The Ariel Helwani Show

Latest Episodes:

Ariel x Ade, episode 23: Eddie Hearn on Eubank Jr. vs. Benn, UFC, Jake Paul, Shakur, more Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani and Ade Oladipo reunite and kick off the show with Eddie Hearn, who previews the long-awaited Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conner Benn grudge match (04:49). He also reacts to Jake Paul's fight against Julio César Chávez Jr. and gives an update on Shakur Stevenson.

Then, they react to Chris Eubank Sr.'s recent comments about his son (36:54), diving deeper into the strained relationship and the history of the Eubank-Benn rivalry.

Next, they break down Ben Whittaker’s stoppage victory against Liam Cameron and the aftermath (50:54), before discussing Frazer Clarke’s return (58:36), and circling back to Stevenson's rumored falling out with Matchrooom (59:56).

Finally, they touch on Edgar Berlanga vs. Hamzah Sheeraz being announced (1:02:34), Paul against Chávez Jr. (1:04:38), and wrap up with the Parting Shot (1:17:44).

Lex Luger, Diamond Dallas Page, Marlon 'Chito' Vera, Jones-Aspinall official? Illia Topuria’s options, more Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

Ariel and the Boys In The Back kick off Tuesday’s show with a discussion of WWE’s record-breaking weekend, Chael Sonnen suggesting that Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is agreed upon, the latest news around Ilia Topuria and International Fight Week, and more (05:02)

WWE legends Lex Luger and Diamond Dallas Page join Ariel to discuss Lex’s delayed Hall of Fame induction, Dallas’ role in helping other wrestlers gain recognition, Lex’s devastating spinal injury and how Dallas aided his recovery, the evolution Lex’s relationship with Vince McMahon, and more stories and insights from their unbelievable careers (57:26).

Marlon 'Chito' Vera previews his UFC 316 bout against Mario Bautista and discusses his headspace coming off of two losses, his decision to take almost a year off, how he got into modeling, his new camp structure, the Merab vs. O’Malley title rematch, and more (2:15:40).

Anthony Smith, Fabian Edwards, Scott D’Amore, WrestleMania 41 reaction, more Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani and the crew kick things off with an honest assessment of WrestleMania 41 and preview Monday’s episode of Raw (02:19).

Anthony Smith breaks down his retirement bout against Zhang Mingyang at UFC Kansas City, his mindset going into his final fight, the passing of beloved coach Scott Morton, post-UFC plans, and more (26:10).

Scott D’Amore — Canadian wrestling legend, Uncrowned Columnist, and Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling founder — joins Ariel to discuss WrestleMania 41, John Cena’s heel turn, his experience in the wrestling business outside of the US, and more (1:03:49).

Ariel and the Boys in the Back discuss international fight week possibilities, the latest gossip surrounding Khamzat Chimaev, Ilia Topuria, and other UFC stars, Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr., Ben Whittaker’s grudge match, the long-awaited Benn vs. Eubank Jr. fight, and more (1:42:58).

Fabian Edwards talks about his TKO victory over Impa Kasanganay, how the fight almost fell through, advancing to the PFL middleweight tournament semi-final against Josh Silveira, having his brother in his corner, the drama with the PFL, the quick turnaround and tournament format, and more (2:34:10).

Ariel Helwani Reacts to Classic Interviews, Vol 2: Dana White, Chael Sonnen, James Toney, Steven Seagal, more Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

In another special episode, Ariel Helwani looks back at some of his classic interviews and tells the untold stories behind each, including:

- Chael Sonnen, after beating Nate Marquardt at UFC 109, and on the verge of igniting his rivalry with Anderson Silva (07:07)

- Dana White, embarrassed and disgusted by Anderson Silva's performance against Demian Maia at UFC 112 (20:27)

- Josh Koscheck, moments after being sucker punched by Paul Daley at UFC 113 (32:20)

- Boxing great James Toney, before his MMA debut against Randy Couture at UFC 118 (42:52)

- Sensei Steven Seagal, in the immediate aftermath of Anderson Silva's iconic front kick KO against Vitor Belfort at UFC 126 (58:19)

Paddy Pimblett’s next fight, UFC lightweight division matchups, Alex Volkanovski top 10 P4P? | The Craic Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

On a special Wednesday edition of The Craic, Petesy Carroll is joined by Chuck Mindenhall and The Sun Sport’s Chisanga Malata to discuss what the future holds for Paddy Pimblett following his dominant win over Michael Chandler (5:24).

They dive into Pimblett’s backstory and reflect on how unbelievable it is that he’s reached this level, before exploring the potential matchup teased by his post-fight callout of Charles Oliveira (18:19).

Next, they unpack the release of Ilia Topuria’s highly anticipated interview with Joe Rogan, and weigh in on Khabib Nurmagomedov claiming Arman Tsarukyan would be tougher competition for Islam Makhachev than Topuria (30:14).

Chuck and Petesy then break down the official Uncrowned pound-for-pound rankings, including the controversial omission of Alexander Volkanovski—despite his record-breaking reclaiming of the UFC featherweight title (36:32).

To wrap up the show, the crew discusses the golden opportunity the PFL has to make a splash this weekend with no UFC card on the schedule (43:38).

