The Ariel Helwani Show

Latest Episodes:

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | This year's best match just happened, Clash In Italy thoughts, another Ric Flair meltdown Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

Solomonster opens with his thoughts on the greatest all-around spectacle of the year in pro wrestling and the fumble WWE is making if they don’t capitalize on things with Chad Gable (0:28:24).

Then, he dives into Clash in Italy, including Brock Lesnar beating Oba Femi and why it wasn’t necessary. Plus Jacob Fatu drops two straight to Roman Reigns, and why a conversation needs to be had about WWE's infatuation with the Bloodline (12:17).

Thoughts on the the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments, potential winners, and why one hand doesn’t know what the other hand is doing when it comes to King of the Ring announcements (34:10).

Reaction to a former WWE intercontinental champion being arrested in an embarrassing McDonald’s Drive Thru incident (49:34).

AEW announces a new PPV event for Montreal, why it feels like Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay will main event at Wembley Stadium, and how AEW plans to fill the TBS championship vacancy (53:09).

TNA contract news on Leon Slater and why they allegedly did not allow him to break the record for longest-reigning X Division champion (58:56).

Ric Flair has another social media meltdown, this time dragging his son publicly and threatening to sue him (1:01:23) and an ex-WWE writer reveals a pitch for a terrible nWo reboot in 2020 that nearly became a reality (1:05:42).

Mick Foley, Scott Coker in studio, O’Shaquie Foster, Omari Jones, Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje trade shots, news & notes, more Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani starts the show by covering some news and notes (TIME).

Mick Foley joins the show, discussing his decision to cut ties with WWE due to associations with President Trump, his decision to sign with AEW, his relationship with Tony Khan and role for the promotion, how the AEW product compares to WWE’s offering, being a mentor for up-and-coming talent, whether he has any career regrets, his love of boxing, and more (17:01).

Scott Coker is in-studio to talk about his return to the MMA industry, the end of Bellator and why he didn’t end up with PFL, how long this league was in the works, plans for tournaments and broadcast partners, the state of the sport and potential UFC competitors, Dana White’s promotional tactics, funding for the new promotion, and more (1:04:38).

Olympic bronze medalist and big-time boxing prospect Omari Jones makes his show debut, talking about his pro success, finding himself in the middle of Xander Zayas and ‘Boots’ Ennis drama, getting his start in karate before moving to boxing, being around the likes of LeBron James and Steph Curry during his time at the Olympics, Jake Paul training at the Olympic training center, and more (2:04:17).

WBC super featherweight champion O’Shaquie Foster is our final guest of the day, recapping his win over Ray Ford, then discussing his heated exchange with Shakur Stevenson after the fight, the viral moment where Foster threw Ford through the ropes, whether he believes the fight with Stevenson will be made, stories from their training sessions, overcoming difficult circumstances early in his life, and more (2:36:15).

Ariel brings in the Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll to cover some news and notes, including escalating trash talk between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, Georges St-Pierre revealing his demands at the time for an Anderson Silva fight, Alex Pereira appearing in the new A24 film, and more (2:58:41).

The show closes with your Super Chats (3:22:02).

Inside Boxing | WBC creates messy David Benavidez-Noel Mikaelian-Jai Opetaia situation, Foster defeats Ford, Serrano ties knockout record Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show discussing the recent WBC ruling that Noel Mikaelian must fight David Benavidez or be stripped of his title. Mikaelian was close to finalizing a deal with lineal champion Jai Opetaia. It’s a messy situation that has a lot of ramifications for the future of the sport (02:19).

Dmitry Bivol returned to the ring this weekend and pitched a shutout over Michael Eifert, showing he still has it. Will he fight David Benavidez next or will he get a third fight with Artur Beterbiev (15:46)?

O’Shaquie Foster defeated Ray Ford in a very nip-and-tuck fight that saw him pull away late. Shakur Stevenson then entered the ring which led to a debate on who Foster should fight next. Fellow champion Emanuel Navarette is the clear choice if Foster wants to unify the titles (24:26).

Over in El Paso, Texas, Stephanie Han defeated Holly Holm in a fight many thought Holm won. Will Caroline Dubois be next for Han? Can Holm still get the Katie Taylor fight despite coming off a loss (38:39)?

Amanda Serrano got a stoppage win and tied Christy Martin’s knockout record. She has mentioned retiring at the end of the year (45:15).

