Mma Dude Bro Podcast

Kalyn ‘.50 Kal’ Holliday is coming off a tremendous pro MMA debut, at Invicta FC 19, when she defeated highly touted world-class kick boxer Tiffany Van Soest. During our conversation, Kalyn shares with us how her background as a Marine helped shape her work ethic as a fighter. She also discusses her relationship with current Invicta strawweight champ Angela Hill & how with the help of her coach/husband Chris, she was able to transform herself into the person she truly wanted to be. PLUS: Frank & Ken look back at UFC 204, give Michael Bisping his due credit, bask in the majesty that is 'Heel Mousasi', mull over the state of the middleweight division and remember the career of the late Josh Samman. Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro!

'Roast Battling’ has quickly become the comedy world’s equivalent to Ultimate Fighting. One of the master craftsman at this art is Earl Skakel, a regular at the world famous Comedy Store in Los Angeles. Earl finished 3rd in Comedy Central’s recent Roast Battle world championship tournament, that took place during Montreal’s Just For Laughs Festival. During our conversation, Earl discusses: the origins of roast battling, the similarities between it’s verbal violence & MMA, what UFC fighter he feels he patterns his roasting style after, his take on both the upcoming UFC 204 & 205 cards & the special bond he developed with one of pro wrestling’s biggest legends. PLUS, Frank & Ken catch up on UFC Brasilia, Invicta FC 19 & RIZIN FF 2. They also discuss the plight of Cyborg, the UFC 205 press conference, the magnificent insanity of Charles ‘Crazy Horse’ Bennett & MORE! Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro! 

Former 3-time UFC world title challenger, Chael Sonnen is now the newest talent acquisition for Bellator MMA. This episode we look back at our conversation with him from last March, just as he was readying for an exhibition grappling match with now UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping.   PLUS, Frank & Ken recap UFC Fight Night Hidalgo & Bellator 161. Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro!

After 2 back to back FOTN performances, followed by 2 back to back 1st round finishes...Cortney 'Cast Iron' Casey is ready to put the rest of the UFC's stacked strawweight division on notice. During our conversation, Cortney talks with us about splitting up her training camps between Arizona & Maui, the injury that ended her soccer career, her friendship with reigning champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk, & what fights make the most sense for her in the near future.   PLUS, Frank & Ken look back on UFC 203 as well as UFC FN Hamburg. Hashtag, MMADudeBro!

TJ DeSantis is not only the play-by-play man for Invicta Fighting Championships, but the producer of many successful MMA podcasts you’ve no doubt heard of. Including: The Anik & Florian Show, Story Time with Uncle Creepy, It's Time with Bruce Buffer & The Morning Wood Show with Deez Nuts (among others). During our conversation TJ discusses his formative years working in FM radio, the circumstances which lead to him being hired by Invicta, working with WMMA legend Julie Kedzie & his obsession with the art of podcasting. PLUS, Frank & Ken look back at UFC Fight Night Vancouver as well as Bellator 160. Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro!  

At UFC 203, Ray ‘The Tazmexican Devil’ Borg faces his biggest name opponent yet in flyweight veteran Ian McCall. During our conversation, Ray shares with us: his view on how he matches up with ‘Uncle Creepy’, his recent change of fight camp to Jackson/Wink MMA, his love of archery, his opinion on the format for TUF 24 & his weakness...for sweetness. PLUS, Frank & Ken look back at UFC 202, which included: the redemption of Conor McGregor…the violent explosions of Rumble Johnson & No Love Garbrandt…the renaissance of Cowboy Cerrone at 170 & the first UFC PPV of the Ari Gold era. Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro!  

Atomweight fighter Jinh Yu Frey is on the cusp of a long awaited shot at the Invicta FC world title.  With wins over Cassie Robb, Liz McCarthy & former champion Herica Tiburcio...Jinh has all but secured her place at the top of the 105 lb.heap. During our conversation, Jinh shares with us her philosophies on proper nutrition, having a back-up plan outside of fighting, why PED use may not be as wide spread amongst female fighters & MORE. PLUS, Frank & Ken recap UFC 201 & Invicta FC 18. Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro.  

