The Ariel Helwani Show

Latest Episodes:

Live from LA! Ronda Rousey, Jake Paul, Joshua Van, Sean Brady, Eric Nicksick, UFC 328 reaction May 11, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani starts the show, live from Los Angeles, by previewing the upcoming week. Then the Boys in the Back join Ariel in-studio to discuss UFC 328, starting with Sean Strickland’s shocking upset of Khamzat Chimaev and whether he should have apologized after the fight, then moving on to the rest of the card (12:46).
Sean Brady is back after a big win over Joaquin Buckley, talking about Buckley’s trash talk leading into the fight, the fight’s notable gambling activity, learning from the Michael Morales loss, when he expects to return, wanting to fight Carlos Prates or Kamaru Usman next, and more (1:22:12).
Coach Eric Nicksick returns to break down Sean Strickland’s massive victory, including the game plan for Khamzat Chimaev, whether he believes Chimaev made weight, Strickland’s apology in the aftermath, not being surprised by Strickland’s success, where Strickland goes next, and more (1:49:34).
UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van celebrates his first title defense, discussing the performance against Tatsuro Taira, his high-volume style, his press conference fit, his budding rivalry with Alexandre Pantoja, when their rematch could take place, Manel Kape showing him respect, and more (2:13:06).
Jake Paul joins to preview MVP’s upcoming MMA card on Netflix, looking back at the growth of the promotion, then talking about his relationship with PFL, UFC not trying to counter-program their event, comparisons to the White House card, trash talk in the fight game, viewership expectations for the event, working with Ronda Rousey, meeting Dana White, his return to the ring, and more (2:33:02).
Years in the making, Ronda Rousey and Ariel reunite to discuss their various interviews over the years, Rousey’s renewed passion for MMA, maintaining an edge while balancing her love for opponent Gina Carano, her UFC departure, wanting to be the Dana White of Netflix’s MMA offering, her beef with UFC’s Hunter Campbell, believing this will be her last fight, the end of her time at WWE, and more (3:03:38).
Ariel reacts to Sean Strickland’s response to his earlier comments (3:37:19), then covers some other news and notes (3:40:20), and samples some famous doughnuts (3:59:42).

Inside Boxing | Daniel Dubois beats Fabio Wardley in all-time classic, Zak Chelli upsets David Morrell May 11, 2026

Show notes

We open the show recapping Daniel Dubois' late stoppage of Fabio Wardley to capture the WBO heavyweight title in an all-time thriller of a fight. Is a trilogy with Oleksandr Usyk, a rematch with Wardley, or perhaps a Moses Itauma showdown next for Dubois? Also on the card, David Morrell was upset by massive underdog Zak Chelli (02:55).
To end the show, Chris Algieri details IBF featherweight champion Angelo Leo and Ra’eese Aleem’s fight being canceled over Aleem missing weight by 2.8 pounds (33:23).

UFC 328 Post-Fight Show: Sean Strickland shocks the world again by beating Khamzat Chimaev May 10, 2026

Show notes

Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes reunite for the UFC 328 post-fight show, reacting first to Sean Strickland shocking the world again by dethroning Khamzat Chimaev (00:37).

After discussing Nassourdine Imavov calling next (21:50), they address Strickland's apologetic post-fight speech (26:33).

Next, they revel in the show-stealing co-main event between Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira (31:51), including the stoppage (37:27), and Van's callout of Alexandre Pantoja (40:48).

Finally, they recap the rest of the card, including the scoring of Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (49:36), Sean Brady's win over Joaquin Buckley (56:46), including the drastic betting line movement, and more (59:35).

Khamzat Chimaev Sean Strickland's explosive UFC 328 presser, Conor McGregor's return, more | The Craic May 08, 2026

Show notes

The Craic is back! Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes return as usual.

First up, the lads react to the fireworks between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland at the UFC 328 press conference (05:10).

After predicting what kind of shenanigans could unfold at the pair’s final faceoff (36:19), the boys preview the flyweight title co-main event between Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira (41:40).

Attention then turns to Dana White’s confidence in Conor McGregor making his long-awaited return this summer (49:29).

Elsewhere, recent comments from TKO president Mark Shapiro on the state of the UFC product have come under the microscope (01:01:45).

To close the show, the chaps give their UFC 328 picks (01:09:15).

Inside Boxing | Wardley-Dubois preview and picks, Benavidez floats catchweight for Bivol fight May 08, 2026

Show notes

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri kick off the show discussing David Benavidez’s recent comments about potentially fighting Dmitry Bivol at a catchweight of 190 pounds. Is Benavidez already looking for a way out of making the 175-pound light heavyweight limit? Ring Magazine also reported a strong desire from Turki Alalshikh for Benavidez to fight heavyweight king, Oleksandr Usyk, in 2027 (03:36).

Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois will go at it in a highly-anticipated heavyweight championship fight in Manchester, England. Can Wardley keep the momentum going after big stoppage wins over Justis Huni and Joseph Parker? Dubois, coming off the stoppage loss to Usyk, and could be in a do-or-die situation (23:25).

Finally, the guys discuss the upcoming featherweight championship bout between Angelo Leo and Ra’eese Aleem, with the winner potentially squaring off against Naoya Inoue in 2027 (55:01).

Can Sean Strickland stop Khamzat Chimaev? UFC 328 preview, fighters meet President Trump, more | The Boys in the Back May 07, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back read your five-star podcast reviews (02:51), before discussing Raja Jackson's plea deal (22:32), Freedom 250 fighters visiting President Donald Trump at the White House (25:23), and another investor call from TKO's Mark Shapiro (32:14).
After previewing UFC 328 (55:40) and making picks (1:55:49), they debut a brand new Fight Feasts focused on Burmese food (1:58:59).
The show ends with the Boys' P4P lists of diner food (2:12:39), voicemails (2:36:05), and Super Chats (3:14:50).

