The Hurt Business

In today’s episode, Fares is joined by amateur fighter Jeffrey “Black Shark” Cetoute.

Starting with how he got his fighter nickname (0:30), Jeffrey talks about his current team, Gym RaJasi Muay Thai (1:29), and how he got into the fight game (2:36). He shares stories from his early tournaments, including the USA Novice Tournament (7:29), before discussing his team’s upcoming WAK Kickboxing Tournament in Balti...

In today’s episode, Fares reacts to last weekend’s action across the fight world and looks ahead to what’s in store this weekend.

Quillan Salkilld shows up and DOMINATES Mateusz Gamrot (0:32), thoughts on the rest of the card from the APEX (5:30), the NEW UFC APEX Center (14:10), Dana White announces the UFC Noche card (16:22), previewing this weekend’s UFC 330 card (21:21), MMA GOAT talk (22:42), Islam Makha...

 In today's episode, Fares sits down with Julian "Jiggy" Connerton ahead of his highly anticipated pro debut. They discuss the highs and lows of his amateur career (0:22), what went into preparing for his professional debut (7:47), the impact of his recent move to Boston, MA (10:51), the roller coaster of life's side quests (16:15), the teammates and training partners who helped shape his journey (20:28), and close with the ad...

In today's episode, Fares is joined by Muay Thai fighter Romani Alicea ahead of his WBC 168 Amateur National Title fight on August 8.

We kick things off by discussing Romani's recent move to Florida (1:00) and what goes into finding the right gym (6:32). We also touch on the growing popularity of Muay Thai in the United States (9:55).

Since Romani's last appearance on the podcast, he's stayed busy in the ring. We break down his recen...

In today's episode, Fares reacts to all the biggest moments from last weekend in combat sports.

Starting with UFC Oklahoma City, Dricus du Plessis puts on a dominant performance against Kamaru Usman (0:30). What's next for "The Nigerian Nightmare" (2:26)? Did DDP do enough to earn a title shot against Sean Strickland (4:06)? Christian Leroy Duncan puts on a striking clinic against veteran Jared Cannonier (6:57). Tommy McMillen steal...

 In today's episode, Fares heads to Cage Titans 77 Media Day and catches up with professional MMA fighter Andrew "The Gladiator" Valdina ahead of the ninth fight of his professional career. We cover topics from fight week food noise (1:45), how his camp went and his thoughts ahead of Saturday night (3:12), Andrew's message to the world (6:13), his training partners and coaches (7:45), and close things out by shouting out his s...

In today's episode, Fares is joined by Tom Surette to break down all the action from UFC 329.

Did Saturday night mark the end of Conor McGregor's comeback (0:28)? What's next for the Blessed Express, Max Holloway (11:49)? Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett stops Benoît Saint Denis in the first round (13:56). Mario Bautista delivers the biggest win of his career against Cory Sandhagen (22:14). The car crash of a matchup between King Green an...

 In today's episode, Fares sits down with professional MMA fighter Jarrod "The Wolverine" St. Jean for a conversation about his career, mindset, and life outside the cage. They discuss how Jarrod earned his fighter nickname (0:40), why journaling has become a valuable tool in his routine (8:14), navigating canceled fights (12:23), his favorite professional win (15:50), traveling for competition (20:19), Nostos MMA (21:13), a r...

In Today's episode, Fares reacts to Jaron "Boots" Ennis' latest performance (0:31) before discussing who should be next for the unified champion (6:53).  Xander Zayas' "quit" comments (11:58), Emiliano Vargas' continued rise (15:15), Ben Whittaker's US Debut (16:06), and Jahi Tucker's war (18:01).

Oleksandr Usyk vacates his world titles and what that means for the future of boxing's biggest names (19:07). Looking ahead, this we...

In today's episode, Fares previews a busy weekend in combat sports and reacts to the biggest stories from last week.

