January 30, 2025 • 17 mins
On Sports Fix with Jason Pine and D'Arcy Waldegrave for 31st January 2025, Israel Adesanya returns to the octagon as faces off against Nassourdine Imavov. Fellow kiwi UFC star Dan Hooker discusses that fight along with his own upcoming fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313.
Piney offers his thoughts on Auckland FC's knack of scoring late goals.
Plus, the lads are in the chamber to discuss Moana Pasifika's hopes for the season and what makes the 6 nations so exciting.
Get 'Sports Fix' every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from news Talks dB. Follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
This is Forcefix. Howard by News Talk said.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Be hello there, Welcome to the back end of the week.
Welcome to the start of the weekend. Welcome into the
Friday edition of the Sports Fix podcast for the last
day of January the thirty first, twenty twenty five.
Speaker 4 (00:31):
I'm Jason Pine, I'm Darci Water to go from Welcome
back to Auckland. You hear on an alarmingly regular basis
something to you are a football calling.
Speaker 5 (00:38):
I believe No.
Speaker 3 (00:39):
Actually, the management of the company wanted me to keep
a closer eye on you, right from a closer physical distance.
Speaker 4 (00:44):
Do you want me to get closer?
Speaker 3 (00:45):
No, I think you should stay where you are. And
it's not the most onerous of tasks, to be honest, tussy,
I've been asked to do a lot worse by management
over the years. But we'll leave that off to one side.
Keen to chat around some sporting issues today, including the
claim that this could be more on a Pacific as year.
Israel Adisanya is back in the octagon this weekend. I'll
tell us about this she got need to be coming up.
Speaker 4 (01:06):
Yeah, I'll be talking to Dan Hooker managed to catch
him on the physio's table so he couldn't move, so
he couldn't escape, So Addie yarn and obviously about what
Israel is facing over the weekend, and of course Dan himself.
He's got Justin Gatchi coming up in about five weeks time,
so we'll cover off a lot of mixed martial art
with our man on the slab.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
Good stuff, good to hear, looking forward to that. And
I've got some thoughts on why Auckland FC are the
masters of the late goal and lake goals plural. I'll
unpack the head if i cancer. Let's get into it.
In other news, let's get underway, as always, with a
look at some of the biggest sports stories floating around today.
(01:47):
Canoe Racing New Zealand has a boatload of faith in
Dame Lisa Carrington and the fact that she might add
to her tally of eight Olympic gold medals at the
next Games in Los Angeles. He's high Performance manager of
Canoe Racing New Zealand. Nathan Luce.
Speaker 6 (02:00):
One thing I've seen and learned over the years is
never to underestimate what Lisa can do under any circumstance.
Age for her, I'm sure as number and you know
she was at the peak for Paris in Paris and
didn't show any signs of slowing down.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
Josh Englis has become the first Australian man in almost
a decade to score a century on Test debut.
Speaker 7 (02:22):
Four six shot with the backboard and that he's going
to be his one hundred jossiglist.
Speaker 4 (02:26):
What amemorableading to go bed?
Speaker 3 (02:28):
Yeah, the twenty nine year old belting one hundred and
two from ninety four balls as part of Australia as
six point fifty four for six declared against Sri Lanka
in gaul And. Former Warriors captain Steve Price is backing
James Fisher Harris to lead the club this NRL League
season after to who Harris's retirement.
Speaker 5 (02:47):
Clubs brought him For everything that he brings, I believe
that he's doing what he does best and that's the
leading with his actions probably trying to lift those standard use.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
And Avidion it's Sports Fix with Jason Pine and Dusty Watergrave.
Speaker 5 (03:04):
That's big.
Speaker 4 (03:04):
Welcome to the Fix to Dan Hangman Hooker currently on
the physio table as we look toward not only his
fight against Justin Geechee in about five weeks time, but
of course stable mate Israel Dusn, who is fighting this weekend.
Speaker 3 (03:21):
They Dan, Hi, Dan, Well, I'm very good.
Speaker 4 (03:24):
What about yourself? What you're about five weeks away from Geecha?
This is a huge fight for you. There's a lot
on the line, and I'm presuming her in great health.
Speaker 7 (03:32):
I'm tired from all the training they pat me to train,
not to fight.
Speaker 4 (03:38):
The training, though hugely necessary. You say you're tired, it's
something you're used to. What's changed in your training that's
exhausted you so much? Now?
Speaker 7 (03:47):
I'm always tired, man, I've been over the last fifteen years.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
It's something you get used to it.
Speaker 4 (03:55):
What have you been specifically working on ahead of this?
