The Ariel Helwani Show

Latest Episodes:

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | WrestleMania 42 Night One Review With A LOT Left To Be Desired Apr 19, 2026

Show notes

Solomonster is here with a WrestleMania 42 recap for Night 1 in Las Vegas with Cody Rhodes retaining the WWE title over Randy Orton in a match that turned into something of a mess psychology-wise and where things stand with Pat McAfee, new champions crowned including the return of a big women's name, Bron Breakker costs Seth Rollins, and Bianca Belair returns to make a MAJOR announcement. Turns out she's going to be out of the ring quite a bit longer, but for a good reason!

UFC White House card not political? Saudi Arabia pulls sports funding, more | The Craic Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

The Craic returns with Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes back together as usual. After catching up, the lads react to Dana White’s comments insisting the UFC’s White House event is not political (8:48).

Following reports that Saudi Arabia has pulled its funding from LIV Golf, the boys explore what it could mean for combat sports’ ties to the country and its boxing figurehead, Turki Al-Sheikh (38:23).

Paddy Pimblett also stirred interest by revealing he’ll be fighting at International Fight Week, which is rumored to feature Conor McGregor’s return. The trio map out what that card could look like (46:59).

Another UFC star making headlines was Arman Tsarukyan, after a viral video surfaced showing him being kicked off a flight, which prompts a reaction on the show (51:01).

Ronda Rousey’s return to MMA has also sparked debate, with her comments on the UFC and Kayla Harrison giving the lads plenty to unpack (55:18).

The trio preview this weekend’s combat sports fixtures, including UFC Winnipeg headlined by Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott (01:04:30), before answering your Super Chats (01:07:58).

Inside Boxing | Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn rumors, Inoue vs. Nakatani quickly approaching, weekend picks Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

We open the show discussing Dan Canobbio’s experience at the MVP MMA press conference, interviewing Nate Diaz and Francis Ngannou, and all the behind the scenes scenes for the upcoming Netlfix card on May 16 (01:17).
With Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani quickly approaching, Dan and Chris Algieri look at the storylines around what is the biggest fight in Japanese history. Can Nakatani pull off the upset? Will Inoue go to featherweight after the fight (13:46)?
Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn are in serious talks for a summer showdown in Las Vegas. The fight would be for Garcia’s WBC welterweight title and would be big business. But what happened to the Devin Haney rematch (34:29)?
Shakur Stevenson recently showed interest in going back down to lightweight to fight the IBF champion, Raymond Muratalla. The guys debate if that is the right move for Shakur and what weight class he could settle in at (43:07).
Finally, we hit the latest in the light heavyweight division, where Callum Smith-David Morrell was postponed and Ben Whittaker will now be the main event. How far away is he from title contention (46:57)?

UFC heavyweight division saved, Ronda Rousey goes off on Kayla Harrison, more | The Boys in the Back Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back kick off the show by reading your five-star podcast reviews (02:13), before jumping into the beef between Ronda Rousey and Kayla Harrison, prompted by Rousey going off on Harrison during yesterday's Netflix press conference (08:16).

Next, they tackle news and notes from the combat world (41:12) and debate whether UFC's heavyweight division has new life (51:05).

Then, they preview UFC Winnipeg (1:02:00) and PFL Belfast (1:20:48), make picks (1:22:13), and deliver their P4P burns (1:26:33).

Finally, The Boys listen to your voicemails (2:06:11) and answer your Super Chats (2:40:06).

Gina Carano & Mike Perry in studio, CJ Perry previews WrestleMania 42, On The Nose Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani answers your On The Nose questions — with the help of The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll — to start the show (06:29).

Next, he’s joined in studio by MMA pioneer Gina Carano to discuss her motivation for fighting Ronda Rousey, mental and physical changes ahead of the fight, negotiations with Dana White and UFC before landing with Netflix, and more (30:12).

Mike Perry is back in studio with Ariel, talking about his return to MMA against Nate Diaz, his contract status with BKFC, Darren Till signing with the promotion, a potential fight against Conor McGregor, dealing with the IRS, his Michigan upbringing, his predictions for the Netflix card, and more (1:20:45).

CJ Perry is up next, previewing WrestleMania 42 from top to bottom, talking about her husband Rusev’s WWE career, working in the worlds of wrestling and acting, including her own WrestleMania memories, her friend Liv Morgan getting into the music industry, and more (2:17:59).

The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll come back to finish up On The Nose and answer your Super Chats (2:59:37).

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | WrestleMania 42 predictions, AEW Dynasty review, “stabbing” incident update Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

The Solomonster is back and he's not happy about the Pat McAfee follow-up on Smackdown, which has consumed the entire Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton story (4:37).

Then it's into a preview and predictions for WrestleMania 42, including thoughts on Raw's final showdown between CM Punk and Roman Reigns, Oba Femi's big night on the microphone, addressing his match with Brock Lesnar (11:06).

Then he reviews the AEW Dynasty PPV, where it was a GOOD NIGHT TO BE A BAD GUY, plus thoughts on why he thinks Darby Allin could very likely win the AEW world championship from MJF this week on Dynamite (51:04).

Plus an update on the alleged stabbing at an independent show in Chicago last month, with local police ruling there was no such stabbing, but that didn't stop the venue where it happened from losing its license to host wrestling shows (1:21:57).

