The Ariel Helwani Show

Ariel Helwani reacts to Israel Adesanya's stunning loss at UFC Saudi Arabia, David Benavidez's big win over David Morrell Jr., the WWE Royal Rumble, Bryce Mitchell's disgusting comments, plus much more from the chaotic weekend in combat sports (09:54).Michael Page discusses his UFC Saudi Arabia win over Shara Magomedov, what's next, whether a move to light heavyweight is actually feasible, Magomedov's post-fight excuses and more (01:02:33).Terrance McKinney discusses his UFC Saudi Arabia knockout of Damir Hadzovic, why he's somehow never gotten a UFC post-fight bonus, how paint fumes in the Saudi locker room affected fighters' performances and more (01:22:24).David Benavidez discusses beating David Morrell Jr., his pursuit of Canelo Alvarez, fighting the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2, why Terence Crawford is going to upset Alvarez and more (01:42:54).Karolina Kowalkiewicz joins us in-studio to discuss her UFC status, rebounding from her five-fight losing streak, retirement rumors, Bryce Mitchell's abhorrent comments and more (02:05:07).Joe Hendry discusses his WWE debut at the 2025 Royal Rumble, John Cena's life-changing advice, wrestling Robert Whittaker and getting help from Chael Sonnen, his backstage encounter with Triple H, plus much more in a special in-studio interview (02:54:01).Join us on the bike: http://avironactive.com/uncrowned

UFC Saudi Arabia is in the books, so the Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll give their immediate reaction to Israel Adesanya's stunning defeat at the hands of Nassourdine Imavov, including what to make of Adesanya's skid and what could be next for both fighters  (00:44).Then, they discuss Michael 'Venom' Page stopping Shara Bullet's undefeated streak and whether the UFC would be wise to push Page (21:56).Finally, they recap the rest of the card, including another fun performance from Vinicius 'LokDog' Oliveira (39:17), Fares Ziam's upset win (41:25), Shamil Gaziev's big KO (46:00), the reliably quick work of Terrance McKinney (49:13), Jasmine Jasudavicius becoming a contender  (50:13), and more.

Petesy Carroll is joined by Uncrowned’s Chuck Mindenhall and Ben Fowlkes to discuss Bryce Mitchell and Conor McGregor’s latest controversies.The trio discuss Bryce Mitchell’s outlandish statement about Adolf Hitler being “a good guy” (3:11) and consider whether Dana White’s reaction to the situation is sufficient (04:16).Then, they look at differing reactions from the MMA community, with Jan Blachowicz offering to educate Mitchell (23:44) and Conor McGregor offering compassion to the featherweight (25:11).The conversation then moves onto the vitriolic tweet from McGregor, laced with racial slurs, going after his old foe Khabib Nurmagomedov (36:01) and question what the Irish fighter has left to give to the sport of MMA (46:02).Finally, the trio gives their thoughts on UFC Saudi Arabia (50:26) before giving their picks for the main event (59:08). 

The Boys in the Back start the show by reacting to Bryce Mitchell's recent antisemitic and homophobic remarks (01:38).Then, they preview UFC Saudi Arabia, headlined by Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov and featuring Shara Bullet vs. Michael 'Venom' Page  (06:55).Next, they touch on the boxing match between David Benavidez and David Morrell (49:16), as well as WWE's Royal Rumble (52:21), the two other events on a packed combat sports Saturday.The growing feud between Conor McGregor and Paul Hughes is discussed (55:34), before turning attention to a brand new Fight Feasts, featuring a review of four of Philadelphia's best cheesesteaks (01:01:37).Mysterious Frank joins for the Boys to make picks (01:23:17), give their P4P pirate rankings (01:37:13), and answer your questions (02:06:24). 

Michael 'Venom' Page previews his UFC Saudi Arabia fight against Shara Bullet and discusses how he plans to exploit Magomedov's striking patterns (03:07).Ariel Helwani and The Boys In The Back answer all your questions in the latest edition of On The Nose (20:32).Paul Hughes discusses his Fight of the Year contender against Usman Nurmagomedov, whether a rematch is next, and responds to Conor McGregor's nationalist attacks after the UFC star's latest social media tirade (59:37).Boxing legend Jim Lampley breaks down all angles of David Benavidez vs. David Morrell Jr. and discusses the state of the sweet science (01:32:47).Finally, On The Nose resumes to close out the show (02:35:46).

