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A show hosted by Verbal Tap's Raf Esparza, featuring a mix of athlete interviews, on-site coverage, and commentary.
Two Monday morning cage fighters that love all things MMA. Raf is a freelance MMA writer/Comedian/MMA practitioner located out in sunny LA. Kevin is a Comedian/MMA Practitioner living out in sunny Denver, Co. Together they are analyzing fights, mocking each other, and keeping everyone humorously in tune with the world of MMA. Listen to one, you'll be sure to download more.
A show that breaks down all of the angles in pro wrestling from the cheap seats.
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 443) McGregor vs. Poirier w/ Rich "Red" Alarcon
1:09:13
1:09:13
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What a lovely human Richard Red Alarcon is! Follow him on any of the social media's @redjitsu. We play a rousing game of Over/Under Kevin UFC 257. Look out MMA world, Kevin's off the wagon.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 442) MMA Headlines Q & A!
1:06:20
1:06:20
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We do our best to recap a weird few weeks via the headlines. We were a little too pro-America, tune in to find out how. Stay safe out there, and go train.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 441) The Verbal Tappies w/ NewYorkRic
1:06:46
1:06:46
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There are few people on the planet we enjoy having back on the show more than ESPN's Eric Jackman, find out why on our Holiday 2020 episode! Good Riddance 2020, welcome in a new year of fun in 2021. Listen in.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 440) LIVE w/ Chase Hooper
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54:04
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This episode also available with video at all of our social media platforms. Chase Hooper is on the podcast for a special Christmas episode! We ask him about his new heel hook fame, MMA fight prep questions, and get the new details on his haircut. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and please stay safe.…
After an impressive performance against Jake Shields earlier this summer at #SubmissionUnderground, we caught up with #BrentPrimus in one of our favorite interviews this year. Here is the isolated interview so you can see why we dug it so much.By By Raf Esparza
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 439) UFC 256 w/ Sam from South Paw Podcast
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We dive deeper into the machine of podcasting with Sam right after the fights. We also talk fights. UFC 256 was a sleeper card, and ended up being an amazing night of fights. Tune in as the guys hash it out.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Grappling Hour
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GRAPPLING HOUR with the Ruotolo Bros and Garry Tonon
2:36:07
2:36:07
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We have a JAM PACKED episode for you all today. We begin with the Ruotolo Bros -- Kade and Tye -- who walk us through their competitive perspectives, Combat Jiu Jitsu, and yes, the choke that set the internet on fire last week. Then in the second hour, we catch up with Garry Tonon, who talks about his sixth MMA win, why he feels he’s done enough to…
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 438) Over/Under UFC 256 w/ Sam from South Paw Podcast
1:13:48
1:13:48
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We had a blast mixing it up politically with Sam from South Paw Podcast. Sam is a blast and did way too much research. Check out his podcast. Tune in with us to hear who won the picks! https://www.southpawpod.com/By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 437) 8 Years! w/ Richie "Boogeyman" Martinez
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36:29
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Verbal Tap turns 8 and in style. Thanks to Richie Martinez for stopping by and letting us ask him some BJJ / life questions. He runs Ultimate Mat Warriors, he runs gyms, and now he runs the podcast. Thank you for 8 years Verbal Tap world. Cheers, Verbal TapBy Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 436) Over/Under UFC 255 w/ Anthony Birchak
1:00:43
1:00:43
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He's back, whatever. Kevin is clearly not bitter. Listen in as we debate what the years most lack luster cards. Its thanksgiving, you're welcome. Cheers.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
On today's episode, we catch up with PJ Barch and ask him about his recent Sin City Submission series win, his time competing at the Bullpen Submission Series quintet event, and his upcoming participation at Combat Jiu Jitsu Worlds. But the biggest thing we uncover in this interview, is why PJ suddenly had to cancel to roll against me. And yes, as …
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 435) Over/Under UFC 255 w/ Anthony Birchak
1:11:17
1:11:17
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We had too much with Anthony Birchak from the UFC and all his own fight bad assery. UFC 255 was fun to pick, and follow along at home. Cheers UFC 255.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Grappling Hour
