The Matlock Papers
UFC 327: CUB SWANSONG
April 10, 2026
Tomorrow, UFC fans—and Cub Swanson fans in particular—say goodbye to Cub Swanson. His retirement fight comes against Nate Landwehr, who is an appropriate opponent for him—even if this wasn’t his final fight. This is a typical matchup for Cub: someone who is tough and poses a real threat, but one that Cub has generally been able to get past using his speed, toughness, craftiness, and veteran savvy.
State of Heavyweight
March 14, 2026
UFC Vegas 114 just wrapped up and it is easily the best card of the year. Not even a numbered card. It’s pretty rare to get a good card, but what’s even more rare is a good heavyweight scrap.
Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano
February 17, 2026
That’s right… Ronda Rousey will fight Gina Carano on Netflix, promoted by Most Valuable Promotions.
End of an Era
December 15, 2025
I blinked, and it is now December. The end of the year, but also the end of an era, as the final fight aired on ESPN this past Saturday.
Raja
August 24, 2025
I had a very long evening on Friday night and wasn’t able to complete my picks although I tried. I opted for sleep instead. My pick would’ve been Sterling… I think that comes at no surprise to anyone given the circumstances of Ortega’s weight miss but I would’ve picked him regardless.
Update!
August 22, 2025
I’m back! Life’s been a whirlwind—moving, traveling, and redesigning this website from the ground up. Welcome to my content hub, where you’ll find all my posts and updates. Feel free to sign the guestbook!
UFC 314
April 09, 2025
Volk vs. Lopes
Technically speaking, there are many flaws in Lopes’ game and, despite pushback from pundits, I feel Lopes has cardio issues. There are plenty of fights to point to, but he takes rounds off to recompose himself because he goes so damn hard. Youth, power, recklessness, and hype are all on Lopes’ side, while Volk has the age statistic and has been KO’d. I always go against my best judgment because history shows that Lopes should win this fight, but I cannot commit to that. I feel like it’s a bit much, a bit too soon. My assumption is that Volk will find a way to survive the initial rounds in a violent affair in the first 12 minutes until Volk finds a path to victory. Method? Great question… I’m not trying to overthink it, so Volk by decision. Can’t wait to see Lopes win by knockout in the first minute…
Pereira vs. Ankalaev
February 20, 2025
UFC 313 delivers a matchup many fans have been clamoring for: Alex Pereira facing a “wrestler” in Magomed Ankalaev. With a name that phonetically echoes the relentless Dagestani wrestlers who charge their opponents and dominate them on the mat, Ankalaev might seem like that kind of fighter at first glance. However, that’s not quite the case, and he may not be the overwhelming, mat-mauling wrestler that casual to semi-knowledgeable fans might expect.
Airzooka
February 04, 2025
I’ve hit 49,000 subscribers on YouTube as of February 3rd, 2025. The Nazis have backed off a bit now that the Bryce Mitchell news has subsided.