The Ariel Helwani Show

Latest Episodes:

Inside Boxing | Vasiliy Lomachenko ends retirement, Keyshawn Davis returns against Nahir Albright, latest at heavyweight May 14, 2026

Show notes

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri kick off the show discussing Ring Magazine’s report of Vasiliy Lomachenko coming out of retirement for “massive fights. Could it be a Shakur Stevenson showdown or perhaps a fight with Gervonta Davis? Why is Lomachenko returning; money grab or does he legitimately want to achieve more (09:53)?
Keyshawn Davis returns to the ring against Nahir Albright in a fight that Davis admits he did not even want. Who could Davis fight next if he is victorious (33:50)?
Lastly, top-rated heavyweight Filip Hrgovic takes on upset-minded Dave Allen this weekend in the UK which leads to a broader discussion around the heavyweight division – could we see Hrgovic in the ring with phenom Moses Itauma this summer (48:48)?

LIVE FROM LA! Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano on Netflix, UFC Vegas 117 preview, voicemails, more | The Boys in the Back May 14, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back are live from Los Angeles, kicking off the show by reading more five-star podcast reviews (04:55).

After quickly touching on some news and notes (10:39), they preview the upcoming MVP MMA card, headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano, on Netflix (14:26).

Next, they debut a brand new Fight Feasts, featuring the iconic Dodger Dog (42:32), break down UFC Vegas 117 (53:32), and make picks (1:15:01).

The Boys showcase their shopping trip ahead of visiting the Magic Castle (1:23:22) and deliver their P4P Star Wars characters (1:40:42).

The show concludes with your voicemails (1:53:55) and soda-fueled Super Chats (2:16:13).

Michael Irvin, O’Shea Jackson Jr., John Martin, Jake Babian all in-studio, plus Junior dos Santos, news & notes May 13, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with movie star O’Shea Jackson Jr., who joins him in-studio to talk LA sports, his latest film projects, pro-wrestling, fatherhood, going on tour with his father Ice Cube, and more (03:34).
Junior dos Santos is back on the show, previewing his fight against Robelis Despaigne on Netflix, then talking about fellow Brazilians Philipe Lins and Adriano Moraes also competing on the card, potentially rematching Francis Ngannou, significant moments from his illustrious career, maintaining his motivation, and more (1:05:44).
PFL CEO John Martin is in-studio to discuss the promotion’s plans and upcoming schedule, their media partnerships and rights, then breaks news of Thad Jean and Shamil Musaev fighting for PFL’s welterweight title in Washington, D.C., the use of AI in promoting fights, and more (1:31:41).
Jake Babian joins Ariel in-studio ahead of his big show debut on the undercard of the Netflix MMA card, talking about his rivalry with opponent Namo Fazil, his early life and combat sports journey to this point, and more (2:07:42).
Next, video of Ariel’s visit to Dodger Stadium, where he spoke to Dodgers fans about last year’s World Series against the Blue Jays (2:29:45).
Petesy Carroll calls in to react to the team’s LA adventure and express his frustration with not being there, then cover some news and notes (2:48:19) and answer your Super Chats (3:26:58).
Hall of Fame NFL wide receiver Michael Irvin crashes the studio to tell tales from his playing days, discuss his massive combat sports fandom, touch on football stories with names like Jerry Jones, Bill Belichick, and Mike Vrabel, and more (3:29:50).
The Boys in the Back join Ariel for a final meal, before ending the show (4:24:28).

Nate Diaz, plus Travis Barker, Mike O’Hearn, Nakisa Bidarian, Chris Avila all in-studio May 13, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by previewing the show, then addressing his recent back-and-forth with Sean Strickland, touching on other news and notes, and answering Super Chats he missed from yesterday’s show (07:48).

Next, video of the crew’s visit to the Santa Monica Pier, including a roller coaster, some basketball, and more (30:38).

