The Ariel Helwani Show

Latest Episodes:

Ian Machado Garry, Diego Lopes, Xander Zayas & Chris Fowler in studio, weekend recap, news & notes Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show recapping his experience at the New York Knicks championship parade, before reacting to UFC Vegas 119 and Dricus du Plessis being booked against Kamaru Usman (01:53).

Ian Machado Garry is back on the show, discussing his UFC 330 meeting with Islam Makhachev in August, how the fight came together, other welterweights campaigning for the title shot, Makhachev’s comments about Garry’s skills, comparisons between their fight and Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov, and more (31:43).

Diego Lopes returns to recap his White House win over Steve Garcia, talking about his prediction that Justin Gaethje would beat Ilia Topuria, weighing in twice to be the main event backup, the overall experience of fighting on the card, wanting to move up to lightweight and compete on the Noche UFC card, and more (58:49).

WBO and WBA super welterweight champion Xander Zayas joins Ariel in-studio to preview his massive fight against Jaron "Boots" Ennis, discussing his relationship with Top Rank, surprises in store for his walkout, appearing in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show, Boots’ résumé, visualizing how the fight plays out, and more (1:22:06).

ESPN broadcaster Chris Fowler stops by the studio to talk about "Finding My Father," a documentary where Fowler reconnects with his father through found audio tapes. He also touches on some of his career highlights, his love of boxing and newer fandom of MMA (2:03:35).

The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to cover news and notes, including UFC’s new Meta rankings, Freedom 250 ratings, and more (3:24:18).

Ariel answers your Super Chats to close the show (4:17:18).

Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane stoppage: Wrong call? UFC White House numbers, covering Conor McGregor, more | The Craic Jun 19, 2026

Show notes

The Craic trio of Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes delve into the controversy surrounding Ciryl Gane’s finish of Alex Pereira at the White House. Did referee Herb Dean make the right call and how does this latest situation affect Gane (06:10)?

Next up, they give their takes on UFC White House generating 17 million viewers and whether it will be seen as a success (31:31).

Petesy then explains the Irish reaction to Conor McGregor’s appearance on Jimmy Fallon, which appears to have sparked outrage on the Emerald Isle (47:57).

Finally, the Craic crew give their takes on Tyson Fury promoter Frank Warren revealing more reasons why Dana White will likely end up promoting the Fury’s fight against Anthony Joshua (1:17:37).

Inside Boxing | CompuBox creator Bob Canobbio (Dan’s dad) on 45+ years in boxing Jun 19, 2026

Show notes

We open the show with Dan and Bob Canobbio discussing the story of how CompuBox was created in 1985 - by chance, luck, good timing and a very innovative executive at HBO named Ross Greenburg (04:34).

The father-son duo talk about big fights Bob attended ringside, including Ray Mancini vs. Livingstone Bramble, Marvin Hagler vs. Ray Leonard, the rise and fall of Mike Tyson, and the modern eras of Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao (17:53).

Finally, Bob and Dan touch on some personal stories from their lives in boxing and how the sport has molded them as people (30:48).

Happy Father’s Day everyone!

Conor McGregor fighting Ilia Topuria: Will we see it? UFC flyweight title picture, more | The Boys in the Back Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back kick off the show with news and notes, including reports of Zabit Magomedsharipov grappling Dan Hooker, Daniel Cormier addressing his social media being hacked, UFC 330 fight announcements, and more (16:25)

Then, they react to Conor McGregor's interview with Ariel Helwani, honing in on his comments about Ilia Topuria, and Topuria's recent comments about McGregor as well. Is this the fight to make (39:48)?

After previewing UFC Vegas 119 (1:03:25), they make picks (1:36:56) and deliver their P4P things worth waiting for (1:38:14).

The show ends with your voicemails (2:05:55) and Super Chats (2:54:39).

Alex Pereira in studio, Sean O'Malley, Alexander Volkanovski, CSAC's Andy Foster in studio on recent reffing controversies, news & notes Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the the show by covering some news and notes (06:52), before being joined in studio by California State Athletic Commission Executive Director Andy Foster, who discusses regulation for the UFC’s White House card, Herb Dean’s handling of Ciryl Gane’s win over Alex Pereira, Ilia Topuria being able to continue with his damaged eye, MVP’s MMA card on Netflix, the New York Times report about Conor McGregor using “banned drugs,” disclosed fighter purses, and more (16:10).

Sean O'Malley is back following his big White House win over Aiemann Zahabi, diving into the differences of the card from a normal fight week, additional pressure and preparation for the fight, his weight cut, believing he deserved a bonus for his knockout, who he wants to fight next, his salute celebration, Justin Gaethje’s massive main event upset, and more (59:49).

Ariel and the crew react to Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry being announced for August, World Cup action, Paramount download data for the White House card, Floyd Mayweather’s reported money issues, and more (1:33:09).

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski returns to discuss cornering Mauricio Ruffy at the UFC White House, Ilia Topuria’s performance against Justin Gaethje, Topuria’s chances in a rematch, expectations for Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway, when he plans to return, and more (2:26:32).

Before the next guest, Ariel answers your Super Chats (2:52:35).

Alex Pereira joins Ariel in-studio to express frustration with the stoppage in his fight against Ciryl Gane. Plus, coach Plinio Cruz’s details his reaction to the final sequence, then Pereira talks about whether he thinks Gane is a dirty fighter, referee Herb Dean’s decision-making and past controversies, wanting to use this situation to improve future officiating and fighter safety, wanting a rematch, planning to stay at heavyweight, Josh Hokit’s continued trash talk, and more (3:18:00).

Ariel finishes the show with a few more Super Chats (4:28:28).

