The Ariel Helwani Show

Petesy opens the show by teeing up the biggest stories of the week, then dives into an exclusive sitdown interview with rising Irish star Paul Hughes (06:17).Hughes kicks things off by sharing how it feels to headline his homecoming fight at the SSE Arena in Belfast. He and Petesy take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about Paul’s roots in the local amateur scene.The Irishman gets real about his hopes for a rematch with Usman Nurmagomedov, and lays out how he thinks that fight would play out (16:36).Next, Hughes gives his take on the rising talents of Europe. He breaks down the upcoming bout between fellow Irishman Ian Garry and Carlos Prates (32:02), reacts to Paddy Pimblett’s shocking win over Michael Chandler (36:16), and talks sparring sessions with Ilia Topuria (37:36).To wrap things up, Hughes gets candid about the fallout from Conor McGregor’s comments on his moment of respect with Khabib Nurmagomedov (43:03). He highlights how much his Northern Irish roots mean to him and how he stays focused on the positives, despite the noise.On the back end of the show, Petesy is joined by Andy Stevenson of Severe MMA (50:18). The two break down the importance of Paul Hughes’s rise, Ian Garry’s short-notice fight against Carlos Prates, and much more.Join us on the bike: avironactive.com/uncrowned

The Boys in the Back begins with a conversation about Dricus du Plessis teasing fight news (04:16), before jumping into a comprehensive preview of Ian Machado Garry vs. Carlos Prates and the rest of UFC Kansas City (23:44).Next, they break down all angles of the highly-anticipated grudge match between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn (1:04:56).Then, give their picks for the weekend (1:35:55), list their top P4P fighting games (1:44:55), listen to your voicemails (2:11:23), and answer Super Chats (2:44:33).

Ariel and the Boys break down the latest Ilia Topuria title fight news, what’s next for lightweight’s biggest stars, preview the massive weekend in combat sports, and answer your burning On The Nose questions (18:24).Dion Dawkins — Buffalo Bills babyface, Pro Bowl tackle, and combat sports fan — joins the show to talk WrestleMania 41, his potential future in boxing, previews the upcoming season, and reveals Ariel’s big news regarding the NFL Draft (28:50).TNA Heavyweight Champion Joe Hendry makes his triumphant return to the program following his huge WrestleMania 41 debut against Randy Orton to discuss what led up to the match, his future in WWE, John Cena’s advice, his thoughts on the main event, and more (1:00:07).Smilin’ Sam Alvey previews his upcoming Karate Combat heavyweight title defense against Tyrone Spong, provides insight into his recent career resurgence, life as a Karate Combat fighter, earning his jiu-jitsu black belt, sparring Sean Strickland, and offers advice to upcoming fighters (1:27:46).Caio Borralho joins to discuss the Fighting Nerds' recent success, his back-and-forth with Khamzat Chimaev, difficulties with his potential next fight against Nassourdine Imavov, the state of the middleweight division, Carlos Prates’ massive headliner against Ian Machado Garry, and more (2:04:10).BOXXER headman Ben Shalom dissects Ben Whittaker’s win against Liam Cameron, Conor Benn vs. Chris Eubank Jr., the storylines surrounding the fight, his relationship with Eddie Hearn, Eubank Sr.’s comments, the state of women’s boxing, and more (2:36:11).Tai Tuivasa checks in to update Ariel on his hangout with Action Bronson, his new business ventures, touring around the U.S., adjusting his mindset before a return to fighting, his reaction to Alexander Volkanovski regaining the featherweight belt, training with Alex Pereira, and more (3:04:23).Ariel is rejoined by the Boys and they round things out by answering more On the Nose questions and Super Chats (3:39:24). 

Ariel Helwani and Ade Oladipo reunite and kick off the show with Eddie Hearn, who previews the long-awaited Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conner Benn grudge match (04:49). He also reacts to Jake Paul's fight against Julio César Chávez Jr. and gives an update on Shakur Stevenson.Then, they react to Chris Eubank Sr.'s recent comments about his son (36:54), diving deeper into the strained relationship and the history of the Eubank-Benn rivalry.Next, they break down Ben Whittaker’s stoppage victory against Liam Cameron and the aftermath (50:54), before discussing Frazer Clarke’s return (58:36), and circling back to Stevenson's rumored falling out with Matchrooom (59:56).Finally, they touch on Edgar Berlanga vs. Hamzah Sheeraz being announced (1:02:34), Paul against Chávez Jr. (1:04:38), and wrap up with the Parting Shot (1:17:44).