What you've got five weeks before you disappear off state
side for it? Is there any a particular target or
a particular method you've been using.
Speaker 7 (04:04):
Oh, it's a fairly straight forward fight in terms of sow.
It is a style that I'm really comfortable with, an
orthodox striker, heavy hands. Yeah, it's a fight that I like.
It's not someone that's going to grab a hold of
me and make it, make it boring. It's going to
be a fun fight. Yeah, it's a bit of fireworks
for the fans.
Speaker 4 (04:25):
He's said that it's going to be a blood bath,
justin gag Joe, kind of right, do you think? Do
you reckon? I know you love stuff like that, It's
partially why you fight.
Speaker 7 (04:33):
But I anticipate getting directly in the ambulance and going
to the hospital.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
Yes, I will not.
Speaker 7 (04:40):
I will not. I'm not ignorant of the fact that
that's probably the strongest possibility.
Speaker 4 (04:46):
You build a career around that. You don't mind taking
one do It doesn't seem to bother you. It's almost
like you thirst for it.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
Oh, you're just.
Speaker 7 (04:54):
Very like I have a realistic view of the sport.
It's not it's not cricket. You're not going to go
out there and pretend like it's all roses and you're
not going to get hurt even though when you win,
and when you win in this spot at the highest level,
skill sets are so even he match that we just push,
We push each other to the absolute limits.
Speaker 4 (05:16):
What's it like after the fight, once you've engaged in
all that, does it get any easier to recover.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Do you get used to it? I think you do.
Your body kind of hardened through it.
Speaker 7 (05:26):
You know, I do tend to recover quite well from
all the bangs and scrapes and knocks. But yeah, oh,
at the end of the day, if you get injured,
it's a bit of time off, but a holiday time.
Speaker 4 (05:38):
With no training.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
You'd love that, love it, love it. Mate.
Speaker 4 (05:43):
You've got this fight coming up after your last fight,
you'd be feeling reasonably confident about where you sit right
now on the grand scale of the UFC. What are
you setting six lightweight at the moment coming against third?
So please enough with your progression?
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Yeah, or three flight win streak.
Speaker 7 (06:01):
You get a win here over over one of the
biggest names in the division in a five round contest
on a huge card, it's going to put you in
one of two guys that are in the running for
the title contention. So it's you know, this could be
last fight before fighting for a belt potentially.
Speaker 4 (06:22):
How's the lightweight division looking keenly contested?
Speaker 7 (06:25):
Yeah, it's stacked at the top. It's always it's always busy.
We're lucky that we've got two belts in our wed class.
We've got the BMF title and undisputed titles. So yeah,
nothing's promised in this game, but you know the UFC
have eluded that. You get the win here and you'll
be fighting for one of those titles.
Speaker 4 (06:44):
Hey yeah, stable mats fighting over the weekend. It's the
return of Israel. Where does he sit right now? He've
been doing a bit of work with him, bit of
time with him. How's his head space, how's his body
because he's got a new S and C trainer too,
expecting bit of change there.
Speaker 7 (06:59):
Yeah, Bill Down, the Olympic Constitute, has been taking care
of him this time. And yeah, like the last few years,
he's been well. The last few fights, he's been canter,
but a bit of muscle, that's you know, weighted him down,
got a bit more power. But now he's you know,
leaned out because at the end of the day, like
he's a volume striker and when he when he gets
(07:20):
on a guy's face and he puts a volume on them,
that's where he tends to have his best. So I
think it's just going to be as well of all
coming back.
Speaker 4 (07:29):
And I'd say he's got a lot to prove. He's
walked away the number of strips you know.
Speaker 3 (07:34):
Who he is.
Speaker 4 (07:34):
But being on a fight night, not being on pay
per view, it's got a sting a wee bit surely.
Speaker 7 (07:40):
Oh not with the Soudi's line in your pockets. I
don't think it's I don't think it's going to hurt
too much.
Speaker 4 (07:47):
Joined by Dan looker, he's on the table right now
getting message. He's joining us talking about his fight plenty
Israel as well. Let's look at at Israel. Do you
reckon he can beat Strickland and Drinkers Still it's still within.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
Him, Oh, definitely.
Speaker 7 (08:01):
Like you can look at the tricks fight like he
was doing. Yeah, he always doing really well to you
or not, But I'd say this is his opportunity to
prove it, to prove that he belongs to He's fighting
a hungry young contender. I feel like he gets his
hand raised here and he'll be fighting. He'll be back
fighting for that belt before the end of the year.
Speaker 4 (08:22):
Well what do you know about him?
Speaker 2 (08:23):
Evolve?
