The Ariel Helwani Show

Latest Episodes:

UFC fighter pay problem brewing? Michael 'Venom' Page joins the show, On The Nose, more | The Boys in the Back Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back kick off the show with some recent news and notes, including UFC 327 fight announcements (04:25), growing beef between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland (10:40), Robert Whittaker moving to light heavyweight (16:44), and more.

Next, they discuss the recent wave of UFC fighters discussing their pay, on the heels of Zuffa Boxing signing Conor Benn to a reported $15 million deal (34:15) and check in on the latest UFC rankings (1:04:01).

After answering a few On The Nose questions (1:14:11), the Boys are joined by Michael 'Venom' Page to talk about his upcoming Total Kombat show, his UFC career, his interests outside the cage, and more (1:37:58).

The show closes with more of your On The Nose questions (2:12:19) and Super Chats (2:53:06).

Sean Strickland next For Khamzat Chimaev? Ariel Helwani joins, UFC Houston recap, Conor Benn to Zuffa, more | The Boys in the Back Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Blizzard kick off the show with Ariel Helwani, who gives his thoughts on Sean Strickland's UFC Houston win, Zuffa Boxing signing Conor Benn, and more (00:56).

Then, the Boys give their own takes on the main event (14:12), before recapping the rest of the UFC Houston card (34:03).

After touching on a few UFC fight announcements (56:03), Petesy Carroll joins the show to discuss PFL revealing Paul Hughes' next fight (1:08:18) and weigh in on the Conor Benn drama (1:18:07).

The Boys recap more action from the weekend, including Gable Steveson's win at MFL 3 (2:06:35), Ryan Garcia capturing WBC gold (2:15:24), and more (2:20:06).
Covering other news and notes, they discuss Conor McGregor wanting a new deal (2:23:14), Khamzat Chimaev teasing a move to light heavyweight (2:28:20), and Jailton Almeida signing with ACA (2:33:43).
After reacting to breaking news of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao boxing in September, (2:35:03), the Boys hit a few more news items (2:41:01) and answer your Super Chats (2:48:46).

Inside Boxing | Ryan Garcia DOMINATES Mario Barrios to win first world title Feb 22, 2026

Show notes

Inside Boxing is here, reacting to Ryan Garcia's massive win (Garcia is now a legit world champion) over Mario Barrios and how he was able to completely disarm Barrios (2:37).

Plus, Garcia's father and head coach had some words for Chris Algeri and his "corny ass partner" for picking against his son (12:07).

The duo dives into what could be next for Garcia, from a showdown with Shakur Stevenson to highly anticipated rematches with Devin Haney or Rolly Romero (18:21).

On to the news of Richardson Hitchins pulling out of his title fight vs. Oscar Duarte with an undisclosed illness. Was this because of the IBF's strict rehydration clause (25:56)?

Stevenson had a lot to say about a potential clash with Garcia, alluding to the fact he believed Garcia is on performance-enhancing drugs (35:54).

The discussion moves onto the undercard that saw Gary Russell defeat Andy Hiraoka and Frank Martin and Nahir Albright fight to a draw (41:11).

The guys turn their attention to arguably the most shocking story in boxing: Conor Benn signing with Zuffa Boxing and what it could mean for the new promotional outfit, as well as Matchroom's Eddie Hearn (48:57).

And finally, it looks like Floyd Mayweather will officially come out of retirement to continue his professional career in 2026 at the age of 49 (1:01:58).

Dana White vs. Eddie Hearn beef, Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano on Netlfix, more | The Craic Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

The Craic is back! This time, it’s dynamic duo Petesy Carroll and Chuck MIndenhall holding it down.

To kick things off, they react to the ongoing feud between Dana White and Eddie Hearn (5:29).

Then, attention turns to Netflix stepping into the MMA space with Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano (32:41).

They also discuss Gable Steveson’s latest first-round win and whether the UFC should make a move to sign him next (48:20).

With fights on deck this weekend, Petesy and Chuck preview UFC Houston (55:49), and Ryan Garcia taking on Mario Barrios in the ring (01:05:01).

To close the show, the lads answer your Super Chats (01:10:03).

UFC Houston & boxing previews, coach John Wood joins, P4P astronauts, more | The Boys in the Back Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back kick off the show with coach John Wood, who talks about Gina Carano's training ahead of her fight against Ronda Rousey on Netflix, as well as the latest on Merab Dvalishvili (05:33).