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GRAPPLING HOUR with Ash Williams and Damien Anderson
1:58:54
1:58:54
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We start today’s episode with Ashley Williams -- who had a stellar match against Tom Halpin at @Polaris Professional Jiu Jitsu Invitational. In our latest conversation, we discuss his training during COVID, how he’s been able to adapt his game within the past year, and even touch a little bit about why he’s so excited to compete at the upcoming Com…
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 434) American's vs. Americant's 2020, SNL & MMA catch up
1:11:09
1:11:09
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Kevin spent two weeks in the wilderness getting married. Raf published episodes behind his back, and they've finally come back together to hash out society. Cheers to the 2020 election, and the 150 million people who participated.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
We've got the winner of the 10th Planet Combat Jiu Jitsu qualifier, Derek Rayfield on this afternoon. It's been a while since we've caught up with Derek, but we start with his epic wins from the qualifier, then chat about his time wrestling in high school, as well as his plans for the future. Be sure to give us a like, follow, and subscription @Gra…
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 433) UFC 254 Recap with Dan Tom and Keith Krikorian
1:13:50
1:13:50
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1:13:50
Keith and Dan join us to chat about a huge #UFC254 card that saw Khabib Nurmagomedov pick up a win over Justin Gaethje, Bobby Knuckles defeat Jared Cannonier, and Jon Jones go HAM on his Twitter account. And do us a solid and give us a FIVE STAR review on our Apple Podcast page! Also, GO DOYERS!By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
Elijah Carlton is not short on ambition. The kid just picked up major wins as the inaugural winner of the Professional Grappling Federation and last weekend's Sapateiro Invitational, but today we get to know more about "The Bad Guy," Elijah Carlton. Get to know him, how he got that one tattoo of his, and what's in store for this exciting up and com…
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 432) Over/Under Kevin... without Kevin with Keith Krikorian and Dan Tom
1:22:36
1:22:36
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1:22:36
Listen, we all love the fact that Kev went to go get married. But he just happened to take a short vacation during a major UFC card. So we brought on two of our favorite guests to help us preview the UFC 254 card, headlined by Khabib Nurmagomedo and Justin Gaethje. We walk you through the card and then tell you why we are so stoked for this main ev…
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 431) The Bachelor Party Episode
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40:11
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Lakers win the title, MMA fighters won't leave the King alone, and we're chatting upcoming fights. Also, Raf shows Kevin the worst KO anyone has seen ever. This is a fun episode, way more fun than 2020. Cheers.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Grappling Hour
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GRAPPLING HOUR with Mason Fowler and Mercedes White
1:13:44
1:13:44
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1:13:44
Mason Fowler joins us to chat about his recent Submission Underground - SUG win over Vinny Magalhaes and his impressive performance at Pans. Plus, Mercedes White stops by to tell us about the impressive rosters she's got lined up for the very next Bullpen Submission Series, going down on November 7th. 0:03:00 - Mason Fowler 0:47:30 - Mercedes White…
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Grappling Hour
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GRAPPLING HOUR with Geo Martinez, William Tackett, Kody Steele, Andy Varela, and Aaron Tiegs (Season Premiere)
3:09:36
3:09:36
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3:09:36
From SUG 18 to Who’s Number One, we’ve got five of the stand outs from this weekend’s action packed grappling events, as we kick off the beginning of SEASON 3 of “The Grappling Hour.” 0:02:53 - William Tackett and Kody Steele 0:45:00 - Andy Varela 1:24:00 - Geo Martinez 2:26:54 - Aaron Tiegs Be sure to give this episode a listen, follow us on all m…
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 430) w/ Yoga for Bjj's Sarah Draht
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Sarah is a bad ass and an awesome guest. Listen in as we chat with her about her MMA to Grappling to Yoga journey, and find out she used to work at a crazy bar. We had a blast.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 429) w/ Derrick Garza UFC 253 recap
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1:00:53
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There are a lot of Dana and Conor story lines, we try to address as many as we can on the way to explaining UFC 253. Derrick Garza is a national treasure and you should follow him / listen to him here. Cheers to the Fun of this episode.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
