The Ariel Helwani Show

Latest Episodes:

Inside Boxing | Fundora-Thurman, Itauma-Franklin previews, Ali Revival Act moves closer Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show discussing the recent update with the Muhammad Ali Revival Act and how it will reshape the sport. Will other promoters set up UBOs moving forward?. Will they form a coalition against Zuffa (02:58)?

The IBF officially stripped Jai Opetaia of his cruiserweight belt which led to a bigger discussion of how Zuffa and the sanctioning bodies will coexist. Could Ring Magazine also strip Opetaia who has not fought a top-five ranked opponent in over three years (11:43)?

Next up, it’s time for a Sebastian Fundora-Keith Thurman title fight preview – with betting odds, analysis and predictions from the entire PPV.com fight card. Can Thurman turn back the hands of time or will it be more dominance from Fundora (30:29)?

Lastly, discussion turns to heavyweight phenom Moses Itauma and his fight with veteran Jermaine Franklin. Itauma is widely looked at as the next best heavyweight and a stoppage win over Franklin would be a massive statement (51:06).

LIVE FROM SEATTLE! The Boys preview UFC Seattle & PFL Pittsburgh, P4P reigns, more | The Boys in the Back Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back kick off the show talking about their experience so far at Muckleshoot Casino Resort (02:54).

Then, they dive into their previews of UFC Seattle (14:25) and PFL Pittsburgh (1:01:13), before making picks (1:11:58).

After touching on some recent news and notes (1:18:25), The Boys deliver their P4P reigns (1:24:54), listen to your voicemails (1:47:54) and answer your Super Chats (2:26:59).

Colby Covington, Oscar De La Hoya, Muhammad Mokaev, Salahdine Parnasse, Dalton Rosta, On The Nose, news and notes Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani begins the show with breaking news of Gable Steveson signing with RAF, then brings in The Boys in the Back — live from the Seattle area — and Petesy Carroll to answer your On The Nose questions, with topics including White House card announcements, Conor McGregor continuing to tease his return, whether a Jorge Masvidal comeback is in the works and against who, Jon Jones amplifying support from Francis Ngannou, Paul Hughes being forced out of his next fight, and more (6:54).
Colby Covington joins Ariel for the first time in a long time, previewing his upcoming RAF 7 match against Dillon Danis, discussing his relationship with the UFC, not being selected for the White House card, his beef with Bo Nickal, challenging Georges St-Pierre to a grappling match, whether he’d ever ask for his UFC release, and more (1:01:32).
PFL’s Dalton Rosta makes his show debut, breaking down his upcoming fight against Impa Kasanganay and wanting to earn the next title shot with a win, then talking about his early days in amateur wrestling, how the loss of his father impacted his life and career, fighting in his hometown of Pittsburgh, and more (1:33:56).
KSW double champ Salahdine Parnasse checks in, discussing his decision to re-sign with KSW despite UFC offers, fighting Kenneth Cross on the MVP card on Netlfix, forays into the fashion and music worlds, his interest in boxing, whether he will again attempt to capture a third title in the future, and more (2:03:04).
Muhammad Mokaev is back on the show, talking about his matchup against Adriano Moraes on Netlifx, the strength of the card overall, grappling Arman Tsarukyan at Hype FC, believing Kyoji Horiguchi is UFC’s best flyweight even over champion Joshua Van, talks of fighting Demetrious Johnson, being offered a UFC BJJ match against Mikey Musumeci, training with Moraes previously, and more (2:33:54).
Oscar De La Hoya returns, detailing Golden Boy’s new broadcast deal with DAZN and the state of his relationship with Vergil Ortiz Jr. following Ortiz’s lawsuit against Golden Boy, then giving his opinion on Zuffa Boxing, their belt and the Ring Magazine belt, before discussing Ryan Garcia potentially fighting Devin Haney next, the Ali Revival Act advancing through Congress, his ongoing feud with Dana White, and more (3:01:19).
Ariel answers a few more On The Nose questions (3:35:12) and ends with your Super Chats (3:41:18).

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | Roman Reigns DESTROYS CM Punk, Tony Khan bids for WWE, Ricochet apologizes Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

Jason is back with thoughts on the death of Dennis Condrey, one half of the Midnight Express, and his contribution as one of the greatest tag team wrestlers of all time, as well as the death of actor Chuck Norris and his involvement in the wrestling world (02:25).

