The MMA Reporters: Episode 33

Published: Sept. 4, 2019, 8:10 p.m.

Ariel begins the show by previewing the huge weekend in MMA ahead. Then, after describing the scene in China last weekend, English UFC broadcaster John Gooden discusses Zhang Weili's importance to the future of MMA in China and to the UFC itself, and if she actually has what it takes to become an MMA superstar (5:07). Next, Arabic MMA broadcaster Mohammed Al Hosani reconnects with Ariel to talk about the making of the UFC 242 card and the overwhelming popularity of Khabib Nurmagomedov in the Middle East, and if the international fame has changed him (26:05). Lastly, almost 10 years after directing a documentary about a young Dustin Poirier, filmmaker Michael Tucker talks about his initial fascination with Poirier and the transformation of "The Diamond" since then (47:12).