The Ariel Helwani Show

Latest Episodes:

Maycee Barber, Oban Elliott, Caleb Plant, Jon Jones & Tom Aspinall trolling, what’s going at featherweight? May 27, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani and the Boys in the Back return with a recap of everything that transpired in combat sports over the weekend, including more drama between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinal (03:48).

"The Welsh Gangster" Oban Elliot joins the program to discuss his fight against Seok Hyun Ko, visa issues that forced him out of his bout this weekend, participating in the UFC’s first event in Azerbaijan, Jack Della Maddalena’s title-winning performance, Islam Makhachev’s presence at welterweight, his support of Ian Machado Garry’s title run, his deal with Jon Jones, meeting with WWE stars, and more (31:11).

Maycee Barber calls in before her UFC Vegas 107 main event against Erin Blanchfield to talk about falling ill and pulling out of the Rose Namajunas fight, her mental health struggles, recovery, her six-fight win streak, Valentina Shevchenko’s latest title defense, and more (1:04:26).

Caleb Plant stops by ahead of his fight against Jose Armando Resendiz and discusses his awkward first meeting with Ariel, his loaded shoe collection, details of the failed booking against Jermall Charlo, his longtime relationship with music star Jelly Roll, his start in kickboxing, the state of PBC boxing, Canelo-Crawford, and more (1:33:11).

Ariel and the Boys end the show by answering your Super Chats (2:14:46).

Ilia Topuria splits with coaches, Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez 2? | The Craic May 23, 2025

Show notes

On this week’s show, Petesy Carroll is joined once again by Ben Fowlkes and the returning Shaheen Al-Shatti.

With rumors swirling that Yair Rodriguez may get another crack at Alexander Volkanovski, the lads discuss whether that's the correct fight to make, what happens to Mosvar Evloev, and more (04:56).

Then, the conversation shifts to news that Ilia Topuria has split from his longtime coaches (19:55), leading to discussion about whether the timing will be problematic, and comparisons to Conor McGregor regarding how the star controlled his most recent training camps (22:28).

After touching briefly on the verbal spat between Islam Makhachev and Chael Sonnen (34:47), the lads weigh in on whether Makhachev and Topuria will ever meet in the octagon (48:35).

Finally, the show ends with a recap of Jon Jones' recent social media posts — and how the Tom Aspinall saga has affected his legacy (50:02). Plus, the latest on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford megafight, including Dana White and TKO's involvement (1:00:11).

Debating Jon Jones' complicated legacy, Mairon Santos joins the show, more | The Boys in the Back May 22, 2025

Show notes

The Boys in the Back start the show by breaking down the timeline of Jon Jones’ recent flurry of social media activity (02:34), before debating his complicated legacy and whether retiring before fighting Tom Aspinall hurts how he's viewed (19:57).

UFC featherweight and TUF winner Marion Santos joins the show after his decision victory over Sodiq Yusuff at UFC Vegas 106 to discuss the win, growing up in Brazil, being inspired by Anderson Silva and Charles Oliveira, his relationship with teammate Matheus Camilo, dreams of playing soccer, and more (32:38).

The Boys rank their P4P summer activities (1:05:30), listen to your voicemails (1:27:37), and answer Super Chats (1:48:15).

WWE star Karrion Kross in studio, Renato Moicano, Michael Carter-Williams, On The Nose, more May 21, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani and the Boys in the Back kick off the show by answering your On the Nose questions (06:57).
Renato ‘Money’ Moicano returns ahead of his fight against Beneil Dariush at UFC 317 to discuss Gilbert Burns’ loss, his short-notice title shot against Islam Makhachev, opening a gym in South Florida, his viral social media posts, Arman Tsarukyan’s tough spot, Paddy Pimblett, and Jon Jones possibly retiring. He finishes with some financial insights (1:01:38).

NBA veteran Michael Carter-Williams previews his May 29 boxing debut alongside trainer Jeovanny Estela and discusses how he got into boxing, meeting his trainer, transitioning from basketball, his future in the sport, keeping a close eye on MISFITS, dealing with nerves, and more (1:32:48).

WWE star Karrion Kross joins in-studio to talk about his recent meteoric run, leaning into honesty, his YouTube channel and documentary, his confusingly long layoff, Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport event, taking inspiration from ‘The Smashing Machine,’ his limited involvement in WrestleMania 41, his issues with Logan Paul, being released and other hardships, his relationship with his wife in and out of the business, his beginnings in combat sports, the release of his book, and many more stories from his life and career (1:56:25).

