UFC Unfiltered with Jim Norton and Matt Serra

Aiemann Zahabi, Youssef Zalal, UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Vallejos recap

It’s a winning-streak kind of show as Jim Norton and Matt Serra are joined by a pair of surging contenders riding streaks of at least 7-straight wins.First, bantamweight contender Aiemann Zahabi calls in to preview his upcoming matchup with Sean O’Malley on the White House card. Eyeing an eighth straight win, Canada’s own Zahabi discusses the revenge angle for a country that’s come up short against the United States in multiple recent gold medal matchups and a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal, while also breaking down how he matches up with one of the division’s most dangerous strikers.After recapping Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card — including Kevin Vallejos’ statement win and what could be next for Gillian Robertson — the guys welcome featherweight contender Youssef Zalal.Having worked with Aljamain Sterling in the past, Zalal dives into a uniquely insightful breakdown of the matchup — adding an interesting wrinkle given Aljo’s longtime ties to Matt Serra. Jim and Matt don’t hold back their admiration for Zalal as he previews the fight, discusses his recent surge, and explains why he believes he’s ready for a title shot in a rapidly evolving featherweight division.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Josh Emmett, Steven Asplund, UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Vallejos picks

Jim Norton and Matt Serra get one half of Saturday’s main event as Josh Emmett calls in first on a show also featuring heavyweight newcomer Steven Asplund.Emmett previews his matchup with rising prospect Kevin Vallejos, reflecting on the experience he’s gained from years of facing elite competition and why his trademark power remains a dangerous equalizer even at 41 years old.Later, Steven Asplund makes his UFC Unfiltered debut. A son of a fighter himself, Asplund walks through how he went from team sports to obesity issues, all in a roundabout journey to the fight game — where he is now 7-1 as a professional and looking to make his mark in the heavyweight division.Plus, Jim and Matt close out the show by previewing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card and making a few picks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

UFC 326 recap, Kyle Nelson previews McKinney fight, Steve Garcia talks Diego Lopes showdown

A pair of former opponents at 145 pounds join today’s episode of UFC Unfiltered as newly-established lightweight Kyle Nelson and featherweight contender Steve Garcia call in to chat with Matt Serra and Jim Norton.First, Kyle Nelson returns to the show to discuss his decision to move back up to lightweight after his 2024 loss to Steve Garcia. Fresh off a win over Matt Frevola, Nelson breaks down his upcoming matchup with Terrance McKinney at the UFC Seattle card on March 28 and shares what it’s like preparing for a fighter whose bouts almost always end in the first round. Later, No. 9 ranked featherweight Steve Garcia calls in to react to the announcement of his fight against Diego Lopes on the historic UFC Freedom 250 card set to take place on the White House South Lawn. Garcia discusses how he matches up with Lopes, what he learned from Lopes’ recent title fight against Alexander Volkanovski, and whether a statement win on that stage could catapult him into the title picture at 145 pounds.Plus, Jim and Matt recap the biggest moments from UFC 326 — including Charles Oliveira’s dominant win over Max Holloway in their BMF title rematch.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Drew Dober, Cody Garbrandt, UFC 326 picks

Jim Norton and Matt Serra welcome a pair of veteran finishers to UFC Unfiltered ahead of Saturday’s UFC 326 card in Las Vegas.First, lightweight Drew Dober returns for his eighth appearance on the show to preview his matchup with Michael Johnson in a clash between two of the division’s most experienced fighters. Convinced veterans like him are often underestimated for their ability to adapt, Dober explains how the constant search for self-improvement fuels him. That and a good old-fashioned post-fight donut.Later, Cody Garbrandt calls in ahead of his fight against Xiao Long. The former bantamweight champion opens up about how overcoming health issues — including vertigo — has given him a new outlook at this stage of his career before discussing how his passion for motorcycles keeps him grounded outside the cage.Plus, Jim and Matt close out the show with picks for Saturday’s UFC 326 card, including their thoughts on the BMF title rematch between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Francis Marshall on 1st-RD submission win, Michael Johnson talks one last run

Jim Norton and Matt Serra welcome two lightweights at very different stages of their careers.First, 27-year-old Francis Marshall joins the show following his first-round submission win in Mexico City. Marshall breaks down surviving an early spinning wheel kick before locking up the finish and reflects on bouncing back after a difficult stretch in the Octagon. In his UFC Unfiltered debut, Marshall and Matt connect over their shared ties to the Northeast fight scene, including Marshall’s experience competing on Lou Neglia’s Ring of Combat — the long-running proving ground for fighters from New Jersey and New York, and a staple for many Serra-Longo athletes over the years.Then, Michael Johnson returns as he gears up for what he’s calling one last run at lightweight. “The Menace” discusses longevity, chasing a fourth straight win, how he keeps his body feeling young at 39, and what still fuels him nearly 15 years into his UFC career.In between interviews, Jim and Matt break down the newly announced UFC 327 card, headlined by Jiří Procházka vs. Carlos Ulberg for the light heavyweight title recently vacated by Alex Pereira. They also debate whether Pereira’s decision signals a move to heavyweight for Jon Jones — and what that could mean for a potential blockbuster fight at the White House.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.