Tag: Josh Nason

JNPO: Jonathan Snowden and the definitive Ken Shamrock biography

Posted on by Josh Nason

I have been wanting to have this week’s guest on since I launched my podcast three years ago, but couldn’t find the right subject to dive deep into. But with him trying to raise money to fund an upcoming Ken Shamrock biography, the time was finally right.

On a new Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, hear from the author of ‘Shamrock: The World’s Most Dangerous Man‘, Jonathan Snowden, also a senior writer with Bleacher Report.

In a one-hour conversation, we hit on several threads:

– How the Shamrock project came to be and why he’s looking to crowdfund the project vs. go with a traditional print house

– Why this book is different than the other Shamrock books

– How his first book, Total MMA, and follow up book came together 

– His thoughts on the state of both MMA and MMA media when he first started through today

– His thoughts on the passing of Stan Lee, some pro wrestling talk, and more.

This is one of my favorite shows I’ve done this year, so check it out now by clicking below. Also, check out Jonathan’s IndieGogo that we discuss on the show.

Can you do no less?

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JNPO: UFC geek out session with TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter

Posted on by Josh Nason

Yours truly was down on last weekend’s UFC 228 going into the event, but after a show with that much excitement, news, and finishes, it’s hard to hate on what turned out to be a tremendous event.

Helping me atone for my sins is past guest and friend of the show Aaron Bronsteter of Canadian sports network leader TSN.

Originally scheduled to go 30 minutes, Aaron and I chatted for about 50 minutes in a conversation that went in a ton of different directions. Some of the highlights include:

– Aaron’s rise into “The Dana Whisperer” and his pre-event talks with Dana White that have filled a void in the MMA media landscape

– Some of the key talking points coming out of UFC 228 including Tyron Woodley’s future, the suddenly booming women’s strawwweight title contender picture, and fast rising bantamweight Aljamain Sterling

– A talk about CM Punk’s interview with Ariel Helwani and his comments on whether he wants to fight again

– Some UFC business chatter…and plenty more. If you’re into UFC and MMA talk, listen to this show now.

Listen for free below:

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Left My Wallet: Josh Nason on baseball and the EWA

Posted on by Antonio Garza

A new edition of ‘I Left My Wallet in Greg Polanco’ is back with special guest Josh Nason, an editor and writer for this very website as well as the host of Josh Nason’s Punch-Out!

On a wide-ranging talk, Josh and I talked about how he got into liking baseball, some of his favorite Red Sox players, and why his favorite player ever isn’t one of them (hint: his picture is above), fantasy baseball and the unique leagues both of us are in, and a little venting following the Celtics’ loss to the Cavaliers in the NBA Eastern finals.

We wrap up with a trip down indie wrestling memory lane with the Eastern Wrestling Alliance, a group that used to be based out of Portland, ME, that both of us worked for. We remember some of the talents and the Northern New England scene in the early 2000s.

Enjoy a new ‘Left My Wallet’ with Josh and I now.

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JNPO: A look at UFC 223 and McGregorMania

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: MMA Junkie

Even though WrestleMania week is here, there’s a fairly important UFC event happening Saturday night which has changed a lot this week due to, well, circumstances.

While the injury to interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson decimated his fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov for a fourth time, Nurmagomedov has a big challenge in front of him with featherweight champion Max Holloway, fresh off an ankle injury and on just six days notice.

The winner thought they had a clear line to lightweight champion Conor McGregor, but that situation changed a lot on Thursday with the champion’s bum rush into the Barclays Center.

Joining me this week to help look at UFC 223 is MMA commentator, one of the key figures behind Sherdog Radio, and co-founder of Between Rounds Radio, TJ De Santis. We also talked about his new Patreon-backed venture that is in the middle of a free week for prospective listeners.

Note that the conversation was recorded on Wednesday night before all the madness of Thursday. Following the De Santis talk, I included my Thursday appearance on Wrestling Observer Live where I talked about the Day of McGregor.

