The Ariel Helwani Show

Latest Episodes:

Alexander Volkanovski, Cory Sandhagen, Daniel Rodriguez, Sam Alvey, massive weekend reaction, more May 05, 2025

Show notes

Ariel is joined by the Boys in the Back, fresh off their trip to Des Moines, to unpack the huge weekend in combat sports, including Cory Sandhagen’s big win, Bo Nickal’s shocking loss, the underwhelming Times Square card, Canelo’s victory and next fight against Terence Crawford under TKO Boxing, Naoya Inoue’s scary performance, and more (06:15).

Cory Sandhagen is back following his main event against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Des Moines to discuss his injury-induced victory, his social media breakout and lifestyle changes, writing a sci-fi book, his claim to a title shot, Bo Nickal’s loss, and more (1:31:33).

Daniel Rodriguez stops by following his knockout of Santiago Ponzinibbio to talk about why the result was so important, opening a gym in his hometown, recording rap music, turning his life around through MMA after time in jail, a fight with Jake Matthews, and more (2:01:49).

Smilin’ Sam Alvey is back after shocking legend Tyrone Spong to discuss becoming a two-division Karate Combat champion, changing camps, his pre-fight traditions, calling out Eddie Hall, the possibility of fighting Jake Paul, his favorite cheat meal, taking on a gorilla, and more (2:59:21).

Alexander Volkanovski returns as a two-time UFC featherweight champion after his win over Diego Lopes to break down what it meant to regain the belt, getting back on track after back-to-back knockout losses, a potential fight with Movsar Evloev, the state of his division, his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, wanting the Ilia Topuria rematch, Belal Muhammad vs. fellow Aussie Jack Della Maddalena, and more (3:31:08).

Ariel and the Boys finish off by answering some Super Chats (4:12:34).

Ilia Topuria announces UFC 317 Fight, Ian Machado Garry's plans, UFC Des Moines, more | The Craic May 02, 2025

Show notes

The Craic is back! Petesy Carroll is joined by the usual suspects, Chuck Mindenhall and Ben Fowlkes, to break down all the latest headlines.

They kick things off by discussing Ilia Topuria, who’s set to fight at UFC 317 on June 28 — but who’s his opponent? The lads weigh in on who they think would make for Topuria’s most exciting matchup (03:58).

One of those opponents is Islam Makhachev, but does Makhachev want to fight Ilia, or move up to welterweight to face the winner of Jack Della Maddalena vs. Belal Muhammad? The trio explore what the lightweight champion‘s options are (07:52).

Staying with the welterweight division, the conversation shifts to Ian Machado Garry’s recent decision win over Carlos Prates. The chaps discuss Garry’s bold push for a title shot and break down the current pecking order for a crack at the 170-pound title (11:42).

Meanwhile, over in the PFL, Dakota Ditcheva is making waves — not in the cage, but online. Her recent social media posts suggest growing frustration. The crew unpacks the situation and what it might mean for the promotion’s image (20:35).

Next, the focus turns to UFC Des Moines, where Ben Fowlkes shares insights from his recent conversation with Reinier de Ridder, ahead of his bout with Bo Nickal. Can RDR derail the hype train? Plus, the team spotlights other intriguing matchups on the card (35:02).

Switching gears, the lads react to the headline-grabbing Times Square boxing card, featuring Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero — a spectacle as strange as it is compelling (49:02).

To wrap things up, they react to the trailer for The Smashing Machine — the highly anticipated Mark Kerr biopic starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Could this be one of the best MMA films ever made (54:35)?

UFC Des Moines preview, Tom Aspinall's next move, Malcolm Wellmaker joins | The Boys in the Back May 01, 2025

Show notes

The Boys in the Back kick things off with a conversation about Tom Aspinall’s record-breaking tenure as UFC interim heavyweight champion and tackle Jon Jones' looming absence (01:56).

Malcolm Wellmaker, fresh off his bonus-winning KO in Kansas City, joins to discuss making his UFC debut, quitting his job, future plans, and a potential slot on the upcoming Atlanta card (29:30).

Next, the Boys prepare for their Iowa trip by breaking down UFC Des Moines (51:28), and then preview the Times Square boxing card (1:32:15).

Finally, they deliver their P4P tourist traps (1:45:29), craft their parlay (2:17:58), air your voicemails (2:25:23), and answer Super Chats (2:51:23).

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Rampage Jackson, Eddie Hall, Patrice Evra, On The Nose, more Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

Two-time WWE Hall of Famer "Stone Cold" Steve Austin joins the show to discuss going from athlete to interviewer, his Hall of Fame match against Bret Hart, Logan Paul’s WrestleMania 41 offer, his opinion on the state of the business, John Cena’s heel turn, and reflects on his most memorable career moments (15:43).

