The Ariel Helwani Show

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TKO's attempt to alter the Ali Act, Conor McGregor appeal dismissed, the end of heavyweight? Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

Petesy and Chuck previously promised to get an authority on the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act - the amendment the entity known as TKO boxing are attempting to have written into law - and they provided it this week as John S. Nash joins the show to give insights on the topic (04:27).

The conversation then moved onto Conor McGregor's failed attempt to appeal a civil court finding that he sexually assaulted an Irish woman, Nikita Hand, in a Dublin hotel in December 2018 (34:43).

The lads then discuss comments from Matt Brown claiming that Tom Aspinall is fighting to keep the heavyweight division alive when he faces Ciryl Gane on October 25th (44:27), before they take a look at this weekend's action from PFL and UFC (56:26)

Ben 'The Bane' Davis joins the Boys in studio, Conor McGregor loses his appeal, P4P reality TV shows, more | The Boys in the Back Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

The Boys in the Back kick things off with the results of Uncrowned's poker table felt auction benefitting Ben Askren.
Next, Petesy Carroll joins to provide an update on Conor McGregor’s sexual assault case appeal (04:50).
Then, Ben 'The Bane' Davis comes in studio to help the Boys break down all of UFC Vegas 108 (12:22), headlined by Tatsuro Taira vs. Hyun Sung Park, before hitting Friday’s PFL World Tournament Finals (33:53).

After making picks (44:06), Ben discusses competing all over combat sports (49:10) and breaks down his experience as a “new threat” on The Challenge: Season 41 (58:55).

They finish up by giving their P4P reality TV shows (1:46:54), listening to your voicemails (2:17:24), and answering your Super Chats (2:57:02).

Doctor Mike and Josh Barnett in studio, Johnny Eblen, On the Nose, weekend preview, Ben Askren Day Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani and the Boys in the Back kick off the show by answering your On the Nose questions (07:47).

Johnny Eblen is the first guest of the day, coming off his title stunner at PFL Africa against Costello van Steenis. He discusses what went wrong in the fight, why the PFL won’t book the rematch, his long layoff and more (43:46).

Josh Barnett joins Ariel in-studio to discuss Bill Goldberg’s retirement match, his wrestling promotion Bloodsport and its next event, the UFC settlement deal, his MMA GOATs, and all things combat sports (1:09:14).

Doctor Mike — a YouTube star, practicing family physician, and influencer boxer — is next up in the studio, and he talks the intersection of combat sports and medicine, calls for a fight with RFK Jr., breaks down Ben Askren’s recovery, looks at MMA’s most gruesome injuries, and much more (2:07:10).

Ariel and the crew wrap things up by answering your Super Chats — all directly supporting Ben Askren — and more On the Nose questions (3:06:40).

Ariel x Ade, episode 36: Claressa Shields goes off on Laila Ali, Cris Cyborg and Shadasia Green! Plus, Xander Zayas and ‘Shu Shu’ Carrington get big wins, Dmitry Salita joins, more Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani and Ade Oladipo begin the show with a reaction to Claressa Shields’ dominant victory over Lani Daniels (1:41), discussing Shields' star status and debating who she should fight next (06:23), mentioning Laila Ali, Cris Cyborg and Shadasia Green as options.

Next, they discuss the current women's pound-for-pound (11:04), before Shields herself joins to discuss Daniels' unusual tactics, her free agency, her feelings on potential opponents like Ali, Cyborg, and Green, and more (15:16).

Dmitry Salita, Shields' promoter, calls in to discuss her huge weekend and weighs in on her next move (37:12).

The duo touches on Xander Zayas’ win over Jorge Garcia to become the WBO junior middleweight champion (51:00), which headlined Top Rank’s final card under their ESPN deal.

Then, they turn to Jaron 'Boots' Ennis' proposed fight against Josh Kelly (56:50), transition to a preview of Lewis Crocker vs. Paddy Donovan 2 (58:56), and end by delivering the Parting Shot (1:06:00).

Rory MacDonald, Jailton Almeida, Tatsuro Taira, Fernand Lopez, Shadasia Green, more Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani and The Boys in the Back kick things off with updates on Ben Askren and Robert Whittaker, as well as hitting all the latest news and notes (05:54).

Tatsuro Taira is the first guest and joins ahead of his headliner at UFC Vegas 108. He discusses rebounding after his first career loss, Amir Albazi’s withdrawal, Alexandre Pantoja and Joshua Van's anticipated matchup, and more (19:50).

Newly unified super middleweight champion Shadasia Green calls in to discuss her win over Savannah Marshall and a potential next fight against Claressa Shields (38:16).

Jailton Almeida joins ahead of his UFC 321 co-main event against Alexander Volkov and talks about wanting the title shot with a win, moving down to light heavyweight, his social media callouts, Ciryl Gane’s place in the division, and more (1:01:29).

Canadian MMA legend Rory MacDonald calls in after a long time away from the sport to share his thoughts on martial arts fatigue, attending UFC Montreal, his relationship with Dana White, training with 'Wonderboy,' possibly fighting again, and more (1:30:45).

