This episode of Budocast explores a monumental week in combat sports, ranging from historic title wins in Bangkok to legacy-defining ambitions in the UFC. We break down Stella Hemetsberger’s victory at ONE Fight Night 40, where she became only the third two-sport queen in the promotion's history by adding the strawweight kickboxing title to her Muay Thai gold.The discussion shifts to the UFC, focusing on Islam Makhachev’s desire to compete on the "once-in-a-lifetime" White House card to cement his historical legacy. We also provide a deep dive into Gordon Ryan’s technical analysis of the "fence wrestling system" used by elite grapplers like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Khamzat Chimaev. Finally, we cover the latest PFL rankings featuring pound-for-pound king Usman Nurmagomedov, the UFC’s new high-performance protein bar partnership, and critical roster updates for UFC Houston.

Join Budocast as we break down a massive week in martial arts! In this episode, we discuss Usman Nurmagomedov’s dominant title defense in Dubai and Jon Jones’ surprising revelation that he needs a hip replacement despite his ambitions to fight at the White House. We also cover Nick Diaz’s road to redemption following a stint in rehab, Karyn Bryant’s departure from the UFC desk as the promotion enters its Paramount era, and Dana White’s courtroom testimony regarding a missing iPhone in the antitrust lawsuit.

Plus, we explore ONE Championship’s record-breaking 72-event schedule for 2026, thrilling results from the Meta APEX, and how the "Third Space" trend is transforming local dojos into community hubs. From championship results to emerging training techniques, we've got you covered.

What to Expect• MMA & UFC Deep Dives:

Get the latest on major events like UFC 324, including Justin Gaethje’s interim title victory over Paddy Pimblett and the impact of the UFC’s new, doubled fight night bonus structure.•

The "Daily Bread" Mailbag:

Join Stephen "Breadman" Edwards for nuanced discussions on boxing history, fighter-trainer dynamics, and the complex business of promoter versus manager roles.• BJJ Heritage & Strategy: Hear from legends like Chris Haueter as he reflects on two decades of Combat Base and the shifting culture of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Plus, explore specialized training methods like "Sloth Jiu-Jitsu" for the aging grappler.• The Future of Combat: Stay updated on the debut of Zuffa Boxing with champions like Jai Opetaia, and explore the technological frontier of the Ultimate Fighting Bots (UFB) league.

Why Listen?

Whether you are a practitioner looking for sustainable strength training tips or a fan interested in the financial forces shaping your favorite sports, this show bridges the gap between the gym and the front office. We offer a reflective, non-bitter look at the evolution of fighting—from the closing of iconic dojos to the birth of undisputed Zuffa champions.