Xander Zayas vs. Jaron "Boots" Ennis is set to shake up the 154-pound division (0:45). Thoughts on the rest of the Barclays Center card, including Emiliano Vargas, Ben Whittaker, and Jahi Tucker (8:45). Plus, are Tank Davis and Devin Haney finally next (11:41), and is Shakur Stevenson headed to Zuffa Boxing (14:59)?

Th...

In today's episode, Fares reacts to the action from UFC Freedom 250: Fights at the White House. Justin Gaethje shocks the world by finishing Ilia Topuria (0:35). In the co-main event, Ciryl Gane introduces Alex Pereira to heavyweight power (10:01). Sean "Suga" O'Malley predicted the knockout—and delivered (14:51). Josh Hokit puts on a strong performance before a mic flop (17:36). Overall thoughts on the card and the lead-up t...

In today's episode, Fares breaks down all the big combat sports action taking place this weekend. First, he previews pound-for-pound superstar Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez vs. former Olympian and current world champion Antonio Vargas (0:54), before reacting to the recent announcement of Errol Spence Jr. vs. Tim Tszyu, scheduled for July 25 (6:38).

The conversation then shifts to UFC Freedom 250 at the White House (7:56), where Fares shares...

In today's episode, Fares recaps his recent trip to Houston (0:34), where Oshaquie Foster defended his world title against Raymond Ford (2:56). Following the fight, Shakur Stevenson had words for the champion—what should be next for Foster? (4:43).

Fares also breaks down Dmitry Bivol's flawless performance and discusses what's next for him (7:28). Plus, Darren Till makes his BKFC debut (11:50).

In MMA, Gabriel Bonfim dominates ...

In today's episode, Fares kicks things off by discussing Turki Alalshikh's impact on Boxing (0:40). From there, we dive into the crossover spectacle between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven, including the shocking knockout moment (2:05), Rico’s overall performance (6:18), and the post-fight interview that had everyone talking (10:35).We then shift over to boxing as Hamzah Sheeraz captures world championship gold (13:45), Jac...

In today’s episode, Fares reacts to last weekend’s action across the fight world.

Ronda Rousey returns and submits Gina Carano in just 17 seconds (1:03). The MVP payouts are revealed following the event (5:40). Mike Perry smashes Nate Diaz (6:40). Francis Ngannou extends his MMA win streak (11:58). Adriano Morales vs. Phumi Nkuta ends in controversy (19:49).

Fares also breaks down the UFC Apex card headlined by Arnold All...

In today’s episode, Fares returns to break down the latest in combat sports, starting with last weekend’s UFC 328. Sean Strickland shocks the world once again — this time against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev (1:55). Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira deliver an all-out war (13:37), while Alexander Volkov defends his #2 ranking against Waldo Cortes-Acosta (19:00). Sean Brady proves he’s on a mission with a statem...

In today’s episode, Fares breaks down the latest news and reactions in the combat sports world. Starting with the UFC Season Press Conference from last Friday, which delivered major headlines, big moments, and massive fight announcements (0:52). 

Then we move to this past weekend’s UFC 323 card, where Petr Yan spoils Merab’s historic moment (8:05). Alexandre Pantoja suffers an early elbow injury, leading to a ...

In today's episode, Fares is joined by Ian Barrett — “The War Elephant” — as he prepares for his second Muay Thai appearance under Ring Titans.

We get into the origins and meaning behind his nickname (0:18), the early moments that sparked his love for combat sports (2:51), and the importance of having a strong support system (5:49). Ian also opens up about his first Muay Thai fight last September, sharing his...

In today's episode, Fares breaks down the latest Thanksgiving announcements courtesy of the UFC. Matchups for the first two major cards of 2026 have been revealed — and they’re already stirring controversy. We start with the fighters who should’ve been in the mix (2:02). Then: what about Arman? (4:26).

Next, thoughts on UFC 324 — headlined by Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje — plus the return of the fe...