Ariel and the Boys In The Back kick off Tuesday’s show with a discussion of WWE’s record-breaking weekend, Chael Sonnen suggesting that Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is agreed upon, the latest news around Ilia Topuria and International Fight Week, and more (05:02)WWE legends Lex Luger and Diamond Dallas Page join Ariel to discuss Lex’s delayed Hall of Fame induction, Dallas’ role in helping other wrestlers gain recognition, Lex’s devastating spinal injury and how Dallas aided his recovery, the evolution Lex’s relationship with Vince McMahon, and more stories and insights from their unbelievable careers (57:26).Marlon 'Chito' Vera previews his UFC 316 bout against Mario Bautista and discusses his headspace coming off of two losses, his decision to take almost a year off, how he got into modeling, his new camp structure, the Merab vs. O’Malley title rematch, and more (2:15:40).      

Ariel Helwani and the crew kick things off with an honest assessment of WrestleMania 41 and preview Monday’s episode of Raw (02:19).Anthony Smith breaks down his retirement bout against Zhang Mingyang at UFC Kansas City, his mindset going into his final fight, the passing of beloved coach Scott Morton, post-UFC plans, and more (26:10).Scott D’Amore — Canadian wrestling legend, Uncrowned Columnist, and Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling founder — joins Ariel to discuss WrestleMania 41, John Cena’s heel turn, his experience in the wrestling business outside of the US, and more (1:03:49).Ariel and the Boys in the Back discuss international fight week possibilities, the latest gossip surrounding Khamzat Chimaev, Ilia Topuria, and other UFC stars, Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr., Ben Whittaker’s grudge match, the long-awaited Benn vs. Eubank Jr. fight, and more (1:42:58).Fabian Edwards talks about his TKO victory over Impa Kasanganay, how the fight almost fell through, advancing to the PFL middleweight tournament semi-final against Josh Silveira, having his brother in his corner, the drama with the PFL, the quick turnaround and tournament format, and more (2:34:10).

In another special episode, Ariel Helwani looks back at some of his classic interviews and tells the untold stories behind each, including:- Chael Sonnen, after beating Nate Marquardt at UFC 109, and on the verge of igniting his rivalry with Anderson Silva (07:07)- Dana White, embarrassed and disgusted by Anderson Silva's performance against Demian Maia at UFC 112 (20:27)- Josh Koscheck, moments after being sucker punched by Paul Daley at UFC 113 (32:20)- Boxing great James Toney, before his MMA debut against Randy Couture at UFC 118 (42:52)- Sensei Steven Seagal, in the immediate aftermath of Anderson Silva's iconic front kick KO against Vitor Belfort at UFC 126 (58:19)

On a special Wednesday edition of The Craic, Petesy Carroll is joined by Chuck Mindenhall and The Sun Sport’s Chisanga Malata to discuss what the future holds for Paddy Pimblett following his dominant win over Michael Chandler (5:24).They dive into Pimblett’s backstory and reflect on how unbelievable it is that he’s reached this level, before exploring the potential matchup teased by his post-fight callout of Charles Oliveira (18:19).Next, they unpack the release of Ilia Topuria’s highly anticipated interview with Joe Rogan, and weigh in on Khabib Nurmagomedov claiming Arman Tsarukyan would be tougher competition for Islam Makhachev than Topuria (30:14).Chuck and Petesy then break down the official Uncrowned pound-for-pound rankings, including the controversial omission of Alexander Volkanovski—despite his record-breaking reclaiming of the UFC featherweight title (36:32).To wrap up the show, the crew discusses the golden opportunity the PFL has to make a splash this weekend with no UFC card on the schedule (43:38).

Ade Oladipo hosts the show solo this week, beginning with an interview with Hamzah Sheeraz (02:34), who breaks his silence after the controversial split draw against Carlos Adames in February. He opens up about being 'let down' by some members of his team, mentally resetting, and his new pairing with coach Andy Lee.Next, Ade reacts to Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis’ big win over Eimantas Stanionis (20:45) and wonders what's next for the welterweight, before touching on Raymond Ford blanking Thomas Mattice on the same card (23:34).Commentator Adam Smith joins to cover a bevy of topics (29:39), including the 40th anniversary of Hagler-Hearns, the Taylor-Serrano trilogy, Eubank-Benn drawing near, Anthony Joshua's next fight, and more.Finally, Ade reacts to reports of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois 2 being targeted for July 12 (1:04:37) and closes the show with the Parting Shot (1:10:59).

The Boys in the Back kick off with a discussion about the impending UFC rights deal (01:56), before turning to the debate over MMA's featherweight GOAT (17:41).Then, they're joined by Meadowlark Media's Anthony Calatayud to play matchmaker for UFC 314's winners and losers (1:02:12).After recapping last week's picks (1:25:06), The Boys deliver their P4P lists of professional wrestlers (1:34:49), inspired by WrestleMania 41.Finally, your voicemails (1:54:55) and Super Chats (2:14:12) get the shine.