The Ariel Helwani Show

This week’s episode takes a look at English Premier League giants Arsenal revising its post-match protocol after Conor McGregor found his way onto the pitch for an impromptu kick about with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. The great Philip O’Connor returns to discuss why the English football club are taking this so seriously, if the club really thought McGregor could injure Saka and how the former double champion missed an open goal by not challenging Rice on changing his international affiliation from Ireland to England (03:33). John Nash, the north star on all things related to the UFC antitrust lawsuit, gives us the low down on the latest motion in the case that saw former fighters give morbid insights into their post-fighting lives as they urge the judge to settle the suit for $375 million (33:37). 

Ariel and the boys are back to recap UFC 307 (3:46) and then look ahead. Who does Alex Pereira fight next and will it be at light heavyweight or heavyweight? (20:42) Plus, they discuss whether Pereira locked up Fight and Fighter of the Year on Saturday night.Julianna Peña reclaimed the UFC women's bantamweight title, so will it be Amanda Nunes or Kayla Harrison who she faces in her first defense? (49:33)Then, they circle back to the rest of UFC 307 (59:53), including Mario Bautista's victory against Jose Aldo and whether it was the right booking , Roman Dolidze vs. Kevin Holland ending via injury, and Joaquin Buckley with another big win at welterweight.Finally, they wrap up with a look at the weekend in combat sports (1:16:51), headlined by Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol from Saudi Arabia.

Ariel reacts to UFC 307, including the thrilling main event between Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree Jr. (01:26)Then he weighs in on Julianna Peña recapturing gold in a controversial decision (18:28), Kayla Harrison remaining undefeated in the UFC, and what could be next for the women’s bantamweight division.

The Craic is back and this week Petesy previews UFC 307.Fresh off cornering Merab Dvalishvili to UFC gold, John Wood looks to upset the apple cart again when he leads Khalil Rountree Jr. into battle with promotional golden goose, Alex Pereira. Wood joins the show to discuss Rountree Jr. embracing his underdog status, being bolstered by Dvalishvilli’s win and much more (04:41)The Man in The Hat, Chuck Mindenhall, is reunited with his 3PAC brother to discuss whether the 'untouchable theory' applies to Alex Pereira (34:02). According to the theory, when a champion is perceived to be at their most powerful state, against an unassuming challenger, all kinds of crazy can occur. But is Chuck picking against his fellow Danbury native?Petesy talks about difficult selfies, growing a beard and gives his pick for 'Underdog of the Week' (01:02:26).

First up, Ariel and the boys react to UFC Paris on Saturday (05:45). They discuss what has gone wrong with Benoît Saint Denis and how amazing Renato Moicano has looked as of late. In addition, they talk about Moicano’s incredible post-fight promo and a potential fight against Paddy Pimblett. The boys also discuss the rest of the card, including Bryan Battle’s heel promo on the French crowd.Later, they talk about the bizarre circumstances surrounding boxer Sandy Ryan getting paint thrown on her as she headed to MSG fight Mikaela Mayer on Friday (28:04).Then, the discussion shifts to the upcoming PFL PPV main card and whether the card is worth the price tag (35:27).Finally, the boys preview UFC 307 and all the storylines heading into Saturday’s event (42:27) and finish up with a review of the Mr. McMahon documentary on Netflix (56:22), as well as a recap of the recent UFC class action lawsuit settlement news (1:04:34).

One of the foremost French voices in the sport, Guillaume Duseaux of La Sueur, joins the show to set the table for UFC's big Paris card and explains the explosion in popularity MMA has witnessed in the country since the sport’s legalization in 2020. Following up his pick of Merab Dvalishvili — which brought home the first parlay of The Ariel Helwani Show's new era — Petesy speaks to his “Underdog of the Week” Kevin Jousset, who takes on Bryan Battle in Paris. The 2-0 UFC welterweight explains why he went to Scotland to learn to speak English, training with Alex Volkanovski in Australia, moving to City Kickboxing and his pursuit of Ian Machado Garry. Petesy details his experience covering an MMA event in Paris and explains why he thinks the popularity of the sport in the country is difficult for the English-speaking community to comprehend.

In this discussion, heavyweight boxer Daniel Dubois shares his shocking KO victory over Anthony Joshua, leaving listeners buzzing about the implications for Joshua’s future. Conor McGregor hints at his possible return in 2025, teasing fans with what’s next for the charismatic fighter. UFC president Dana White weighs in on boxing’s evolving landscape and his own ambitions. The hosts also reflect on the electric atmosphere of Wembley Stadium and the cultural significance of combat sports in the UK.

Returning to The Ariel Helwani Show feed for the first time since its inception in 2022, The Craic with Petesy Carroll goes behind the scenes at the soft launch of The Ariel Helwani Show at the Venetian Sportsbook in Las Vegas, the day before UFC 306. Featuring commentary from the all-new Uncrowned roster with appearances by the man of the moment, Ariel Helwani, his loyal lieutenant NewYorkRic, the biggest baby face in the industry Conner Burks, the legendary bard Chuck Mindenhall and Uncrowned editor-in-chief, Shaheen Al Shatti. Petesy recaps all the thrills and spills of a magical launch in Sin City.

Recapping the exhilarating UFC 306, new champions like Marab Duwala-Shvili emerged under the dazzling lights of Las Vegas. The podcast highlights the event's grand production and compares the electrifying main card to the prelims. Unexpected championship victories spark discussions about future matchups and the evolving bantamweight division. With excitement for upcoming events and a new era in sports media, the hosts reflect on their personal milestones and the dynamic atmosphere that fuels their passion for the sport.

Ariel Helwani and the gang reunite live from The Venetian in Las Vegas to kick off the Uncrowned era on a special debut edition of The Ariel Helwani Show. Chael Sonnen, Eric Nicksick, Deiveson Figueiredo, Steve-O, Jim Lampley, Roy Jones Jr., and Casey O'Neill join the star-studded lineup, plus plenty of old friends and new on the eve of UFC 306 and Canelo vs. Berlanga.