The Co-Main Event MMA Podcast

The Co-Main Event MMA Podcast

Author: Chad Dundas and Ben Fowlkes Language: English Episodes: 100
There’s no shortage of opinions in mixed martial arts, but there’s a distinct difference between hot takes and informed conversation built on years of watching fights from press row. That’s what you’ll find each week on The Co-Main Event MMA Podcast. Hosts Chad Dundas and Ben Fowlkes, both veteran journalists who have covered the sport for more than a decade, break down the latest news without the filter of corporate hype or predictable fanboy reactions. Their discussions feel like the post-event analysis you’d have with the most knowledgeable person you know-if that person also had a sharp sense of humor and a healthy skepticism for the industry’s usual narratives. This isn’t a scripted recap show; it’s an irreverent, meandering, and deeply insightful dialogue that covers everything from the UFC and Bellator to the broader landscape of combat sports. You’ll hear them debate fight outcomes, analyze promotional politics, and question the week’s biggest stories with a perspective that only comes from having seen it all before. The chemistry between Dundas and Fowlkes turns each episode into a compelling conversation, making this podcast a staple for fans who prefer substance over shouting. It’s the kind of listen that doesn’t just tell you what happened, but makes you think about why it matters.
Episodes
Episode 679: Volkanovski is just too good [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:32
They did it again, brother, but when it was over it sort of seemed like they probably didn’t need to go to the trouble. Once again, Alexander Volkanovski defeated Diego Lopes by hard-fought but clear-cut unanimous decisi…
CME Live Chat: UFC 324 reactions and whatnot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:04
Apologies for missing the Proper yesterday, friends. We’re back today with an episode of the Co-Main Event Podcast Patreon Live Chat, which we’re releasing for free to everybody. Seemed like a bad week to miss an episode…
Episode 678: Mike Goldberg voice: “Here … we … go!” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:49
It’s happening. The Paramount+ Era is upon us. What surprises are in store? We’ll find out on Saturday, as UFC 324 goes down, featuring the interim lightweight championship fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett…
Episode 677: Are we ready for Paddy Pimblett, UFC champion? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:18
Just about 10 days before UFC 324, and oddsmakers still see Paddy Pimblett as a bit more than a 2-to-1 favorite to win the interim lightweight title over Justin Gaethje. I mean, damn. Does that seem right to you guys? Ho…
Episode 676: New year, new UFC? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:56
Sup, 2026. You gonna suck as bad as 2025 did? Not to start things on a pessimistic note, but if we had to guess … you know what, never mind. As it pertains to this show, 2026 means a lot of things — perhaps most importan…
Episode 675: Smell ya later, 2025! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:01
The Year of Our Lord 2025 was a weird one in MMA. Complete dogshit for the heavyweight division, obviously. You started the year with Dana White swearing up and down that he was going to get Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall do…
Episode 674: Petr Yan was perfect at UFC 323 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:20
Petr Yan showed up looking shockingly prepared for everything Merab Dvalishvili had planned on Saturday at UFC 323. Yan had the takedown defense. Yan had the stifling striking game. Yan worked the head and the body as we…
Episode 673: The UFC’s Paramount+ Era will begin … weirdly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:59
CBS gave Dana White a grand stage over the weekend, letting him announce the first fight bookings of the Paramount+ Era during halftime of the Thanksgiving Day NFL game between the Cowboys and Chiefs. Perhaps that was a…
Episode 672: Arman Tsarukyan forces the issue with Ilia Topuria [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:43
Prior to Arman Tsarukyan’s win over Dan Hooker on Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Qatar, we figured Tsarukyan was still on the outside looking in at the lightweight title picture. He’s long come off as a fairly nondescrip…
Episode 671: Islam Makhachev left JDM with no plan B [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:17
Yeah, so, Islam Makhachev is your new UFC welterweight champion. Not a huge surprise, considering the former lightweight titlist was a solid favorite to dethrone Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 over the weekend. What we…