Collin Anglin’s had a busy month. Not only did he just move to Denver, Colorado, but he also just had an EPIC fight on Dana White’s Contender Series. We find out about his early fight days and give him some mess for a handful of his Instagram photos. But we find out exactly how he found his way into the UFC. Also, don’t forget to like, follow, and …
Imagine being so confident in your guillotine that you stop mid-adjustment to signal to your corner that you've got this fight wrapped up. That's just what happened with Darrick Minner at UFC Vegas 11. We chat with Darrick about his fight beginnings and how fighting runs DEEP in his family. Be sure to like, follow and subscribe to us on all of our …
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 428) UFC 253 w/ Derrick Garza
1:06:34
1:06:34
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Go check out his gym: https://darkclanfightlab.com/ Then, listen to this amazing podcast featuring his brilliance and after that, buy some gear from NoGiBJJgear.com!!! Its grappling season, and we're ready for it. Also, Raf complains about the Lakers, all around heart happy episode.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
Jordan Patrick has a hell of an arm bar. If you saw her at Submissions on the Shore a couple weeks ago, you would know that she is a competitive force to be reckoned with. She joins us today to talk about her days as a softball player, her time in the Air Force, and how all of those outside experiences led her back to the gentle art. Don’t forget t…
We get a few moments to catch up with Emil Fischer who only takes a few minutes to get into his gripes with FloGrappling. We talk a little bit about his upcoming competitions, as well as the current state of jiu-jitsu during COVID. Give the episode a listen and then be sure to add us on all social media platforms @GrapplingHour and then check out G…
It was a pleasure getting to know Justin Renick today. In our interview we talked a little bit about his big week (complete with photo perfect finish at Submission Hunter and a black belt from Travis Moore). But we dig deep into Justin Renick’s BJJ journey and find out more about this talented jiu-jitsu artist. You can also show us some love at @Gr…
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 427) Ben Fowlkes an MMA MEDIA POD!
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Writer for The Athletic and from the Co-Main Event Podcast we have Ben Fowlkes on to talk all things MMA media! We love Ben, and you already should too. On the small chance you don't, listen to this podcast and you will.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 426) Joe Rogan UNQUALIFIED, UNPROVEN & UNFIT ... to moderate
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39:03
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Please don't hear us out, comment blindly based only on the title of the episode and tag Tim Kennedy when you do. We had no fun at all talking about how unqualified Joe Rogan is to host a presidential debate, but how qualified he is to continue interviewing celebrities and tech guru's about DMT. Listen in, and stay in your lane America.…
Be sure to follow us @GrapplingHour on all major platforms and check out GrapplingHour.com for more information!By Raf Esparza
It’s not every day you see a high profile wrestler make the transition against one of the biggest names in jiu-jitsu, but Tony Ramos wants to go big. Before he takes on Nicky Ryan at Who’s Number One, we got the chance to chat with him and learn more about his grappling experiences and what we can expect at Who’s Number One. Don’t forget to go subs…
Mike Wilson Jr. joins us to talk about his upcoming Sin City Submission Series tournaments. There are a ton of big names on it and it goes down Sept 19th. Be sure to buy the PPV (it's $4.99 cheapskates) and supporch! Be sure to follow us @GrapplingHour on all major social media platforms & check out GrapplingHour.com for more info.…
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 425) UFC Overeem vs. Sakai & Fight News
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55:03
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55:03
We had too much fun talking about gender reveal parties, Overeem vs. Sakai, and GSP has hair. GSP stops by to discuss what Tom Brady treatment he is on. Plus, have you wanted a Broken Arrow sequel? Either way, listen in.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 424) Daniel Cormier, SUG 17, & UFC FIGHT NIGHT!
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56:25
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56:25
Raf spent 30 hours covering fights this weekend, and Kevin even joined. Roll over to The Grappling Hour for all that coverage and more, and listen to this podcast for the best back and forth in MMA coverage. All things Daniel Cormier, Submission Underground, and a fun night of fights for the UFC. Be kind. Vote. Resist.…
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 423) The MMA National Convention
42:22
42:22
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We're talking RNC, DNC, and Uncle Dana's props for his speech. We spend 14 minutes talking mma and politics, then just a lot of MMA and headlines. Listen in! We're what's next for America.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 422) UFC 252 results w/ The BoloBros!