Speaker 4 (08:24):
What does he bring?
Speaker 2 (08:26):
Not a thing? Mate? I've never seen the Copper throw
a punch. I couldn't tell you. What is your color is?
Speaker 3 (08:33):
Wow?
Speaker 2 (08:34):
But he's going to get but he's going to get
whooped that's all I know.
Speaker 4 (08:37):
I know you've got a massive fan base over here.
It probably expands around the world too, AND's got to
ask the question you probably get asked every half and now,
when are we going to get a UFC event here
in New Zealand? Come on, when are they going to
give us some love?
Speaker 2 (08:50):
Yeah? They got I think they got one more.
Speaker 7 (08:52):
They've got to get through in New South Wales and
they've got to get another one. They've got to knock
out in Perth potentially later this year, and then hopefully,
hopefully fingers cross twenty twenty six, we bring one back
to New Zella and on.
Speaker 4 (09:08):
That we'll get out of here. Good on you, Thanks
very much, hey man hooker, go well, look after yourself,
keep firing those cheeseburgers down and we look forward to
seeing you in about five weeks time.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
He's ussy, Thank you, mane st Sex.
Speaker 3 (09:21):
Better late than never is a well used statement and
it certainly applies to sport, and specifically right now to
Auckland FC. Let's start with the numbers. Auckland f C
have scored twenty two goals this season. Eleven of those
twenty two goals, half have come after the seventy minute mark.
Nine of those eleven goals have come beyond the eighty
(09:44):
three minute mark, and five of the nine beyond the
ninety minute mark. And these are not just goals to
inflate score lines. These are crucial match winning or match
saving goals. If every Auckland FC game had stopped at
ninety minutes, they wouldn't be in the top four. The
(10:04):
goals they've scored and at a time have earned them
eight points. Without those eight points they would be fifth.
Instead they are top. Now. You control down all you
like into the reasons why superior fitness, I never say die, attitude,
moments of inspiration from certain players. I don't think there's
any one reason why it's happening. But I do know this,
(10:26):
the more it happens, the more likely it is to
keep happening. When Auckland FC go beyond the ninety minute mark,
now they know from repeated experience that they can score,
and almost as importantly, opposition teams know it as well.
If an opposition side is ahead as the clock takes
past ninety minutes, there's more than a shred of doubt.
(10:49):
In fact, there's a lot of doubt in the back
of their minds that the points are not safe. Late
goals just one of the reasons for Auckland FC's success,
but it's one which has and will continue to be
integral to how the rest of their first season plays out.
One thing is for absolute certain if you go to
an Auckland FC game, do not leave early. You will
(11:13):
probably miss something.
Speaker 1 (11:15):
The chamber is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 3 (11:19):
Let us shall we pop into the chamber. It's always
nice to be in such close physical proximity to your
darcy when I'm here in your city. Enough of that,
let's talk some sporting issues. One A Pacific. In fact,
all six of our New Zealand based super rugby sides
are having some pre season matches this weekend, today and tomorrow.
I claim during the week that this could be more
(11:41):
ONEA Pacific as year. What does that mean?
Speaker 4 (11:45):
Well, I think if you believe it's your year, you
walk off with the chocolates. Doesn't that what it mean?
Or does it mean we'd like to get to finals football,
we'd like to be a relevant force. I'm not sure.
What it does show is positive intent from the CEO,
right it.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
Does, and having ardisavier there I think elevates everybody at
that rugby club and on that rugby team. Rather, I
shouldn't call them clubs that franchise inside that team. Artie
Savia's presence in any environment elevates that environment, and I'm
sure it will, but I still don't see how they
can get anywhere close to winning the thing. So I
think you're right. I think what they're framing it up
as is it's our year to improve. It's our year
(12:23):
to push for a spot on the playoffs. It's our
year to not be let's be honest, the whipping boys
of the competition.
Speaker 4 (12:29):
Well, it's our year to freak people out. So how
do you go? You come to our home ground, you
ain't walking away with the w We're going to slap
you around, not not literally, are we bit? And I
think another thing with Mowana, they've realized that with Artie,
save with the Juels, savea some of their players, they
might be And I know it's a bit of a
tension now between them and NS. There are quite a
(12:50):
place to come to when it comes to other PACIFICA players.
There's a few names floating around. So is it a
year where also they start getting a foothold and some
traction with better players.
Speaker 3 (13:02):
I would love it also, Dars, if it's a year
where they start attracting fans, because it seemed like a
fat to complee drop down Winea pacifica in Auckland and
you've got this enormous fan base that should turn up.