Arman Tsarukyan, Ben Askren makes major announcement, Action Bronson, massive weekend recap, more Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping a massive combat sports weekend, including Stephanie Han’s win over Holly Holm, UFC Macau and Road to UFC, Darren Till’s BKFC debut, Arman Tsarukyan and Colby Covington’s RAF rivalry, and more (07:14).

Music and entertainment icon Action Bronson returns to drop knowledge about a multitude of things, including his New York Knicks being in the NBA Finals, his new album Planet Frog, his thoughts on some upcoming UFC fights, and more (1:03:03).

Ben Askren joins to announce that he’ll be wrestling Belal Muhammad for RAF, talking about overcoming his near-fatal health crisis, his preparation for the match, recognizing similarities between his situation and that of NASCAR’s Kyle Busch, who recently died from pneumonia, how he thinks Gable Steveson will do in the UFC, his prediction for Tsarukyan vs. Covington, and more (1:33:51).

Ariel and the crew cover some more news and notes, including action from the boxing world, AAA’s mask vs. mask match, Katie Taylor teasing her final fight, UFC releasing soccer merch ahead of the World Cup, and more (2:09:48).

Arman Tsarukyan is back following another RAF win to detail his future plans in the wrestling world, provide thoughts on Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje, react to Colby Covington’s callout, give insights into Khamzat Chimaev's difficult UFC 328 weight cut, react to Ryan Garcia talking about their bet, and more (3:18:53).

Ariel wraps up the show with a few more news items, including Dana White’s recent comments about mental health and Anderson Silva, and Eddie Hearn calling for Tom Aspinall’s release (4:03:51), before answering your Super Chats (4:53:35).

Joe Rogan criticizes UFC White House event, Dana White's media blitz, more | The Craic May 29, 2026

Show notes

The Craic is back! This time, it’s the duo of Petesy Carroll and Ben Fowlkes chopping it up.

To kick things off, the lads react to construction beginning for the UFC's White House card (03:38), along with Joe Rogan’s criticisms of the event (25:20).

The promotion behind the White House event has been relentless. Does Dana White deserve more credit for his recent media tour (38:10)?

The UFC President also opened up about the circumstances around Anderson Silva’s exit from the organization, which the boys discuss (44:02).

UFC Macau is this weekend, so Petesy and Ben talk the early start time and what the card has to offer (52:00).

Holly Holm’s boxing return (58:38) and Darren Till’s BKFC debut (01:02:06) also feature on this weekend’s slate.

To close the show, the duo answer your Super Chats (01:17:40).

Inside Boxing | What is the hardest combat sport? Foster-Ford, Han-Holm, Serrano-Hansen previews May 28, 2026

Show notes

Since Rico Verhoeven’s near-upset of Oleksandr Usyk, the boxing/MMA communities have been debating what the most difficult combat sport is: boxing, MMA or kickboxing? Chris Algieri breaks it down as someone who spent time practicing both boxing and kickboxing (06:17).

O’Shaquie Foster vs. Ray Ford for Foster’s WBC super featherweight title is the big fight of the weekend and we break down who could come out on top. Over in El Paso, Texas, Stephanie Han puts her title on the line in a rematch vs. MMA/Boxing legend Holly Holm and Amanda Serrano returns, looking to inch closer to the women’s knockout record (13:31).

Dmitry Bivol returns this weekend from an extended absence due to back surgery, taking on his mandatory, Michael Eifert. How much does Bivol have left in the tank and will we get the Betervbiev trilogy or a fight with David Benavidez (27:57)?

Insane ticket prices for Conor McGregor return, Dana White on UFC vs. WNBA pay, more May 28, 2026

Show notes

After reading your five-star podcast reviews (04:01), the Boys in the Back spotlight soaring ticket prices for Conor McGregor's return against Max Holloway at UFC 329 and wonder whether the price is worth it (06:34).

Next, they react to Dana White's recent comments about UFC fighter pay when compared to the WNBA (32:14) and the potential of a Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm rematch (46:36).

Then, they touch on chatter about Khamzat Chimaev's nightmare weight cut (1:02:08), more Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev talk (1:03:52), and results from Road to UFC (1:10:29).

The Boys preview UFC Macau (1:24:24) and Darren Till's BKFC debut (1:43:52), before making picks and acknowledging this week's lack of a P4P segment (1:48:40).