Eddie Hearn, Paulo Costa, Alycia Baumgardner & Alex Terrible IN STUDIO, Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Garry in Philly? Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani starts the show by reacting to the faceoff between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven (04:12).

Boxing champ Alycia Baumgardner, who headlines the Theater at Madison Square Garden on Friday, joins Ariel in-studio to preview her bout against Bo Mi Re Shin, then discuss not being in the Ring P4P rankings, potential superfights against Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, Caroline Dubois’ recent win, believing Mikaela Mayer can beat Claressa Shields, accusations made by fighters and fans due to her physique, ongoing conversations with WWE, and more (09:54).

Ariel and the Boys in the Back tackle some recent news and notes, including one fan’s stunning Jon Jones tattoo, the latest UFC rankings, and more (46:28). Plus, your Super Chats (1:22:38).

Paulo Costa is back following his massive win over Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327, talking about his beef with Josh Hokit, whether he could be fighting for UFC gold while Carlos Ulberg heals up, his feeling on Ulberg’s performance against Jiri Prochazka, his reaction to Prochazka saying he showed Ulberg “mercy,” believing Israel Adesanya should retire, having one fight remaining on his UFC contract, and more (1:38:32).

Deathcore artist and Slaughter to Prevail frontman Alex Terrible is in-studio with Ariel to discuss his family life, being on tour and experiencing burnout, his upcoming BKFC fight, the meaning behind his tattoos, grappling with tigers and bears, and more (2:11:04).

Eddie Hearn returns to react to the performances of Tyson Fury and Conor Benn’s fights on Netflix, then reveals details from the night, including Anthony Joshua being asked to go into the ring and ongoing negotiations for the Fury fight. Plus, he reviews the latest Zuffa Boxing events, accepts Dana White’s challenge to a boxing match, gives an update on Tom Aspinall, and more (3:04:50).

Ariel wraps up with a few more Super Chats (3:59:43).

UFC 327 reaction, Carlos Ulberg, Daniel Rodriguez, Shakur Stevenson, Kevin Holland, Cub Swanson, Eugene Bareman, massive weekend recap, more Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show recapping a huge combat sports weekend, starting with UFC 327.

Joined by the Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll, the gang discusses Carlos Ulberg’s incredible one-legged knockout of Jiri Prochazka, Josh Hokit stealing the show all week, and the rest of the card (16:41).

Newly-crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg stops by to reflect on the massive victory and knee injury he suffered in the fight, respond to Prochazka saying he showed “mercy,” calling him a “pretender,” look ahead to his recovery, and more (1:01:06).

Cub Swanson is back to break down his storybook retirement fight, including the buildup to the moment, the fight itself, the reception from fans and fellow fighters, celebrating the win with his family, and more (1:31:59).

Daniel Rodriguez returns to reveal details about his long hiatus, being detained in Mexico while crossing the border with marijuana, support he received while in jail, finding ways to exercise and make the best of his conditions, remaining motivated, how he was able to negotiate his release, and more (2:05:37).

Kevin Holland joins following his impressive performance against Randy Brown at UFC 327, talking about his ranch and horses, his younger brother getting into the fight game, Brown’s ability to fight off submissions, wanting another crack at both Mike Malott and Daniel Rodriguez, and more (2:37:37).

City Kickboxing head coach Eugene Bareman is back on the show, discussing Ulberg’s UFC 327 win, their camp for the fight, his real-time thoughts after Ulberg’s injury, his reaction to Prochazka’s “mercy” comments, Ulberg potentially fighting Magomed Ankalaev in his first title defense, his feelings on Israel Adesanya’s next move, and more (3:01:04).

WBO super lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson is our final guest of the day, reacting to Conor Benn’s performance against Regis Prograis, being stripped of the WBC title and the politics involved, who he hopes to fight next, and more (3:36:14).

Ariel closes the show with some other news and notes (3:57:29), before answering your Super Chats (4:58:22).

Inside Boxing | Tyson Fury victorious in return, eyes clash with Anthony Joshua, Conor Benn looks shaky against Regis Prograis Apr 12, 2026

Show notes

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri are back breaking down Tyson Fury's win over Arslanbek Makhmudov and whether we will finally see the Anthony Joshua fight. Joshua was ringside for the win, but did not enter the ring or accept the fight which leads to even more speculation (03:18).

Conor Benn got a win over Regis Prograis -- but did not look good -- raising even more questions about his future in the sport. Could a fight with Ryan Garcia be next for Benn? Should Benn take an easier route or "cash out" against a notable champion at welterweight (30:03)?

UFC 327 Post-Fight Show: Carlos Ulberg KOs Jiri Prochazaka on one leg, new White House fight announced, more Apr 12, 2026

Show notes

Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall are joined by Ben Fowlkes to react to a wild UFC 327 card, starting with Carlos Ulberg's shocking KO of Jiri Prochazka, despite blowing out his knee (01:59).

The lads also discuss Paulo Costa's upset of Azamat Murzakanov (17:58), the Fight of the Year contender between Josh Hokit and Curtis Blaydes (22:43), Cub Swanson's storybook ending (37:10), and the rest of the card (44:01).

Before signing off, they touch on Gable Steveson signing with the UFC and debuting in July (45:01), Tyson Fury's Netflix win and Anthony Joshua callout (51:27), Conor Benn's lackluster showing (54:18) and results from PFL Chicago (59:53).

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