They haven't turned up yet. And yes, I know there
are other factors at play success, the cost, the timing
of the games, the venue, all of those things. But
wouldn't it be great if when visiting teams came that
(13:24):
they felt like they were in a cauldron.
Speaker 4 (13:26):
Yeah, like the cauldron that you love going to. It's
the same ground pretty much, isn't it. While it air
is with AKFC, it makes a huge different.
Speaker 3 (13:33):
And the Warriors, yeah, I mean they didn't quite get
the success they're after, but we all know what a
big crowd does to a team. So let's hope that
they can attract the crowds, they can hit their metrics
and they can be more of a force. In Super
Rugby Pacific twenty twenty five. Let's talk Israel. I know
you've already had Dan Hooker on, just some residual thoughts there.
(13:54):
What should we expect on Sunday morning? When he gets
back in the octagon, he's off back to back losses
for the first time ever.
Speaker 4 (14:01):
I think when you listen to what Dan says, in says,
and you talk to other people around the fight sport community,
what he's bringing back is a sense of calm, not
necessarily a sense of revenge, but a sense of coming
back to who Israel this and your was before.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
He hit the big time.
Speaker 4 (14:25):
And in a lot of professions, a lot of athletic professions,
sometimes you lose that the bigger you get, the more
important you get, the wealthier you get, and the more
people that tell you how good you are, you start
listening to them. So, if anything, he won't agree, but
a couple of losses to slap him back into reality,
(14:45):
that's not a bad thing at all. I think it's
going to be what I'd hope a huge fight because
I love watching the guy in his pomp and maybe
he's back to that athletic that that dance space, that
shape shift of a character that we know so much.
Speaker 3 (15:01):
And just my final thought on it, my only thought
on it. I saw him. I saw him at the
post sorry pre fight media conference, and he said, this
one is for me. It's not for a belt. It's
not for my reputation, it's not for my fans, it's
not for anybody other than me. This one's for me.
I know it sounds like a bit of a cliche,
but that aligns with what you were saying. Maybe he
(15:22):
centers himself back to what made him successful in the
first place, and that can make him successful again. Just
before we hop out of the chamber, six Nations starts,
don't you know that tomorrow morning? We who do we
like least?
Speaker 7 (15:35):
So?
Speaker 3 (15:35):
Yeah, who do we dislike least? Who do we want
to win? Who do we want to win?
Speaker 4 (15:40):
Okay, well it's not going to be England, that's fine.
It's unlikely to be Scotland. Scotland, the French, the competitive
nature between Ireland and New Zealand, and I hate to
say it, but I'd like to see Ireland do well.
I suppose with Barren Gantlin. It'd be nice to see
(16:00):
Wales get.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
It'd be nice to say, win a game of rugby,
wouldn't it.
Speaker 5 (16:06):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (16:06):
Look, I think it's going to be the usual suspect,
isn't it. We're going to We're going to see Ireland
in France. There England, who knows.
Speaker 4 (16:13):
Scotland upset the apple Cart actually will look great.
Speaker 3 (16:20):
I've got nothing to add to that, but we will
keep close eyes probably, I mean, just on the six
nation starts. I always I'm always interested in it in
World Cup years, but in a non World Cup year,
I'm almost like an interested bystander from a distance. I
you know, I knew it was on, but I'm not
going to absolutely get up for every game. I'll probably
just check the results.
Speaker 4 (16:41):
Wow, I check the results. I watch highlights packages. If
there's a big one when we become to the final year,
I'll take a look. And there's something about an Irish
English clash that's always pretty mouth warfing, so I'll probably
watch that one.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
All right. You will probably both end up watching every game.
I know what we're like. That is us in the
chamber today.
Speaker 1 (16:59):
This is Sportsfix, your daily dose of sports news, cowing
by news talks.
Speaker 3 (17:05):
And that is us on the Sports Fix podcast for
today and for January. But don't worry. Just because January
is coming gone doesn't mean Sports Fix has come and gone.
It's back in February, which will be on Monday. A
fresh episode drops into your podcast feed same time every
weekday afternoon provided you subscribe.
Speaker 4 (17:19):
Yeah, and some really good traction. I don't mind saying
so myself, with all y'all out there who are listening,
who are subscribing, who are telling your friends and your family,
because the numbers are increasing, people are buying into this,
which is wonderful to do. Jason and I love doing this,
especially we're together in the same SdiA. And if you
want more from either us, Monday's Jason Pine seven to
(17:42):
eight on Sports Talk News Talks EDB. I hold the
range between Tuesday and Friday. At the same time, Jason
takes it all over twelve to three on weekend sports
Saturday and Sunday. That's us, right, Get.