1:09:40
1:09:40
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We had so much fun with Danny and Nick, and damn you want to listen to this one. They're great, we'e always great, and no issues with DMT here. Listen to our coverage of UFC 252, the BoloBros, and all the other things going on. Cheers, we love you!By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 421) UFC 252 w/ The Bolobros Podcast
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1:00:57
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Join us for the amazing Bolobros Podcast Verbal Tap clash! We have Daniel Maira (@dannyfreesty1e) and Nick Salles (@thatnicksalles) to help us preview UFC 252. Please go follow them, go listen to The Grappling Hour for all the coverage for events from the weekend, and go vote in November. We love you! ... and yes, its Over Under Kevin 252.…
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 420) The Fighter & The Kid, UFC coverage, & the state of Grappling
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53:11
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This week the podcast takes some somber and feisty notes. Up top we address the recent news about Bryan Callen, and then quickly pivot to the world of fighting and grappling. Listen in, let us know your questions, thank you so much.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 419) Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida signs MMA & a lil other nonsense
15:05
15:05
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We talk MLB Marlins CoVid trouble and the almost fight. Most importantly, Marcus Buchecha Almeida signs with ONE FC. This is HUGE! Also, Conor did something. Listen in.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 418) all things Isiah Wright w/ a little UFC up top
54:42
54:42
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54:42
Wow is Isiah Wright from Colorado worth the price of any fight card he's on, and is just as dazzling on the podcast! He opens up about some topics and shows his inspiration is both on and off the mat. Also, a little UFC talk before that, including GSP. Cheers.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 417) UFC Fight Night is ... almost over? / OT
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46:32
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Raf watched everything, Kevin watched some things, and fight island features 0 boats. Dana is leaving it, and we got none of the frat humor we needed. Is there a yacht? I don't follow. Listen in as we talk that and the O/T event.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 416) Mason Fowler vs Craig Jones & UFC 251
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59:53
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59:53
We are elated to talk to Mason Fowler about UFC 251. More than that, he fought Craig Jones in a very weird ending with a verbal tap. The rules are quite clear, just kidding, this is BJJ! Join in to hear our thoughts on Mason's match, and more importantly, Mason's thoughts on Mason's match. Tune in.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 415) Over/Under UFC 251 w/ Mason Fowler
51:40
51:40
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51:40
We have the exciting Mason Fowler on the show today to help us with UFC 251 fight island. We pick the fights, talk to him about his upcoming fight with Craig Jones, and have some fun. Enjoy.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 414) New Friends, Third Cost & UFC Fight Night
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44:17
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44:17
Wow what a set of fights Saturday. Poirier vs. Hooker was amazing. Listen in, we had a blast recapping the UFC and Grappling events. Once again the live coverage can be found at The Grappling Hour, and thank you so much for joining us!By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 413) UFC Fight Night & Submission Underground 15
47:48
47:48
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We had so much fun watching Craig Jones, the SUG tournament won by Fowler and run by Jimenez and Colvin. We also watched a lot of UFC Fight Night, and preview the Mike Tyson vs. Jon Jones Fight. Listen in, we love you.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 412) JitzKing Middleweights & UFC Fight Night
30:56
30:56
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Eye vs. Calvillo headlines a fun event. Raf was live streaming and keeping an eye on JitzKing. Listen in as the guys recap the only events in fighting over the last week. Follow us on social media @VerbalTapCast Thank you!By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 411) William Tackett is back & UFC 250
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43:32
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43:32
William Tackett is here to tell us a tale of pancake warfare. Also, he talks UFC 250, Jon Jones, and ADCC Trials with us. Looking forward to his next fight and can't urge you to listen to this podcast enough.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
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Verbal Tap MMA Comedy Podcast
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Verbal Tap (Ep. 410) w/ Craig Jones & William Tackett UFC 250
1:16:04
1:16:04
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You have to listen to our Craig Jones interview about Submission Underground, and you know you love William Tackett. Listen in as we play some games, talk events, and play Over/Under Kevin UFC 250. Thank you.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips
