The Ariel Helwani Show

Latest Episodes:

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | Brock Lesnar’s shocking return, predictions for Saturday Night’s Main Event and AEW Double Or Nothing May 19, 2026

Show notes

Solomonster is back with thoughts on the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano “fight” on Netflix, as well as a controversial finish during the preliminary fights, featuring a pro wrestler (0:37).

Thoughts on John Cena being treated for a medical condition and more information about the John Cena Classic (4:27), plus Brock Lesnar’s surprise return on Raw to destroy Oba Femi, Tribal Combat added to the Clash in Italy card, and hollow justice for Stephanie Vaquer’s alleged abuser (8:14).

Then, the latest on Randy Orton injury reports, and the former WWE star that could be coming back (21:30), a preview and predictions for Saturday Night’s Main Event, and Sports Illustrated saying WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley could be on his way to AEW (29:28).

Thoughts on the brackets for the men’s and women’s Owen Hart Foundation tournaments, plus an AEW Double or Nothing preview and predictions (43:32).

Why Road Warrior Animal’s widow was furious after A&E’s Biography, plus a WILD story as former WWE star Reginald reveals how he nearly ended up in the WrestleMania main event (57:15).

MJF in studio, Carlos Prates, On the Nose, Netflix numbers revealed, Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn announced, journalism discussion May 19, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani starts the show with a media discussion, sparked by NBA insider Shams Charania’s recent reporting of NBA’s MVP award (10:21).

Carlos Prates is back to reflect on his dominant performance against Jack Della Maddalena, then talks about deserving the next title shot, facing Michael Morales in the future, Mauricio Ruffy’s relationship with The Fighting Nerds, a dream fight against Ilia Topuria, and more (32:05).

Ariel and the gang answer On The Nose questions, with topics including their adventures in Hollywood, Conor McGregor’s return announcement, reactions to Netflix’s MMA debut, and more (1:02:21).

Maxwell Jacob Friedman (a.k.a. MJF) joins Ariel in-studio, discussing Tony Khan’s growth, wrestling fans being disenfranchised, the strength of the AEW roster, having unfinished business with Darby Allin, WrestleMania 42, Danhausen’s success, legends Steve Austin, Bret Hart, and Shawn Michaels, his 2024 free agency, and more (1:44:57).

Ariel and The Boys in the Back close the show with some news and notes, more On The Nose questions, and your Super Chats (3:03:44).

Full reaction to Netflix’s MVP MMA debut; plus, Mike Perry, Herb Dean, Arnold Allen, Jason Jackson, weekend news & notes May 18, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping his time in Los Angeles, before the Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join to give their own perspective on Netflix’s first MMA offering, including the card, the crowd, UFC announcing Conor McGregor’s return during the event, and more (06:50).

Mike Perry is back to break down his massive win against Nate Diaz, then pivot to future plans, including talks of a Diaz rematch, potentially fighting Jorge Masvidal, and even a meeting down the line with Conor McGregor (1:01:54).

Referee Herb Dean joins the show to discuss the controversial ending to Adriano Moraes win over Phumi Nkuta, Francis Ngannou’s vicious knockout of Philipe Lins, procedures followed by combat sports officials, new language proposed for assessing fouls, open scoring, and more (1:32:57).

Arnold Allen returns on the heels of his hard-earned victory against Melky Costa to talk about the fight, traveling with his cat during fight week, some of his recent funny social media posts, and more (2:04:14).

Jason Jackson makes his show debut, looking back at his lightning-fast knockout on the MVP MMA card, then discussing not getting a performance bonus, his early life in Jamaica, being open to fighting Cedric Doumbe, his truck he named “Clifford,” training with his son Jelani, and more (2:37:11).

The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll rejoin Ariel to cover news and notes, including Conor McGregor’s return and the announcement timing, who Francis Ngannou should fight, Nate Diaz’s next move, Jon Jones wanting out of his UFC contract, and more (3:10:43).