Conor McGregor in studio! FBI thwarts terror attack at UFC White House, On The Nose, more Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with further reflection on the UFC White House event and reaction to new stories developing in the aftermath (14:53).

Ariel and The Boys in the Back answer your On The Nose questions about the New York Knicks, White House walkouts and production, Josh Hokit’s controversial post-fight comments, whether Ciryl Gane is getting a reputation for fouling opponents, and more (44:10).

Chuck Mindenhall joins Ariel to give his first-hand account of the UFC White House card (1:21:18).

Conor McGregor makes his long-awaited in-studio return, talking about his announced comeback, his negotiations with the UFC, including a confirmed date for the final fight on his current contract, thoughts on the White House card and Ilia Topuria, being offered a two-fight deal — boxing and MMA — against Terence Crawford, BKFC’s new broadcast partner, his rivalry with Max Holloway, the New York Times reporting his took “banned drugs,” and more (1:52:22).

Ariel and crew answer more On The Nose questions (2:48:09) and your Super Chats (3:19:55).

Inside Boxing | Bam Rodriguez vs. Naoya Inoue next?; Tyson Fury shows up at the White House, Boots-Zayas draws near Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri kick off the show discussing the New York Knicks becoming NBA champions and what it all means for the city of New York (01:08).

Bam Rodriguez scored an impressive knockout win over Antonio Vargas to win the WBA bantamweight title on Saturday night and now all eyes are on a potential super fight with Naoya Inoue (16:24). Should Bam take another fight before? Should he jump right into an Inoue fight, which would be his highest-paying fight by a large margin (25:28)?
Next up, the UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House produced some wild scenes and fights (38:53) as well as a confusing boxing moment when Tyson Fury was brought in to make an announcement and instead deferred to Dana White (45:25). We’re guessing the announcement will be Fury officially signing with Zuffa Boxing. What does this mean for the Anthony Joshua fight?

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | King Jey Uso may be a real thing, Vince McMahon case takes major turn, wild CM Punk rumors Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

Solomonster chimes in on the wild rumors floating around regarding CM Punk, his physical appearance, heat with WWE, and even a future return to AEW (04:09).

Thoughts on Friday's WWE championship, where things may be headed for Night of Champions, plus an injury update on Rhea Ripley (12:53).

News on the death of the man who created the King of the Ring in 1985, plus thoughts on where things stand with the KOTR and QOTR tournaments after Raw (19:37).

A major update on Vince McMahon's sex trafficking lawsuit and whether it could pave the way for an eventual return to the company, plus an update on Liv Morgan’s stalker being found not guilty by reason of insanity (30:49).

MJF gets a match at Forbidden Door but it’s not a title match, the finals of the men’s Owen Hart tournament have been set and why the Forbidden Door concept no longer works (44:37).

Five title changes on the New Japan Dominion show this past weekend, including a new IWGP champion crowned, and the blocks revealed for this year’s G1 Climax tournament (54:19).

Vince Russo reveals some sad news about Konnan’s health, plus some listener questions and a note about the social media ban being implemented in the UK (57:53).

UFC White House reaction, Arman Tsarukyan, Bo Nickal, Anthony Smith, Action Bronson, KNICKS ARE CHAMPS!!!!!; news and notes Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by discussing the emotions of his New York Knicks winning the NBA championship (01:56).

The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to react to the UFC White House card, including the impressive production, Tyson Fury’s bizarre appearance, Justin Gaethje shocking the world, Ilia Topuria’s corner stopping the fight, Ciryl Gane dominating Alex Pereira, what what’s next for both, the night’s biggest winners, and more (21:01).

Bo Nickal is back after his White House win against Kyle Daukaus, giving behind-the-scenes insights, revealing his conversations with President Trump, and talking about what he wants next (1:29:50).

Anthony Smith joins to weigh in on the UFC White House card, dissecting Ilia Topuria’s game plan against Justin Gaethje, Gaethje’s toughness, the main event stoppage, Ciryl Gane’s next fight, Topuria and Pereira’s ability to bounce back, the rest of the card, and more (2:02:01).

Action Bronson joins Ariel in celebration of the Knicks title win, laying out his watching habits, how he reacted to the clinching game, his longtime fandom, and more (3:01:39).

Ariel touches on the continued promotional battle between Dana White and Eddie Hearn (3:26:20).

Arman Tsarukyan returns to discuss his RAF win over Tony Ferguson, before giving thoughts on the UFC White House main event, his friend’s winning bet on Justin Gaethje, believing he’s next in line for the title shot, still wanting to fight Ilia Topuria, wanting to be UFC champion above anything else, and more (3:46:18).

Ariel covers news and notes (4:21:09) and answers your Super Chats to end the show (4:30:09).

UFC White House: Live report, security deep dive, historical context, more | The Craic Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

The Craic is back with its usual trio of Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes. This week, all roads lead to the UFC‘s White House card.

On site in the nation’s capital, Chuck shares his observations ahead of attending the historic event in person (04:31).

The lads then lock in their official Uncrowned picks (24:51).

Security has also become a major talking point surrounding the event. Drawing on insight from former Secret Service agents, Ben breaks down how the operation could work behind the scenes (41:36).

Elsewhere, Conor McGregor made headlines due to the New York Times reporting he used ”banned drugs" while recovering from his devastating leg injury. The boys give their thoughts on the revelation (01:01:36).

Fellow Irish superstar Katie Taylor has officially sold out Croke Park in 30 minutes. Petesy shares the mood in Ireland ahead of the historic occasion (01:11:58).

To round things out, the lads talk World Cup buzz (01:16:35) before answering your Super Chats (01:23:06).

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