“We’re excited that we were able to come to a fair agreement that puts Versus back in millions of homes with DirecTV in time for our busy spring programming schedule,” Versus president Jamie Davis stated. “We look forward to super-serving these fans with NHL regular-season and playoff coverage, our first live UFC event and much more.”

The statement above was published on MMAJunkie. Thanks to the deal, the need to find free sites to stream live sporting events will be greatly minimized. It’s going to be a busy and awesome MMA season starting this weekend. Be sure to tune in.

As a follow-up to yesterday’s posting, Absolute Best Sites to Watch FREE UFC and MMA Fight Videos Online, I thought I’d share my thoughts on the 5 best Podcasts that cover the UFC and the great sport of MMA. Whether you’re just starting to get into the UFC and MMA or an MMA addict as I am, these Podcasts will help you keep

up with the latest in MMA action, teach you more about the sport and give you inside information on all the latest rumors, fighter interviews, fight breakdowns and the MMA talk you can take. You won’t get this type of coverage on ESPN or anywhere else other than maybe Inside MMA on HDNet.

Ground Rules – I only included podcasts that have been active within a month. More points were given to those who were consistent in publishing (reliability), points for entertainment value, points for quality of fighters that visit the show, points for knowledge and incite and of course points for listen-ability. Enjoy!

Honorable Mentions

The Ultimate Podcast: All UFC All the Time; MMA – Monthly Podcast with some great Video Interviews.

The Jordan Breen Show on Sherdog Radio Network – Sherdog Radio MMA talk, two episodes per week.

Figure Four Daily Pro Wrestling and MMA Podcast - Weekly podcast that focuses a bit more on wrestling, but is entertaining.

MMA Sunday School with Scott Holmes and Rodney Dean - Every two weeks or so, this podcast integrates comedy into MMA.

Gross Point Blank with Josh Gross – Weekly interviews with some of the greatest fighters in MMA from Yahoo! Sports Writer Josh Gross

IT’S TIME! With Bruce Buffer – Weekly podcast that features some great stories from Ring Announcer Bruce Buffer and fighter interviews.

Top 5 MMA Podcasts

5. Inside the Ultimate Fighter - Inside The Ultimate Fighter reality series, this podcast features interviews with the fighters and coaches of The Ultimate Fighter 11. Guests have included Kimbo Slice, Rashad Evans and Dana White. If you’re a fan of the show, I highly recommend this podcast.

Ratings/Reviews: 4.5 Stars, 23 Ratings, 10 Reviews

Show Frequency: Each Wednesday

Duration: 35 to 45 minutes

4. Pro MMA Radio Hosted by Larry Pepe – Weekly interviews with a different fighter each week. The interviews are very well done and Larry Pepe does his homework. For interview focused podcasts, this is my favorite. Guests have included greats such as Brock Lesner, Randy Couture, Miguel Torres and many more of the best.

Ratings/Reviews: 5 Stars, 10 Ratings, 8 Reviews

Show Frequency: Weekly Podcast

Duration: 1 to 1.5 Hours

3. The Savage Dog Show with Greg Savage and Jeff Sherwood – Excellent MMA podcast that features the guys from Sherdog.com. This podcast features interviews from some of the best fighters as well as MMA coverage and chatter. Guests have included Randy Couture, Kenny Florian, Dan Henderson and many other elite fighters.

Ratings/Reviews: 4 Stars, 22 Ratings, 15 Reviews

Show Frequency: 2 per week

Duration: 2 hours

2. “Beatdown” with TJ De Santis – Another Sherdog.com MMA podcast, but in my opinion this is the absolute best of the Sherdog group. Guests have included Shane Carwin, Roger Huerta, Big John McCarthy and all the best in MMA. Definitely worth a download.

Ratings/Reviews: 4.5 Stars, 44 Ratings, 29 Reviews

Show Frequency: 2 times per week

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

1. MMAjunkie.com Radio – The best in the business. This MMA podcast is the official podcast for the best and my favorite MMA news site, MMAJunkie.com. Guests include the absolute best fighters in the sport, bar-none. Brought to you by hosts Gorgeous George, Goze and John Morgan, the podcast is thoroughly entertaining, thought provoking and the best commentary you can get. There’s no better way to keep up with news, rumors and anything else that is MMA.  The regular callers of the show are also quite interesting characters (some more than others) and bring yet another element to this great show. With this MMA show, you don’t have to wait for the podcast. You can watch it live at MMAJunkie Radio Monday through Friday from 12pm to 2pm EST.

One of the best trainers in all of MMA, Marc Laimon, has recently been serving as a co-host and his contributions are invaluable. He uses his high-level skills and expertise to break down fights and fighters in a manner that no other podcast can match. Here’s hoping Laimon becomes permanent co-host! I couldn’t recommend this MMA and UFC podcast more! 5 Stars and the clear number 1 MMA podcast!

Ratings/Reviews: 5 Stars, 95 Ratings, 85 Reviews

Show Frequency: Monday – Friday

Duration: 2 Hours

What’s your favorite MMA Podcast? What are your thoughts on the list?