Nick Newell overcame the perceived limitation of being born with a congenitally amputated left arm to become a successful MMA fighter & former XFC lightweight champion. Now, the producer of such martial arts classics as ‘Bloodsport’ & ‘Kickboxer’ is at the helm of creating a new upcoming motion picture entitled ’Notorious Nick’ - the true story of a rise of a champion. We caught up with Nick to briefly discuss his fighting career, his inspirational legacy & the daunting prospect of possibly having to play himself in his own movie. PLUS, Frank & Ken go over the highpoints of UFC on FOX 20, as well as Bellator 159. Also randomly discussed: Alpaca meat, Mountain Dew Slushies, the merits of the name Rojelio, Buffalo Wild Wings & other things that may or may not be tough to care about…we'll let you be the judge. Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro!

Din Thomas is a pioneer of UFC's lighter weight classes & one of the most respected coaches at Florida's American Top Team. Din will be in the blue corner for UFC 201, coaching challenger Tyron Woodley in the main event vs. welterweight champion Robbie Lawler. During our conversation we touch on a variety of subjects including his burgeoning comedy career, the recent title win of protege Amanda Nunes, his strange, indirect connection to one of America's most significant recent tragedies & MORE.  PLUS, Frank & Ken look back on Bellator 158: London and UFC Fight Night: Sioux Falls. They also discuss: the connection between Pokemon Go & Cyborg's injured skull, Brock testing HOT, chubby arms, cottage cheese, getting paid, Rattattas, Gengars & other creatures that are right there in front you, but not really...I guess. Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro!    

Bellator MMA Featherweight, 'El Matador', Emmanuel Sanchez shares with us his story of growing up in the Mexican neighborhoods of Chicago & how much his current success is not only a result of, but a tribute to the people who cared for him & helped support his dreams. PLUS: Frank & Ken discuss all the big results coming out of International Fight Week (& UFC 200) including the impressive wins by Amanda Nunes, Jose Aldo, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Eddie Alvarez & Brock Lesnar. Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro!  

Veteran MMA journalist Josh Gross tells us all about his new book, 'Ali vs. Inoki', which chronicles one of the most unsung (yet pivotal) events in MMA history. During our conversation, Josh touches on: the monumental undertaking that was writing his first book, the influence of individuals like Freddie Blassie, Rikidozan, Gene LeBell & 'Gorgeous' George Wagner to the overall story, the personal dilemma of trying to sell this book in the wake of Muhammed Ali's death, HIS take on the recent Ariel Helwani controversy & MUCH MORE. PLUS: Frank & Ken discuss: Bellator DYNAMITE 2, the imminent return of GSP, Don Frye makes the UFC Hall of Fame & the untimely passing of former UFC light heavyweight Ryan Jimmo. Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro!  

Invicta FC flyweight slugger Christine 'Knuckles' Stanley shares her feelings about the recent tragedy in Orlando, her transition to Alliance MMA, training with current flyweight champ Barb Honchak, her friendship with teammate (& new strawweight champ) Angela Hill & MORE.   PLUS: Frank & Ken look at Fedor vs. Fabio from EFN 50, Ivanov vs. Copeland from WSOF 31, Dantas vs. Galvao from Bellator 156 & the main card from UFC Ottawa Fight Night. Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro! 

Former Bellator MMA matchmaker & industry insider Sam Caplan joins us to discuss working for Bjorn Rebney, free agency, the Zach Light wrongful dismissal lawsuit, the possible adoption of the Ali Act into MMA & MORE. PLUS: Frank & Ken revisit Titan FC 39, discuss the merit of a possible Bisping vs Hendo rematch, attempt to make heads or tails of Brock Lesnar's idea of a 'practical joke' AND give a very 'unique' look back on the legacy of the late Kimbo Slice. Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro!  

