Spinning Back Clique: Does UFC or Bellator have the biggest main event this weekend?

Welcome to “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts. This week, Simon Head hosts and is joined by MMA Junkie lead staff reporter John Morgan, as well as MMA Junkie Radio’s “Gorgeous” George and “Goze.”

SHOW TOPICS

• Despite a huge experience advantage, Derek Brunson was a big betting underdog at this past weekend’s UFC on ESPN+ 31 event. Still, the middleweight scored a big stoppage win over a previously undefeated Edmen Shahbazyan. So for those that got it wrong, were we too quick to write off Brunson, or was Shabazyan’s hype not justified?
• Dana White’s Contender Series is back on Tuesday, but it comes at a time when the entire sport is returning to live action. So with a crowded MMA landscape competing for fans’ attention, how well is the prospects-driven show doing entering its fourth season?
• UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski doesn’t seem too keen on a potential trilogy fight with former titleholder Max Holloway, which is understandable since “Blessed” is winless in the two fights. However, UFC president Dana White isn’t ruling out the possibility. What’s the right move here?
• After a lengthy hiatus, Bellator is now back in full swing, and this Friday the promotion is offering a tantalizing rematch between superstars Michael Chandler and Benson Henderson. Meanwhile the UFC counters Saturday night with a heavyweight clash between slugger Derrick Lewis and submission master Aleksei Oleinik. Which is the bigger fight?

For answers to all of those questions, watch Episode 40 of “Spinning Back Clique” above.