The show ends with your voicemails (2:01:17) and Super Chats (2:32:21).

Colby Covington, Holly Holm, Patrick Habirora, Adam Azim, On The Nose, news & notes May 28, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani starts today’s show by answering your On The Nose questions, touching on the New York Knicks’ success, best all-time walkouts, running into Jake Shields, the scorecards for Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven, and more blind rankings (04:52).

Rising PFL prospect Patrick Habirora joins to recap his massive win over Benson Henderson and discuss criticism of the booking, his callout of Mike Perry, who he wants to fight next, and his relationship with the promotion (40:53).

Colby Covington is back on the show to reveal details of his sudden retirement, including conversations with the UFC, then talks about his full-time move into wrestling, the RAF matchups he’s chasing, UFC’s White House card, the lack of animosity between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland after their fight, whether he belongs in the UFC Hall of Fame, and more (1:04:42).

Holly Holm returns to preview her rematch with Stephanie Han under the MVP banner, also discussing how much longer she plans to compete, potentially being Katie Taylor’s final opponent, Ronda Rousey coming out of retirement and the possibility of a rematch, and more (1:49:32).

Boxer Adam Azim is our final guest of the day, looking ahead to his bout against Steve Claggett, then detailing his training for the fight, his desire to retire at just 31 years old, how he viewed the Usyk vs. Verhoeven controversy, praying with his opponents after their fight, and more (2:14:32).

Ariel and the crew come back to cover news and notes (2:32:46), finish up On The Nose (3:13:38), and answer your Super Chats (3:44:28).

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | AEW Double Or Nothing thoughts, Ludwig Kaiser arrest reaction, WWE Clash In Italy predictions, more May 26, 2026

Show notes

Solomonster is back with a full review of AEW Double or Nothing, by far the best wrestling show of 2026. Plus, FTR contract news with potential WWE interest, a Jim Ross health update, and thoughts on Darby Allin’s run as AEW World champion (1:56).

Then, reaction to MJF singling out Malakai Black as one of the ex-AEW talents who thought the WWE grass was greener, and why Black may have been keen on leaving to go back after Vince McMahon fell out of power (40:10).

Thoughts on Ludwig Kaiser a.k.a. El Grande Americano being arrested last week and what it means for his big push (47:05).

More on Saturday Night’s Main Event, including Logan Paul sustaining a torn triceps, and what it means for the Raw tag team titles (52:19).

WWE Clash in Italy preview and predictions, including which matches will open the show, and why Brock Lesnar doesn't need to win to get to a trilogy match with Oba Femi at Summerslam (57:40).

An update from AEW star Kota Ibushi, who acknowledges he won’t be wrestling again anytime soon, and a fatal accident on Sunday claims the life of a wrestler at a lucha libre show in Mexico (1:10:56).

Rico Verhoeven, Peter Fury, Ben Shalom, Hamzah Sheeraz, massive weekend recap, AND the Knicks are going to the NBA Finals! May 26, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani begins the show by celebrating the continued fairy-tale run of his New York Knicks, then discussing an eclectic combat sports weekend that included the controversial ending to Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven (13:00).

WBO super middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz joins the show following his knockout of Alem Begic, talking about what’s next, expressing his interest in fighting Canelo, and more (41:01).

Rico Verhoeven is back to break down the controversy around his fight with Usyk, then talks about being able to defy expectations, being happy with his performance, how he scored the rounds, wanting an apology from the officials, what he plans to do next, talks of fighting Francis Ngannou, and more (58:19).

Peter Fury, Verheoven’s coach, joins to give his thoughts on the fight, then discuss his training with Verhoeven over the years, their game plan, speaking with the referee after the bout, also working with Tom Aspinall, and more (1:48:14).

BOXXER headman Ben Shalom is our final guest of the day, reacting to the outcome of Usyk vs. Verhoeven, then talks about Adam Azim upcoming bout against Steve Claggett, the promotion’s broadcast deal with the BBC, Ben Whittaker signing with Matchroom, the contract status of Chris Eubank Jr., and more (2:17:32).

Ariel covers some more news and notes, including other action from the weekend, White House updates, Conor McGregor’s recent training, and more (2:46:34), before ending with your Super Chats (3:22:34).

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