Speaker 3 (17:52):
Your hand off my knee. We'll see you Monday.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
For more from News Talk SEDB, listen live on air
or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you
go with our podcasts on Irradio.
You're listening to a podcast from news Talks dB. Follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
This is Forcefix. Howard by News Talk said.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Be hello there, Welcome to the back end of the week.
Welcome to the start of the weekend. Welcome into the
Friday edition of the Sports Fix podcast for the last
day of January the thirty first, twenty twenty five.
Speaker 4 (00:31):
I'm Jason Pine, I'm Darci Water to go from Welcome
back to Auckland. You hear on an alarmingly regular basis
something to you are a football calling.
Speaker 5 (00:38):
I believe No.
Speaker 3 (00:39):
Actually, the management of the company wanted me to keep
a closer eye on you, right from a closer physical distance.
Speaker 4 (00:44):
Do you want me to get closer?
Speaker 3 (00:45):
No, I think you should stay where you are. And
it's not the most onerous of tasks, to be honest, tussy,
I've been asked to do a lot worse by management
over the years. But we'll leave that off to one side.
Keen to chat around some sporting issues today, including the
claim that this could be more on a Pacific as year.
Israel Adisanya is back in the octagon this weekend. I'll
tell us about this she got need to be coming up.
Speaker 4 (01:06):
Yeah, I'll be talking to Dan Hooker managed to catch
him on the physio's table so he couldn't move, so
he couldn't escape, So Addie yarn and obviously about what
Israel is facing over the weekend, and of course Dan himself.
He's got Justin Gatchi coming up in about five weeks time,
so we'll cover off a lot of mixed martial art
with our man on the slab.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
Good stuff, good to hear, looking forward to that. And
I've got some thoughts on why Auckland FC are the
masters of the late goal and lake goals plural. I'll
unpack the head if i cancer. Let's get into it.
In other news, let's get underway, as always, with a
look at some of the biggest sports stories floating around today.
(01:47):
Canoe Racing New Zealand has a boatload of faith in
Dame Lisa Carrington and the fact that she might add
to her tally of eight Olympic gold medals at the
next Games in Los Angeles. He's high Performance manager of
Canoe Racing New Zealand. Nathan Luce.
Speaker 6 (02:00):
One thing I've seen and learned over the years is
never to underestimate what Lisa can do under any circumstance.
Age for her, I'm sure as number and you know
she was at the peak for Paris in Paris and
didn't show any signs of slowing down.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
Josh Englis has become the first Australian man in almost
a decade to score a century on Test debut.
Speaker 7 (02:22):
Four six shot with the backboard and that he's going
to be his one hundred jossiglist.
Speaker 4 (02:26):
What amemorableading to go bed?
Speaker 3 (02:28):
Yeah, the twenty nine year old belting one hundred and
two from ninety four balls as part of Australia as
six point fifty four for six declared against Sri Lanka
in gaul And. Former Warriors captain Steve Price is backing
James Fisher Harris to lead the club this NRL League
season after to who Harris's retirement.
Speaker 5 (02:47):
Clubs brought him For everything that he brings, I believe
that he's doing what he does best and that's the
leading with his actions probably trying to lift those standard use.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
And Avidion it's Sports Fix with Jason Pine and Dusty Watergrave.
Speaker 5 (03:04):
That's big.
Speaker 4 (03:04):
Welcome to the Fix to Dan Hangman Hooker currently on
the physio table as we look toward not only his
fight against Justin Geechee in about five weeks time, but
of course stable mate Israel Dusn, who is fighting this weekend.
Speaker 3 (03:21):
They Dan, Hi, Dan, Well, I'm very good.
Speaker 4 (03:24):
What about yourself? What you're about five weeks away from Geecha?
This is a huge fight for you. There's a lot
on the line, and I'm presuming her in great health.
Speaker 7 (03:32):
I'm tired from all the training they pat me to train,
not to fight.
Speaker 4 (03:38):
The training, though hugely necessary. You say you're tired, it's
something you're used to. What's changed in your training that's
exhausted you so much? Now?
Speaker 7 (03:47):
I'm always tired, man, I've been over the last fifteen years.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
It's something you get used to it.
Speaker 4 (03:55):
What have you been specifically working on ahead of this?
What you've got five weeks before you disappear off state
side for it? Is there any a particular target or
a particular method you've been using.
Speaker 7 (04:04):
Oh, it's a fairly straight forward fight in terms of sow.
It is a style that I'm really comfortable with, an
orthodox striker, heavy hands. Yeah, it's a fight that I like.