Chris Avila joins Ariel in-studio to preview his fight against Brandon Jenkins on the Netflix MMA card, speaking on potential rematches against Benson Henderson and Anthony Pettis, wanting to fight Tony Ferguson for Misfits, being bothered by the odds for his upcoming fight, venturing into acting, and more (43:31).

Bodybuilding star Mike O’Hearn comes in-studio to discuss the beginnings of his career, training with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno from an early age, appearing on American Gladiators alongside Gina Carano, garnering interest from WWE, dispelling claims of PED use, memes and handling viral fame, his martial arts training, and more (1:16:10).

Ariel sits down with Nate Diaz for a wide-ranging interview on his decision to fight Mike Perry on Netflix, talks with the UFC about a return, a potential Conor McGregor and Max Holloway fight, the legacy of the BMF title, and more. Plus, stories from his illustrious career and long-standing beefs involving Daniel Cormier and Jake Shields get settled over FaceTime (2:15:45).

MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian is in-studio to preview Netflix's MMA card, diving into the business side of the event, how the talent was assembled, viewership expectations, before also discussing TKO’s position in the industry, fighter pay, the Ali Revival Act, Jake Paul’s return, and more (2:56:34).

Legendary musician Travis Barker joins Ariel in-studio to talk about his upcoming projects and rabid MMA fandom, including his thoughts on UFC 328 and the aftermath (3:29:00).

Magician Ian Michael Scheller wows and amazes Ariel Helwani with tricks, including a few with an MMA twist (4:01:00).

The Boys in the Back join Ariel to try some In-N-Out (4:24:01).

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | Backlash fallout, John Cena’s big idea, AEW files suit against TrillerTV May 13, 2026

Show notes

Solomonster is back with thoughts on the passing of media mogul Ted Turner and why wrestling would look very different today without him (1:30).

Then, he dives into WWE Backlash from Tampa and John Cena’s historic (was it though?) announcement of The John Cena Classic, pitting WWE stars against NXT stars, why the idea could work, but is not without its issues (7:54).

AEW sues its former streaming partner, TrillerTV, for $5 million in unpaid money owed to them, what they allege, and the impact a Triller bankruptcy could have on independent wrestling (34:41).

The latest on MJF challenging Darby Allin for the AEW World title and what MJF will have to put on the line for it, plus thoughts on AEW hosting a show on an indoor golf course and why we need more wacky venues in wrestling (40:01).

Closing out with news on the end of Raja Jackson’s criminal case, Billy Corgan’s NWA touting big ratings on Comet TV, and Sports Illustrated ranking the 20 best wrestlers in WWE history… and yes, there are some issues (46:49).

Live from LA! Ronda Rousey, Jake Paul, Joshua Van, Sean Brady, Eric Nicksick, UFC 328 reaction May 11, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani starts the show, live from Los Angeles, by previewing the upcoming week. Then the Boys in the Back join Ariel in-studio to discuss UFC 328, starting with Sean Strickland’s shocking upset of Khamzat Chimaev and whether he should have apologized after the fight, then moving on to the rest of the card (12:46).
Sean Brady is back after a big win over Joaquin Buckley, talking about Buckley’s trash talk leading into the fight, the fight’s notable gambling activity, learning from the Michael Morales loss, when he expects to return, wanting to fight Carlos Prates or Kamaru Usman next, and more (1:22:12).
Coach Eric Nicksick returns to break down Sean Strickland’s massive victory, including the game plan for Khamzat Chimaev, whether he believes Chimaev made weight, Strickland’s apology in the aftermath, not being surprised by Strickland’s success, where Strickland goes next, and more (1:49:34).
UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van celebrates his first title defense, discussing the performance against Tatsuro Taira, his high-volume style, his press conference fit, his budding rivalry with Alexandre Pantoja, when their rematch could take place, Manel Kape showing him respect, and more (2:13:06).
Jake Paul joins to preview MVP’s upcoming MMA card on Netflix, looking back at the growth of the promotion, then talking about his relationship with PFL, UFC not trying to counter-program their event, comparisons to the White House card, trash talk in the fight game, viewership expectations for the event, working with Ronda Rousey, meeting Dana White, his return to the ring, and more (2:33:02).
Years in the making, Ronda Rousey and Ariel reunite to discuss their various interviews over the years, Rousey’s renewed passion for MMA, maintaining an edge while balancing her love for opponent Gina Carano, her UFC departure, wanting to be the Dana White of Netflix’s MMA offering, her beef with UFC’s Hunter Campbell, believing this will be her last fight, the end of her time at WWE, and more (3:03:38).
Ariel reacts to Sean Strickland’s response to his earlier comments (3:37:19), then covers some other news and notes (3:40:20), and samples some famous doughnuts (3:59:42).

