The Ariel Helwani Show

Ariel Helwani starts the show with some UFC and PFL breaking news, and the Boys in the Back join to answer your On the Nose Questions (04:39).Retired UFC fighter, veteran, and former FOX commentator Brian Stann checks in to discuss his move from broadcaster to CEO. He reminisces about fighting on Memorial Day weekend, his start in MMA, potentially running for president, the current state of the sport, Bo Nickal’s setback, his Khamzat Chimaev prediction, Jon Jones, and more (1:01:22).Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Sean “X-Pac” Waltman joins the show to talk getting through a dark period in his life, WrestleMania 41, his experience as a heel, Marc Raimondi’s new book on the NWO, his relationship with WWE, some adventures from his storied career, his infamous chop taunt, being a fan of MMA, and more (1:32:34).Canadian MMA legend David Loiseau stops by ahead of UFC 315 in Montreal this weekend to break down the card and discuss training fighters, writing a self-help book, his relationship with GSP, the lack of opportunities in Canadian MMA, teaching Jon Jones, his life-changing accident, former boxing champion Jean Pascal’s callout, and more (2:19:06).Ariel and the Boys end by answering some Super Chats (2:53:34).

Ariel Helwani and Ade Oladipo are joined by Conor Benn for a conversation about his thrilling bout against Chris Eubank Jr. and his feelings on the rivalry now that the dust has settled. Then, he reacts to the Times Square boxing card and teases the Eubank Jr. rematch for September (03:02).The duo discusses the Times Square show and the disappointing performances from its biggest stars, including Ryan Garcia’s shocking loss to 'Rolly' Romero, before they debate the possibility of Garcia's rematching Devin Haney and 'Boots' Ennis meeting Teofimo Lopez (26:12).Next, move on to Canelo Alvarez’s victory over William Scull and Ade shares his frustration with the champion (44:46), before discussing the official announcement of Canelo taking on Terence Crawford in September (47:34).Finally, they react to Naoya Inoue’s thrilling showing against Ramon Cardenas on Sunday (54:56), preview the long-awaited return of Nottingham’s Leigh Wood (1:00:32), and end with the Parting Shot (1:04:03).

Ariel Helwani and the crew kick things off by discussing Islam Makhachev’s next fight and some big team news (05:49).Leigh Wood, the pride of Nottingham, calls in ahead of his homecoming fight against streaking IBO super featherweight champion Anthony Cacace on Saturday to discuss his return to the ring, Premier League drama, life after fighting, and more (15:33).The Larry O’Brien Trophy, the NBA's championship prize, graces Ariel and the Boys with its presence on set. Plus, Yahoo NBA analyst Kevin O'Connor joins in-studio to talk playoff basketball (37:49).Bo Nickal joins for his first interview since falling short against Reinier de Ridder at UFC Des Moines to reflect on losing his undefeated MMA record, dealing with backlash from fans and fighters, the best advice he’s received, how wrestling shaped his mindset on losing, what’s next for his career, and more (1:23:53).Julianna Peña, UFC women's bantamweight champion, reconciles with Ariel before previewing her UFC 316 title fight against Kayla Harrison and breaking down being a massive underdog, Kayla’s tough weight cut, new additions to her camp, Amanda Nunes claiming she’s returning to fight the winner, and more (1:58:01).Ariel and the Boys in the Back end things by answering your burning Super Chats (2:29:22).

Ariel is joined by the Boys in the Back, fresh off their trip to Des Moines, to unpack the huge weekend in combat sports, including Cory Sandhagen’s big win, Bo Nickal’s shocking loss, the underwhelming Times Square card, Canelo’s victory and next fight against Terence Crawford under TKO Boxing, Naoya Inoue’s scary performance, and more (06:15).Cory Sandhagen is back following his main event against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Des Moines to discuss his injury-induced victory, his social media breakout and lifestyle changes, writing a sci-fi book, his claim to a title shot, Bo Nickal’s loss, and more (1:31:33).Daniel Rodriguez stops by following his knockout of Santiago Ponzinibbio to talk about why the result was so important, opening a gym in his hometown, recording rap music, turning his life around through MMA after time in jail, a fight with Jake Matthews, and more (2:01:49).Smilin’ Sam Alvey is back after shocking legend Tyrone Spong to discuss becoming a two-division Karate Combat champion, changing camps, his pre-fight traditions, calling out Eddie Hall, the possibility of fighting Jake Paul, his favorite cheat meal, taking on a gorilla, and more (2:59:21).Alexander Volkanovski returns as a two-time UFC featherweight champion after his win over Diego Lopes to break down what it meant to regain the belt, getting back on track after back-to-back knockout losses, a potential fight with Movsar Evloev, the state of his division, his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, wanting the Ilia Topuria rematch, Belal Muhammad vs. fellow Aussie Jack Della Maddalena, and more (3:31:08).Ariel and the Boys finish off by answering some Super Chats (4:12:34).

