The Ariel Helwani Show

Latest Episodes:

UFC to have huge 2026? Eddie Hearn takes on Dana White in MMA? UFC Rio talk | The Craic Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

The Craic is back! Petesy Carroll calls on Chuck Mindenhall to talk this week's biggest headlines.

They kick things off by reacting to Ariel’s loaded 2026 superfight forecast from Monday’s Helwani Show. Can 2026 live up to its decade-old predecessor, 2016? The guys break it all down (00:32).

Also on this week’s programming was Ariel’s interview with Eddie Hearn, whose comments about MMA ruffled some feathers. He teased a potential promotional move into the sport, and the guys discuss how big his involvement could become (32:17).

One promotion still struggling to break through is the PFL. Petesy and Chuck discuss the underwhelming buildup to one of its biggest matchups, Paul Hughes vs. Usman Nurmagomedov 2 (53:43).

To wrap up the show, Chuck gives the lowdown on this weekend's Ice Wars and the duo answer your Super Chats (1:02:52).

Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira: Biggest fight in UFC history? Charles Oliveira's new nickname, UFC Rio preview | The Boys in the Back Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

The Boys in the Back start the show with some news and notes, including Malcolm Wellmaker's next assignment (02:19), Justin Tafa stepping away (03:31), Carl Froch teasing a return (05:01), and Alex Pereira returning to Brazil and the tire shop where he worked (07:21).
Next, The Boys discuss Pereira's call to fight Jon Jones on the UFC's White House card and the impact it would have at both heavyweight and light heavyweight (14:37).
After breaking down UFC Rio (36:53), they make picks (1:08:17) and rank their P4P New York City boroughs (1:17:07), inspired by Charles Oliveira's nickname "Do Bronxs."
The show wraps as it always does, with The Boys listening to your voicemails (1:38:55) and answering your Super Chats (2:47:41).

Eddie Hearn in studio, Dan Hooker, Carlos Ulberg, Paul Hughes, Channing Tatum, wrestling legend Raven Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani starts the show with news from the combat sports world, including the tragic passings of Arturo Gatti Jr. and Suman Mokhtarian, plus Sean Strickland getting married (06:18).

Carlos Ulberg returns, addresses Jiri Prochazka saying he turned down a fight, then talks about only having four weeks to train for Dominick Reyes, being front row for Alex Pereira and Prochazka at UFC 320, how a potential Pereira fight plays out, and more (19:27).

Paul Hughes joins to discuss his rematch against Usman Nurmagomedov, the controversial scoring, referee Keith Peterson’s actions during the fight, his respect for Nurmagomedov and his team, and more (47:48).

Dan Hooker is back to preview his fight against Arman Tsarukyan, explaining where his animosity toward Arman comes from, believing Arman is a rich “daddy’s boy,” responding to Arman’s comments about them being locked in a room, and discusses his 1 Minute Scraps promotion (1:17:39).

Actor Channing Tatum joins ahead of the release of his new movie "Roofman," his life before acting, dealing with impostor syndrome, portraying real-life characters, working with Cung Le and their friendship, his love of MMA, and more (1:44:41).

Eddie Hearn is in-studio to talk about his Netflix series, the recent signing of Ben Whittaker, his growing rivalry with Dana White, his potential interest in entering the MMA space, Chris Eubank’s claims of Matchroom delaying his ambulance and potential legal action, Shakur Stevenson’s next fight, and more (2:09:46).

Wrestling legend Raven joins to discuss his upcoming documentary, whether he has any regrets, why it ultimately didn’t work out with WWE, not watching wrestling anymore, his hardcore MMA fandom, and more (3:05:04).

Arman Tsarukyan, Petr Yan, Joe Pyfer, Sergio Pettis, reaction to Conor McGregor suspension, On The Nose Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with On The Nose, answering questions about Ronda Rousey's return and Gina Carano as a potential opponent, whether Alex Pereira vs. Jon Jones is good for Tom Aspinall, future projects for Uncrowned Films, and more (07:34).

Petr Yan is back and believes he deserves the next UFC bantamweight title shot. He talks about Merab Dvalishvili's UFC 320 win, being willing to fight the champion on Dec. 6, only being 50% in their first fight due to an injured hand, and more (32:53).

Joe Pyfer joins following his UFC 320 win, discussing dealing with a hand injury before the fight, why his game plan was so wrestling-heavy in the first round, his desire for a top 15 fighter next, his new nickname, and more (1:01:08).

Sergio Pettis returns to talk about his highlight-reel knockout at PFL Dubai, what Khabib said to him after the win, training his spinning techniques, wanting to be PFL bantamweight champion, taking a boxing match in India, fighting for Rizin, and more (1:29:16).

Ariel and the Boys in the Back react to breaking news of Conor McGregor's suspension for violating the whereabouts policy of the UFC's anti-doping program, and answer more On The Nose question, including Ariel's tortured fandom (1:50:52).

Arman Tsarukyan is our final guest of the day, previewing his fight against Dan Hooker, explaining what will happen if they cross paths before the fight, reacting to Hooker saying it's on-sight, before talking about training with Khamzat Chimaev, his viral food videos, and more (2:30:58).

The show closes with your Super Chats (3:10:25).

