Alex Wendling on UFC 330 Predictions, Conor McGregor's ACL Surgery & MVP MMA Merger

Erik Apple is joined by combat sports voice Alex Wendling to break down a massive week in MMA news and preview the upcoming UFC 330 event.

The episode kicks off with the latest on Conor McGregor’s recent ACL surgery and his ongoing recovery in Newport Beach. Erik and Alex discuss what a McGregor return looks like under the UFC's new Paramount broadcast deal and speculate on how pay-per-view incentives will adapt. Next, they dive into the major merger between PFL and MVP MMA, analyzing Jake Paul's involvement, the promotion's shift toward Netflix events, and whether this new structure can generate sustained fan interest.

Finally, they break down the highly anticipated UFC 330 card. Alex and Erik share their predictions for the main event between welterweight challenger Ian Machado Garry and champion Islam Makhachev, as well as the co-main event grappling showdown between Mackenzie Dern and Gillian Robertson. Alex also takes a moment to address internet trolls and defend the importance of women’s mixed martial arts.

Episode Timestamps

00:07 – Erik Apple welcomes combat sports personality Alex Wendling.

01:15 – Conor McGregor's ACL surgery, return timeline, and recovering in Orange County.

02:04 – How the UFC's Paramount broadcast deal impacts McGregor's contract and future fights.

06:51 – Breaking down the PFL and MVP MMA merger with Jake Paul.

09:48 – The future of PFL broadcasts: ESPN disputes and the transition to Netflix.

15:09 – UFC 330 main event preview: Ian Machado Garry vs. Islam Makhachev.

16:44 – Stylistic matchups: Can Shavkat Rakhmonov pose a bigger threat to Makhachev?.

17:42 – UFC 330 co-main event preview: Mackenzie Dern vs. Gillian Robertson.

19:03 – Alex addresses internet trolls and defends women's mixed martial arts.

20:44 – Official fight predictions for Dern vs. Robertson and Makhachev vs. Garry.

22:43 – Episode wrap-up and a tease for next week's bare-knuckle fighting guest.