The show ends with your Super Chats (4:28:00).

Inside Boxing | Keyshawn Davis dominates and teases move up, Filip Hrgovic targets Moses Itauma after win, weekend reactions May 18, 2026

Show notes

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show recapping Keyshawn Davis’ dominant win over Nahir Albright and what could be next for the talented fighter out of Norfolk, Virginia, including title shots at 140 pounds, a potential Devin Haney showdown, and more (06:40).

Heavyweight Filip Hrgovic was successful in his return, stopping journeyman Dave Allen in three rounds, as rumors swirl he will be Moses Itauma's next opponent. Plus, Fabio Wardley exercised his rematch clause with Daniel Dubois, so we could see another epic fight later this year (38:49).

Finally, Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli has been finalized for September 12 in Saudi Arabia, which leads to a discussion about Canelo no longer fighting in America (47:12).

Can Netflix and MVP rival UFC? Importance of Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano, more | The Craic May 15, 2026

Show notes

Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes are back with The Craic.

This weekend’s highly anticipated matchup between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano is on everyone’s mind. The boys debate whether the Netflix card can compete with the UFC (02:31).

They then break down the co-main event between Francis Ngannou and Phillipe Lins (40:52), followed by a preview of the guaranteed brawl between Nate Diaz and Mike Perry (46:13).

The lads give their official picks for this weekend (56:50), break down this weekend UFC Apex card (01:03:02), then close up shop by answering your Super Chats (01:05:58).

Inside Boxing | Vasiliy Lomachenko ends retirement, Keyshawn Davis returns against Nahir Albright, latest at heavyweight May 14, 2026

Show notes

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri kick off the show discussing Ring Magazine’s report of Vasiliy Lomachenko coming out of retirement for “massive fights. Could it be a Shakur Stevenson showdown or perhaps a fight with Gervonta Davis? Why is Lomachenko returning; money grab or does he legitimately want to achieve more (09:53)?
Keyshawn Davis returns to the ring against Nahir Albright in a fight that Davis admits he did not even want. Who could Davis fight next if he is victorious (33:50)?
Lastly, top-rated heavyweight Filip Hrgovic takes on upset-minded Dave Allen this weekend in the UK which leads to a broader discussion around the heavyweight division – could we see Hrgovic in the ring with phenom Moses Itauma this summer (48:48)?

LIVE FROM LA! Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano on Netflix, UFC Vegas 117 preview, voicemails, more | The Boys in the Back May 14, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back are live from Los Angeles, kicking off the show by reading more five-star podcast reviews (04:55).

After quickly touching on some news and notes (10:39), they preview the upcoming MVP MMA card, headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano, on Netflix (14:26).

Next, they debut a brand new Fight Feasts, featuring the iconic Dodger Dog (42:32), break down UFC Vegas 117 (53:32), and make picks (1:15:01).

The Boys showcase their shopping trip ahead of visiting the Magic Castle (1:23:22) and deliver their P4P Star Wars characters (1:40:42).

The show concludes with your voicemails (1:53:55) and soda-fueled Super Chats (2:16:13).