Ariel x Ade is back with two guests ahead of a big fight weekend.First, the duo discusses the highly anticipated showdown between David Benavidez and David Morrell (08:24).The GWOAT Claressa Shields joins the show to preview her battle with Danielle Perkins for undisputed gold and respond to chatter about Amanda Serrano and Laila Ali (12:18).Skye Nicolson joins to break news of her title defense against Tiara Brown in Sydney, Australia on March 22 (32:50).Next, they react to the full Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn fight card announcement (51:08), Jaron ’Boots’ Ennis vs. Eimantas Stanionis being booked (53:15) and ponder what's next for Naoya Inoue (55:30) and Diego Pacheco (01:00:28).Finally, they circle back to Benavidez vs. David Morrell and speculate on whoever is victorious facing the winner of the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol rematch (01:03:33), and give this week's parting shot (01:08:17) 

Chris Weidman discusses his GFL signing, expectations for the new MMA organization, the GFL fights he wants most, how much the promotion is paying fighters and more (06:00).BKFC founder Dave Feldman discusses the success of KnuckleMania, Ben Rothwell and Jeremy Stephens' free agency, Conor McGregor, whether Mike Perry vs. Robbie Lawler is next and more (32:11).GFL founder Darren Owen discusses the promotion's inaugural draft, the results leaking early, whether the draft was predetermined, the Rashad Evans situation, pay-per-view and event plans, likely matchups for 2025 and more (01:00:35).Ariel and The Boys In The Back kick off their annual WWE Royal Rumble lottery (01:28:31).Israel Adesanya discusses his UFC Saudi Arabia fight with Nassourdine Imavov, his evolving relationship with Alex Pereira, his new connection with Robert Whittaker, why he handled past beefs poorly, dealing with fame and more (02:04:14).       

Ariel Helwani reacts to BKFC KnuckleMania 5, Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes and much more from a loaded combat sports weekend (20:35).Ben Rothwell discusses his BKFC heavyweight title win and reveals he's a combat sports free agent — with sights on some big names next (01:29:42).Dan Hooker previews his UFC 313 fight against Justin Gaethje and discusses finding out from Gaethje's YouTube channel, his odd UFC 300 experience, Islam Makhachev's win over Renato Moicano and more (02:01:29).Jeremy Stephens discusses his BKFC KnuckleMania 5 win over Eddie Alvarez, the hostile reception he got from the Philly fans, his road to bare-knuckle success and more in an emotional interview. He also reveals that he, like Ben Rothwell, is now a free agent (02:33:17).Alex Pereira discusses his UFC 313 title defense against Magomed Ankalaev, his conversations with Jon Jones, his run-in with Jamahal Hill at the UFC Performance Institute, his sister's fighting career and much more in a special in-studio interview (03:04:25).

On today’s episode, Petesy is joined by fellow Irish media members Andy Stevenson and Donagh Corby.Corby, who is on the scene in Dubai, gave his account of the incident between Irish and Dagestani fans at the PFL’s weigh-in for the fight between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes (3:00).Stevenson underlined the impact a Hughes win could have on Irish MMA (18:00), before rebuking claims that this is a one-fight card (23:00) and lads gave their picks for the main event (32:00).The conversation moves to Arman Tsarukyan’s sticky situation with the UFC and whether the lads believe he should lose his title opportunity due to an eleventh hour UFC 311 withdrawal (40:00).They also discuss the idea of Sean O’Malley meeting Cory Sandhagen instead of the former champion facing Merab Dvalishvili in a rematch (47:00).Finally, the lads rank what event they’re looking forward the most this weekend between PFL, BKFC and the highly anticipated GFL Draft (51:45).

The Boys in the Back are heading to Philadelphia for BKFC KnuckleMania V, headlined by Eddie Alvarez vs. Jeremy Stephens. They break down the card (01:43) and reveal their Philly plans, including a cheesesteak tour, a potential showdown with GC's new rival Sean Brady, and more (20:39)Next, they react to the new videos of Conor McGregor interacting with the Jake and Logan Paul (29:05).Petesy Carroll joins to preview the incredible matchup between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes headlining PFL's Road to Dubai Championship Series (49:46).Finally, The Boys gives their picks (01:09:23) and P4P sandwich rankings (01:20:48) before answering your questions (01:59:39).