Ariel is rejoined by the crew to round out the show and answer your hard-hitting Super Chats (3:22:56).

Ariel x Ade, episode 27: What's up with Canelo vs. Crawford? Boots vs. Lopez? Plus, Dave Allen reacts to Johnny Fisher KO May 20, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani and Ade Oladipo kick off the show with a deep dive into Dave Allen’s brutal knockout of Johnny Fisher in their rematch (01:56), and the ‘White Rhino’ joins the program to talk about the victory, being motivated by his family, potential next matchups, and gives Fisher some advice (13:57).

Next, the duo discusses 20-year-old heavyweight phenom Moses Itauma’s 2025 debut against Mike Balogun (43:51), followed by a look at the recent drama surrounding the highly-anticipated Canelo vs. Crawford megafight, including Eddie’s concerning comments (47:36).

Then, they touch on the rumored booking of Teofimo Lopez vs. Jaron 'Boots' Ennis and debate how the size difference could affect the fight (58:00).

Finally, they debate what's next for Jake Paul, including potential KSI and Darren Till fights, before Ade shuts down an exhibition against Gervonta Davis (1:00:44).

They look ahead to this weekend’s fights, including the Championing Mental Health event on Thursday and Josh Taylor’s return on Saturday (1:10:06), before wrapping things up with the Parting Shot (1:12:08).

Jose Aldo explains retirement, Mateusz Gamrot calls out every lightweight, Ryan Bader on new deal, Angela Lee Pucci on teaming with UFC May 20, 2025

Show notes

Angela Lee Pucci, former ONE atomweight champion, joins Ariel Helwani to discuss her nonprofit organization, Fightstory, which provides mental health support for combat sports athletes. She discusses her late sister's influence, partnering with the UFC, new initiatives, misconceptions about fighters seeking help, the negative impacts of social media, getting back into training, and more (07:43).

Mateusz Gamrot calls in to break down his upcoming fight against Ludovit Klein, his loss to Dan Hooker, his back and forth with Arman Tsarukyan, Paddy Pimblett’s rise through the rankings, living at American Top Team, Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira, potential matchups with other fighters in the stacked lightweight division, and more (28:36).

Jose Aldo stops by after his recent retirement announcement to discuss his legendary career as champion in the WEC and the UFC, his decision to end his fighting journey in Montréal, his tough weight cuts, post-fighting plans, his recent matchups, the controversial Aiemann Zahabi loss, and his favorite memories from his 21-year professional career (1:02:50).

Ryan Bader joins the program to talk about signing with RIZIN, the opportunity to fight in Japan, playing Mark Coleman in 'The Smashing Machine,' his next matchup, fighting all over the world early in his career, and more (1:47:20).

Ariel and the Boys in the Back come together to answer your Super Chats (2:02:21).

Jake Paul, Ian Machado Garry, Michael Morales, Holly Holm, Claressa Shields in studio May 19, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani and the Boys in the Back get started by debating the meaning of Jon Jones’ latest series of social media posts (09:44) and Chael Sonnen’s latest comments (25:48), along with the news and notes from around the sport.
Michael Morales, undefeated UFC phenom and ranked welterweight, joins after his massive first-round KO over Gilbert Burns to discuss the quick finish, meeting fellow Ecuadorian 'Chit'o Vera, wanting to beat up Ian Machado Garry, his path to the title, and more (44:30).

Ian Machado Garry returns to the program to discuss being the backup fighter at UFC 315, Jack Della Maddalena’s title victory over Belal Muhammad, Islam Makhachev moving up, a fight against Sean Brady, the depth of the welterweight division, Michael Morales’ callout, Charles Oliveira vs. Ilia Topuria, and more (1:01:54).
Holly Holm calls in after announcing her return to boxing with Most Valuable Promotions and breaks down her upcoming fight and return to the sweet science, the GFL’s dissolution, her future in MMA, her legendary two-sport hall of fame career, Harrison-Peña for the 135 title, and more (1:35:39).
Claressa Shields, two-time Olympic gold medalist and current three-division undisputed boxing champion, joins Ariel in the studio and gets into her upcoming bout against Lani Daniels, only sparring men, returning to the Olympics, Ade Oladipo’s comments on the quality of her recent opponents, her beef with MVP and Jake Paul, Shadasia Green, Taylor-Serrano 3 on Netflix, her relationship with Alycia Baumgardner, her short-lived suspension, fighting in the PFL, and much more (2:06:25).
Jake Paul joins to preview his fight against Julio César Chávez Jr. and discuss MVP’s huge moves in women’s boxing, fighting Mike Tyson with a hurt ankle, fights falling through against Canelo Alvarez and Gervonta Davis, the status of his long-time feud with KSI, a rematch with Tommy Fury, a megafight with Anthony Joshua next year, and more (3:05:44).

