The Ariel Helwani Show

Latest Episodes:

Conor McGregor in studio! FBI thwarts terror attack at UFC White House, On The Nose, more Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with further reflection on the UFC White House event and reaction to new stories developing in the aftermath (14:53).

Ariel and The Boys in the Back answer your On The Nose questions about the New York Knicks, White House walkouts and production, Josh Hokit’s controversial post-fight comments, whether Ciryl Gane is getting a reputation for fouling opponents, and more (44:10).

Chuck Mindenhall joins Ariel to give his first-hand account of the UFC White House card (1:21:18).

Conor McGregor makes his long-awaited in-studio return, talking about his announced comeback, his negotiations with the UFC, including a confirmed date for the final fight on his current contract, thoughts on the White House card and Ilia Topuria, being offered a two-fight deal — boxing and MMA — against Terence Crawford, BKFC’s new broadcast partner, his rivalry with Max Holloway, the New York Times reporting his took “banned drugs,” and more (1:52:22).

Ariel and crew answer more On The Nose questions (2:48:09) and your Super Chats (3:19:55).

Inside Boxing | Bam Rodriguez vs. Naoya Inoue next?; Tyson Fury shows up at the White House, Boots-Zayas draws near Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri kick off the show discussing the New York Knicks becoming NBA champions and what it all means for the city of New York (01:08).

Bam Rodriguez scored an impressive knockout win over Antonio Vargas to win the WBA bantamweight title on Saturday night and now all eyes are on a potential super fight with Naoya Inoue (16:24). Should Bam take another fight before? Should he jump right into an Inoue fight, which would be his highest-paying fight by a large margin (25:28)?
Next up, the UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House produced some wild scenes and fights (38:53) as well as a confusing boxing moment when Tyson Fury was brought in to make an announcement and instead deferred to Dana White (45:25). We’re guessing the announcement will be Fury officially signing with Zuffa Boxing. What does this mean for the Anthony Joshua fight?

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | King Jey Uso may be a real thing, Vince McMahon case takes major turn, wild CM Punk rumors Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

Solomonster chimes in on the wild rumors floating around regarding CM Punk, his physical appearance, heat with WWE, and even a future return to AEW (04:09).

Thoughts on Friday's WWE championship, where things may be headed for Night of Champions, plus an injury update on Rhea Ripley (12:53).

News on the death of the man who created the King of the Ring in 1985, plus thoughts on where things stand with the KOTR and QOTR tournaments after Raw (19:37).

A major update on Vince McMahon's sex trafficking lawsuit and whether it could pave the way for an eventual return to the company, plus an update on Liv Morgan’s stalker being found not guilty by reason of insanity (30:49).

MJF gets a match at Forbidden Door but it’s not a title match, the finals of the men’s Owen Hart tournament have been set and why the Forbidden Door concept no longer works (44:37).

Five title changes on the New Japan Dominion show this past weekend, including a new IWGP champion crowned, and the blocks revealed for this year’s G1 Climax tournament (54:19).

Vince Russo reveals some sad news about Konnan’s health, plus some listener questions and a note about the social media ban being implemented in the UK (57:53).

UFC White House reaction, Arman Tsarukyan, Bo Nickal, Anthony Smith, Action Bronson, KNICKS ARE CHAMPS!!!!!; news and notes Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by discussing the emotions of his New York Knicks winning the NBA championship (01:56).

The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to react to the UFC White House card, including the impressive production, Tyson Fury’s bizarre appearance, Justin Gaethje shocking the world, Ilia Topuria’s corner stopping the fight, Ciryl Gane dominating Alex Pereira, what what’s next for both, the night’s biggest winners, and more (21:01).

Bo Nickal is back after his White House win against Kyle Daukaus, giving behind-the-scenes insights, revealing his conversations with President Trump, and talking about what he wants next (1:29:50).

Anthony Smith joins to weigh in on the UFC White House card, dissecting Ilia Topuria’s game plan against Justin Gaethje, Gaethje’s toughness, the main event stoppage, Ciryl Gane’s next fight, Topuria and Pereira’s ability to bounce back, the rest of the card, and more (2:02:01).

Action Bronson joins Ariel in celebration of the Knicks title win, laying out his watching habits, how he reacted to the clinching game, his longtime fandom, and more (3:01:39).

Ariel touches on the continued promotional battle between Dana White and Eddie Hearn (3:26:20).

Arman Tsarukyan returns to discuss his RAF win over Tony Ferguson, before giving thoughts on the UFC White House main event, his friend’s winning bet on Justin Gaethje, believing he’s next in line for the title shot, still wanting to fight Ilia Topuria, wanting to be UFC champion above anything else, and more (3:46:18).

Ariel covers news and notes (4:21:09) and answers your Super Chats to end the show (4:30:09).

UFC White House: Live report, security deep dive, historical context, more | The Craic Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

The Craic is back with its usual trio of Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes. This week, all roads lead to the UFC‘s White House card.

On site in the nation’s capital, Chuck shares his observations ahead of attending the historic event in person (04:31).

The lads then lock in their official Uncrowned picks (24:51).

Security has also become a major talking point surrounding the event. Drawing on insight from former Secret Service agents, Ben breaks down how the operation could work behind the scenes (41:36).

Elsewhere, Conor McGregor made headlines due to the New York Times reporting he used ”banned drugs" while recovering from his devastating leg injury. The boys give their thoughts on the revelation (01:01:36).

Fellow Irish superstar Katie Taylor has officially sold out Croke Park in 30 minutes. Petesy shares the mood in Ireland ahead of the historic occasion (01:11:58).