Eric Bischoff, Dave Allen, Paulie Malignaggi, Costello van Steenis x Johnny Eblen Faceoff, Karate Combat President Asim Zaidi, On The Nose, news & notes May 06, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani begins the show by honoring media mogul and WCW owner Ted Turner, who passed away Wednesday (10:02).

Eric Bischoff joins to celebrate Turner, talking about his impact on the wrestling industry, stories from their time running WCW together, fallout from the Time Warner merger, and more (17:59).

Ariel and The Boys in the Back discuss UFC 328, including Khamzat Chimaev releasing sparring footage with Sean Strickland, new trash talk from both sides, and Strickland’s brewing feud with Josh Hokit, then touch on Ciryl Gane’s recent comments about Tom Aspinall, Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria flying to see President Trump at the White House, and more (38:25).

Heavyweight boxer Dave Allen previews his upcoming bout against Filip Hrgovic, also speaking about his love of American sitcoms, getting into the management game, Conor Benn leaving Matchroom, Zuffa Boxing’s entry into the sport, and more (57:57).

Johnny Eblen joins to discuss his training sessions with Sean Strickland, before PFL middleweight champion Costello van Steenis joins for their virtual face-to-face, ramping up the intensity before their massive rematch in July (1:35:29).

Karate Combat President Asim Zaidi addresses recent criticism the promotion has received, giving details about the brawls involving the Pitbull brothers, Winged C pretending to be blind and walking onto the mat, Larissa Pacheco being matched against an inexperienced fighter, fighters claiming the promotion didn’t pay them, and more (2:04:50).

Paulie Malignaggi is back ahead of his next bare-knuckle bout, discussing damage he suffered in his last fight, the Ali Revival Act and the recent Senate committee hearing on the bill, the state of the sport of boxing, and more (2:32:19).

The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to react to the White House main and co-main event fighters visiting President Trump, Sean Strickland’s media day comments, and more (3:04:43).

After answering your On The Nose questions (3:27:14), the show ends with your Super Chats (4:05:45).

Ariel Helwani's worst interview ever, David Benavidez, Daniel Dubois, Luke Rockhold, Tatsuro Taira, news and notes May 05, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani is joined by the Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll to react to UFC Baku announcements, easter eggs in the new EA Sports UFC 6 trailer, and more (07:34).

Tatsuro Taira joins the show ahead of his UFC flyweight title fight against Joshua Van at UFC 328, talking about the fight being delayed due to an injury to Van, potentially becoming the first Japanese UFC champion, being inspired by Naoya Inoue’s win over Junto Nakatani, wanting to fight Alexandre Pantoja and Kyoji Horiguchi, and more (12:05).

In an awkward interview, Daniel Dubois quickly previews his upcoming WBO heavyweight title fight against Fabio Wardley, before storming off (32:49).

Luke Rockhold returns, discussing his involvement with Santo Studio, training sessions with Khamzat Chimaev, Chimaev’s demeanor in light of Sean Strickland’s trash talk, not liking Strickland’s gym etiquette, wanting to face Michael Bisping at a RAF event, and more (1:30:18).

Unified cruiserweight champion David Benavidez is back on the heels of his massive knockout of Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez, breaking down the win, his place in the P4P rankings, having no interest in the Zuffa Boxing belts, still being willing to fight Canelo Alvarez, wanting to go back to light heavyweight to face Dmitry Bivol, pressing pause on any heavyweight talks, and more (2:32:08).

Ariel wraps up with your Super Chats (3:05:58).

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | Shocking New Day departure and TKO era implications, Backlash predictions, more May 05, 2026

Show notes

Solomonster is back with thoughts on the unceremonious WWE departures of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, reports of TKO asking to restructure their deals, and why leaving is the best thing that could happen (4:19).

Plus, thoughts on additional WWE releases including JC Mateo and Tonga Loa (26:34).

Next, WWE Backlash preview and predictions, including John Cena teasing something “epic,” and an update on why Roman Reigns was suddenly pulled from Raw dates in June (31:55).

This week, a social media “story” about AEW and Warner Brothers Discovery was treated as gospel, but it wasn't anything we didn’t already know and you should be skeptical about it (55:12).

Then, news on Dynamite notching its highest domestic attendance in two years, where things stand for the Double or Nothing card, and a medical update on Kota Ibushi (1:03:39).

The show closes with some listener Q&A and a scary health update on Chelsea Green, who was treated for a heart condition and is now on the mend (1:08:31).

Chael Sonnen, Quillan Salkilld, Frank Warren, massive weekend recap, news and notes May 04, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with one of Saturday’s big winners, UFC lightweight prospect Quillan Salkilld, discussing his massive knockout of Beneil Dariush, his growing fan base and social media following, his mustache, his callout of Mateusz Gamrot, and more (05:01).

Old friend Chael Sonnen is back to chat with Ariel about the UFC’s welterweight title picture, a potential fight between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway, his beef with Jorge Masvidal, the escalating trash talk between Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev, and more (47:36).

Queensberry Promotions’ Frank Warren returns to talk all things boxing, including David Benavidez’s big win, Fabio Wardley’s title defense against Daniel Dubois, Moses Itauma’s next fight moving from July to August, his relationship with Turki Alalshikh, Zuffa Boxing’s first few shows, the Ali Revival Act passing through Congress, talks of Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua on Netflix, and more (1:42:13).

Ariel is joined by The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll to recap a busy combat sports weekend, touching on the continued back-and-forth between Strickland and Chimaev, the latest White House card updates, Tom Aspinall’s road back to the cage, and more (2:23:30).

Ariel closes the show with your Super Chats (3:43:57).

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