French football legend and former Manchester United star Patrice Evra previews his MMA debut and goes into why he chose to sign with the PFL, debuting in Paris, calling out Luis Suárez, his future in the sport, his relationship with Khabib, training with Paul Pogba and other stars, and more (59:12).

Eddie Hall rejoins after his vicious 30-second TKO of Mariusz Pudzianowski at KSW 105 and talks about his MMA future, the controversial finish, the size difference, a possible rematch, Dillon Danis and Misfits Boxing, another 2 vs. 1 match, Francis Ngannou, pro wrestling, and wraps up by answering a burning question (1:31:26).

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson checks in to discuss the cancelation of his boxing match with Rashad Evans, coaching against Henry Cejudo at Friday's UFL event, his feud with Ian Machado Garry, his Kevin Holland diss track, his favorite career fight, his classic PRIDE powerbomb, and more (1:56:27).

Harrison Rogers, founder of the United Fight League, calls in to discuss launching the promotion, making the team format work in MMA, the league’s structure, giving back to the fighters, and Friday's event (2:36:15).

Ariel and the Boys end things by answering your On The Nose questions and Super Chats, before squaring off on the Aviron bike (2:59:15).

Join us on the bike: avironactive.com/uncrowned

Ariel x Ade, episode 24: Eubank-Benn fallout, Times Square preview, Canelo, Inoue, more Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani and Ade Oladipo start this stacked show by reacting to Chris Eubank Jr.’s massive win over Conor Benn (01:22) and Eubank Sr.’s shocking arrival at the event (04:52). Then, they debate the possibility of a rematch as Ade voices some concerns (16:03).

They break down Friday's card in Times Square (28:41), headlined by the return of Ryan Garcia, and discuss his potential rematch with Devin Haney (31:18). Ade makes a bold prediction for the Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. fight, before circling back to Garcia and Haney’s returns.

Next, they preview Canelo’s fight in Saudi Arabia against William Scull (41:18) and Jaime Munguia’s must-win rematch against Bruno Surace (45:37). Plus, they touch on Martin Bakole’s return against Efe Ajagba (47:53) and Naoya Inoue rounding out the weekend with his undisputed title fight against Ramon Cardenas (49:01).

Finally, the duo discusses Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois 2 this summer (51:21), Joseph Parker’s claim to undisputed, and Eddie Hearn’s update on Anthony Joshua and a future fight with Tyson Fury (58:04), before wrapping up with the Parting Shot (1:03:28).

Ryan Garcia, Eddie Hearn in studio, Jeff Molina breaks silence on betting scandal Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani and the gang kick off the show with the latest news and notes in combat, including Tom Aspinall’s tenure as longest reigning interim champion (6:33).

Ryan Garcia checks in ahead of his return to the ring against Rolando 'Rolly' Romero on Friday to talk about the changes he’s made, fighting in Times Square, rematching Devin Haney in October, his feud with Bill Haney, his relationship with Romero, his removal from the RIZIN card, his status with Golden Boy Promotions, Tank Davis’ controversial draw, and more (14:20).

Matchroom Boxing's Eddie Hearn joins Ariel in studio to discuss all things boxing, including the Eubank-Benn megafight; growing up around his father, who played a role in the history of the fight; and the status of the rematch. Hearn also hits Garcia’s return at the star-studded Times Square event, the UFC’s recent stagnation, Dana White’s TKO Boxing plans, the potential of Fury-Joshua, Taylor-Serrano 3 headlining an all-women boxing card on Netflix, and more (34:11).

Jeff Molina tells his side of the story following his three-year suspension for his role in the James Krause betting scandal, including Darrick Minner’s injury controversy. Molina opens up about dealing with dark times, Krause’s legacy in the sport, his release from the UFC, the rumors of federal intervention, the support he’s received since coming out, signing with BKFC, and more (1:38:15).

Georges St-Pierre, Dustin Poirier, Ian Machado Garry, Randy Brown, Eubank-Benn reaction, NFL Draft stories, weekend news Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani starts the show with a deep dive into his life-changing experience announcing a draft pick for the Buffalo Bills, before the Boys join in to react to UFC Kansas City and Ian Machado Garry's win (04:36).

Georges 'Rush' St-Pierre — Ariel’s MMA GOAT and Canadian legend — discusses his new hot sauce company, the UFC’s return to Montreal, the slump in Canadian MMA, cornering Aiemann Zahabi, the harsh reality of retiring from the sport, his relationship with Dana White, Belal’s claim to GOAT status, Tom Aspinall’s future, and more (33:37).

Ian Machado Garry joins the program to discuss his short-notice decision win over hard-hitting Carlos Prates, their post-fight interaction, being the backup fighter at UFC 315, his title aspirations, potential future fights against Islam Makhachev and Shavkat Rakhmonov, his issues with Joaquin Buckley, how he learned Portuguese, and more (1:04:01).

The Boys in the Back join Ariel to discuss all the drama leading up to the fight of the year candidate Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn, including Chris and his father reuniting before the bout, the weight miss, the prospect of a rematch, and more (1:25:12).

