VERBAL TAP (Episode 190) with Mike Stallings

Kevin's Description: Raf was awake for UFC Fight Night Germany Barnett vs. Arlovski and has all the important details. Then, Mike Stallings from Heel Section stops by to play Over/Under Kevin UFC 203. The crew debates: UFC 205, CM Punk, Overreem vs. Miocic, Ohio as a State, Verdum vs. Browne, Faber, Gall, Andrade vs. Calderwood, and which Magalhaes is that? Listen in, fun podcast.

UFC, YouTube

Raf's Recollection |  Early morning UFCs can be a bit much.  This whole starting prelims at 8:45 am really doesn't work for me (I'm not a morning person).  

Yet I woke up and watched the fights so I could bring you the type of analysis you've come to love from us here at Verbal Tap.

Aside from recapping those fights, we take a look at the future -- mainly, the future of UFC 203 with our special guest Mike Stallings.  As many of you know, Mike co-hosts another podcast with me called HEEL SECTION that's dedicated to the deconstruction of pro wrestling stories and angles.  

Which makes Mike the perfect person to talk with about the upcoming UFC debut of one CM Punk.

The entire world seems to think Punk is on his way to a fast-tracked beating at the hands of Mickey Gall, but we at least have the guts to ask if he has a fighting chance.  Listen in to find out if you agree with our assessments. 

And if you want to hear more about Mike's time on the podcast, you can listen to this week's episode of HEEL SECTION right HERE where we talk about ugly WWE Universal Championship belts, Kevin Owens, and the awesomeness that is the Cruiserweight Classic.

And if you have any problems downloading this week's episode of VERBAL TAP (Episode 190), you can download the episode right HERE.

You can also listen to this episode on Stitcher.

Don't forget to subscribe to us on iTunes.

And while you're at it follow us on social media:

Facebook: /VerbalTapCast

Twitter: @VerbalTapCast

Instagram: @VerbalTapCast

Vine: @VerbalTapCast

VERBAL TAP (Episode 189) on Rory MacDonald Going To Bellator

UFC, YouTube

Kevin's Description: The fight between Maia and Condit was outstanding.

Join in as the guys nerd out about IBJJF Masters Worlds, UFC Fight Night Carlos Condit vs. Demian Maia, Showtime Pettis, VanZant, and the epic saga of Joe Lauzon vs. Jim Miller.

Plus, you'll never be able to guess which Canadian Bellator fighter joins us up top for some Hot Fire.

UFC, YouTube

Everytime @demianmaia fights, he does #brazilianjiujitsu proud. We're huge supporters of Carlos Condit on this podcast, but tonight was something else. Maia's execution is out of control. #ufconfox21 #demianmaia #carloscondit

See this Instagram video by @verbaltapcast * 254 likes

Raf's Recollection | It's been a strange week in MMA.  

First you have people talking about Rory MacDonald jumping ship (likely for some more cash money), but then you had a solid UFC on FOX event that delivered some awesome fights for the fans.

This week, we not only try to make some sense of it all (Should Demian Maia fast pass his way to a title shot, what does this mean for Carlos Condit, and how many times did Brian Stann jinx the outcomes of the fights with his commentary on the mic).

We also try to comfort those who were in the way of Rafael Lovato Jr. and other notable superstars who decided to crash this year's old man worlds. 

Also, I may or may not do a Rory Macdonald impression.

Maybe.

I promise nothing. 

Except for maybe this awesome Damien Maia meme attached here.  I hope you all enjoy!

Bellator MMA, YouTube

If you have any problems listening to this week's episode (Episode 189), you can download this week's podcast right HERE.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 188) UFC 202 Recap, SummerSlam

Kevin's Description: The show opens with some WWE Summer Slam updates, including a special Brock Lesnar ending breakdown.

Then, Raf and Kevin dig deep into UFC 202 with the rumors, the fights, the finishes, and the Diaz insight.

Listen in, topics include:

Brock Lesnar stealing MMA Fans with MMA moves, Rumble Johnson, Johnson vs. D.C., McGregor vs. Diaz, the Decision, Diaz vs. Danis, the Round by Round, the Post Diaz, Weed Pens, Donald Cerrone, and what is Dana on.

UFC on FOX

UFC on FOX

Raf's Recollection | On this week's episode, not only do we discuss the results of Overt/Under Kevin: UFC 202, but we take an in-depth look at the big fight between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz.

Along the way, we respond to some internet trolls, the controversial decision that has caused a bit of a bitter divide on social media, and even discuss some of the future implications. 

PLUS: How fucking good is Anthony "Rumble" Johnson?   It's a good thing the nickname rumble fits like him a glove, otherwise we'd have to seriously consider the use of the name "The Dentist."