It's not someone that's going to grab a hold of
me and make it, make it boring. It's going to
be a fun fight. Yeah, it's a bit of fireworks
for the fans.
Speaker 4 (04:25):
He's said that it's going to be a blood bath,
justin gag Joe, kind of right, do you think? Do
you reckon? I know you love stuff like that, It's
partially why you fight.
Speaker 7 (04:33):
But I anticipate getting directly in the ambulance and going
to the hospital.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
Yes, I will not.
Speaker 7 (04:40):
I will not. I'm not ignorant of the fact that
that's probably the strongest possibility.
Speaker 4 (04:46):
You build a career around that. You don't mind taking
one do It doesn't seem to bother you. It's almost
like you thirst for it.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
Oh, you're just.
Speaker 7 (04:54):
Very like I have a realistic view of the sport.
It's not it's not cricket. You're not going to go
out there and pretend like it's all roses and you're
not going to get hurt even though when you win,
and when you win in this spot at the highest level,
skill sets are so even he match that we just push,
We push each other to the absolute limits.
Speaker 4 (05:16):
What's it like after the fight, once you've engaged in
all that, does it get any easier to recover.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Do you get used to it? I think you do.
Your body kind of hardened through it.
Speaker 7 (05:26):
You know, I do tend to recover quite well from
all the bangs and scrapes and knocks. But yeah, oh,
at the end of the day, if you get injured,
it's a bit of time off, but a holiday time.
Speaker 4 (05:38):
With no training.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
You'd love that, love it, love it. Mate.
Speaker 4 (05:43):
You've got this fight coming up after your last fight,
you'd be feeling reasonably confident about where you sit right
now on the grand scale of the UFC. What are
you setting six lightweight at the moment coming against third?
So please enough with your progression?
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Yeah, or three flight win streak.
Speaker 7 (06:01):
You get a win here over over one of the
biggest names in the division in a five round contest
on a huge card, it's going to put you in
one of two guys that are in the running for
the title contention. So it's you know, this could be
last fight before fighting for a belt potentially.
Speaker 4 (06:22):
How's the lightweight division looking keenly contested?
Speaker 7 (06:25):
Yeah, it's stacked at the top. It's always it's always busy.
We're lucky that we've got two belts in our wed class.
We've got the BMF title and undisputed titles. So yeah,
nothing's promised in this game, but you know the UFC
have eluded that. You get the win here and you'll
be fighting for one of those titles.
Speaker 4 (06:44):
Hey yeah, stable mats fighting over the weekend. It's the
return of Israel. Where does he sit right now? He've
been doing a bit of work with him, bit of
time with him. How's his head space, how's his body
because he's got a new S and C trainer too,
expecting bit of change there.
Speaker 7 (06:59):
Yeah, Bill Down, the Olympic Constitute, has been taking care
of him this time. And yeah, like the last few years,
he's been well. The last few fights, he's been canter,
but a bit of muscle, that's you know, weighted him down,
got a bit more power. But now he's you know,
leaned out because at the end of the day, like
he's a volume striker and when he when he gets
(07:20):
on a guy's face and he puts a volume on them,
that's where he tends to have his best. So I
think it's just going to be as well of all
coming back.
Speaker 4 (07:29):
And I'd say he's got a lot to prove. He's
walked away the number of strips you know.
Speaker 3 (07:34):
Who he is.
Speaker 4 (07:34):
But being on a fight night, not being on pay
per view, it's got a sting a wee bit surely.
Speaker 7 (07:40):
Oh not with the Soudi's line in your pockets. I
don't think it's I don't think it's going to hurt
too much.
Speaker 4 (07:47):
Joined by Dan looker, he's on the table right now
getting message. He's joining us talking about his fight plenty
Israel as well. Let's look at at Israel. Do you
reckon he can beat Strickland and Drinkers Still it's still within.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
Him, Oh, definitely.
Speaker 7 (08:01):
Like you can look at the tricks fight like he
was doing. Yeah, he always doing really well to you
or not, But I'd say this is his opportunity to
prove it, to prove that he belongs to He's fighting
a hungry young contender. I feel like he gets his
hand raised here and he'll be fighting. He'll be back
fighting for that belt before the end of the year.
Speaker 4 (08:22):
Well what do you know about him?
Speaker 2 (08:23):
Evolve?
Speaker 4 (08:24):
What does he bring?
Speaker 2 (08:26):
Not a thing? Mate? I've never seen the Copper throw
a punch. I couldn't tell you. What is your color is?
Speaker 3 (08:33):
Wow?
