The Ariel Helwani Show

Latest Episodes:

Inside Boxing | David Benavidez destroys Zurdo Ramirez; Dmitry Bivol or Jai Opetaia next? May 04, 2026

Show notes

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show reacting to David Benavidez’s unreal knockout of Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez to capture the unified cruiserweight championship (03:58).

With the win, Benavidez stamped himself as one of the bonafide stars of the sport and could carry the 'Face of Boxing' moniker. Could Dmitry Bivol, Jai Opetaia, or even a run at heavyweight be next (22:00)?
The undercard delivered as well with four scintillating fights, from Jaime Munguia’s win over Armando Resendiz, to an all out brawl between Ismael Flores and Isaac Lucero. Oscar Duarte had an up-and-down performance vs. Angel Fierro as well (46:31).

Sean Strickland's trash talk going too far? Khamzat Chimaev responds to threats | The Craic May 01, 2026

Show notes

The Craic is back with Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes at the helm.

Sean Strickland is back in the headlines with controversial trash talk aimed at upcoming opponent and UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev. The trio break down the impact his latest tirade is having on the perception of MMA (4:18).

Another fight potentially on the horizon is Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry. Does Garry’s style present real problems for Makhachev (40:45)?

Welterweights take center stage at this weekend’s UFC Perth card, where Jack Della Maddalena faces Carlos Prates in a potential firefight, but will the lads be tuning in for the early start (46:19)?

After spotlighting Ben Fowlkes’ latest Uncrowned piece on Sonny Liston (1:03:15), they close the show by getting to your Super Chats (01:12:23).

Inside Boxing | David Benavidez vs. Zurdo Ramirez preview and picks, Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani final thoughts Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

David Benavidez vs. Gilberto Ramirez is here! Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show breaking down the cruiserweight title fight, both men's chances, how much of a star Benavidez could be if he wins and gets Dmitry Bivol next (08:04).

The undercard is loaded as well, with a 168-pound title fight between champion Armando Resendiz and Jaime Munguia, and a can’t-miss fight between Oscar Duarte and Angel Fierro (40:06).

Finally, we are one day closer to Naoya Inoue putting all his titles on the line vs. fellow countryman Junto Nakatani in the biggest fight in Japanese boxing history. Dan and Chris give their final thoughts on the fight (45:04).

Where does Michael Morales fit into all this? UFC Perth & boxing previews, more | The Boys in the Back | April 30, 2026 Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back start the show, as usual, with a reading of five-star podcast reviews (01:32), before hitting some news & notes (13:59).
Then, they break down the UFC's welterweight title picture (15:55), including a preview of UFC Perth (30:55).
After touching on this weekend's major boxing action and PFL (1:01:33), they make picks (1:10:52) and deliver their P4P nightmare scenarios (1:14:34).

The Boys end the show by listening to your voicemails (2:01:14) and answering your Super Chats (2:49:54).

Matt Hardy in studio, Merab Dvalishvili, Jorge Masvidal & Yoel Romero, Sean Strickland goes off, news & notes Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by announcing a live show in New York City before UFC 328, then brings in The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll to discuss Skye Nicolson banking another win, Takeru taking out Rodtang in his retirement fight, whether Sean Strickland’s verbal jabs have crossed the line, the build for his fight against Khamzat Chimaev, and more (16:07).

Jorge Masvidal and Yoel Romero join the show together, talking about Romero’s upcoming fight for Masvidal’s bare-knuckle promotion, a potential return to the cage for Masvidal, Masvidal’s beef and war of words with Chael Sonnen, Masvidal being offered a fight against Darren Till, Romero wanting to fight Anderson Silva before retiring, and more (1:14:15).

Wrestling legend Matt Hardy is back in-studio to talk about his recent run with TNA, the relationship between TNA and WWE, his own relationship with the WWE, including with President Nick Khan, being a locker room leader for TNA, stories from Wrestlers’ Court, his friendship with the Undertaker, other tales from his illustrious career, his thoughts on WrestleMania 42, and more (1:34:09).

Ariel reacts to the Hardy interview, before touching on Jake Paul calling out Ilia Topuria, a run-in between Ryan Garcia and Henry Cejudo, Arman Tsarukyan saying he was offered a fight against Michael Chandler, and answering your Super Chats (2:18:33).

Merab Dvalishvili is our final guest of the day, talking about training with Gina Carano ahead of her Ronda Rousey bout, recovering from his recently broken nose, Henry Cejudo pulling out of their RAF match, his feelings on Arman Tsarukyan, wrestling against Frankie Edgar, when he expects to have the Petr Yan trilogy fight, his prediction that Sean O’Malley will beat Aiemann Zahabi, and more (2:56:17).

Ariel ends the show with more Super Chats (3:32:27).

Arnold Allen, Lou DiBella in studio, Phil De Fries, On The Nose, news & notes, more Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with a look at the first faceoff between Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates and a skit from Quillan Salkilld (06:59).

