The Ariel Helwani Show

Latest Episodes:

Ariel is back! Arman Tsarukyan, Jiří Prochzaka, Merab Dvalishvili, Paulo Costa, Patrick Habirora, MASSIVE news update on Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, more Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani is back from the Olympics and he starts the show with a recap of recent news and notes from the combat sports space (11:21).

Jiri Prochazka joins the show to discuss his light heavyweight title fight against Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327, his thoughts on Alex Pereira vacating the belt, training at altitude in Mexico City, the upcoming birth of his child, and more (23:20).

Rising PFL prospect Patrick Habirora is up next, announcing his fight against Benson Henderson in Belgium, then talking about what he hopes to accomplish in the promotion, a potential fight with Cedric Doumbe, and more (50:43).

Merab Dvalishvili is back, breaking down the RAF brawl between Arman Tsarukyan and Georgio Poullas, before moving on to his own career, reflecting on his second fight with Petr Yan, expressing interest in the trilogy being next, supporting Ilia Topuria during his hiatus, and more (1:04:11).

Paulo Costa returns to preview his meeting with Azamat Murzakanov, discussing how the fight came together, diving into his beef with Khamzat Chimaev, predicting the outcome of a potential bout between Chimaev and Sean Strickland, explaining the long layoff from his last fight, and more (1:35:37).

Ariel is joined by The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll to discuss hot topics, including the White House card, Conor McGregor’s next fight, Zuffa Boxing and UFC fighter pay drama, Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven, UFC Mexico, and more (2:07:04).

Arman Tsarukyan is our final guest of the day, going into detail about his explosive grappling match and brawl at RAF 6, opponent Georgio Poullas’ dirty tactics, UFC offering him a title fight in September, linking up with Jake Paul, and more (3:31:15).

Ariel answers your Super Chats to close the show (3:31:15).

Inside Boxing | Oleksandr Usyk to fight kickboxer Rico Verhoeven Mar 01, 2026

Show notes

Inside Boxing is back with the latest from the heavyweight division, as Oleksandr Usyk announced a fight with kickboxing legend, Rico Verhoeven, despite Verhoeven only having one professional boxing match (01:47).

Is the fight really warranted? Should Usyk have fought mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel (16:10)?

Next, the attention moves to the thrilling Emanuel Navarrete vs. Eduardo Nunez unification fight, as well as a full fight card recap (33:23).

UFC Fighter revolt? Ilia Topuria speaks, White House update, more | The Craic Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

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

First up, they take a deep dive into Zuffa Boxing’s recent $15million signing of Conor Benn and what it means for TKO’s first move into boxing (0:14).

That eye-catching payday didn’t go unnoticed in the UFC. The trio explore the growing rumblings of discontent among fighters (44:51).

Then, breaking news lands mid-show, as the lads react live to the announcement that Oleksandr Usyk is set to defend his WBC heavyweight title against Rico Verhoeven (53:00).

From there, they get into Ilia Topuria and Jake Paul’s war of words (59:41), before discussing fighters speaking out about not wanting to compete at the UFC’s proposed White House event (1:03:20).

There’s UFC action this weekend as well, with Petesy and the lads previewing Brandon Moreno vs. late-notice replacement Lone’er Kavanagh (1:12:54).

They wrap things up by answering your Super Chats (1:19:06).

Inside Boxing | Frank Warren to sue TKO & Sela for $1 billion, Conor Benn vs. Regis Prograis announced Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

Inside Boxing is back! First up, Dan Canobbio and Chris Algeri tackle the potential $1 billion lawsuit from Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions against TKO Group and Sela and the ramifications it could have on the sport (04:25).

Next, Zuffa Boxing announces that Conor Benn will fight former champion Regis Prograis as the co-main event to Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov (18:21).

Lastly, the attention turns to the super featherweight title fight between Emanuel Navarrete and Eduardo Nunez, including picks, betting odds and analysis (46:10).

Who wins the boxing war? UFC Mexico City preview, P4P loners, voicemails, more | The Boys in the Back Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back break down the drama from the boxing world, including additional details on Conor Benn's $15 million fight (01:47), Frank Warren's $1 billion lawsuit against TKO Group and Sela (19:31), and more (31:47).

Next, they discuss the latest updates on the UFC's White House card (42:18), including reports that Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje might not be the main event (49:58).

Then, they preview UFC Mexico City (1:17:29), make picks (1:34:37), and deliver their P4P loners (1:41:04), before closing the show with voicemails (1:59:51) and Super Chats (2:39:46).

Ariel Helwani Reacts to Classic Interviews, Vol 4: Jon Jones, Rampage Jackson, Dana White, Nick Diaz Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani reacts to his own classic interviews, providing additional insights and behind-the-scenes stories for each.

This volume includes early conversations with some of MMA's most notable names, including Nick Diaz (08:26), 'Rampage' Jackson (19:56), Gina Carano (32:52), Pat Barry (47:40), Dana White (56:35), and Jon Jones (1:05:49).