Sleeping on Dricus du Plessis in Khamzat Chimaev fight? PFL woes continue, more | The Craic May 16, 2025

Show notes

On this week’s show, Petesy Carroll is joined by The Craic alum Chuck Mindenhall and Ben Fowlkes.

After a brief tangent discussing Petesy’s dream journal, the fellas dive into the biggest storylines surrounding Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus du Plessis — most notably, whether Du Plessis is being slept on yet again as an underdog (8:29).

From there, the conversation shifts to the PFL, which is back in the headlines — and not in a good way. The crew unpacks the organization parting ways with one of its biggest stars, Patchy Mix, and what that might signal for the promotion’s future (29:02).

That leads into a broader discussion on UFC matchmaking, sparked by the aftermath of the Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev superfight that never materialized. The guys examine what it says about how marquee fights are being made today (42:24).

Staying on the topic of missed opportunities, they then turn to another major bout stuck in limbo: Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones. The trio break down the potential reasons behind the holdup and what it could take to finally make the fight happen (55:44).

To wrap things up, the chaps preview this weekend’s matchup between Gilbert Burns and Michael Morales — and discuss whether Morales could be the next elite contender to emerge at welterweight (1:07:29).

Join us on the bike: avironactive.com/uncrowned

Is Islam Makhachev the lightweight GOAT? Ilia Topuria sounds off again, UFC Vegas 106 preview | The Boys in the Back May 15, 2025

Show notes

The Boys in the Back begin the show by breaking down the various cases for MMA's lightweight GOAT, including where Islam Makhachev falls in that conversation after vacating his title (01:40).

Then, they discuss the ongoing war of words between Makhachev and Ilia Topuria (32:31), before looking ahead to this weekend's UFC Vegas 106 (49:36).
Finally, the Boys make picks (1:09:26), give their P4P lists of Chicago's best (1:22:31), listen to your voicemails (1:42:19), and answer Super Chats (2:00:42).
Leave us a voicemail: +1-415-787-2482

Darren Till, Valentina Shevchenko, Benoit Saint Denis, Arjan Bhullar and MMA super manager Tim Simpson in studio, On the Nose May 14, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the the show by reacting to the news that Patchy Mix has been released by the PFL (01:44).

Valentina Shevchenko calls in after her UFC flyweight title defense against Manon Fiorot and talks training at Tristar gym, making a bet with Fiorot, a superfight with current strawweight champion Zhang Weili, Chael Sonnen’s problem with her, and more (03:54).

A fired-up Darren Till joins to discuss his Misfits Boxing 21 fight against Darren Stewart, his future in the sport, Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev, a potential fight with KSI, Tommy Fury’s pullout, Mike Perry, the lack of mega-fights in MMA, plus teams up with Ariel against Carl Froch (18:45).

Ariel and the Boys get into some big PFL news and debate the future of the promotion before diving deep into your On the Nose questions (43:29).

Benoit Saint Denis comes on after his rebound victory in Montreal over Kyle Prepolec and speaks on his short-notice opponent change, major additions to his corner, his quick rise through the UFC and the pressure it put on him, Mateusz Gamrot’s message, speaking to the French rugby team, and more (1:21:51).

Tim Simpson, powerhouse MMA manager and founder of Chosen Advisory Group, joins in-studio to break down Jack Della Maddalena’s title-winning victory, Paul Hughes’ Belfast homecoming, matchmaking between his clients, Belal Muhammad’s strategy at UFC 315, Islam Makhachev moving up to welterweight, Leon Edwards, Holloway-Poirier 3, Israel Adesanya, and more stories from managing the sport’s biggest stars (2:02:00).

Former ONE Championship heavyweight champion Arjan Bhullar steps into the studio to discuss his relationship with Daniel Cormier and Cain Velasquez, leaving ONE Championship, his relationship with Chatri Sityodtong, receiving an ultra-rare red card in MMA, TKO’s takeover of combat sports, working with one of India’s richest families on superfights, the documentary coming out about his life, future fight news, and more (2:58:14).

The Boys join Ariel to answer your Super Chats and react to breaking news of Holly Holm signing with Most Valuable Promotions (3:49:06).

Join us on the bike: avironactive.com/uncrowned

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