VERBAL TAP (Episode 21): UFC 159 Review with Mike Jasper

Kevin's Description: The guys argue about the most exciting moment of UFC 159, talk a little about the new song for GSP, then Mike Jasper stops by to keep the show from completely derailing. Listen in, and leave a comment telling us your thoughts on UFC 159!

Raf’s Recollection : Sometimes it is a small world after all.  As we started booking fighters to come appear on the show, I had a friend (the incomparable Melissa Benassi) offer to help us reach out to one of the folks who fought in the premiere episode of this season's Ultimate Fighter.

And even though the multi-talented, Mike Jasper, didn't make it into the TUF house (he lost in the first round to Collin Hart), he hasn't missed a beat in his still undefeated career as a professional fighter (the loss to Hart is tallied as an exhibition).

In addition to being impervious to Raiders jokes, Jasper was very candid about the behind the scenes nature of The Ultimate Fighter production.  And, believe us folks, there's a lot of stuff that you don't see on TV.  The UFC doesn't just pick 32 guys and then have them magically show up.  Jasper tells us his side of the story and, if you've ever wondered how it all comes together, this interview is a must-listen.

But that's not all.  If you act now, you'll also get to hear a little bit about the man, the myth, the legend: Bas Rutten.

Yes, this Bas Rutten.

Jasper happens to train out of Rutten's gym (MMA Elite) and talks a little bit about the way Mr. Rutten runs the gym.

So give it a listen to the podcast that we're dedicating to Melissa Benassi for making this very special episode happen.  You can check out Jasper's fight right here.

You can download an MP3 of this episode here.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 20) with Joe "The Nose" Wilk

Raf and Kevin celebrate their 20th episode by brining on Joe "the Nose" Wilk to talk about the midwest and VFC Fight Night in Wichita, KS. Bellator, UFC on Fox from last saturday, and UFC 159 predictions this podcast has it all! Give a listen to the number one comedy podcast in the DC/LA combined region!

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Joe The Nose Wilk

Raf's Recollection: A great deal of our podcast is dedicated to finding out the back story behind each of the fighters we interview.  What makes them tick?  How'd they get started?  Why do they continue to want get punched in the face?

This go-round, we had the pleasure of finding out a little more about the humble beginnings of our very own Kevin Phillips' journey as a jiu-jitsu practitioner.  And who better to clue us into that insight than the man who helped Kevin learn to love jiu-jitsu, Joe "The Nose" Wilk (@JoeNoseMMA). 

In addition to waxing poetic about all things Kansas with Kevin, Joe was able to talk to us about this awesome documentary filmed about his gym Combative Sports Center.  If you've got some free time, I'd highly recommend giving a view.  Those who train will easily be able to identify with the camaraderie found in this gym and will also gain some insight into the true appeal of this fantastic training facility (hint: it might have something to do with the caliber of the folks who train there).

As our interview attests, Wilk talks a good game as an entertainer before his fights, but in the gym there is an even greater amount of respect for martial arts instilled into all of their practitioners.  One can certainly argue, Joe "Nose" training.

(I apologize for nothing with the use of that pun)

You can also download an MP3 of this episode here.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 19): TUF Finale with Bubba McDaniel

Bubba stops by and talks the guys through his last fight, his future with The UFC, and his post fight interview! Stop in, give a listen to the best comedy MMA podcast on the market.

You can download an MP3 of this episode right here.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 17) with Luke Barnatt and Bubba McDaniel

Title says it all folks! Raf Esparza's one minute review of The Ultimate Fighter has Bubba "the Menace" McDaniel and Luke "BIgSlow" Barnatt stopping by for some great perspective on Mike Tyson's most recent visit to the house, the crazy round of quarterfinal fights, and so much more! Tune in, you won't want to miss out on this one!

You can also download this episode right here.