Ariel x Ade, episode 22: Hamzah Sheeraz breaks silence, Boots' big win, Usyk vs. Dubois 2 reports, more Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

Ade Oladipo hosts the show solo this week, beginning with an interview with Hamzah Sheeraz (02:34), who breaks his silence after the controversial split draw against Carlos Adames in February. He opens up about being 'let down' by some members of his team, mentally resetting, and his new pairing with coach Andy Lee.

Next, Ade reacts to Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis’ big win over Eimantas Stanionis (20:45) and wonders what's next for the welterweight, before touching on Raymond Ford blanking Thomas Mattice on the same card (23:34).

Commentator Adam Smith joins to cover a bevy of topics (29:39), including the 40th anniversary of Hagler-Hearns, the Taylor-Serrano trilogy, Eubank-Benn drawing near, Anthony Joshua's next fight, and more.

Finally, Ade reacts to reports of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois 2 being targeted for July 12 (1:04:37) and closes the show with the Parting Shot (1:10:59).

Featherweight GOAT Debate, matchmaking for UFC 314 winners, WrestleMania 41 talk | The Boys in the Back Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

The Boys in the Back kick off with a discussion about the impending UFC rights deal (01:56), before turning to the debate over MMA's featherweight GOAT (17:41).
Then, they're joined by Meadowlark Media's Anthony Calatayud to play matchmaker for UFC 314's winners and losers (1:02:12).
After recapping last week's picks (1:25:06), The Boys deliver their P4P lists of professional wrestlers (1:34:49), inspired by WrestleMania 41.
Finally, your voicemails (1:54:55) and Super Chats (2:14:12) get the shine.

Ian Machado Garry, Yair Rodriguez, Jean Silva, Dominick Reyes, UFC 314 Aftermath, More Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

Ariel Helwani and the gang kick off the show by reacting to everything UFC 314, including huge wins by Alexander Volkanovski and Paddy Pimblett (3:36).

Jean Silva discusses his big stoppage win over Bryce Mitchell at UFC 314, barking in Mitchell's face after choking him unconscious, what's next, a potential fight against Volkanovski and more (46:36).

Dominick Reyes discusses his knockout of Nikita Krylov at UFC 314, his big career turnaround, overcoming deep vein thrombosis, how close he is to returning to title contention and more (1:13:58).

Ian Machado Garry discusses his UFC Kansas City headliner against Carlos Prates, accepting the short-notice opportunity without even knowing the opponent, Sean Brady's recent comments, how the Jack Della Maddalena situation is fueling him and more (1:32:28).

Yair Rodriguez discusses his dominant UFC 314 win over Patricio Pitbull, his beef with Diego Lopes, why he deserves the next title shot, skipping over Movsar Evloev and more (2:18:35).

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UFC 314 Post-Fight Show: Alex Volkanovski is back! Reaction to main event, Paddy Pimblett's dominant win, more Apr 13, 2025

Show notes

3PAC — Ariel Helwani, Chuck Mindenhall, and Petesy Carroll — are back for the UFC 314 Post-Fight Show.

They begin with reaction to Alex Volkanovski reclaiming UFC featherweight gold (06:03), including who's next for the champ and where he stacks up against Jose Aldo in the featherweight GOAT convo (13:52).

Ariel gives the scoop on Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria (17:47), as well as what's looking likely for the main event of International Fight Week.

Ignited by Paddy Pimblett's star-making performance against Michael Chandler (23:14), the boys wonder whether Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje or even Conor McGregor might be in Pimblett's future (28:27).

Next, they discuss Patricio Pitbull coming up short in his UFC debut (37:15) and whether Yair Rodriguez vs. Diego Lopes is now the fight to make (41:09).

Finally, they recap Jean Silva's electric win over Bryce Mitchell (42:49), Dominck Reyes being all the way back (52:58), and the rest of the action from the prelims (57:30).

File with TurboTax before the tax deadline, April 15th! https://intuit.me/3GbvNM2

UFC 314 weigh-in reaction, Bryce Mitchell vs. Jean Silva chaos, Volk’s final fight? | The Craic Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

With Petesy Carroll away from the helm, Uncrowned’s Chuck Mindenhall and Ben Fowlkes man the ship to preview UFC 314.

The duo kicks things off by reacting to the official weigh-ins where all main card fighters successfully made weight (01:15).

Then, they break down the paths to victory for Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes (02:30) and speculate whether a loss could spell retirement for the Australian former champ (12:28).

Lopes appears to have his sights set on a different opponent — surprisingly, Yair Rodriguez — despite the two not being matched up. Chuck and Ben dissect their press conference mix-up and explore the potential ramifications heading into their respective fights (19:26).

Next, the duo turns their attention to Rodriguez’s bout against UFC debutant Patricio Pitbull, before diving into Paddy Pimblett vs. Michael Chandler, the biggest test of the Scouser’s career so far (28:44).

Then, it’s on to the most bizarre matchup of the weekend: Bryce Mitchell vs. Jean Silva. Chuck and Ben unpack the biggest storyline surrounding the fight, Mitchell’s wild fight week comments (41:28), before discussing the rest of the card and spotlighting a few matchups they’re excited about (51:27).

Finally, the guys address the predictable mess surrounding GFL’s cancelled events and debate whether the organization has a future in the fight game (54:10).

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