Enjoy this look at UFC 223, the founding of Between Rounds Radio, and some McGregorMania talk.

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JNPO: ‘Andre The Giant’ director/producer Jason Hehir

Posted on by Josh Nason

On a special edition of Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, sports & music documentary filmmaker Jason Hehir dropped by the show to talk about his trip into the world of pro wrestling with the upcoming HBO documentary ‘Andre The Giant‘. 

Even if you aren’t immediately familiar with his name, you know his work from ESPN (The Fab Five, The ’85 Bears), HBO (De La Hoya-Mayweather 24/7, Mayweather-Hatton 24/7), and for his run on the outstanding UFC Primetime series.

On the docket: 

– We discussed Jason’s past working on Primetime, what standout fighters he remembers from that run, and his perspective on the sport given that he wasn’t a fan of it.

– We talked about the Andre documentary and how things came together, his biggest challenges in making it, the cooperation level of WWE, his thoughts on Hulk Hogan after interviewing him, and the recent Ric Flair 30 for 30.

– We discussed the comparisions between Dana White and Vince McMahon as he’s spent time with both of them.

– We wrap up with a discussion on Michael Buble. Yep, that happened.

Enjoy this free edition of JNPO now:

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JNPO: A final look at MMA’s 2017, October-December

Posted on by Josh Nason

To many, 2017 was a down year in MMA but the sport did have some fun moments in the final three months of the year and on this 90-minute Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, we walk down memory lane one final time to remember.

Joining me on this show is first-time guest and fellow MMAJA member Nathan McCarter of Bleacher Report.

On the docket:

– UFC 217 and the return of Georges St-Pierre, plus the triumps of TJ Dillashaw and Rose Namajunas

– Demetrious Johnson’s breaking of the all-time UFC title defense record in highlight reel fashion

– Conor McGregor being Conor McGregor in feuding with Marc Goddard and helping Bellator pop a good ratings number

– Anderson Silva gets flagged by USADA…again.

– The coronation of Cyborg Justino as the sport’s top active female star

– The great UFC 218 where Max Holloway, Francis Ngannou, Eddie Alvarez and Yancy Medeiros made big impressions

– Some quick hit thoughts on Ronda Rousey’s appearance at the Royal Rumble, Stipe-DC thoughts, and plenty more.

Take a listen right now:

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JNPO: MMA Year In Review, April-June

Posted on by Josh Nason

Yours truly continues his look back at the year in MMA one quarter at a time and was joined by two guests to help look back at a fun and historic three month stretch in the sport.

Bleacher Report lead MMA writer, Co-Main Event Podcast co-host and author Chad Dundas dropped by to discuss all the happenings in April which included:

  • Light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier retiring Anthony Johnson at UFC 210 in Buffalo to set up a rematch with Jon Jones
  • Demetrious Johnson retaining his UFC flyweight gold for the 10th straight time
  • The continued will they/won’t they surrounding Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor
  • Dana White going retro with public comments against a slew of foes, and lots more.

Then for May and June, combat sports commentator Sean Wheelock steps for a 90-minute chat about the following and much more:

  • The announcement that Mayweather vs. McGregor was signed and all of the questions we wanted answered
  • Demetrious Johnson going public with his grievances against the UFC
  • An eventful UFC 211 headlined by Stipe Miocic retaining his heavyweight gold
  • Bellator’s return to PPV with a mix of old stars and emerging talents
  • A slew of interesting results and newsbits

Just in time for your holiday shopping, enjoy this giant-sized two hour edition of Josh Nason’s Punch-Out now as well as the January-March recap with Paul Fontaine now.

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JNPO: Brock, Bones, Bobby and boxing

Posted on by Josh Nason

Leading into the 76th episode of Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, I was planning on talking to Jack Encarnacao (Sherdog, The Lapsed Fan, Boston Herald) primarily about Saturday’s Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor fight and a little bit of Brock Lesnar.

