The Ariel Helwani Show

Latest Episodes:

Conor McGregor reportedly took "banned drugs," Ariel Helwani joins, UFC White House preview, more | The Boys in the Back Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back kick off the show by reacting to the New York Knicks' incredible NBA Finals comeback, with Ariel Helwani and On Air Jordan, who was at the game, joining in to share their excitement (03:22).

Then, they dive into the New York Times report that Conor McGregor took "banned drugs" while recovering from his broken leg (21:30).

After covering the escalating heat between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje (44:10) and Josh Hokit continuing to taunt Alex Pereira (53:35), the Boys preview the Freedom 250 card (1:16:22) and make picks (2:05:11).

Plus, Fight Feasts featuring food from Donald Trump's Michelin-star restaurant (2:10:12), P4P Fictional Presidents (2:29:18), voicemails (2:47:09) and Super Chats (3:14:49).

Inside Boxing | Haney and Shakur agree to catchweight, Bam vs. Vargas preview, UFC White House picks Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show breaking down the latest twitter exchange between Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney, where they agreed to fight at 144 pounds. Will this even happen? How big would this fight be? Should Haney fight Keyshawn Davis (04:31)?

There is a big combat event this weekend on the White House lawn, as UFC Freedom 250 is set to take place. Dan and Chris give their picks (12:47).

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez makes his 118-pound debut this weekend against heavy underdog Antonio Vargas. If "Bam" wins this weekend, should he go right into a Naoya Inoue fight or get more accustomed to the new weight class (25:29)?

Finally, reports potentially placed the megafight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury at SoFi Stadium in California. Eddie Hearn refuted that, stating the contract stipulates it must be in the UK. Speaking of Eddie, will he be the official promoter of the event or Dana White (34:19)?

UFC White House preview, Killer Kross in studio, Aiemann Zahabi, Mory Kromah, On The Nose, more Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by previewing the UFC Freedom 250 card, including Sean Strickland’s alleged banning, potential weather concerns, Josh Hokit continuing to taunt Alex Pereira, and more (11:59).

The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to answer On The Nose questions regarding Dana White’s projected viewership for the White House card, Alex Pereira’s potential GOAT status, and more (28:52).

Aiemann Zahabi returns just days before his fight against Sean O’Malley at UFC Freedom 250, giving insight into his preparation, the venue being built at the White House, representing Canada, Sean O’Malley’s comments about him in the lead-up, having Georges St-Pierre in his corner, and more (55:40).

GLORY heavyweight champion Mory Kromah makes his show debut, talking about training with Ciryl Gane in preparation for Gane’s fight against Alex Pereira, his own title defense against Miloš Cvjetićanin, the impact of Alex Pereira's success, Israel Adesanya, Rico Verhoeven and others on kickboxing’s growth, and more (1:30:28).

Wrestler Killer Kross is back in-studio talking about his success since leaving WWE, the state of the industry, his relationship with Tony Khan and talks with AEW, not hearing from HHH after his departure, his feelings about WrestleMania 42, defending his MLW title against Matt Riddle, the greatness of AAA’s mask vs. mask match, and more (1:57:47).

Ariel Helwani wraps the show with Super Chats (3:02:47).

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | WWE shareholder suit settled, TNA facing talent exodus, Smackdown gets buried Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

Solomonster opens with an update on the WWE shareholder lawsuit that was supposed to go to trial this week, but has been settled in principle. Plus, Money in the Bank again gets moved to a new date (01:26).

Next, discussion of Chad Gable reappearing on WWE television after his Match of the Year in Mexico, what he should be doing at SummerSlam, and Eric Bischoff says we may see Gable in Real American Freestyle (6:32).

Then, the next potential Bloodline member was spotted at the WWE Performance Center on Monday (14:27), and where things stand with the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments, including a total burial of Smackdown so far (15:57).

Why Mick Foley is totally wrestling in AEW, a lot sooner than he even suggests (25:11), and thoughts on an excellent episode of Dynamite, which included an injury to MJF and the return of Mercedes Mone (32:55).

Two TNA stars request and receive their releases, including a former champion, as the talent exodus continues and why it’s about to get even worse (49:06).

Police finally rule on Hulk Hogan’s death, despite questions that remain from his daughter (1:00:06), and Rick Martel clarifies his comments on the WWE Hall of Fame (1:03:35).

Alex Pereira, Katie Taylor, Tommy Fury, Steve Novak in studio, news & notes, more Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with a recap of his NBA Finals experience and watching the New York Knicks (09:13).

Tommy Fury comes on to preview his upcoming boxing match against Eddie Hall, discussing the weight advantage Hall will have, having no interest in fighting Darren Till after their failed first booking, recent comments by Carl Froch, and more (33:43).

Former Knicks forward Steve Novak joins Ariel in-studio to break down all things Knicks, including his feelings about the current NBA Finals and stories from his own career, behind-the-scenes of Linsanity, his iconic belt celebration, working as an analyst for MSG Networks, and more (1:03:55).

Katie Taylor talks about finally having the opportunity to headline Croke Park, this being the final fight of her illustrious career, and more (1:58:07).

Alex Pereira returns ahead of his Freedom 250 fight against Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title to talk about his preparation and added weight, Josh Hokit’s inflammatory comments, his newfound friendship with Ilia Topuria, Rico Verhoeven’s performance against Oleksandr Usyk, wanting to return quickly, and more (2:23:59).