Friend of the show Arnold Allen returns to talk about his upcoming fight against Melky Costa, the state of UFC’s featherweight division and who should get the next title shot, running into former opponent Jean Silva, training with Aiemann Zahabi and his prediction for the Sean O'Malley fight, and more (10:05).

KSW heavyweight champion Phil De Fries joins to discuss his 14th consecutive title defense and 17th straight win, wanting a superfight against Francis Ngannou, his rituals and superstitions, and more (41:21).

Promoter Lou DiBella is back to touch on hot-button boxing topics, including the early days of Zuffa Boxing, Conor Benn’s big money signing, Eddie Hearn’s rivalry with Dana White, Anthony Joshua fighting Kristian Prenga rather than Tyson Fury, the Ali Revival Act making its way through Congress, Jake Paul’s latest moves, the state of the industry, and more (1:05:19).

Ariel is joined by The Boys in and Back and Petesy Carroll for On The Nose, with questions about Jiri Prochazka’s recent appearance on the show, Aljamain Sterling’s historical ranking, what’s at stake for Michael Chandler in June, the NBA playoffs, MMA’s intersection with politics, and more (2:10:31).

Ariel closes the show with your Super Chats (3:14:26).

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | WWE roster cuts, Smackdown changes coming, Netflix's Hulk Hogan docuseries Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Jason Solomon is back with a lot to say about the latest round of WWE roster cuts, including one surprising name (04:18). Plus, why people need to stop putting all the blame on TKO, Nick Khan playing the straw man game at a WWE town hall, and more (30:24).

Next, news on NXT PLEs finding a new home, Smackdown reverting back to two hours and why this is a good move (34:25).

Then, thoughts on a big main event signed for Backlash, the Oba Femi open challenge and his direction heading into SummerSlam, and which Smackdown star wants to be a Paul Heyman Girl (41:39).

Plus, a review of Hulk Hogan “Real American” Netflix docuseries, what’s there, what’s missing, and whether it’s worth watching (56:03).

Closing out with news on a potential Lucha Underground revival, the North Carolina town paying homage to Andre the Giant, and some listener Q&A (1:12:11).

Jiří Procházka, Aljamain Sterling, Davey Grant, weekend recap, Fury x AJ signed?! Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with a recap of his travels and thoughts on Netflix’s Hulk Hogan docuseries, before reacting to Aljamain Sterling’s win over Youssef Zalal and what it means for the UFC’s featherweight division, as well as the rest of the card (05:04).

Jiří Procházka returns to discuss his experience as a new father, reflect on the UFC 327 loss to Carlos Ulberg, react to Ulberg’s recent comments, express his interest in a rematch, explain what improvements he will make moving forward, call for fights against Paulo Costa and Magomed Ankalaev, and more (32:26).

Davey Grant joins on the heels of his win against Adrian Luna Martinetti to talk about moving his family to Las Vegas, his children taking up the family business, his martial arts journey, what he wants next, and more (57:53).

Ariel gives his reaction to recent hints dropped by Benoit Saint Denis and Paddy Pimblett about their next bookings (1:26:15).

Aljamain Sterling is our final guest of the day, breaking down Saturday’s victory, making his case for a fight against Alex Volkanovski, then discussing his relationship with the UFC, clapping back at fans on social media, what his legacy will be, and more (1:31:57).

Ariel brings back The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll to cover recent news, including UFC’s Serbian debut, talks of Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua finally happening, Dana White at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Khamzat Chimaev and Kayla Harrison firing shots at Ronda Rousey, and more (2:12:16).

Finally, Ariel and crew answer your Super Chats (3:41:58).

Inside Boxing | Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani preview, Jarrell Miller beats Lenier Pero Apr 26, 2026

Show notes

Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani are ready to do battle in what is being billed as the biggest fight in Japanese history. Inoue is the favorite, but has shown some vulnerabilities over his last few fights. Can Nakatani, a former champion in his own right, pull off the upset (04:42)?

Jarrell Miller picked up a hard-fought victory over Lenier Pero in Las Vegas and quickly called out Deontay Wilder. Wilder is mulling his options after defeating Derek Chisora last month. A Miller vs. Wilder scrap would be a banger at heavyweight, so the guys weigh in (48:19).

Ali Revival Act Senate heating fallout, Alex Pereira's GOAT potential, more | The Craic Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

The Craic is back! This time, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes are joined by special guest John S. Nash.

First up, Nash sheds light on the latest regarding the Ali Revival Act after the Senate hearing debating its merits (1:10).

Then, the lads turn to RAF’s recent momentum, following the news of Khamzat Chimaev’s signing (40:27).

With the White House card looming, does Alex Pereira becoming the promotion’s first three-division champion put him in the GOAT conversation (50:02)?

UFC returns to the Apex this weekend. Petesy and the boys preview Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal (1:19:00) and close the show with some classic Craic banter.

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