Speaker 2 (08:34):
But he's going to get but he's going to get
whooped that's all I know.
Speaker 4 (08:37):
I know you've got a massive fan base over here.
It probably expands around the world too, AND's got to
ask the question you probably get asked every half and now,
when are we going to get a UFC event here
in New Zealand? Come on, when are they going to
give us some love?
Speaker 2 (08:50):
Yeah? They got I think they got one more.
Speaker 7 (08:52):
They've got to get through in New South Wales and
they've got to get another one. They've got to knock
out in Perth potentially later this year, and then hopefully,
hopefully fingers cross twenty twenty six, we bring one back
to New Zella and on.
Speaker 4 (09:08):
That we'll get out of here. Good on you, Thanks
very much, hey man hooker, go well, look after yourself,
keep firing those cheeseburgers down and we look forward to
seeing you in about five weeks time.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
He's ussy, Thank you, mane st Sex.
Speaker 3 (09:21):
Better late than never is a well used statement and
it certainly applies to sport, and specifically right now to
Auckland FC. Let's start with the numbers. Auckland f C
have scored twenty two goals this season. Eleven of those
twenty two goals, half have come after the seventy minute mark.
Nine of those eleven goals have come beyond the eighty
(09:44):
three minute mark, and five of the nine beyond the
ninety minute mark. And these are not just goals to
inflate score lines. These are crucial match winning or match
saving goals. If every Auckland FC game had stopped at
ninety minutes, they wouldn't be in the top four. The
(10:04):
goals they've scored and at a time have earned them
eight points. Without those eight points they would be fifth.
Instead they are top. Now. You control down all you
like into the reasons why superior fitness, I never say die, attitude,
moments of inspiration from certain players. I don't think there's
any one reason why it's happening. But I do know this,
(10:26):
the more it happens, the more likely it is to
keep happening. When Auckland FC go beyond the ninety minute mark,
now they know from repeated experience that they can score,
and almost as importantly, opposition teams know it as well.
If an opposition side is ahead as the clock takes
past ninety minutes, there's more than a shred of doubt.
(10:49):
In fact, there's a lot of doubt in the back
of their minds that the points are not safe. Late
goals just one of the reasons for Auckland FC's success,
but it's one which has and will continue to be
integral to how the rest of their first season plays out.
One thing is for absolute certain if you go to
an Auckland FC game, do not leave early. You will
(11:13):
probably miss something.
Speaker 1 (11:15):
The chamber is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 3 (11:19):
Let us shall we pop into the chamber. It's always
nice to be in such close physical proximity to your
darcy when I'm here in your city. Enough of that,
let's talk some sporting issues. One A Pacific. In fact,
all six of our New Zealand based super rugby sides
are having some pre season matches this weekend, today and tomorrow.
I claim during the week that this could be more
(11:41):
ONEA Pacific as year. What does that mean?
Speaker 4 (11:45):
Well, I think if you believe it's your year, you
walk off with the chocolates. Doesn't that what it mean?
Or does it mean we'd like to get to finals football,
we'd like to be a relevant force. I'm not sure.
What it does show is positive intent from the CEO,
right it.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
Does, and having ardisavier there I think elevates everybody at
that rugby club and on that rugby team. Rather, I
shouldn't call them clubs that franchise inside that team. Artie
Savia's presence in any environment elevates that environment, and I'm
sure it will, but I still don't see how they
can get anywhere close to winning the thing. So I
think you're right. I think what they're framing it up
as is it's our year to improve. It's our year
(12:23):
to push for a spot on the playoffs. It's our
year to not be let's be honest, the whipping boys
of the competition.
Speaker 4 (12:29):
Well, it's our year to freak people out. So how
do you go? You come to our home ground, you
ain't walking away with the w We're going to slap
you around, not not literally, are we bit? And I
think another thing with Mowana, they've realized that with Artie,
save with the Juels, savea some of their players, they
might be And I know it's a bit of a
tension now between them and NS. There are quite a
(12:50):
place to come to when it comes to other PACIFICA players.
There's a few names floating around. So is it a
year where also they start getting a foothold and some
traction with better players.
Speaker 3 (13:02):
I would love it also, Dars, if it's a year
where they start attracting fans, because it seemed like a
fat to complee drop down Winea pacifica in Auckland and
you've got this enormous fan base that should turn up.
They haven't turned up yet. And yes, I know there
are other factors at play success, the cost, the timing
of the games, the venue, all of those things. But
wouldn't it be great if when visiting teams came that
(13:24):
they felt like they were in a cauldron.