The Craic is back! Petesy Carroll is joined by the usual suspects, Chuck Mindenhall and Ben Fowlkes, to break down all the latest headlines.They kick things off by discussing Ilia Topuria, who’s set to fight at UFC 317 on June 28 — but who’s his opponent? The lads weigh in on who they think would make for Topuria’s most exciting matchup (03:58). One of those opponents is Islam Makhachev, but does Makhachev want to fight Ilia, or move up to welterweight to face the winner of Jack Della Maddalena vs. Belal Muhammad? The trio explore what the lightweight champion‘s options are (07:52). Staying with the welterweight division, the conversation shifts to Ian Machado Garry’s recent decision win over Carlos Prates. The chaps discuss Garry’s bold push for a title shot and break down the current pecking order for a crack at the 170-pound title (11:42). Meanwhile, over in the PFL, Dakota Ditcheva is making waves — not in the cage, but online. Her recent social media posts suggest growing frustration. The crew unpacks the situation and what it might mean for the promotion’s image (20:35).Next, the focus turns to UFC Des Moines, where Ben Fowlkes shares insights from his recent conversation with Reinier de Ridder, ahead of his bout with Bo Nickal. Can RDR derail the hype train? Plus, the team spotlights other intriguing matchups on the card (35:02).Switching gears, the lads react to the headline-grabbing Times Square boxing card, featuring Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero — a spectacle as strange as it is compelling (49:02). To wrap things up, they react to the trailer for The Smashing Machine — the highly anticipated Mark Kerr biopic starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Could this be one of the best MMA films ever made (54:35)? 

The Boys in the Back kick things off with a conversation about Tom Aspinall’s record-breaking tenure as UFC interim heavyweight champion and tackle Jon Jones' looming absence (01:56).Malcolm Wellmaker, fresh off his bonus-winning KO in Kansas City, joins to discuss making his UFC debut, quitting his job, future plans, and a potential slot on the upcoming Atlanta card (29:30).Next, the Boys prepare for their Iowa trip by breaking down UFC Des Moines (51:28), and then preview the Times Square boxing card (1:32:15).Finally, they deliver their P4P tourist traps (1:45:29), craft their parlay (2:17:58), air your voicemails (2:25:23), and answer Super Chats (2:51:23).

Two-time WWE Hall of Famer "Stone Cold" Steve Austin joins the show to discuss going from athlete to interviewer, his Hall of Fame match against Bret Hart, Logan Paul’s WrestleMania 41 offer, his opinion on the state of the business, John Cena’s heel turn, and reflects on his most memorable career moments (15:43).French football legend and former Manchester United star Patrice Evra previews his MMA debut and goes into why he chose to sign with the PFL, debuting in Paris, calling out Luis Suárez, his future in the sport, his relationship with Khabib, training with Paul Pogba and other stars, and more (59:12).Eddie Hall rejoins after his vicious 30-second TKO of Mariusz Pudzianowski at KSW 105 and talks about his MMA future, the controversial finish, the size difference, a possible rematch, Dillon Danis and Misfits Boxing, another 2 vs. 1 match, Francis Ngannou, pro wrestling, and wraps up by answering a burning question (1:31:26).Quinton "Rampage" Jackson checks in to discuss the cancelation of his boxing match with Rashad Evans, coaching against Henry Cejudo at Friday's UFL event, his feud with Ian Machado Garry, his Kevin Holland diss track, his favorite career fight, his classic PRIDE powerbomb, and more (1:56:27).Harrison Rogers, founder of the United Fight League, calls in to discuss launching the promotion, making the team format work in MMA, the league’s structure, giving back to the fighters, and Friday's event (2:36:15).Ariel and the Boys end things by answering your On The Nose questions and Super Chats, before squaring off on the Aviron bike (2:59:15).Join us on the bike: avironactive.com/uncrowned