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | Hall of Fame surprise for AJ Styles on WORST Raw of the year, plus Chamber predictions! Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

Jason Solomon is back with interesting notes from a recent John Cena interview, including how he nearly won his record-breaking 17th World championship at Summerslam five years ago, and why plans changed at the last minute (06:55).

After announcing his retirement from the ring earlier this month, Big E spoke with Sports Illustrated and shared his reasons for stepping away. Solomonster shares that and his own thoughts on the man's career (18:36).

Then, he dives into what he thought was the WORST Monday Night Raw of the year last night, which did include one great segment with the AJ Styles tribute and surprise Hall of Fame announcement from The Undertaker. It was a show that included an injury to Bronson Reed and what it means for the future of The Vision, the underwhelming announcement of Brock Lesnar's open challenge for WrestleMania and Liv Morgan making her decision on which champion to challenge (25:39).

He then gets into the final card for the Elimination Chamber this Saturday and his predictions, but not before sharing some news on another local blackout for the show in Chicago when it comes to watch parties, the same tactic they're using in Las Vegas for WrestleMania (52:50).

For as boring as Raw was this week, he thought AEW turned out its BEST episode of Dynamite last Wednesday, largely off the back of a stellar main event with Kenny Omega and Swerve Strickland, and a MAJOR heel turn after the match. He gets into that, plus the big stipulation added to the match with MJF and Hangman Page at Revolution (1:03:36).

One person who's NOT too happy right now is the Ring of Honor Women's Pure champion, Deonna Purrazzo. He explains why, based off her recent comments, her frustrations with Tony Khan and management there are valid. (1:12:01)

Solomonster wraps up with some listener Q&A on topics including how to make AEW Collision more must-see, the men that have truly benefited from working with Brock Lesnar and when the Smackdown archives are leaving Peacock. (1:17:45)

UFC fighter pay problem brewing? Michael 'Venom' Page joins the show, On The Nose, more | The Boys in the Back Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back kick off the show with some recent news and notes, including UFC 327 fight announcements (04:25), growing beef between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland (10:40), Robert Whittaker moving to light heavyweight (16:44), and more.

Next, they discuss the recent wave of UFC fighters discussing their pay, on the heels of Zuffa Boxing signing Conor Benn to a reported $15 million deal (34:15) and check in on the latest UFC rankings (1:04:01).

After answering a few On The Nose questions (1:14:11), the Boys are joined by Michael 'Venom' Page to talk about his upcoming Total Kombat show, his UFC career, his interests outside the cage, and more (1:37:58).

The show closes with more of your On The Nose questions (2:12:19) and Super Chats (2:53:06).

Sean Strickland next For Khamzat Chimaev? Ariel Helwani joins, UFC Houston recap, Conor Benn to Zuffa, more | The Boys in the Back Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Blizzard kick off the show with Ariel Helwani, who gives his thoughts on Sean Strickland's UFC Houston win, Zuffa Boxing signing Conor Benn, and more (00:56).

Then, the Boys give their own takes on the main event (14:12), before recapping the rest of the UFC Houston card (34:03).

After touching on a few UFC fight announcements (56:03), Petesy Carroll joins the show to discuss PFL revealing Paul Hughes' next fight (1:08:18) and weigh in on the Conor Benn drama (1:18:07).

The Boys recap more action from the weekend, including Gable Steveson's win at MFL 3 (2:06:35), Ryan Garcia capturing WBC gold (2:15:24), and more (2:20:06).
Covering other news and notes, they discuss Conor McGregor wanting a new deal (2:23:14), Khamzat Chimaev teasing a move to light heavyweight (2:28:20), and Jailton Almeida signing with ACA (2:33:43).
After reacting to breaking news of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao boxing in September, (2:35:03), the Boys hit a few more news items (2:41:01) and answer your Super Chats (2:48:46).

Inside Boxing | Ryan Garcia DOMINATES Mario Barrios to win first world title Feb 22, 2026

Show notes

Inside Boxing is here, reacting to Ryan Garcia's massive win (Garcia is now a legit world champion) over Mario Barrios and how he was able to completely disarm Barrios (2:37).

Plus, Garcia's father and head coach had some words for Chris Algeri and his "corny ass partner" for picking against his son (12:07).

The duo dives into what could be next for Garcia, from a showdown with Shakur Stevenson to highly anticipated rematches with Devin Haney or Rolly Romero (18:21).

On to the news of Richardson Hitchins pulling out of his title fight vs. Oscar Duarte with an undisclosed illness. Was this because of the IBF's strict rehydration clause (25:56)?

Stevenson had a lot to say about a potential clash with Garcia, alluding to the fact he believed Garcia is on performance-enhancing drugs (35:54).

The discussion moves onto the undercard that saw Gary Russell defeat Andy Hiraoka and Frank Martin and Nahir Albright fight to a draw (41:11).

The guys turn their attention to arguably the most shocking story in boxing: Conor Benn signing with Zuffa Boxing and what it could mean for the new promotional outfit, as well as Matchroom's Eddie Hearn (48:57).

And finally, it looks like Floyd Mayweather will officially come out of retirement to continue his professional career in 2026 at the age of 49 (1:01:58).

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