Also, we discuss the power of one Donald Cerrone and have Kevin air his grievances about an often-used form of color commentary.

Oh, and we might have talked with "Nate Diaz," no big. 

Listen in and let us know what you think! 

And if you have any problems listening to the episode above, you can download EPISODE 188 right HERE!

VERBAL TAP (Episode 187) with McDojoLife's Rob Ingram

Grappling Industries, Facebook

Kevin's Description: The greatest submission only event no-time limit fight just took place (this from Kevin's recency bias).

The guys discuss Gordon Ryan's amazing submission victory over Keenan Cornelius and if you want more head over to RafEsparza.com (Raf wrote about it).

Rob Ingram stops by from McDojo Life to play Over/Under Kevin UFC 202 against Kevin. If you know anything about Rob, you'll want to listen in. If you don't.....give it 5 mins.

Raf's Recollection | One of the more lively Over/Under Kevin's we've had.  McDojo's Rob Ingram drops by to talk about calling out BS martial artists and then sticks around to take on Kevin's UFC 202 picks.

And I'm not promising anything, but maybe Nate Diaz shows up.

Shut up, I said I'm not promising anything!!!

Oh, and also, we talk about how people still find ways to bitch about a free match with Keenan Cornelius and Gordon Ryan.

Listen in and tell a friend folks!

And if you're having any problems with accessing the file here, you can download EPISODE 187 right here.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 186) on Conor vs. The WWE

Kevin's Description:

This podcast runs deep with monologue jokes that will take you on a journey.

The guys talk: Bisping vs. Hendo, Conor McGregor vs. WWE, Nate Diaz, UFC Fight Night, and Travis Conley wins Fight to Win Pro.

Listen in, this podcast has America.

Raf's Recollection: 

VERBAL TAP (Episode 185) with Brandon Mccaghren

Kevin's Description: This podcast runs deep with monologue jokes that will take you on a journey. The guys talk: Bisping vs. Hendo, Conor McGregor vs. WWE, Nate Diaz, UFC Fight Night, and Travis Conley wins Fight to Win Pro. Listen in, this podcast has America.

Raf's Recollection - Yeah, we know that's not a picture of Brandon Mccaghren, tune in to find out why we used it.

Plus, hear all about Brandon's latest venture, Leglock Academy and how this major project with Alan Belcher and Nathan Orchard came together.

Plus, we get to hear some inside scoop of how everything went down at UFC 201 (Brandon was in the ATL and tells us everything he saw).

Plus, if you haven't already read my tweet recap of the event, head HERE.

And if you want to know the big project I'm working on over the next 30 days, head HERE.

You can also download the entire episode (#185) right HERE!

VERBAL TAP (Episode 184) Kev Visits LA

Kevin's Description: The guys trained for over 15 hours together, listen in as they recap the LA jiu-jitsu quest, UFC Fight Night 20, Fight to Win Pro 8, David Rickles, and all things jiu-jitsu.

Raf's Recollection: Last month, my wife and podcast co-host conspired to put together an awesome birthday gift.  As one of my birthday gifts, my wife surprised me by arranging a trip for Kevin to make his way out to LA for a few days and train.

Anybody who listens to the podcast knows that Kev and I usually get to see one another for short periods of time every 6 months or so.  And despite my on-air hatred for the individual, doing the podcast and working with him in person is way more fun than it is on Skype.  When we're both in the same room doing the podcast, the show has an entirely different feel.  

However, since this gift was given to me as a form of vacation, I elected not to do any work with the guy, but to just have fun and train.

And train we did.

All together, I think we logged in about 8 hours of training (2 of that being pure rolling).

Also, anybody who listens in to the show also knows how competitive Kevin and I can be in real life.  It's a friendly rivalry, one where we both wish one another well and often give tips to the other on technique.  But when it comes to training, we definitely amp up our respective levels.

I like to think of Kevin as a pacesetter for my own jiu-jitsu.  He's somebody who I can often monitor my own progress and get constructive feedback on the things I need to work on most.  In many ways, I'd like to think I do the same for him.

In doing so, I can honestly say that rolling with the guy makes me sharper.  Kevin is a tough roll, he's good at many of the opposite things that I'm good at, and he has a very creative way he likes to aggressively attack.  All of those things make me have to work harder.  If things were different and we were in the same place training regularly, I am quite certain our respective jiu-jitsu levels would be even higher.

Nonetheless, I liked the time that we got to train.  We nerded out on a number of techniques and spent a large amount of time trying to perfect moves that will hopefully become the norm.  In the latest episode of the podcast, we talk a little bit about those training experiences.  But I'd like to thank him and my wife for conspiring together for a truly wonderful birthday gift.  