Legacy FC flyweight champion Matt 'Danger' Schnell talks to us about his time on the MTV series 'Caged', how that time prepped him for his pro career, working with American Top Team, the influence of coaches like Din Thomas & Mike Brown, what coach/team he'd prefer if he made it on to TUF season 24 & lots more. PLUS, Frank & Ken revisit the UFC 199 performances of Mike Bisping, Dom Cruz & Dan Henderson. They'll also touch on Brock Lesnar's return, 'Helwani-Gate' & the passing of Muhammad Ali. Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro!  

We caught up with former UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen a few days before his grappling match with current UFC middleweight Michael Bisping (at the event, 'URFight'). The 'American Gangster' touched on a number of topics including: his time on Celebrity Apprentice, the stock value of a post-loss Conor McGregor, how bad Bisping truly hurt him in their MMA fight, the importance of calling out your next opponent, the Hulk Hogan/Gawker trial, what REALLY influenced his talking style, how he wishes he would've went even further in his pre-fight antics with Anderson Silva, sparring with Dan Henderson, his use of (& the definition of ) P.E.D.s & much, much more! PLUS, Frank & Ken recap the main card of UFC Brisbane & discuss the merits of a second McGregor/Diaz fight. Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro!  

'Lucky' Lauren Murphy is coming off her first, long overdue, official UFC victory. During our conversation, the former Invicta FC champ talks about the importance of the camp, family, mentor, nickname & late-notice dance partner that made it all possible. We also welcome back MMA commentator extraordinaire Sean Wheelock to discuss the work of his peers ( Jim Ross, Mauro Ranallo, Michael Schiavello), the legendary Danny Hodge, his overflow of new gigs, why Art Davie should be in the UFC Hall of Fame, Big John McCarthy's 'beef' with Bjorn Rebney, the big Roy Jones Jr. (UR Fight) event he'll be calling soon & much much more! PLUS, Frank & Ken recap Nate Diaz & Miesha Tate's upsets at UFC 196, Darrion Caldwell's domination of Joe Warren at Bellator 151 & MORE. Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro!  

Stephie 'Crooklyn' Haynes from Bloody Elbow shares her thoughts with us on a number of topics including: Dada 5000's near death, UFC's failed CM Punk experiment, Bellator passing on the Funkmaster, the demise of War Machine & Mayhem Miller, Joe Rogan's alleged racial comments & much more. PLUS, Frank returns to talk about his experience as a debuting amateur cagefighter. Frank & Ken also recap the good, bad & ridiculous from Bellator 149 & UFC Pittsburgh. Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro! P.S. - Stephie is also launching her own line of organic skincare, haircare & beardcare products. For more about Haynes House Apothecary, go to www.facebook.com/hayneshouseapothecary.

Invicta FC strawweight Angela 'Overkill' Hill talks about her impressive debut with the company, her life after UFC, being inspired by her teammate Dominic Cruz, her feelings on Paige Van Zant & the rest of the strawweight division & more.  ALSO, Ken briefly recollects Frank's recent MMA debut before welcoming special guest co-host, Emma Challands. Emma is a contributing writer for Combat Press & Fight News Australia. She is also the co-host of the MMA Side Dish podcast. Together, Emma & Ken revisit last month's Invicta FC 15, as well as discuss all things WMMA related. Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro! 

UFC middleweight 'The Barn Cat' Tamdan McCrory talks to us about the circumstances that led him from being a target for bullying to a pro MMA fighter. We also discuss his time in Bellator, his reaction to being a 'cult anti-hero', the origin of his nickname & more. PLUS, as Frank enters the final preparations for his MMA debut, Ken is joined by special guest Sean Sheehan from Ireland's Severe MMA podcast.  Sean helps us breakdown UFC Fight Night: Dillashaw vs. Cruz & also gives some early analysis on the upcoming McGregor/Dos Anjos main event for UFC 197. Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro! 

MMA referee/judge Rob Hinds joins us to give his take on the controversy surrounding Lawler vs. Condit. He also shares his insight on the 2 biggest challenges the sport is facing right now, weight cutting & the scoring system. Rob explains why this may be the most important next few years in MMA history. Plus, Frank & Ken recap UFC 195 as well as notable moments from the RIZIN FF New Year's cards. Hashtag, MMA Dude Bro!