In this episode of Mat Matters, Derving and Nate kick things off with Thanksgiving chaos, holiday food stories, and the reality of post-holiday weight gain—then quickly pivot into a deep dive on the hottest topics in UFC, MMA, and wrestling.

We break down major upcoming fights including Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett, Henry Cejudo vs. Payton Talbot, and the highly anticipated Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes showdown. The conversation also covers fighter inactivity, potential UFC roster cuts, and whether superstars like Jon Jones and Conor McGregor are held to different standards.

On the wrestling side, we unpack one of the biggest shocks in recent history as Iowa State defeats Iowa for the first time in 20 years. We analyze the current state of elite wrestling programs, coaching changes, injuries, weight cutting, international competition, and what it really takes to stay dominant in today’s landscape.

We also touch on:

• Ronda Rousey’s potential move into boxing

• Gina Carano comeback rumors

• The rise of Dagestani wrestling

• The long-term toll of MMA and wrestling careers

This episode blends humor, hard truths, and deep combat sports analysis you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more.

Chapters

00:00 Thanksgiving Reflections and Holiday Indulgences

02:50 Food Traditions and Family Gatherings

05:25 UFC Updates and Upcoming Fights

08:11 Fighter Releases and Career Implications

10:38 Analyzing Fighter Performance and Strategy

13:14 Interim Titles and Future Matchups

15:42 The Impact of Fight Records on Careers

17:58 The Significance of Performance in the Octagon

20:20 The Role of Trash Talk in MMA

24:12 Mental Warfare in Combat Sports

26:38 The GOAT Debate: Nunes vs. Harrison

29:02 Ronda Rousey's Transition to Boxing

30:25 The Return of Gina Carano

33:15 UFC's Changing Landscape: Champion Dynamics

35:20 The Rise of International Fighters

38:16 Wrestling's Evolution and Training Challenges

41:27 Youth Wrestling and Future Stars

44:32 Iowa Wrestling's Struggles and Future

52:09 The Importance of Development in Wrestling