Fernand Lopez, headman at MMA Factory, joins to break down Ciryl Gane’s undisputed heavyweight title shot against Tom Aspinall. He also gets into the controversial win over Alexander Volkov, and more (1:59:44).

Ariel and the crew close things off with your Super Chats (2:31:25).

Ric Flair, Jiri Prochazka, Petr Yan, Lerone Murphy, Steven Nguyen, weekend recap Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani is back in your life and begins with a deep dive into the career and life of Terry "Hulk Hogan" Bollea. Then, the crew joins to help recap the weekend in combat sports (02:01).

Wrestling legend Ric Flair calls in first to reflect on the death of his close friend Hulk Hogan and gets into how the two met, competing with him and their in-ring chemistry throughout his career, being cancer-free, and much more (48:03).

Jiri Prochazka is next up, and he joins to discuss his upcoming fight against Khalil Rountree, trash talk with Magomed Ankalaev, his role as backup fighter for UFC 320's main event, turning down a fight to finish his degree, and more (1:31:20).

Petr Yan calls in hot off his win over Marcus McGhee at UFC Abu Dhabi to talk his leg injury early in the fight, bringing his family in the cage, wanting a title fight next, competing in a reality show with Aljamain Sterling, and more (2:01:58).

Lerone Murphy joins the program ahead of his UFC 319 co-main event against the debuting Aaron Pico. He shares his thoughts on fighting on short notice, his expectations for a title shot with a win, and more (2:31:48).

UFC featherweight Steven Nguyen closes the show following his six-knockdown win over Mohammad Yahya and talks about Jason Herzog’s controversial stoppage, his start in MMA, and more (2:58:33).

The gang rejoins Ariel to share their closing thoughts, recap Claressa Shields’ dominant win, and answer your Super Chats (3:20:59).

Tom Aspinall's reign begins, UFC Abu Dhabi preview, Hulk Hogan remembered, Ali Act amendments | The Craic Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

Petesy Carroll is joined by Chuck Mindenhall to discuss the latest in combat sports, beginning with a reflection on the legacy of the late Hulk Hogan (06:46).

They then dive into Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane. What are the key storylines heading into the matchup, and could this be the start of the Aspinall era? (21:36)

Looking ahead to UFC Abu Dhabi, Robert Whittaker takes on the streaking Reinier de Ridder, and Shara “Bullet” Magomedov returns to action. Petesy and Chuck close out the show by breaking down their favorite matchups on the card (52:44).

UFC Abu Dhabi preview, Ariel Helwani joins to talk Hulk Hogan's legacy, P4P MMA nicknames, more | The Boys in the Back Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

The Boys in the Back start the show by acknowledging Terry ‘Hulk Hogan’ Bollea, who died earlier in the day at 71 years old (00:34).

Then, they break down UFC Abu Dhabi from all angles, starting with the main event matchup between former champion Robert Whittaker and rising contender Reinier de Ridder (04:09), before moving on to the rest of the card (23:23).

Ariel Helwani joins to further discuss Hulk Hogan (54:42), looking at his momental impact on professional wrestling and pop culture, as well as his complicated legacy.

Finally, The Boys transition into their picks (1:21:04) and give their P4P rankings of MMA nicknames (1:28:03), before wrapping up with with your voicemails (1:51:04) and Super Chats (2:35:48).

Darren Till and Luke Rockhold heated faceoff, Tony Ferguson, Dakota Ditcheva, Marcos 'Parrumpa' DaMatta, On The Nose Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Darren Till and Luke Rockhold are first up and join Ariel from Manchester in an exclusive faceoff to preview their upcoming Misfits Boxing 22 fight. After Darren leaves, Luke talks about his transition into boxing (03:01).

Tony Ferguson is the next fighter from the Misfits card to call in before his fight against Salt Papi. He discusses his mindset at age 41, leaving the UFC, his continued interest in Khabib, Conor McGregor’s issues, Dustin Poirier’s sendoff, and more (30:45).

Ariel and the crew provide a powerful update on Ben Askren’s health via his Instagram, react to the news of the TKO-backed bill in Congress, and get to your burning On the Nose questions (56:50).

ATT coach Marcos "Parrumpa" DaMatta is next up, and he breaks down Alexandre Pantoja’s run to the title and fight against Joshua Van, Renato Moicano’s loss and recent controversial decision, Arman Tsarukyan’s claim for the next title shot, and more (2:08:12).

Dakota Ditcheva is the last guest after her latest win at PFL Africa, and she talks about signing a new contract, being frustrated due to inactivity, looking up to Kayla Harrison, her next fight, and more (2:39:15).

Ariel and the Boys in the Back end the day with your Super Chats and some breaking news (3:09:52).

BREAKING: Blockbuster fights announced for UFC 320 and 321; Ariel Helwani gives his instant reaction Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

On Tuesday night, Dana White broke massive news, announcing three fights — Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira, Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen, and Jiri Prochazka vs. Khalil Rountree — to take place at UFC 320, with Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane set to headline UFC 321.
Ariel Helwani and the Boys in the Back give their immediate reactions to the fights, discuss which is the most significant booking, predicts odds for the announced title fights and more.

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