Then, Tuesday night happened and all hell broke loose. Lucky for you, that means an even bigger show.

– For the first 20 minutes, Jack and I talked about the recently wrapped SummerSlam four-day weekend and some of the key talking points coming out of it including the SmackDown debut of Bobby Roode.

– I asked Jack whether we can only truly appreciate the greatness of Lesnar after he’s gone and the key to his staying power and success in 2017.

– We then took another 20 minutes to break into the latest Jon Jones UFC-USADA debacle which threatens to effectively disrail Jones’ career and legacy. 

– We then finished up with discussion on the big fight of the year: McGregor vs. Mayweather. This isn’t a technical deep dive by any means, but we both have different views on the fight and we unpacked the best case/worst case scenarios for both the UFC and McGregor.

Enjoy this Grade A podcast right now:

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JNPO: In focus with combat sports storyteller Esther Lin

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: MMAFighting.com

For the 75th edition of Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, I knew I wanted someone notable in the MMA business. Luckily, my guest returned my text when I asked.

Esteemed photographer and storyteller Esther Lin of MMAFighting.com and Showtime Sports joined Josh Nason’s Punch-Out for nearly an hour this week, talking about a wide variety of subjects.

On the docket:

– A little bit of Game Of Thrones

– Her experiences on the Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor promotional tour including the story of her Spider-Man act during McGregor’s recent press event

– What has stood out to her the most on this tour

– The night she was kicked out of UFC 199 as part of the ‘MMA Fighting Three’

– Her experiences shooting the NJPW weekend in Long Beach, CA

– The experience of contributing to a SI.com roundtable featuring other gay and bixsexual media members

– Whether people sharing her images without accreditation bothers her

– How she got into shooting MMA and pictures in general

– Her role with MMAFighting and how you’ve probably seen more of her work than you think

– A blow-by-blow of her typical fight week…and more.

Click below to listen:

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JNPO: UFC 214 preview show with Josh Gross

Posted on by Josh Nason

Finally, we have a huge UFC show to get excited for.

Saturday’s UFC 214 is the promotion’s biggest event since last November’s Madison Square Garden show, headlined by a blood rivalry between light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and former champion Jon Jones.

Previewing the show on the latest Punch-Out is The Guardian’s MMA writer, podcaster, and returning guest Josh Gross.

Josh and Josh talked for 40 minutes on a variety of topics:

– The resurgence in interest for the Ali vs. Inoki book given the buzz over Mayweather vs. McGregor

– A few thoughts from Wednesday’s press conference including a comment Jones made toward a veteran reporter

– The high, high stakes of the Jones vs. Cormier outcome

– The question marks surrounding Robbie Lawler vs. Donald Cerrone at this stage of their career

– Gross’ excitement level at welterweight champion Tyron Woodley vs. Demien Maia

All that and more await you with just one simple click:

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JNPO: UFC TUF 25 Finale preview show

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: Esther Lin,MMAFighting

It’s International Fight Week in Las Vegas and while there’s no F4W Convention taking over the city, UFC is still trying to keep spirits up with two events, the first of which is the UFC TUF 25 finale show headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Johnson.

As part of two Josh Nason’s Punch-Out episodes previewing the weekend, Paul Fontaine of WrestlingObserver.com and MMADraws.com kicks off the festivities with a deep dive into Friday night’s event.

On the topic board for episode 70:

– Both guys’ love for the past season of TUF after a long stretch of meh

– How Justin Gaethje got to this spot and how he’ll have to adapt to his new environment

– The interesting lineup of fighters up and down the card including Gray Maynard, Tecia Torres, and Angela Hill

– The Crossroads Fight special of Ed Herman vs. C.B. Dollaway

– A few good minutes previewing UFC 213…and more.