Ariel and the gang cover news and notes, including more UFC Freedom 250 updates (3:01:03), before answering Super Chats (3:45:00).

Darren Till, Diego Lopes, Steve Garcia, GothamChess in studio, weekend recap, news & notes, more Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with more excitement for the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals run, before recapping the weekend. The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join him to discuss Ilia Topuria saying Justin Gaethje made their fight personal, Arman Tsarukyan claiming he wagered $1 million on Gaethje, Sean Strickland’s White House drama, Dana White suggesting Alex Pereira could become MMA’s GOAT, and more (01:36).

Diego Lopes is back on the show, previewing his meeting with Steve Garcia at the White House, then talking about frustrations with things being taken out of context in the media, lessons learned from his two fights against Alex Volkanovski, his prediction for Volkanovski’s presumed title defense against Movsar Evloev, and more (37:01).

Darren Till returns to recap his big BKFC debut, shoot down accusations of PED use due to his transformed physique, express interest in fighting Mike Perry and Yoel Romero, tease a potential return to MMA, weigh in on Eddie Hearn’s handling of Tom Aspinall’s career, and more (1:03:17).

Steve Garcia joins the show to discuss the Lopes fight, competing on the White House lawn, feeling disrespected by not having more notoriety despite his success, teammate Holly Holm’s controversial loss to Stephanie Han, his love of golf, and more (1:32:05).

Levy Rozman, aka chess International Master “GothamChess,” joins Ariel in-studio to talk about his life and career, the recent popularity of chess, building a successful YouTube channel, his combat sports fandom and training, and more. Then Levy takes Ariel to chess school (2:01:31)!

Ariel closes the show with news and notes, including Dana White and Eddie Hearn’s latest war of words (3:05:03), before answering your Super Chats (3:35:03).

Will UFC White House card boost Paramount subs? Katie Taylor's Croke Park dream, more | The Craic Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes return for another edition of The Craic.

Chuck kicks off the show by sharing his plans to attend the UFC White House card in person (4:43).

Paramount also weighed in on its partnership with the UFC, outlining what they hope to achieve through the deal (16:30).

After years of speculation, Croke Park is officially set to host Katie Taylor’s next fight. Petesy sheds light on the mood in Ireland ahead of the historic event (43:30).

Fellow Irishman Conor McGregor’s reported sparring partners have also come to light. Are these the right names to help prepare him for his return (54:58)?

Michael Bisping had some harsh words for Tom Aspinall regarding his recovery from eye injury. The lads examine Bisping’s apparent change in stance (59:50).

To close up shop, the boys look ahead to PFL action (01:10:05), before answering your Super Chats (01:32:21).

Inside Boxing | Devin Haney vs. Keyshawn Davis ordered by WBO, Lamont Roach vs. William Zepeda set, voicemails Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show discussing the recent WBO ordering of Devin Haney vs. Keyshawn Davis at welterweight, including if the fight will happen, who will win, and the entire welterweight picture at this very moment (03:18).

Lamont Roach is returning to the ring and the lightweight division as his fight with William Zepeda was made official for Aug. 1 in Las Vegas for the vacant WBC title (14:38).

Chris Billam-Smith vs. Ryan Rozicki is this weekend’s fight to keep an eye on and we have your picks for this one (26:59).

We end the show with your voicemails, ranging from favorite pizza spot on Long Island, to Tank Davis’ status, to what we do not like about the changes being made to the Muhammad Ali Revival Act (33:03).

Sean Strickland banned from UFC White House card? Tom Aspinall not invited? | The Boys in the Back Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

After reading your five-star podcast reviews (04:02) and tackling some news and notes (08:03), The Boys in the Back react to Sean Strickland claiming he was banned from attending the UFC White House card (11:53), leading to a back-and-forth with headliner Justin Gaethje. Tom Aspinall also came out and said he wasn't invited to attend the event.

The Boys then preview UFC Vegas 118 (39:20) and give their picks (1:07:21), before delivering their P4P worst mic moments (1:12:45).

The show closes with your voicemails (1:45:19) and Super Chats (2:14:54).

Cory Sandhagen, Dakota Ditcheva, Holly Holm, David Feldman, On The Nose, White House card ban, news & notes Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by reveling in scenes from the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals appearance, before answering your On The Nose questions, with topics including Action Bronson’s brilliance, whether Tom Aspinall vs. Francis Ngannou is a realistic fight, the strength of the UFC White House card, and more (00:57).

Dakota Ditcheva is back on the show to talk about her fight against Denise Kielholtz, why there’s no PFL belt on the line, returning from injury, wanting to retire by the time she’s 32 years old, her criticism of Ronda Rousey’s comments about Khamzat Chimaev, and more (58:28).

Holly Holm returns on the heels of her loss to Stephanie Han to discuss the scoring of the fight, frustrations with the referee for their first fight in Puerto Rico, whether she believes she’ll end up facing Katie Taylor, potential fights against Gina Carano and Ronda Rousey, and more (1:35:56).

BKFC President David Feldman joins to talk about Darren Till’s impressive promotional debut, Mike Perry’s contract status, a timeline for the $25 million “World’s Baddest Man” tournament, whether Conor McGregor will compete for the promotion when his UFC deal ends, and more (2:08:51).

Cory Sandhagen is back to break down his rematch against Mario Bautista, give his predictions for Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi and Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway, explain his social media voice, his friendship with the late Chuck Norris, and more (2:35:55).

After answering more On The Nose questions (3:09:08), Ariel tackles Super Chats (3:22:46).

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