Inside Boxing | Daniel Dubois beats Fabio Wardley in all-time classic, Zak Chelli upsets David Morrell May 11, 2026

Show notes

We open the show recapping Daniel Dubois' late stoppage of Fabio Wardley to capture the WBO heavyweight title in an all-time thriller of a fight. Is a trilogy with Oleksandr Usyk, a rematch with Wardley, or perhaps a Moses Itauma showdown next for Dubois? Also on the card, David Morrell was upset by massive underdog Zak Chelli (02:55).
To end the show, Chris Algieri details IBF featherweight champion Angelo Leo and Ra’eese Aleem’s fight being canceled over Aleem missing weight by 2.8 pounds (33:23).

UFC 328 Post-Fight Show: Sean Strickland shocks the world again by beating Khamzat Chimaev May 10, 2026

Show notes

Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes reunite for the UFC 328 post-fight show, reacting first to Sean Strickland shocking the world again by dethroning Khamzat Chimaev (00:37).

After discussing Nassourdine Imavov calling next (21:50), they address Strickland's apologetic post-fight speech (26:33).

Next, they revel in the show-stealing co-main event between Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira (31:51), including the stoppage (37:27), and Van's callout of Alexandre Pantoja (40:48).

Finally, they recap the rest of the card, including the scoring of Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (49:36), Sean Brady's win over Joaquin Buckley (56:46), including the drastic betting line movement, and more (59:35).

Khamzat Chimaev Sean Strickland's explosive UFC 328 presser, Conor McGregor's return, more | The Craic May 08, 2026

Show notes

The Craic is back! Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes return as usual.

First up, the lads react to the fireworks between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland at the UFC 328 press conference (05:10).

After predicting what kind of shenanigans could unfold at the pair’s final faceoff (36:19), the boys preview the flyweight title co-main event between Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira (41:40).

Attention then turns to Dana White’s confidence in Conor McGregor making his long-awaited return this summer (49:29).

Elsewhere, recent comments from TKO president Mark Shapiro on the state of the UFC product have come under the microscope (01:01:45).

To close the show, the chaps give their UFC 328 picks (01:09:15).

Inside Boxing | Wardley-Dubois preview and picks, Benavidez floats catchweight for Bivol fight May 08, 2026

Show notes

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri kick off the show discussing David Benavidez’s recent comments about potentially fighting Dmitry Bivol at a catchweight of 190 pounds. Is Benavidez already looking for a way out of making the 175-pound light heavyweight limit? Ring Magazine also reported a strong desire from Turki Alalshikh for Benavidez to fight heavyweight king, Oleksandr Usyk, in 2027 (03:36).

Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois will go at it in a highly-anticipated heavyweight championship fight in Manchester, England. Can Wardley keep the momentum going after big stoppage wins over Justis Huni and Joseph Parker? Dubois, coming off the stoppage loss to Usyk, and could be in a do-or-die situation (23:25).

Finally, the guys discuss the upcoming featherweight championship bout between Angelo Leo and Ra’eese Aleem, with the winner potentially squaring off against Naoya Inoue in 2027 (55:01).

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