Click below to listen:

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JNPO: Previewing Bellator NYC and UFC Oklahoma City

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: Telegraph.co.uk

If you’re an MMA fan, your plans for this weekend have likely been set for a while with Bellator making their return to PPV and Madison Square Garden debut Saturday night, and UFC heading to Oklahoma City, OK, Sunday for a show headlined by two suddenly bitter rivals.

On the latest Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, Cody Saftic of The Fight Network joined yours truly for an hour to look at both cards and to discuss key talking points going into the weekend.

Some of what you’ll hear:

– How Cody got to the Fight Network and how pro wrestling shaped his combat sports diet

– What he’s learned as a matchmaker for several Canadian MMA promotions

– Leftover thoughts from Holly Holm’s sudden victory Saturday in Singapore

– The risks of putting Chael Sonnen vs. Wanderlei Silva in the Bellator PPV main event

– How BJ Penn and Clay Guida got to this point in their careers

– Rundowns of both shows in full…and plenty more.

Click below to listen now:

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JNPO: UFC 211 preview with MMA Payout’s Jason Cruz

Posted on by Josh Nason

In a year that has been devoid of must-see PPVs, UFC finally has one worth talking about in Saturday’s UFC 211. So, on this very special edition of Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, we did just that.

Joining Josh is past guest and overall good guy Jason Cruz of MMAPayout.com. Note this was recorded on Wednesday night, well before the news of Michael Bisping vs. Georges St. Pierre being canceled.

Josh and Jason went nearly an hour chatting about news of the week and Saturday’s show, headlined by a heavyweight title fight between champion Stipe Miocic and former champion Junior dos Santos.

Also on the docket:

– The injury bug hitting Henry Cejudo, resulting in his fight against Sergio Pettis being taken off the show

– Michael “Venom” Page’s knee injury taking him out of Bellator’s next show

– The possible effect last Saturday’s Canelo vs. Chavez boxing PPV might have on UFC 211

– The fights the guys are looking forward to the most on Saturday

– KID TALK..and more.

Click below to listen, friends.

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JNPO: MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn on UFC Nashville and NBA playoffs

Posted on by Josh Nason

It’s a basketbrawl edition of Josh Nason’s Punch-Out as MMA Junkie/USA Today and Rolling Stone writer Mike Bohn is our special guest.

Covering both MMA and NBA, the guys hit on a variety of topics to satisfy your sports palette:

– The current state of the NBA playoffs and how bad both the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors are playing

– Some of the differences between NBA marketing and UFC marketing in creating stars

– A few leftover thoughts from last Saturday’s UFC event on Fox

– Mike’s take on the revival of a UFC fixed fight news story and what UFC needs to do to get in front of it

– What the ideal path is for Jon Jones next: title fight or tune-up fight?

– A look at Saturday’s UFC Nashville card that features a lot of notable fighters in crossroads fights

Get all that and more in a 50-minute edition of Josh Nason’s Punch-Out by clicking below to listen:

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JNPO: UFC 210 preview with TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter

Posted on by Josh Nason

After an 11-week hiatus, Josh Nason’s Punch-Out returns to the Internet airwaves with its 62nd episode: a focus on UFC 210 and more with TSN’s UFC Content Editor and Producer of Talent Relations Aaron Bronsteter.

In a 45-minute talk, the two went all over the combat sports map. A few stops included:

– Aaron’s past working on The Fight Show/The MMA Show with Mauro Ranallo, a show Josh did several guest appearances for

– The experience of working on TSN’s Off The Record with Michael Landsberg and some of the show’s most memorable interviews like Chael Sonnen and CM Punk

– A look at this Saturday’s UFC 210 with a deeper dive into the implications from Daniel Cormier vs. Anthony Johnson and Chris Weidman vs. Gegard Mousasi

– The positives and negatives of working with an official UFC broadcast partner

– The temperature of MMA in Canada now that GSP’s return is imminent

– The unusual feeling of seeing former co-worker and current WWE media star Renee Young on shows like Total Divas…and more.

Click below to listen or right-click to download.

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