UFC 320 reaction, Jiri Prochazka, Youssef Zalal, Veronica Hardy, coach John Wood, more Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping a wild weekend, starting with his experience at BKFC Newark, before moving on to UFC 320 and Alex Pereira's callout of Jon Jones (05:24).

Coach John Wood discusses being in the corner for back-to-back fights at UFC 320, with Merab Dvalishvili picking up a huge win and Khalil Rountree Jr.'s valiant effort against Jiri Prochazka. Wood details Dvalishvili's dominance, the potential of Ateba Gautier, and more (1:02:53).

Youssef Zalal is back after a big win, talking about the submission and Josh Emmett's verbal tap, his callout of Lerone Murphy, why it was such a long layoff between fights, wanting to return in December, and more (1:32:15).

Veronica Hardy breaks down her win over Brogan Walker, opens up about gaining confidence and overcoming her own doubts, being coached by Sean Strickland, her broadcasting career, and more (1:56:18).

Jiri Prochazka continues the train of UFC 320 winners, explaining why he didn't feel danger against Rountree, why he was so emotional while watching Alex Pereira's win in the main event, before revealing that Carlos Ulberg turned him down, wanting to confront Ankalaev and his manager about their social media posts, and more (2:32:32).

Finally, the Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll re-join Ariel to give thoughts on Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes 2, circle back to Ariel's time at BKFC and UFC 320, and wrap with your Super Chats (2:57:40).

UFC 320 Post-Fight Show: Alex Pereira gets revenge on Magomed Ankalaev, Merab Dvalishvili becomes bantamweight GOAT? Oct 05, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani is joined by Petesy Carroll to give their immediate reactions to UFC 320, starting with Alex Pereira's blistering knockout of Magomed Ankalaev in their rematch (00:26).

After discussing what could be next for Pereira — Jiri Prochazka, Carlos Ulberg, heavyweight (09:16) — they break down Prochazka's own impressive win over Khalil Rountree (22:12).

Next, they look at Merab Dvalishvili's dominance against Cory Sandhagen and wonder whether he's cemented himself as the bantamweight GOAT (22:56).

Performances by main card winners Youssef Zalal (32:10) and Joe Pyfer (36:18) get mention, before wrapping up with a review of the prelims (40:33) and BKFC's show in Newark (54:43).

50-45?! Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes 2 Post-Fight Show Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani & Petesy Carroll give their immediate reactions after PFL Champions Series 2, headlined by the highly-anticipated rematch between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes.

They begin with a discussion about the main event, including the controversial scorecards (00:45) and where Hughes goes from here (33:31).

Next, they cover Corey Anderson’s win in the co-main event (34:26) and Sergio Pettis‘ highlight reel knockout (34:52).

Finally, they wrap up the rest of the card (36:00) and discuss PFL’s viability as an international brand (39:36).

UFC 320 weigh-in reaction, Conor McGregor's White House plans, Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes 2, more | The Craic Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

The Craic is back! On an old school episode of The Craic, Petesy Carroll is joined by Brazilian powerhouse journalist Guilherme Cruz. Together, they react to the UFC 320 weigh-ins and talk Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev (00:49).

Shifting from Brazilian MMA to Irish MMA, Petesy Carroll brings in Ireland’s top MMA journalists, Donagh Corby and Andy Stevenson, to cover the latest Irish combat sports news, starting with a breakdown of the UFC welterweight clash between Ian Machado Garry and Belal Muhammad (27:57).

From one Irish MMA star to the next, the guys move on to Conor McGregor’s latest headline-grabbing interview, reacting to his claim that his fight is signed for the White House card (37:58).

To close the show, the trio looks ahead to tonight’s PFL superfight: Paul Hughes vs. Usman Nurmagomedov (54:13).

Conor McGregor says White House fight 'signed,' UFC Qatar reaction, UFC 320 & PFL preview | The Boys in the Back Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

The Boys in the Back begin the show by reacting to Conor McGregor's recent update about fighting at the White House (02:12) and two huge fights announced for UFC Qatar: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker and Belal Muhammad vs. Ian Machado Garry (08:06).

Next, they preview UFC 320 (20:15), PFL Champions Series 2: Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes 2 (1:19:04), and BKFC Newark (1:28:15), before making picks (1:40:30) and debuting a brand new Fight Feasts (1:45:22).

Finally, the Boys deliver their P4P documentary rankings (1:59:23), listen to your voicemails (2:22:43), and answer your Super Chats (3:10:31).

Mark Kerr, David Feldman in studio, Does the UFC need Alex Pereira to win at UFC 320? Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani and the Boys in the Back kick off the show by answering your On The Nose questions (05:20).

MMA pioneer Mark Kerr joins to discuss the making of the original “The Smashing Machine” documentary, why he decided to open up about his struggles with addiction, receiving the call from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson about wanting to lead the new film, where he is now in life, and more (34:28).

BKFC founder Dave Feldman is back in-studio to preview the promotions debut in New Jersey, including Frankie Edgar’s status and the animosity between Mike Perry and Jeremy Stephens. Plus, Feldman reacts to recent comments from Darren Till and Luke Rockhold, talks about wanting to sign Jorge Masvidal, wanting to make Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz, BKFC’s current valuation, and more (1:02:29).

Ariel talks more about his upcoming BKFC plans, and answers more questions about McGregor’s White House demands, the appeal of Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira, and more (1:45:01).

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