The Level Change Podcast · Combat Sports news variety show usually previewing or reviewing the latest UFC event while covering the latest news in combat sports.

Shannon Knapp weighs in on trans athletes in the sport

·28 min

Steffi Haines and Victor Rodriguez host Level Change Podcast (Episode 264), a combat sports analysis show on Bloody Elbow. The episode opens with host check-ins: Victor mentions stress relief from Chinese food in DC and his recent cooking hobby (making blueberry crepes with cream cheese). Steffi shifts to UFC Vegas 80 analysis, noting the card had only three ranked fighters and zero ranked fights, connecting this to Dana White's announced plan to expand UFC rankings from top 15 to top 20. Steffi sarcastically attributes this to UFC hearing her complaints about card quality and deciding to water down the pool rather than book better fighters. The hosts discuss Bobby Green's shocking early knockout victory against ranked contender Grant Dawson, praising Green's performance and questioning what matchup to offer him next—potentially Michael Chandler if the McGregor vs Chandler fight doesn't materialize. Victor notes Grant Dawson's unfortunate positioning: he was on a win streak but wasn't getting ranked opponents, so fighting the unranked Green helped neither fighter if they lost. The discussion moves to Vanessa Demopoulos's controversial split decision victory, with both hosts agreeing she didn't win. Steffi expresses concern about Demopoulos's habit of jumping into Daniel Cormier's arms after fights (around the interviewer's neck), arguing this poses safety risks to broadcasters with back problems or recent surgeries. Victor counters that the broadcast team should expect this by now. The hosts discuss ESPN Plus's price increase from $9.99 to $10.99 (10% hike), happening approximately one year after the previous increase, when the historical pattern was 18 months. They critique the bloated value proposition of Disney services, the insertion of advertisements despite premium pricing, and how this pricing strategy targets younger fans who are willing to spend more but lack the cynicism of older audiences. The episode ends with discussion of Joe Pfeiffer's fight against Abdul Razak Al-Hassan, where Steffi criticizes the referee for not immediately recognizing Al-Hassan's submission tap despite it being visible to viewers. Both hosts argue referees need better training before judges do.

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