Michael Irvin, O’Shea Jackson Jr., John Martin, Jake Babian all in-studio, plus Junior dos Santos, news & notes May 13, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with movie star O’Shea Jackson Jr., who joins him in-studio to talk LA sports, his latest film projects, pro-wrestling, fatherhood, going on tour with his father Ice Cube, and more (03:34).
Junior dos Santos is back on the show, previewing his fight against Robelis Despaigne on Netflix, then talking about fellow Brazilians Philipe Lins and Adriano Moraes also competing on the card, potentially rematching Francis Ngannou, significant moments from his illustrious career, maintaining his motivation, and more (1:05:44).
PFL CEO John Martin is in-studio to discuss the promotion’s plans and upcoming schedule, their media partnerships and rights, then breaks news of Thad Jean and Shamil Musaev fighting for PFL’s welterweight title in Washington, D.C., the use of AI in promoting fights, and more (1:31:41).
Jake Babian joins Ariel in-studio ahead of his big show debut on the undercard of the Netflix MMA card, talking about his rivalry with opponent Namo Fazil, his early life and combat sports journey to this point, and more (2:07:42).
Next, video of Ariel’s visit to Dodger Stadium, where he spoke to Dodgers fans about last year’s World Series against the Blue Jays (2:29:45).
Petesy Carroll calls in to react to the team’s LA adventure and express his frustration with not being there, then cover some news and notes (2:48:19) and answer your Super Chats (3:26:58).
Hall of Fame NFL wide receiver Michael Irvin crashes the studio to tell tales from his playing days, discuss his massive combat sports fandom, touch on football stories with names like Jerry Jones, Bill Belichick, and Mike Vrabel, and more (3:29:50).
The Boys in the Back join Ariel for a final meal, before ending the show (4:24:28).

Nate Diaz, plus Travis Barker, Mike O’Hearn, Nakisa Bidarian, Chris Avila all in-studio May 13, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by previewing the show, then addressing his recent back-and-forth with Sean Strickland, touching on other news and notes, and answering Super Chats he missed from yesterday’s show (07:48).

Next, video of the crew’s visit to the Santa Monica Pier, including a roller coaster, some basketball, and more (30:38).

Chris Avila joins Ariel in-studio to preview his fight against Brandon Jenkins on the Netflix MMA card, speaking on potential rematches against Benson Henderson and Anthony Pettis, wanting to fight Tony Ferguson for Misfits, being bothered by the odds for his upcoming fight, venturing into acting, and more (43:31).

Bodybuilding star Mike O’Hearn comes in-studio to discuss the beginnings of his career, training with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno from an early age, appearing on American Gladiators alongside Gina Carano, garnering interest from WWE, dispelling claims of PED use, memes and handling viral fame, his martial arts training, and more (1:16:10).

Ariel sits down with Nate Diaz for a wide-ranging interview on his decision to fight Mike Perry on Netflix, talks with the UFC about a return, a potential Conor McGregor and Max Holloway fight, the legacy of the BMF title, and more. Plus, stories from his illustrious career and long-standing beefs involving Daniel Cormier and Jake Shields get settled over FaceTime (2:15:45).

MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian is in-studio to preview Netflix's MMA card, diving into the business side of the event, how the talent was assembled, viewership expectations, before also discussing TKO’s position in the industry, fighter pay, the Ali Revival Act, Jake Paul’s return, and more (2:56:34).

Legendary musician Travis Barker joins Ariel in-studio to talk about his upcoming projects and rabid MMA fandom, including his thoughts on UFC 328 and the aftermath (3:29:00).

Magician Ian Michael Scheller wows and amazes Ariel Helwani with tricks, including a few with an MMA twist (4:01:00).

The Boys in the Back join Ariel to try some In-N-Out (4:24:01).

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | Backlash fallout, John Cena’s big idea, AEW files suit against TrillerTV May 13, 2026

Show notes

Solomonster is back with thoughts on the passing of media mogul Ted Turner and why wrestling would look very different today without him (1:30).

Then, he dives into WWE Backlash from Tampa and John Cena’s historic (was it though?) announcement of The John Cena Classic, pitting WWE stars against NXT stars, why the idea could work, but is not without its issues (7:54).

AEW sues its former streaming partner, TrillerTV, for $5 million in unpaid money owed to them, what they allege, and the impact a Triller bankruptcy could have on independent wrestling (34:41).

The latest on MJF challenging Darby Allin for the AEW World title and what MJF will have to put on the line for it, plus thoughts on AEW hosting a show on an indoor golf course and why we need more wacky venues in wrestling (40:01).

Closing out with news on the end of Raja Jackson’s criminal case, Billy Corgan’s NWA touting big ratings on Comet TV, and Sports Illustrated ranking the 20 best wrestlers in WWE history… and yes, there are some issues (46:49).

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected