Best Phillip Esparza Podcasts (2024)

1
Verbal Tap 10 Years, UFC 281 & A Big Goodbye Announcement 54:14

1+ y ago54:14

54:14

Ep. 531 - Raf and Kevin announce the end of Verbal Tap. That is a tough sentence to write. We will do one more final goodbye episode. Please go to the Grappling Hour for all of your MMA and Grappling needs. We reveal Over/Under Kevin UFC 281 pick-em contest. Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Periera, Esparza vs. Zhang, Poirier vs. Chanlder and cover all the…

1
UFC 281 Pick Em Friday Night 58:02

1+ y ago58:02

58:02

Ep. 530 - Raf and Kevin square off in a first ever Over/Under Kevin UFC 281 pick-em contest. Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Periera, Esparza vs. Zhang, Poirier vs. Chanlder and so much more. The guys go back and forth and even learn some new things about one another. Tune in. Cheers!By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Conor McGregor ruins Halloween & Joe Rogan is in the illuminati 28:33

1+ y ago28:33

28:33

Ep. 529 - We don't know why Conor McGregor feels the need to share Black-Face photos of his family for Halloween, but he did. Anderson Silva vs. Jake Paul sucked, we all know it, and Raf shares Jake's list as to why. Kevin rants about Joe Rogan being too rich to be honest, must be a part of the illuminati. Finally, a little coverage of the fights. …

1
UFC 280 recap & Anderson Silva vs. Jake Paul 36:11

1+ y ago36:11

36:11

Ep. 528 - Verbal Tap is back to talk all things UFC 280. Kevin watched all of it, Raf caught enough of it, and there are serious opinions about who won the O'Malley Yan fight. We had so much fun recapping gambling victories we almost forgot about Anderson Silva vs. Jake Paul. Luckily, we remembered. Listen in, you'll hear it all.…

1
UFC 280 Gambling Advice 33:24

1+ y ago33:24

33:24

Ep. 527 - All things UFC gambling and Raf tries to talk Kevin out of some picks. Also, baby shower and day fights.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Silva vs Paul ppv price & MMA hot topics 25:35

1+ y ago25:35

25:35

Ep. 526 - Raf rapid fires topics at Kevin and things go wrong. Listen in to get UFC caught up.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Bo Nickal Stock & Gordan Ryan / ADCC hot takes 38:52

2y ago38:52

38:52

Ep. 525 - Raf is recovered enough from COVID, Kevin is awake from shoulder surgery, and it's about time. Join us as we talk Bo Nickal, ADCC, and Gordan Ryan.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
ADCC Time & UFC 279 Chimaev vs. Diaz 41:54

2y ago41:54

41:54

Ep. 524. We preview and review fights today. Kevin waxes poetically about Keenan, he's not fighting. Raf keeps everyone hostage this weekend, he is fighting. Then we recap who wins all in the battle of UFC 279 picks. Spoiler alert, Kevin always wins. Cheers.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
UFC 279 Chimaev vs. Diaz w/ Jimmy House 49:34

2y ago49:34

49:34

Ep. 523 - Jimmy House stops by the show: https://www.jimmyhouse.com/ He is amazing, we get to know him, play some Over/Under Kevin UFC 279, and prepare for Fall. We had a blast talking to Jimmy and hearing drunk Kevin make fun of his name.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap SlamSuits, Book Titles, and One FC on Prime! 31:49

2y ago31:49

31:49

(Ep. 522) It is almost the holiday weekend so we have a special relaxed fit fun episode. Join us as we cruise through a few topics related to the Tex Johnson lawsuit, Gordon Ryan's book, and Marcus Buchecha Almeida wins again. Cheers!By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
UFC 278 the results show with Dan Hubler 26:53

2y ago26:53

26:53

We had too much fun talking fights and going over UFC 278 that Dan Hubler barely remembered we were talking. There is a lot of Edwards vs. Usman talk to have, and we have all of it. Listen in, cheers to you all, and we love.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
UFC 278 betting games w/ Dan Hubler 1:05:57

2y ago1:05:57

1:05:57

UFC Ep. 520 is all about UFC 278 and our best friend Dan Hubler. Join us as we catch up with him, call some fights, and try to produce a podcast. There is some debate about the best way to predict fights, listen in and let us know your thoughts. How do you predict fights? Abs, record, reach? Cheers.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Leandro Lo & a Grappling Discussion 49:04

2y ago49:04

49:04

It was a profoundly sad week in the jiu-jitsu community with the passing of Leandro Lo. We're live with an episode no one wants to record, where we discuss what happened, just a piece of his impact on the sport, and even the impact it had on the Who's Number One card this weekend. Pena and Gordon fought, many wonder now if they should have. Join us…

1
Aaron McKenzie & UFC 277 recap 44:51

2y ago44:51

44:51

It is episode 518 and we have the amazing Aaron McKenzie back on the show. Aaron will be destroying the UFC roster as soon as they stop hiding from him. Raf facilitates a little catch up on UFC 277 before we get into who won the amazing 100th time we've played Over/Under Kevin. Cheers all.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Guest Aaron McKenzie & UFC 277 Betting Time 54:03

2y ago54:03

54:03

We had a blast talking to MMA superstar Aaron McKenzie. He fights out of one of our favorite gyms, and he's on to place some Over/Under Kevin UFC 277. We talk Pena vs. Nunes 2, Dober, Moreno, and all the other plot lines. Tune in, yes we covered the teabag, Aaron has thoughts on form. Cheers!By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
UFC London, Paddy's body & Diaz vs. Chimaev (Ep. 516) 41:40

2y ago41:40

41:40

It is time for Episode 516! We are back with a blisteringly hot episode covering some of the weirdest story lines we've seen, a major fight announcement, and the mysterious quiet from Dana White.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 515) Fireworks, Dogs, UFC 276 & Chris Pratt 40:04

2y ago40:04

40:04

We're officially back for a late summer Friday night fun episode, listen in and let us know what you thought of the Chris Pratt comments and subsequent apology. We're pretty entertained by both. Kevin and Raf also share their thoughts on fireworks, Kevin has a bizarre take.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 514) UFC 276 & Raf turns 40! 41:28

2y ago41:28

41:28

This episode brought to you by DraftKings, enter promo code Verbal Tap to win instantly. We have a special birthday episode and some amazing 90's comedy references, tune in this is a fun episode. There is going to be a lot more fight analysis than your used to, and you are once again encouraged to ignore Kevin's bets. Cheers! If you or someone you …

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 513) UFC Fight Night hangover episode 29:53

2y ago29:53

29:53

We had a blast talking the UFC Austin event and some jabs at Raf's age. We did our best to make some fun noise out of the few headlines and the Nate Diaz Paul stuff. Cheers!By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 512) Subversiv Recap, Pop Culture & UFC 275 52:03

2y ago52:03

52:03

We had too much recapping the fights, and then also sliding into full pop culture mode. Frankly we blame the weather, it has been too hot. If you disagree, send us AC money. Raf worked, Kevin kinda watched, enjoy a pretty lively episode on the fight world this lazy summer.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 511) Subversiv, MMA Pride Shorts & UFC 275 38:01

2y ago38:01

38:01

The crew breaks in about quite a few topics. First, be on the lookout for SUBVERSIV 7 | June 11th | Commerce, CA. Second, we get into intermittent fasting and our anger about hangry. Third, a discussion on pride shorts and the response to Molina. Fourth, its UFC 275 time! We've got some gambling advice we strongly advise you to tune in for. Cheers.…

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 510) Grappling Recap and Updates! 37:18

2y ago37:18

37:18

We did our best to get Kevin awake and doing a show around a Holiday. Raf was paying attention, he has some updates, and we will be back next week talking UFC 275! Cheers all.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 509) MMA Catch Up Week & Holm fight 31:11

2y ago31:11

31:11

Raf and Kevin catch up on some headlines, give some heads up about some reality shows, and try to predict the next Holly Holm fight problem judge wise. We had too much this week making excuses why we were both traveling Saturday, listen in!By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 508) Justice for Uvalde Texas 16:15

2y ago16:15

16:15

There are no words, yet some of the dumbest people in jiu-jitsu found some. In a personal rant dedicated to Gordon Ryan, but truthfully meant for all supporters of child murder, we give our thoughts on Gun violence and solutions to this very predictable tragedy that only happens in the US. How to help? https://www.texastribune.org/2022/05/25/uvalde…

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 507) UFC Fight Night & Reality Show Summer! 36:35

2y ago36:35

36:35

We break down the upcoming tournaments, the ongoing Ultimate Fighter and Grappler, and keep you mostly updated on the fights from the weekend. Too much fun before vacation was had for this show to be on air.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 506) UFC 274 & Another Phoenix Pizza Incident 46:22

2y ago46:22

46:22

Raf tries to console Kevin after his pretty rough night in the octagon.... gambling wise. We digest UFC 274, talk winers, losers, highlights, and all the small plot lines missed. Did we witness another Pizza poisoning of an athlete? Only listening will help us. Cheers all!By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 505) UFC 274 - Weight Miss & Loser Retires Fights 42:35