Dustin Poirier looks ahead to his UFC 318 trilogy fight against Max Holloway and talks about running into Ariel at the draft, his reaction to Benn-Eubank, the decision to retire, fighting Max for the third time in 13 years, his mindset going into his final walk, Ilia Topuria’s future at lightweight, filming a potential sequel to the 'Fightville' documentary, his final walkout plans, and more (2:01:41).

Randy Brown calls in after his UFC Kansas City knockout of Nicolas Dalby to discuss the issues between them, rebounding after his loss, breaking his hand in the first minute of the fight, returning to Jamaica, and more (2:57:38).

The Boys rejoin Ariel to wrap up the show with a breakdown of the rest of the news and results from around combat, including Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois 2, before answering some Super Chats (3:08:27).

Exclusive Paul Hughes sit-down, UFC Kansas City, Cage Warriors Dublin & more | The Craic Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

Petesy opens the show by teeing up the biggest stories of the week, then dives into an exclusive sitdown interview with rising Irish star Paul Hughes (06:17).

Hughes kicks things off by sharing how it feels to headline his homecoming fight at the SSE Arena in Belfast. He and Petesy take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about Paul’s roots in the local amateur scene.

The Irishman gets real about his hopes for a rematch with Usman Nurmagomedov, and lays out how he thinks that fight would play out (16:36).

Next, Hughes gives his take on the rising talents of Europe. He breaks down the upcoming bout between fellow Irishman Ian Garry and Carlos Prates (32:02), reacts to Paddy Pimblett’s shocking win over Michael Chandler (36:16), and talks sparring sessions with Ilia Topuria (37:36).

To wrap things up, Hughes gets candid about the fallout from Conor McGregor’s comments on his moment of respect with Khabib Nurmagomedov (43:03). He highlights how much his Northern Irish roots mean to him and how he stays focused on the positives, despite the noise.

On the back end of the show, Petesy is joined by Andy Stevenson of Severe MMA (50:18). The two break down the importance of Paul Hughes’s rise, Ian Garry’s short-notice fight against Carlos Prates, and much more.

Join us on the bike: avironactive.com/uncrowned

Weekend Mega Preview: UFC Kansas City, Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn, more | The Boys in the Back Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

The Boys in the Back begins with a conversation about Dricus du Plessis teasing fight news (04:16), before jumping into a comprehensive preview of Ian Machado Garry vs. Carlos Prates and the rest of UFC Kansas City (23:44).

Next, they break down all angles of the highly-anticipated grudge match between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn (1:04:56).
Then, give their picks for the weekend (1:35:55), list their top P4P fighting games (1:44:55), listen to your voicemails (2:11:23), and answer Super Chats (2:44:33).

Caio Borralho, Tai Tuivasa, Joe Hendry, Sam Alvey, Ben Shalom, plus major announcement with Buffalo Bills star Dion Dawkins Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

Ariel and the Boys break down the latest Ilia Topuria title fight news, what’s next for lightweight’s biggest stars, preview the massive weekend in combat sports, and answer your burning On The Nose questions (18:24).

Dion Dawkins — Buffalo Bills babyface, Pro Bowl tackle, and combat sports fan — joins the show to talk WrestleMania 41, his potential future in boxing, previews the upcoming season, and reveals Ariel’s big news regarding the NFL Draft (28:50).

TNA Heavyweight Champion Joe Hendry makes his triumphant return to the program following his huge WrestleMania 41 debut against Randy Orton to discuss what led up to the match, his future in WWE, John Cena’s advice, his thoughts on the main event, and more (1:00:07).

Smilin’ Sam Alvey previews his upcoming Karate Combat heavyweight title defense against Tyrone Spong, provides insight into his recent career resurgence, life as a Karate Combat fighter, earning his jiu-jitsu black belt, sparring Sean Strickland, and offers advice to upcoming fighters (1:27:46).

Caio Borralho joins to discuss the Fighting Nerds' recent success, his back-and-forth with Khamzat Chimaev, difficulties with his potential next fight against Nassourdine Imavov, the state of the middleweight division, Carlos Prates’ massive headliner against Ian Machado Garry, and more (2:04:10).

BOXXER headman Ben Shalom dissects Ben Whittaker’s win against Liam Cameron, Conor Benn vs. Chris Eubank Jr., the storylines surrounding the fight, his relationship with Eddie Hearn, Eubank Sr.’s comments, the state of women’s boxing, and more (2:36:11).

Tai Tuivasa checks in to update Ariel on his hangout with Action Bronson, his new business ventures, touring around the U.S., adjusting his mindset before a return to fighting, his reaction to Alexander Volkanovski regaining the featherweight belt, training with Alex Pereira, and more (3:04:23).

Ariel is rejoined by the Boys and they round things out by answering more On the Nose questions and Super Chats (3:39:24).

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