Ariel Helwani and Ade Oladipo start this stacked show by reacting to Chris Eubank Jr.’s massive win over Conor Benn (01:22) and Eubank Sr.’s shocking arrival at the event (04:52). Then, they debate the possibility of a rematch as Ade voices some concerns (16:03).They break down Friday's card in Times Square (28:41), headlined by the return of Ryan Garcia, and discuss his potential rematch with Devin Haney (31:18). Ade makes a bold prediction for the Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. fight, before circling back to Garcia and Haney’s returns. Next, they preview Canelo’s fight in Saudi Arabia against William Scull (41:18) and Jaime Munguia’s must-win rematch against Bruno Surace (45:37). Plus, they touch on Martin Bakole’s return against Efe Ajagba (47:53) and Naoya Inoue rounding out the weekend with his undisputed title fight against Ramon Cardenas (49:01).Finally, the duo discusses Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois 2 this summer (51:21), Joseph Parker’s claim to undisputed, and Eddie Hearn’s update on Anthony Joshua and a future fight with Tyson Fury (58:04), before wrapping up with the Parting Shot (1:03:28).

Ariel Helwani and the gang kick off the show with the latest news and notes in combat, including Tom Aspinall’s tenure as longest reigning interim champion (6:33).Ryan Garcia checks in ahead of his return to the ring against Rolando 'Rolly' Romero on Friday to talk about the changes he’s made, fighting in Times Square, rematching Devin Haney in October, his feud with Bill Haney, his relationship with Romero, his removal from the RIZIN card, his status with Golden Boy Promotions, Tank Davis’ controversial draw, and more (14:20).Matchroom Boxing's Eddie Hearn joins Ariel in studio to discuss all things boxing, including the Eubank-Benn megafight; growing up around his father, who played a role in the history of the fight; and the status of the rematch. Hearn also hits Garcia’s return at the star-studded Times Square event, the UFC’s recent stagnation, Dana White’s TKO Boxing plans, the potential of Fury-Joshua, Taylor-Serrano 3 headlining an all-women boxing card on Netflix, and more (34:11).Jeff Molina tells his side of the story following his three-year suspension for his role in the James Krause betting scandal, including Darrick Minner’s injury controversy. Molina opens up about dealing with dark times, Krause’s legacy in the sport, his release from the UFC, the rumors of federal intervention, the support he’s received since coming out, signing with BKFC, and more (1:38:15). 

Ariel Helwani starts the show with a deep dive into his life-changing experience announcing a draft pick for the Buffalo Bills, before the Boys join in to react to UFC Kansas City and Ian Machado Garry's win (04:36).Georges 'Rush' St-Pierre — Ariel’s MMA GOAT and Canadian legend — discusses his new hot sauce company, the UFC’s return to Montreal, the slump in Canadian MMA, cornering Aiemann Zahabi, the harsh reality of retiring from the sport, his relationship with Dana White, Belal’s claim to GOAT status, Tom Aspinall’s future, and more (33:37).Ian Machado Garry joins the program to discuss his short-notice decision win over hard-hitting Carlos Prates, their post-fight interaction, being the backup fighter at UFC 315, his title aspirations, potential future fights against Islam Makhachev and Shavkat Rakhmonov, his issues with Joaquin Buckley, how he learned Portuguese, and more (1:04:01).The Boys in the Back join Ariel to discuss all the drama leading up to the fight of the year candidate Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn, including Chris and his father reuniting before the bout, the weight miss, the prospect of a rematch, and more (1:25:12).Dustin Poirier looks ahead to his UFC 318 trilogy fight against Max Holloway and talks about running into Ariel at the draft, his reaction to Benn-Eubank, the decision to retire, fighting Max for the third time in 13 years, his mindset going into his final walk, Ilia Topuria’s future at lightweight, filming a potential sequel to the 'Fightville' documentary, his final walkout plans, and more (2:01:41).Randy Brown calls in after his UFC Kansas City knockout of Nicolas Dalby to discuss the issues between them, rebounding after his loss, breaking his hand in the first minute of the fight, returning to Jamaica, and more (2:57:38).The Boys rejoin Ariel to wrap up the show with a breakdown of the rest of the news and results from around combat, including Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois 2, before answering some Super Chats (3:08:27).