2y ago42:35

42:35

We had a blast getting deep into the UFC 274 card. Cerrone takes on Lauzon and this could be the losers last fight after a weird announcement from Dana White. Charles Oliveira missed weight, and we're still excited. Join us as we look at best bets, welcome DraftKings to the podcast, and digest the wild card of UFC 274. Cheers. If you or someone you…

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 504) UFC Lemos vs. Andrade, Gym Crashers & Other News 47:41

2y ago47:41

47:41

We had too much diving into the fights this past weekend as well as Gym Crashers. Raf was on location, Kevin was on his couch watching Fight Night, and the UFC has announced a tournament coming this June. We have a problem with the ESPN headline, but a huge love for the tournament! Join us.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 503) Bold Predictions, ADCC Trials Winners, & The Batman Franchise 52:41

2y ago52:41

52:41

Ya the title is all over the place and so are we. We spent a lot of time talking movies, the Batman franchise, and why its extremely important to us as people to discuss it. You'll notice an influx of bold predictions, you're welcome. Raf interviewed a ton of ADCC trials winners, actually all of the, go check those out and hear the preview at the t…

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 502) UFC 273 Recap w/ Fernando Padilla 51:45

2y ago51:45

51:45

We have all things UFC 273 and the fun it was with Fernando Padilla. Please check his stuff out: https://www.instagram.com/elvalientemma/?hl=en We talk the implications of the fights and why Burns is ultimately the winner. We talk some decisions we didn't agree with, and some Dern amazingness b/c we love jiu-jitsu most of all. 3 of 12 for finishes.…

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 501) Over/Under UFC 273 w/ Fernando Padilla 1:00:49

2+ y ago1:00:49

1:00:49

We had a blast talking UFC 273 fights with Fernando Padilla. Gilbert Burns, Mickey Gall, Yan, Jung, Sterling, and Chimaev are just a few of the amazing names on this card. Tune in, we cover a little bit of Masters as well. Guest! https://www.instagram.com/elvalientemma/?hl=enBy Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 500) w. Lachlan Giles & Yes, we talk Will Smith Oscars 1:01:07

2+ y ago1:01:07

1:01:07

We have Lachlan Giles here to help us celebrate a 500th episode! It has been the thrill of a lifetime to talk MMA and Comedy on here with you all. 500 episodes is a big deal, and we thank you for joining us. Lachlan is amazing, and so are we!By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 499) March Madness & Drew Dober Won! 31:35

2+ y ago31:35

31:35

Anytime Drew Dober wins we celebrate! The podcast is gearing up for episode 500 by giving you some fantastic commentary about this lovely quiet weekend in MMA. Combined with some March Madness and an evil Lorne impression, you don't want to miss this pod.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 498) UFC 272 recap 31:37

2+ y ago31:37

31:37

We're back and Kevin might start investing his child's college money in UFC betting (probably not). We break down some UFC 272, check in and see if Raf actually took a vacation (he didn't), and get back to our normal antics. Cheers.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 497) UFC 272 w/ Ben Fowlkes 58:04

2+ y ago58:04

58:04

Find him on all of the social media's because Ben Fowlkes is amazing, and back with a vengeance. He's one of the best in the business of mma journalism, and he's here to conquer Over/Under Kevin UFC 272. Listen in, we had a blast. Oh, and we definitely deep dive into the new Reacher series on Amazon prime, hope you've watched. @benfowlkesMMA…

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 496) SENSITIVE VIDEO MATERIAL... UFC, NBA, Jon Jones 44:27

2+ y ago44:27

44:27

Ya, we're watching Jon Jones arrest video. We all scored it Split Decision with the winner being the hood of the police cruiser. We had too much fun recapping some fights, talking NBA all star weekend, and cruising down the long path of the Jon Jones arrest video. Listen in.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 495) UFC 271 Recap 44:32

2+ y ago44:32

44:32

What a night of fights and we break every one of them down. Enjoy our antics, wine driven conspiracies, and many takes on the UFC 271 card. Oh, and we have the results of Over/Under Kevin UFC 271 with the amazing Andy Varela (@ninja.andyvarela). Listen in.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 494) UFC 271 w/ Andy Varela 51:58

2+ y ago51:58

51:58

Its a big time preview show with the same great game you have come to love! Over/Under Kevin UFC 271 is live with the amazing Andy Varela (@ninja.andyvarela). Pretty stoked to watch Adesanya fight Whittaker, and Lewis vs. Tuivasa. Join in on the fun and 5 stars!By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 493) Ngannou and 270 w/ Casey Leydon 43:48