Speaker 4 (13:26):
Yeah, like the cauldron that you love going to. It's
the same ground pretty much, isn't it. While it air
is with AKFC, it makes a huge different.
Speaker 3 (13:33):
And the Warriors, yeah, I mean they didn't quite get
the success they're after, but we all know what a
big crowd does to a team. So let's hope that
they can attract the crowds, they can hit their metrics
and they can be more of a force. In Super
Rugby Pacific twenty twenty five. Let's talk Israel. I know
you've already had Dan Hooker on, just some residual thoughts there.
(13:54):
What should we expect on Sunday morning? When he gets
back in the octagon, he's off back to back losses
for the first time ever.
Speaker 4 (14:01):
I think when you listen to what Dan says, in says,
and you talk to other people around the fight sport community,
what he's bringing back is a sense of calm, not
necessarily a sense of revenge, but a sense of coming
back to who Israel this and your was before.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
He hit the big time.
Speaker 4 (14:25):
And in a lot of professions, a lot of athletic professions,
sometimes you lose that the bigger you get, the more
important you get, the wealthier you get, and the more
people that tell you how good you are, you start
listening to them. So, if anything, he won't agree, but
a couple of losses to slap him back into reality,
(14:45):
that's not a bad thing at all. I think it's
going to be what I'd hope a huge fight because
I love watching the guy in his pomp and maybe
he's back to that athletic that that dance space, that
shape shift of a character that we know so much.
Speaker 3 (15:01):
And just my final thought on it, my only thought
on it. I saw him. I saw him at the
post sorry pre fight media conference, and he said, this
one is for me. It's not for a belt. It's
not for my reputation, it's not for my fans, it's
not for anybody other than me. This one's for me.
I know it sounds like a bit of a cliche,
but that aligns with what you were saying. Maybe he
(15:22):
centers himself back to what made him successful in the
first place, and that can make him successful again. Just
before we hop out of the chamber, six Nations starts,
don't you know that tomorrow morning? We who do we
like least?
Speaker 7 (15:35):
So?
Speaker 3 (15:35):
Yeah, who do we dislike least? Who do we want
to win? Who do we want to win?
Speaker 4 (15:40):
Okay, well it's not going to be England, that's fine.
It's unlikely to be Scotland. Scotland, the French, the competitive
nature between Ireland and New Zealand, and I hate to
say it, but I'd like to see Ireland do well.
I suppose with Barren Gantlin. It'd be nice to see
(16:00):
Wales get.
Speaker 3 (16:02):
It'd be nice to say, win a game of rugby,
wouldn't it.
Speaker 5 (16:06):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (16:06):
Look, I think it's going to be the usual suspect,
isn't it. We're going to We're going to see Ireland
in France. There England, who knows.
Speaker 4 (16:13):
Scotland upset the apple Cart actually will look great.
Speaker 3 (16:20):
I've got nothing to add to that, but we will
keep close eyes probably, I mean, just on the six
nation starts. I always I'm always interested in it in
World Cup years, but in a non World Cup year,
I'm almost like an interested bystander from a distance. I
you know, I knew it was on, but I'm not
going to absolutely get up for every game. I'll probably
just check the results.
Speaker 4 (16:41):
Wow, I check the results. I watch highlights packages. If
there's a big one when we become to the final year,
I'll take a look. And there's something about an Irish
English clash that's always pretty mouth warfing, so I'll probably
watch that one.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
All right. You will probably both end up watching every game.
I know what we're like. That is us in the
chamber today.
Speaker 1 (16:59):
This is Sportsfix, your daily dose of sports news, cowing
by news talks.
Speaker 3 (17:05):
And that is us on the Sports Fix podcast for
today and for January. But don't worry. Just because January
is coming gone doesn't mean Sports Fix has come and gone.
It's back in February, which will be on Monday. A
fresh episode drops into your podcast feed same time every
weekday afternoon provided you subscribe.
Speaker 4 (17:19):
Yeah, and some really good traction. I don't mind saying
so myself, with all y'all out there who are listening,
who are subscribing, who are telling your friends and your family,
because the numbers are increasing, people are buying into this,
which is wonderful to do. Jason and I love doing this,
especially we're together in the same SdiA. And if you
want more from either us, Monday's Jason Pine seven to
(17:42):
eight on Sports Talk News Talks EDB. I hold the
range between Tuesday and Friday. At the same time, Jason
takes it all over twelve to three on weekend sports
Saturday and Sunday. That's us, right, Get.
Speaker 3 (17:52):
Your hand off my knee. We'll see you Monday.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
For more from News Talk SEDB, listen live on air
or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you
go with our podcasts on Irradio.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.