In the lead up to his debut with the PFL, I spoke with the former CES champion about his frustrations with never landing a coveted roster spot with the UFC, and why it may have never come to fruition. Despite his current 15-1 record. We also spoke on the positive opportunities that come with his new PFL deal. Including bigger paydays and fighting on ESPN 2 and ESPN+. We also spoke about his debut opponent Chris Wade, and his strategies for defeating the UFC veteran and season 1 semifinalist. 

Intro Song: BenJamin Banger - June
Via the Free Music Archive (freemusicarchive.org/music/BenJamin…anger/~/3_1431)

My Interview with PFL Lightweight Nate Andrews

In this conversation leading up to his PFL debut, I spoke with the undefeated Johnson about his UFC contract situation. Why a new deal never came to pass, and wanting to be paid what he felt he deserved. We spoke about being a fighting father to a 1-year-old son. The positives about joining his new home in the PFL. Returning to light heavyweight after recently fighting at middleweight. His PFL debut opponent Maxim Grishin and much more. 

Intro Song: BenJamin Banger - June
Via the Free Music Archive (freemusicarchive.org/music/BenJamin…anger/~/3_1431)

My Interview with PFL Light Heavyweight Jordan Johnson

In this exclusive chat for Sherdog, I had the pleasure of speaking with an icon of mixed martial arts. Former UFC flyweight kingpin, and now ONE Championship flyweight, the one and only Demetrious Johnson. I spoke with the UFC record holder for most title defenses about his ONE debut at "A New Era." We talked the size differences in his ONE opponents because of how weight-class guidelines differ from North America to Asia. We chatted on the weight-cutting protocols of the promotion and its drug testing. We then spoke on the UFC flyweight division as it stands now, as well as the recent negative press in the sport, including TJ Dillashaw's positive drug testing. The MMA legend gave me 30 informative minutes of his time and we covered much on him and the sport. 

Intro Song: BenJamin Banger - June
Via the Free Music Archive (freemusicarchive.org/music/BenJamin…anger/~/3_1431)

My Interview with ONE Flyweight and MMA Superstar Demetrious Johnson

The week before her latest title defense at Bellator 220, the "Iliminator" talked to me on quite a few topics. Of course, we talked her monumental victory over Valerie Letourneau in the headliner of Bellator Hawaii. If it will be the biggest moment of her career, coming down from the high of the win, battling her own doubts going into it, and her emotions on fight night. We then talked about her latest challenge in Veta Arteaga and why she feels this is the toughest test of her career. We also spoke about her recent vacation to Cuba, and her "game changing" training in deep end fitness and underwater torpedo league. 

Intro Song: BenJamin Banger - June
Via the Free Music Archive (freemusicarchive.org/music/BenJamin…anger/~/3_1431)

My Interview with Bellator Flyweight Champion Ilima-Lei MacFarlane

In this exclusive conversation for Sherdog, I spoke with the former two-division champ, and current featherweight kingpin, about his youth in Australia and how he got involved in the sport of mixed martial arts. We then talked about his highlight reel win over Narantungalag Jadambaa at One Championship: Roots of Honor. I asked about his recent switch to training at Hardknocks 365 in Florida, and the recent coaching he has received from Henri Hooft. Conversation then switched to what drove his pursuit for multiple championships, and what is next for the "Situ-Asian." As well as what are some of his personal passions away from fighting.

 Intro Song: BenJamin Banger - June
Via the Free Music Archive (freemusicarchive.org/music/BenJamin…anger/~/3_1431)

My Interview with ONE Championship Featherweight Champ Martin Nguyen

In this exclusive conversation for Sherdog, I spoke with Gerald Ng, the CEO of World Lethwei Championship. The gloveless kickboxing league, which includes headbutts, is centered around the centuries old Myanmar sport of Lethwei. Ng talked to me about the sport and how the league originally started. He also spoke on it being a part of the Netflix series Fight World and airing on UFC Fight Pass. We then moved on to discussion of the leagues rules and athletes, as well as it's expansion plans and if he has any interest in co-promotion with Bare Knuckle FC. 

Intro Song: BenJamin Banger - June
Via the Free Music Archive

My Interview with WLC CEO Gerald Ng

In this chat with a man I share a last name and hometown with, we speak on his monumental win over long-time featherweight star Cub Swanson at UFC Ottawa. How the fight played out, his new top-15 ranking, what's next, growing up in the Bronx, and then moving to Monroe, New York. As well as the growth of his home gym Tiger Schulmanns.

Intro Song: BenJamin Banger - June
Via the Free Music Archive (freemusicarchive.org/music/BenJamin…anger/~/3_1431)

My Interview with UFC Featherweight Shane Burgos

Arce spoke with me about his loss to Sheymon Moraes back at UFC 230. How the fight played out, as well as what may have affected the judges scoring on that night. We spoke about why he has not gotten back into the cage since, and of course his upcoming UFC Rochester bout with Julian Erosa. Plus much more.

Intro Song: BenJamin Banger - June
Via the Free Music Archive (freemusicarchive.org/music/BenJamin…anger/~/3_1431)

My Interview with UFC Featherweight Julio Arce

This is the listening hub for interviews conducted by Sherdog.com contributing writer Jason Burgos. As he talks with some of the top fighters and influential figures in the sport of MMA.

The MMA Journalist Recordings