News on Dennis Rodman being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and his history with WCW, as well as breaking news on another induction, "Sycho" Sid Vicious, who joins their legacy class of 2026 (09:02).

Then, key takeaways from Monday Night Raw in Boston, with Roman Reigns destroying CM Punk, Oba Femi once again leveling Brock Lesnar, and Gunther being MIA for the third straight week (15:59).

Plus, news on a successful WWE ticket promotion for 3/16 Day (47:41), Tony Khan bidding to acquire WWE in 2023 when the company was up for sale (52:17), fallout from AEW Revolution, with an update on Ronda Rousey, and Ricochet's apology after his embarrassing tweet (58:39).

Also, former WWE star Ted DiBiase, Jr. acquitted of all charges in his Mississippi fraud case, while another former WWE star speaks with Ariel Helwani about the incident that ended his recent run with the company (1:10:44).

The show ends with some listener Q&A on Cody Rhodes' potential heel name, the Bret Hart WrestleMania match that we almost got in 1986, and why one of DDT Pro Wrestling's biggest stars was just forced into an early retirement (1:18:19).

Francis Ngannou, Jean Silva, PFL CEO John Martin in studio, Sebastian Fundora, news & notes Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani starts today’s show with reaction to Most Valuable Promotions announcing the rest of its Netflix card, including some recognizable names and rising prospects, and reports of Manel Kape vs. Kyoji Horiguchi being booked for June (03:58).

Featherweight contender Jean Silva is next, reacting to the UFC London main event, discussing whether it should be him or Movsar Evloev getting the next title shot, wanting to defend fellow Brazilian Jose Aldo’s legacy against Alexander Volkanovski, why Evloev can’t be trusted to headline the card, suggesting he’d leave the UFC if he he loses to Volkanovski, and more (36:19).

PFL CEO John Martin is back in-studio, talking about the promotion’s debut in Madrid, the potential return of Cedric Doumbe, progress PFL is trying to make in the U.S. market, including negotiations for its next broadcast deal, conversations he’s had with Eddie Hearn, PFL parting ways with Francis Ngannou and Jake Paul, rooting for the success of Netflix’s first MMA card, being open to co-promotion, and more (1:14:55).

Sebastian Fundora joins ahead of his WBC title fight against Keith Thurman, discussing his unconventional training methods, being motivated by the success of his sister Gabriela, his impressions of Zuffa Boxing so far, his love of pro wrestling, the future potential of his youngest sister, excitement in the 154-pound division, and more (2:05:21).

The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to cover recent news, including Golden Boy re-signing with DAZN, Katie Taylor once again teasing a Croke Park fight, Alistair Overeem’s comments about PEDs and testing, the Ali Revival Act passing through the U.S. House of Representatives, and more (2:26:26).

Francis Ngannou is our final guest of the day, talking about his PFL departure, critics claiming he’s damaged his legacy, the recent wave of fighters — including Ronda Rousey — speaking about UFC’s pay and practices, Jon Jones deserving to be paid more than he was reportedly offered for the White House card, Tom Aspinall teaming up with Eddie Hearn, potentially fighting Jake Paul, and more (3:00:12).

Ariel answers your Super Chats to end the show (3:53:58).

Massive weekend recap, Michael "Venom" Page, Costello van Steenis, Iwo Baraniewski, Shanelle Dyer, UFC London results Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani is joined by The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll to recap a busy weekend, but first they check in on GC, as he makes good on cooking Venezuelan arepas for the crew (07:42).

They transition to UFC London, breaking down Movsar Evloev’s win over Lerone Murphy in the main event, whether Evloev or Jean Silva will fight Alexander Volkanovski next, and the overall response to the card from the UK fanbase (12:45).

Next, they touch on Jon Jones’ latest statements regarding negotiations for the White House card, Conor McGregor’s potential return in July, and more (48:01).

PFL middleweight champion Costello van Steenis joins to recap his finish of Fabian Edwards at PFL Madrid, talking about fighting on the same card as his brother Gino, Real Madrid stars showing up to the event, wanting to fight Johnny Eblen again, believing he can beat UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev, and more (1:15;12).

