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.

Sonnen, Schaub, McCarthy have it wrong about Logan Paul

·36 min

Steffi Haines and Victor Rodriguez host Level Change Podcast episode 265, analyzing UFC Vegas 80. The episode opens with a lengthy host check-in where Victor shares his current life phase—dealing with work stress but finding joy in making blueberry crepes with cream cheese filling in a cast iron pan. He discusses his approach to flipping crepes (carefully folding rather than flipping due to being naturally clumsy) and his neighborhood's unfortunate situation (built on a rock quarry, so no gas service, only electric). Steffi shifts to UFC Vegas 80 analysis, immediately noting the card delivered surprising quality. The discussion centers on Bobby Green's stunning early knockout victory against ranked fighter Grant Dawson (#14 ranked). Victor and Steffi debate how surprising the win was and praise Green's explosiveness; despite Grant's shown durability, he got overwhelmed quickly. They discuss what comes next for Bobby Green, who jumped from unranked to #13 and deserves a significant bump up. Potential matchups discussed include Dan Hooker (who called him out), Dos Anjos (#10), or Michael Chandler (as big money if McGregor vs Chandler falls through). Victor notes Grant Dawson's unfortunate career positioning: he was on a win streak but wasn't getting ranked opponents from the UFC, so fighting unranked Bobby Green helped neither fighter's ranking trajectory if they lost. Now Grant is back at the bottom and likely facing a restart. The discussion moves to Vanessa Demopoulos's controversial split decision victory. Both hosts agree she clearly didn't win; even Demopoulos was shocked, her jaw dropping when they announced her name. Steffi expresses strong concern about Demopoulos's habit of jumping into Daniel Cormier's arms after fights, looping an arm around his neck. She argues this poses real safety risks: broadcasters and interviewers aren't expecting this sudden weight around their neck, and if any of them have back issues or recent surgeries, this could cause injury. Victor counters that the broadcast team should expect it now (second time it's happened), but Steffi maintains her safety objection is valid. The episode concludes discussing Joe Pfeiffer's submission victory over Abdul Razak Al-Hassan, with Steffi criticizing the referee for not immediately acknowledging Al-Hassan's closed-fist tap that was visible to viewers. Both agree referees need training before judges do.

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