay out what lies ahead for Alex Pereira after vacating his light heavyweight title. All this and more ... 0:00 – What are you doing, Arman Tsarukyan? 12:56 – Where does Brandon Moreno go from here? 16:52 – “Chito” Vera comes up short 19:56 – King Green proves he’s not done just yet, and a few youngsters shine 24:55 – Legends collide with Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 33:12 – Big stakes with Caio Borralho vs. Reinier de Ridder 43:15 – We’re getting Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira, aren’t we? 50:31 – Eric’s booked for Power Slap and next week’s UFC event

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan recap Sean Strickland’s brilliant UFC Fight Night victory in Houston and lay out the reasons he’s likely next for middleweight champ Khamzat Chimaev. After discussing the rest of the night’s standout performances, the pair also previews the UFC’s trip to Mexico City and breaks down the surprise announcement that Ronda Rousey is returning to face Gina Carano on Netflix. Also, did the UFC do Bruce Buffer dirty? All this and more ... 0:00 – Celebrating U.S. gold in hockey 5:47 – Sean Strickland delivered perhaps his best performance yet 16:28 – Strickland’s performance should earn him the next title shot 24:22 – Celebrating Uros Medic, Melquizael Costa and Jacobe Smith 31:17 - Previewing UFC Mexico 34:17 – Did the UFC miss out by not booking Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano? 41:11 – Eric’s bizarre tragedy hoax 45:08 – What did the UFC do to Bruce Buffer? 47:48 – UFC BJJ, Power Slap, and more

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan look back at UFC Fight Night from the Meta Apex, where Mario Bautista shined bright over Vinicius Oliveira. The PFL was in Dubai, and Usman Nurmagomedov retained his lightweight world title. Where does Usman sit in the overall lightweight MMA rankings? Looking ahead two weeks to Sean Strickland vs. Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez.  All this and more ... 0:00 – CFFC 150 review 6:25 – LFA provides Eric with an MMA first 10:01 – Mario Bautista shines in breakout win over Vinicius Oliveira 17:37 – Meta Apex expansion makes it a must-visit venue 23:44 – Where does Usman Nurmagomedov stand after PFL Dubai win? 30:43 – Andrei Arlovski claims BKFC title with win over Ben Rothwell 33:38 – What to expect with Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez 38:54 – Other key notes at UFC Houston 45:14 – UFC BJJ, Zuffa Boxing, Power Slap, and more