Iwo Baraniewski makes his show debut following a first-round knockout against Austen Lane in London. He discusses the big win, training with fellow Polish fighter Jan Błachowicz, hoping to have three fights in 2026, getting his start in judo before transitioning to MMA, Jon Jones being his favorite fighter, and more (1:36:22).

Michael "Venom" Page is up next, talking about his UFC London performance against Sam Patterson and admitting frustrations, before explaining what potential improvements he could make, whether his recent string of decisions adds pressure, his recent comments about fighter pay, why he felt disrespected with his placement on the card, having one fight remaining on his contract, who he wants to fight next, and more (2:00:14).

Shanelle Dyer speaks to Ariel for the first time, reflecting on her impressive UFC debut, then discussing having attended the past six UFC events in London as a fan, starting in Muay Thai after having reservations about MMA, why she parted ways with PFL, getting a post-fight bonus, the story behind her “Nightmare” nickname, and more (2:29:09).

Ariel reacts to more news, including the latest verbal jabs between Dana White and Eddie Hearn, Anthony Joshua training with former foe Oleksandr Usyk, BKFC teasing a massive event, Arman Tsarukyan linking up with IShowSpeed and Khamzat Chimaev, and more (3:06:48).

The show ends with your Super Chats (3:33:38).

Inside Boxing | Shakur Stevenson’s next fight, Oleksandr Usyk’s all-time status, weekend results Mar 22, 2026

Show notes

This week Dan Canobbio is joined by boxing personality Naji Grampus for a fun conversation based around the biggest topics in the sport. The guys begin reacting to Carlos Adames and Lester Martinez’s big wins and forecast what's next (01:38).

Next up, Dan and Naji debate who could potentially give Shakur Stevenson his toughest fight, who he might fight next, and if a mega fight with Gervonta 'Tank' Davis could ever come to fruition (22:10).

The conversation then moves to the heavyweight division, where Oleksandr Usyk is ready to fight kickboxer Rico Verhoeven for the WBC title. Is this fight warranted? Will Usyk fight Agit Kabayel? Where does Usyk rank among the all-time greats (42:22)?

Finally, the guys discuss the upcoming fight between Sebastian Fundora and Keith Thurman at 154 pounds (1:00:43).

White House vs. Netflix: Which card wins? UFC London & PFL Madrid previews, more | The Craic Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

The Craic is back! This time, it’s the duo of Petesy Carroll and Ben Fowlkes. To start things off, the lads react to the passing of martial arts icon Chuck Norris (02:21).

Then, they size up UFC's White House event against Netflix’s Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card (13:05).

Another fight on the Netflix card is Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry. Petesy provides an update on Conor McGregor’s return now that Diaz has been ruled out as an opponent (30:51).

Amid ongoing unrest around fighter pay, several retired UFC veterans have spoken out against the promotion’s model, giving the guys plenty to dig into (50:02).

There’s fights this weekend too. Petesy and Ben break down PFL’s big media push for their Friday night Madrid card (55:36), and preview UFC London’s main event: Lerone Murphy vs. Mosvar Evloev (01:02:42).

Inside Boxing | Top Rank and DAZN broadcast deal, PBC announces May 2 undercard, weekend preview Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

The boys are back! Dan Canobbio and Chris Algeri start the show by reacting to Top Rank’s new partnership with DAZN – what are the details, what it could mean for future fights and DAZN’s imprint in the US (03:04).
Next up, PBC announced their full undercard for the May 2 card headlined by Gilberto Ramirez vs. David Benavidez and it features all high-energy fights that will not disappoint (35:09).

Finally, the guys preview the weekend fights – Lester Martinez vs. Immanuel Aleem and Carlos Adames vs. Ammo Williams (41:31)!

UFC featherweight title picture, UFC London & PFL Madrid previews, P4P British slang, voicemails, more | The Boys in the Back Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back cover some recent news, including UFC appointing the Association of Boxing Commissions as regulator for the White House event (02:16), Robert Whittaker saying he's got a light heavyweight opponent lined up (06:25), and more.
Then, they start their UFC London preview, discussing Jean Silva's looming shadow over the main event (10:52), whether Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy will earn a title shot (16:02), and the rest of the card (41:19).

After previewing PFL Madrid (1:08:03), the Boys make picks (1:13:03), deliver their P4P lists of British slang (1:18:10), listen to your voicemails (1:40:56), and answer your Super Chats (2:29:16).

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