The Ariel Helwani Show

Latest Episodes:

Arnold Allen, Lou DiBella in studio, Phil De Fries, On The Nose, news & notes, more Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with a look at the first faceoff between Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates and a skit from Quillan Salkilld (06:59).

Friend of the show Arnold Allen returns to talk about his upcoming fight against Melky Costa, the state of UFC’s featherweight division and who should get the next title shot, running into former opponent Jean Silva, training with Aiemann Zahabi and his prediction for the Sean O'Malley fight, and more (10:05).

KSW heavyweight champion Phil De Fries joins to discuss his 14th consecutive title defense and 17th straight win, wanting a superfight against Francis Ngannou, his rituals and superstitions, and more (41:21).

Promoter Lou DiBella is back to touch on hot-button boxing topics, including the early days of Zuffa Boxing, Conor Benn’s big money signing, Eddie Hearn’s rivalry with Dana White, Anthony Joshua fighting Kristian Prenga rather than Tyson Fury, the Ali Revival Act making its way through Congress, Jake Paul’s latest moves, the state of the industry, and more (1:05:19).

Ariel is joined by The Boys in and Back and Petesy Carroll for On The Nose, with questions about Jiri Prochazka’s recent appearance on the show, Aljamain Sterling’s historical ranking, what’s at stake for Michael Chandler in June, the NBA playoffs, MMA’s intersection with politics, and more (2:10:31).

Ariel closes the show with your Super Chats (3:14:26).

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | WWE roster cuts, Smackdown changes coming, Netflix's Hulk Hogan docuseries Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Jason Solomon is back with a lot to say about the latest round of WWE roster cuts, including one surprising name (04:18). Plus, why people need to stop putting all the blame on TKO, Nick Khan playing the straw man game at a WWE town hall, and more (30:24).

Next, news on NXT PLEs finding a new home, Smackdown reverting back to two hours and why this is a good move (34:25).

Then, thoughts on a big main event signed for Backlash, the Oba Femi open challenge and his direction heading into SummerSlam, and which Smackdown star wants to be a Paul Heyman Girl (41:39).

Plus, a review of Hulk Hogan “Real American” Netflix docuseries, what’s there, what’s missing, and whether it’s worth watching (56:03).

Closing out with news on a potential Lucha Underground revival, the North Carolina town paying homage to Andre the Giant, and some listener Q&A (1:12:11).

Jiří Procházka, Aljamain Sterling, Davey Grant, weekend recap, Fury x AJ signed?! Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with a recap of his travels and thoughts on Netflix’s Hulk Hogan docuseries, before reacting to Aljamain Sterling’s win over Youssef Zalal and what it means for the UFC’s featherweight division, as well as the rest of the card (05:04).

Jiří Procházka returns to discuss his experience as a new father, reflect on the UFC 327 loss to Carlos Ulberg, react to Ulberg’s recent comments, express his interest in a rematch, explain what improvements he will make moving forward, call for fights against Paulo Costa and Magomed Ankalaev, and more (32:26).

Davey Grant joins on the heels of his win against Adrian Luna Martinetti to talk about moving his family to Las Vegas, his children taking up the family business, his martial arts journey, what he wants next, and more (57:53).

Ariel gives his reaction to recent hints dropped by Benoit Saint Denis and Paddy Pimblett about their next bookings (1:26:15).

Aljamain Sterling is our final guest of the day, breaking down Saturday’s victory, making his case for a fight against Alex Volkanovski, then discussing his relationship with the UFC, clapping back at fans on social media, what his legacy will be, and more (1:31:57).

Ariel brings back The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll to cover recent news, including UFC’s Serbian debut, talks of Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua finally happening, Dana White at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Khamzat Chimaev and Kayla Harrison firing shots at Ronda Rousey, and more (2:12:16).

Finally, Ariel and crew answer your Super Chats (3:41:58).

Inside Boxing | Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani preview, Jarrell Miller beats Lenier Pero Apr 26, 2026

Show notes

Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani are ready to do battle in what is being billed as the biggest fight in Japanese history. Inoue is the favorite, but has shown some vulnerabilities over his last few fights. Can Nakatani, a former champion in his own right, pull off the upset (04:42)?

Jarrell Miller picked up a hard-fought victory over Lenier Pero in Las Vegas and quickly called out Deontay Wilder. Wilder is mulling his options after defeating Derek Chisora last month. A Miller vs. Wilder scrap would be a banger at heavyweight, so the guys weigh in (48:19).

Ali Revival Act Senate heating fallout, Alex Pereira's GOAT potential, more | The Craic Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

The Craic is back! This time, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes are joined by special guest John S. Nash.

First up, Nash sheds light on the latest regarding the Ali Revival Act after the Senate hearing debating its merits (1:10).

Then, the lads turn to RAF’s recent momentum, following the news of Khamzat Chimaev’s signing (40:27).

With the White House card looming, does Alex Pereira becoming the promotion’s first three-division champion put him in the GOAT conversation (50:02)?

UFC returns to the Apex this weekend. Petesy and the boys preview Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal (1:19:00) and close the show with some classic Craic banter.

Ilia Topuria vs. Arman Tsarukyan beef heating up, UFC Vegas 116 preview, more | The Boys in the Back Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back kick off the show by celebrating the anniversary of an important show moment (06:54), then cover news and notes from the combat world (12:16).