2+ y ago43:48

43:48

You absolutely have to follow him: @e_Casey_leydon - unless your not awesome, b/c this has an awesome requirement. We discuss the wild and flawed weekend that was UFC 270. Frances Ngannou is the baddest man on the planet, and his boss is being a jerk. Join us for the stunning conclusion of Over/Under Kevin.…

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 492) UFC 270 w/ E. Casey Leydon 31:46

2+ y ago31:46

31:46

It's another amazing installment of Over/Under Kevin UFC 270. Tonight's guest E Casey Leydon is an all around renaissance human. He's an artist, fighter, MMA pillar and now coveted guest of Verbal Tap. The fights are Saturday, we'll be back to dissect them, see ya then!By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 491) The one about Dogs & 2022 Fights 38:24

2+ y ago38:24

38:24

The title is Friends' themed and so is the show. Join your favorite MMA Duo for more 2022 coverage of the craziest and cheapest sport in the world. We do a big preview of fights announced for 2022 with a healthy dose of holiday nonsense. You won't want to miss this week's big reveal about what Raf's dog's DNA says they are, and how his first unsanc…

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 490) The 10th Annual Verbal Tappies Award Show! 57:03

2+ y ago57:03

57:03

Who will win biggest MMA beef? Who won MMA's Leading Man of the Year? Can Kevin get through saying "Leading Man of the Year" on the show with a straight face? Join in and you will get the answers to MMA and Grappling's greatest questions for award show greatness this year. We had too much fun, let us know in the comments your nominations or votes!…

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 489) Jake Paul, Chael, CJJ & the UFC! 58:41

2+ y ago58:41

58:41

Jake Paul knocked out Tyron Woodley and we really need to talk about it before 2022 hits and we lose that year to this as well. Chael Sonnen appears to have broken a record for battery citations without an arrest. Keith Krikorian is over there doing things in CJJ, and we recap some UFC! Enjoy, Happy Holidays.…

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 488) Pena stuns, DC & UFC 269 1:12:44

2+ y ago1:12:44

1:12:44

We have good friend Dan Tom (@DanTomMMA) back on the show to find out who best whom in UFC 269 picks. The guys go deep on the DC discussion as it highlights a larger commentary discussion. Listen in, because 8 years ago we interviewed now champion Julianna Pena.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 487) UFC 269 w/ Dan Tom MMA 1:03:57

2+ y ago1:03:57

1:03:57

Welcome back @DanTomMMA for some rousing UFC 269 Over/Under Kevin. He's arguably a podcast guest favorite after a few now historic performances on the show. Raf and Kevin are still processing a lot about 2021, and the guest only enabled this. Enjoy, apologize to absolutely no one for us.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 486) Headlines, Ferrell vs. McKay, and Thanksgiving! 51:41

2+ y ago51:41

51:41

We go 1 million miles a minute in this amazing podcast. From comedy headlines to Conor headlines, you will get a nice catch up on a quiet weekend in combat sports. Happy Holidays, we'll see you next week with actual fight reporting (probably). Listen in!By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 485) Lifetime MMA Movies & Thanksgiving Headlines 54:13

2+ y ago54:13

54:13

10 years down and the podcast still goes by like a breeze. The guys pitch their best Lifetime MMA / Grappling Christmas movie, talk fights, Jon Jones, MMA coverage, and some grappling. Listen in, its our best work in 10 years.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 484) Live Watch of Max Holloway vs. Yair Rodriquez 56:17

2+ y ago56:17

56:17

The guys have the absolute most fun live watching Max Holloway vs. Yair Rodriquez. If you haven't seen the fight, join us for a live watch. If you have seen it, listen in as we experience the glory with you. If you won't watch it, we feel sorry for you and the greatness you missed. Join us either way, we had fun!…

1
Verbal Tap {Ep. 483) ADCC & UFV 268 w/ Fatima Kline 1:07:16

2+ y ago1:07:16

1:07:16

Fatima Kline is back on the show after a bronze finish at the East Coast ADCC trials. She and Raf catch us all up on the most competitive trials yet. Then all focus goes to UFC 268 and we reveal the winner of Over/Under UFC 268. Listen in.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

1
Verbal Tap (Ep. 482) Jena Bishop is back & UFC 267 Results! 26:30

2+ y ago26:30

26:30

We had a blast recapping some fights and talking upcoming ones with Jena Bishop. She's been a longtime member of the jiu-jitsu bad ass club and is now working her way through the MMA world. Listen in as we ask her about the upcoming fight prep, and recap UFC 267. Cheers.By Raf Esparza and Kevin Phillips

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