To round things out, the lads talk World Cup buzz (01:16:35) before answering your Super Chats (01:23:06).

Conor McGregor reportedly took "banned drugs," Ariel Helwani joins, UFC White House preview, more | The Boys in the Back Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back kick off the show by reacting to the New York Knicks' incredible NBA Finals comeback, with Ariel Helwani and On Air Jordan, who was at the game, joining in to share their excitement (03:22).

Then, they dive into the New York Times report that Conor McGregor took "banned drugs" while recovering from his broken leg (21:30).

After covering the escalating heat between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje (44:10) and Josh Hokit continuing to taunt Alex Pereira (53:35), the Boys preview the Freedom 250 card (1:16:22) and make picks (2:05:11).

Plus, Fight Feasts featuring food from Donald Trump's Michelin-star restaurant (2:10:12), P4P Fictional Presidents (2:29:18), voicemails (2:47:09) and Super Chats (3:14:49).

Inside Boxing | Haney and Shakur agree to catchweight, Bam vs. Vargas preview, UFC White House picks Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show breaking down the latest twitter exchange between Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney, where they agreed to fight at 144 pounds. Will this even happen? How big would this fight be? Should Haney fight Keyshawn Davis (04:31)?

There is a big combat event this weekend on the White House lawn, as UFC Freedom 250 is set to take place. Dan and Chris give their picks (12:47).

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez makes his 118-pound debut this weekend against heavy underdog Antonio Vargas. If "Bam" wins this weekend, should he go right into a Naoya Inoue fight or get more accustomed to the new weight class (25:29)?

Finally, reports potentially placed the megafight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury at SoFi Stadium in California. Eddie Hearn refuted that, stating the contract stipulates it must be in the UK. Speaking of Eddie, will he be the official promoter of the event or Dana White (34:19)?

UFC White House preview, Killer Kross in studio, Aiemann Zahabi, Mory Kromah, On The Nose, more Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by previewing the UFC Freedom 250 card, including Sean Strickland’s alleged banning, potential weather concerns, Josh Hokit continuing to taunt Alex Pereira, and more (11:59).

The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to answer On The Nose questions regarding Dana White’s projected viewership for the White House card, Alex Pereira’s potential GOAT status, and more (28:52).

Aiemann Zahabi returns just days before his fight against Sean O’Malley at UFC Freedom 250, giving insight into his preparation, the venue being built at the White House, representing Canada, Sean O’Malley’s comments about him in the lead-up, having Georges St-Pierre in his corner, and more (55:40).

GLORY heavyweight champion Mory Kromah makes his show debut, talking about training with Ciryl Gane in preparation for Gane’s fight against Alex Pereira, his own title defense against Miloš Cvjetićanin, the impact of Alex Pereira's success, Israel Adesanya, Rico Verhoeven and others on kickboxing’s growth, and more (1:30:28).

Wrestler Killer Kross is back in-studio talking about his success since leaving WWE, the state of the industry, his relationship with Tony Khan and talks with AEW, not hearing from HHH after his departure, his feelings about WrestleMania 42, defending his MLW title against Matt Riddle, the greatness of AAA’s mask vs. mask match, and more (1:57:47).

Ariel Helwani wraps the show with Super Chats (3:02:47).

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | WWE shareholder suit settled, TNA facing talent exodus, Smackdown gets buried Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

Solomonster opens with an update on the WWE shareholder lawsuit that was supposed to go to trial this week, but has been settled in principle. Plus, Money in the Bank again gets moved to a new date (01:26).

Next, discussion of Chad Gable reappearing on WWE television after his Match of the Year in Mexico, what he should be doing at SummerSlam, and Eric Bischoff says we may see Gable in Real American Freestyle (6:32).

Then, the next potential Bloodline member was spotted at the WWE Performance Center on Monday (14:27), and where things stand with the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments, including a total burial of Smackdown so far (15:57).

Why Mick Foley is totally wrestling in AEW, a lot sooner than he even suggests (25:11), and thoughts on an excellent episode of Dynamite, which included an injury to MJF and the return of Mercedes Mone (32:55).

Two TNA stars request and receive their releases, including a former champion, as the talent exodus continues and why it’s about to get even worse (49:06).

Police finally rule on Hulk Hogan’s death, despite questions that remain from his daughter (1:00:06), and Rick Martel clarifies his comments on the WWE Hall of Fame (1:03:35).

Alex Pereira, Katie Taylor, Tommy Fury, Steve Novak in studio, news & notes, more Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with a recap of his NBA Finals experience and watching the New York Knicks (09:13).

Tommy Fury comes on to preview his upcoming boxing match against Eddie Hall, discussing the weight advantage Hall will have, having no interest in fighting Darren Till after their failed first booking, recent comments by Carl Froch, and more (33:43).

Former Knicks forward Steve Novak joins Ariel in-studio to break down all things Knicks, including his feelings about the current NBA Finals and stories from his own career, behind-the-scenes of Linsanity, his iconic belt celebration, working as an analyst for MSG Networks, and more (1:03:55).

Katie Taylor talks about finally having the opportunity to headline Croke Park, this being the final fight of her illustrious career, and more (1:58:07).

Alex Pereira returns ahead of his Freedom 250 fight against Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title to talk about his preparation and added weight, Josh Hokit’s inflammatory comments, his newfound friendship with Ilia Topuria, Rico Verhoeven’s performance against Oleksandr Usyk, wanting to return quickly, and more (2:23:59).

Ariel and the gang cover news and notes, including more UFC Freedom 250 updates (3:01:03), before answering Super Chats (3:45:00).

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