They react to the recent war of words between UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and top contender Arman Tsarukyan (24:16), before previewing UFC Vegas 116 from top to bottom (53:53).

After making picks (1:25:26), the Boys deliver their P4P superheroes (1:27:07), listen to your voicemails (1:55:34), and answer your Super Chats (2:50:46).

Inside Boxing | TKO, Oscar De La Hoya testify before Senate committee, what's next for Devin Haney, weekend picks Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show discussing the most recent Senate hearing around the Ali Revival Act. It was Nick Khan representing TKO vs. boxing's side of Oscar De La Hoya and Nico Ali Walsh. Both sides made their points and the bill will now go to the Senate floor (02:13).

Next up, Richardson Hitchins who signed with Zuffa Boxing recently, announced he is vacating his 140-pound title and moving to welterweight (30:03). Could he fight Devin Haney this summer? Speaking of Haney, he has been very quiet to start 2026. What’s next (37:16)?

Lastly, the only major fight of the weekend is in the heavyweight division as Jarrell Miller, fresh off losing his hairpiece, fights Lenier Pero from Las Vegas (47:40)!

Arman Tsarukyan, Ric Flair, David Benavidez, Caroline Dubois, On The Nose, news & notes Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with living legend Ric Flair, who gives his reaction to WrestleMania 42, then speaks about his daughter Charlotte’s career, Dennis Rodman asking Flair to induct him into the WWE Hall of Fame, feeling a lack of respect from WWE, his admiration for Stephanie McMahon, his relationship with AEW’s Tony Khan, the state of the industry, and more (03:54).

Ariel is joined The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll to answer your On The Nose questions, with topics including Mike Perry’s next move, Joe Rogan interviewing losing fighters, Nate Diaz’s BMF status, and more (1:00:59).

David Benavidez is back to preview his bout against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, talking about moving up to cruiserweight, why the Dmitry Bivol fight didn’t materialize, Jai Opetaia signing with Zuffa Boxing, sparring with Bivol previously, training with NBA star Damian Lillard, and more (1:36:44).

Unified lightweight champion Caroline Dubois returns to recap her win over Terri Harper, respond to Alycia Baumgardner’s recent comments, double down on her callout of Baumgardner, express interest in fighting Elif Nur Turhan, and more (2:03:58).

Arman Tsarukyan is our final guest of the day, looking back at his RAF match against Urijah Faber, saying he wanted to hurt Faber during their viral fall off the mat, before discussing potential wrestling matches against Colby Covington and Merab Dvalishvili, Ilia Topuria’s comments about him and whether they’ll end up fighting next, his bet with Ryan Garcia, his American Airlines incident, and more (2:32:08).

Ariel and the Boys return for more On The Nose questions (3:17:26), reaction to the Senate hearing regarding the Ali Revival Act, (3:39:24) and Super Chats (3:53:26).

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | WrestleMania Adpocalypse, Hall of Fame thoughts, Darby Allin squashes MJF for AEW title Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

Jason Solomon is back and has mixed feelings on this year’s WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, as well as changes needed for it going forward, and ESPN's Andreas Hale not being credentialed for WrestleMania (05:47).

He reviews both nights of WrestleMania, focusing in on how TKO does business, writing off the dumb Pat McAfee angle, ending strong with an outstanding Sunday main event, and Brock Lesnar’s possible retirement (15:52).

Plus, a new opponent for Roman Reigns heading into Backlash, a big tease for a future Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk match, and a series of NXT callups on Raw (45:01).

Then, thoughts on Darby Allin squashing MJF in two minutes to win the AEW world championship on Dynamite, the way they built up to it, and why this was not a “burial” of MJF (55:32).

Closing out with news on why former UFC champion Josh Barnett is shuttering his Bloodsport shows, and the death of a former WCW star (1:05:07).

Darren Till, Renato Moicano, Charles Jourdain, Jasmine Jasudavicius, Youssef Zalal, more Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani begins the show by touching on the NBA playoff battle between his New York Knicks and GC’s Atlanta Hawks, as well as Jiri Prochazka’s latest statement (02:25).

Youssef Zalal is back to preview his UFC main event against Aljamain Sterling, talking about how the fight came together, having trained with Sterling in the past, wanting to win by submission, his “receipts” for Alexander Volkanovski, planning to be champion by 2027, and more (18:14).

Old friend Darren Till stops by to discuss leaving Misfits and signing with BKFC, whether he’ll eventually fight Mike Perry, facing Aaron Chalmers in his BKFC debut, Dana White’s ego when addressing the media, the “disastrous” state of UFC, Tom Aspinall teaming with Eddie Hearn, and more (49:36).

Charles Jourdain joins after a big win over Kyler Phillips to talk about his online persona, his disappointment about not being ranked, calling for a fight against Marlon "Chito" Vera, the upcoming UFC debut of his brother, and more (1:39:18).

Renato Moicano returns, discussing his promo after beating Chris Duncan earlier this month, his relationship with the fans, content strategy on his YouTube channel, the White House card, his thoughts on AI, Conor McGregor’s next fight, and the usual plunge into economics, religion, and politics (1:57:48).

Jasmine Jasudavicius is our final guest of the day, recapping her victory over Karine Silva in Winnipeg, revealing what was in her mouth during the fight, then talking about the mysterious “Jas Choke,” who she wants to fight next, and more (2:41:12).

Ariel and The Boys in the Back cover some recent news (3:06:11), before closing the show with your Super Chats (3:16:16).

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