Having also now trained for Kevin (believe it or not, I did train some things specifically for rolls against him), I'll also be looking to put a new challenge on my plate.  I think I have an idea of what it is and will share in an upcoming post.  Until then, I hope you enjoy the latest episode of our show.

EPISODE DOWLOAD: Here.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 183) Goes To EBI 7

PBS News Hour, YouTube

Kevin's Description: Listen in as the guys bring on Dana White to discuss the UFC Sale, Brock Lesnar, and speaking at the Republican National Convention.

Yes, he really is.

Then they turn to grappling, listen in, this podcast is fun.

Topics:

Metamoris 7, EBI 7, Brock Lesnar, Dana White, and Fight to Win Pro Lovato vs. Cyborg.

Eddie Bravo, YouTube

Raf's Recollection | 

VERBAL TAP (Episode 182) with Garry Tonon, UFC 200 Recap

Kevin's Description: It happened and Verbal Tap has Garry "The Lion Killer" Tonon back to talk smack and who won Over / Under Kevin UFC 200. The guys breakdown all the fights and talk a little Metamoris 7 Ralek vs. Garry. Listen in, this podcast has everything.

VerbalTapCast, YouTube

UFC, YouTube

Raf's Recollection | 

VERBAL TAP (Episode 181) with Garry Tonon, UFC 200 Preview

Kevin's Description: The guys open up with thoughts about Enson Inoue. Then, there is no one better to celebrate a landmark event with, tune in as Garry Tonon talks about his fight against Ralek and joins us for Over/Under Kevin UFC 200. Garry is the most exciting grappler on the planet for a reason, he knows how to compete. Tune in.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 180) with Val Worthington

Kevin's Description: Kevin is headed to LA, hear how Raf found out. Valerie Worthington is the guest this week, she wrote a book entitled "How a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Road Trip Jump-Started My Search for a Fulfilling Life." She's amazing, the book is remarkable, and you should buy it and listen to this podcast. Listen in, we love you.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 179) on the UFC Sale

Kevin's Description: Raf got cut on his face. Then the guys talk: Inside BJJ, UFC For Sale, GSP vs. BJ Penn, CM Punk UFC 203 probably, and Anderson Silva calls out Michael Bisping. Listen in, the debate is amazing.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 178) on LeBron, Ohio

Kevin's Description: We talk about Lebron James, The Cavs winning, the Orange County Rescue Mission open mat, Budo Videos, Fight to Win Pro 6, World Series of Fighting, Bellator, UFC Comedy, UFC News, Canada, GSP, Dana White, and the UFC being for sale.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 177) with Dan Miller

Kevin's Description: Dan Miller is amazing, he's fought everyone Sonnen, Bisping, Maia, and his bother. Tune in as he talks about his upcoming fight against Jeff Monson on July 23rd with Pro-Jitsu (www.pro-jitsu.com). This podcast is an absolute UFC / Grappling Nerd's dream.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 176) goes to IBJJF Worlds

Kevin's Description: This podcast gets deep fast in a great direction. First, Raf was at Worlds, Kevin saw the last day, John Evans was commentating, and you've heard enough. Join us for: IBJJF Worlds 16, Ariel Helwani's Lifetime ban, free speech, Rogan's Response, UFC 199 with Vernon Kirk, UFC Comedy, Bisping, Over/Under Kevin, and all the places Raf trained. Join in.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 175) with Vernon Kirk, UFC 199 Preview

Kevin's Description: This podcast starts off delightful, it takes a mild dip to call out warfare, then it rises again triumphantly. Join the guys this week as they: Interview BJ Penn, Talk smack on Inside BJJ Something, Play Over / Under Kevin UFC 199 with the awesome Vernon Kirk. Tune in, this is for the ages.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 174) with Wes Jarrell

Kevin's Description: If you didn't see it, go to BJJ Breakdown on youtube and watch their amazing invitational from yesterday... 

http://www.BJJBreakdown.com https://www.facebook.com/BJJBreakdown https://twitter.com/BJJBreakdown http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bjjbreakdown I commentate matches of all levels, so if you would like for me to commentate on your match, please send a request to John@BJJBreakdown.com

...we'll wait. Thanks as always for joining us, we love you.

Raf's Recollection: 

VERBAL TAP (Episode 173) goes to Glory 30

Kevin's Description: Juan Bernardo is back and the guys are fired up to talk UFC 198. You also get a little Glory Kickboxing, and some Metamoris Commercial coverage. We love the fighting world.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 172) with Juan Bernardo

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VERBAL TAP (Episode 171) Goes To EBI 6

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