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.

UFC 297 was a mediocre dud + Sumo stompin' with Tim Bissell

·47 min·3 clips

Sean Strickland's press-conference rant is described as an 'insane homophobic tirade' aimed at Alexander K. Lee.

1. The Level Change Podcast episode 278 centers on UFC 297, Sean Strickland's press-conference comments, and a bonus sumo segment with Tim Bissell. 2. Steffi Haines and Victor Rodriguez host the show, and their MMA analysis matters because they spend the episode weighing fighter behavior, scorecards, and card quality. 3. The episode asks whether UFC 297 deserved the criticism it got, while also asking whether Sean Strickland's conduct should trigger the UFC's code of conduct. 4. The first major topic is the pre-fight press conference, where the hosts say Strickland directed an "insane homophobic tirade" at Alexander K. Lee. 5. Victor reads from the UFC code of conduct, including language about "derogatory or offensive conduct" and "violent, threatening, or harassing behavior." 6. The hosts also connect the controversy to Dana White's public stance that he does not police what fighters say. 7. Raquel Pennington and Myra Bueno Silva come up because the hosts note that both were sitting beside Strickland while he was speaking. 8. Pennington's response becomes a key contrast, because the hosts read her statement about judgment, freedom of speech, and the impact of words on people. 9. The card discussion starts with the undercard and the hosts describe the opening four fights as strong action despite uneven matchmaking. 10. They call out specific pairings such as Jasmine versus Priscila, Polyanna versus Jillian, and the reversal in fights like Johan Lainez versus Sam Patterson and Malcolm Gordon versus Jimmy Flick. 11. One recurring theme is that several UFC 297 bouts featured unranked or losing fighters, which the hosts say made the pay-per-view feel weaker on paper. 12. The hosts single out Priscila Cachoeira as having absorbed heavy punishment, and they say her corner should have stopped the fight against Jasmine Jasudavicius. 13. Malcolm Gordon's loss to Jimmy Flick is framed as emotionally hard because Gordon appeared to retire after the fight. 14. Victor and Steffi describe Ramon Tavares versus Serhii Sidey as a close rematch that they scored differently, with the split decision feeling justified to them. 15. Sean Woodson versus Charles Jourdain also becomes a judging talking point, because the hosts cannot understand the scorecard that gave Jourdain a round. 16. The hosts also criticize Brad Katona versus Garrett Armfield as long, grinding, and difficult to watch. 17. The show's tone is conversational and combative, with both hosts interrupting each other, joking, and arguing over scorecards and fighter evaluations. 18. The UFC 297 portion is less formal breakdown than live reaction, with swearing, sarcasm, and repeated back-and-forth over who actually won rounds. 19. Best for listeners who follow UFC cards, judging debates, and fighter conduct controversies. 20. Skip it if you want a neutral recap without profanity or side debates.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from The Level Change Podcast