They break down UFC Houston, headlined by Sean Strickland and Anthony 'Fluffy' Hernandez (30:16), then preview a busy boxing slate that includes Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios, Leigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington 2, and Claressa Shields vs. Franchon Crews-Dezurn 2 (1:04:35).

Ariel checks in for an Uncrowned announcement (1:19:10) and the Boys make picks (1:29:56), before hitting major MMA news and notes (1:33:31) and delivering their P4P astronauts (1:53:30).

Finally, they debut a brand new Fight Feasts, focused on Tex-Mex cuisine (2:12:44), listen to your voicemails (2:35:06), and answer your Super Chats (3:16:29).

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | AEW makes national headlines, WrestleMania ticket woes, more Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show is BACK with news on Cain Velasquez (yes, he used to wrestle!) being released from prison (00:19).

Plus, thoughts on AEW Grand Slam Australia and the Brody King controversy after Dave Meltzer's erroneous report about Warner Brothers Discovery barring him from TV last week (03:40).

Next, diving into WWE calling an emergency meeting over WrestleMania 42 ticket sales, the reasons why this is happening and the changing dynamic of the WWE audience if they continue down this path (25:17).

On to Elimination Chamber updates, including the latest names to qualify, Bianca Belair's injury status and Raw’s MYSTERY CRATE (37:13).

Discussion turns to LA Knight‘s rumored WrestleMania match and him still being trapped in The Vision Vortex (54:58), before focusing on TNA’s audience gains on AMC and Chris Bey‘s birthday message (1:01:14).

Finally, some New Japan Pro Wrestling notes, including another departing star who may be WWE-bound (1:07:22), and Solomonster answers your questions (1:14:14)!

Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano on Netflix?! Ariel Helwani reaction, On The Nose, more | The Boys in the Back Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back react to the massive news of Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano being announced to headline a Most Valuable Promotions MMA card on Netflix, including Ariel Helwani's thoughts on the announcement (00:47).

Petesy Carroll joins the Boys for On The Nose (54:56), before bouncing around the MMA world for news and notes, including Conor McGregor hinting at the Nate Diaz trilogy, talks of Khamzat Chimaev as a light heavyweight, and more (2:00:38).

Finally, the Boys answer your Super Chats before saying goodbye (2:17:55).

Dana White goes off, UFC White House updates, Cain Velasquez free | The Boys in the Back Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back kick off the show with Petesy Carroll, discussing his exclusive article on Tom Aspinall's recent eye surgery and what the future holds for the UFC's heavyweight champion (03:00). Is Gable Steveson the savior the division needs in the meantime (21:22)?

Next, they discuss Dana White's fiery press conference after Zuffa Boxing 3 (37:18), including the latest on the White House card (54:07).

They recap Ian Mchado Garry's planned trip to Georgia (1:08:57), Cain Velasquez's prison release (1:14:34), Karate Combat's grappling match between Valter Walker and Zion Clark (1:18:32), as well as Winged C latest win (1:24:20).

After coving other news and notes, including grappling ace Gordon Ryan explaining how to beat Khamzat Chimaev (1:32:38), Nate Diaz calling out Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier (1:42:01), and Zabit Magomedsharipov returning to competiton (1:54:38), the Boys answer your Super Chats (2:10:15).

Inside Tom Aspinall's 108-day nightmare, state of UFC's heavyweight division, more | The Craic Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

On this week’s Craic, Petesy Carroll returns alongside Chuck Mindenhall and Ben Fowlkes as usual.

To kick things off, Petesy discusses his latest Uncrowned feature, offering an inside look at Tom Aspinall’s recent eye surgery, which he attended (2:52).

With Aspinall sidelined and news of Jailton Almeida’s recent release, the UFC heavyweight division suddenly looks thin. The trio assess just how shaky the state of what was once the promotion’s premier division has become (28:02).

Then, fresh from the 2026 Combat Sports Officials Summit, Ben Fowlkes shares what officials are working on to help prevent incidents like Aspinall’s eye poke and how they’re approaching MMA scoring moving forward (43:22).

To round out the show, Petesy and the gang answer your Super Chats (1:07:18).

Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev heats back up, Jailton Almeida's shocking UFC release, Tom Aspinall's eye surgery | The Boys in the Back Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back are back with a loaded show covering hot topics in the combat space, including Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev heating back up (08:03), Jailton Almeida's shocking UFC release (19:01), Tom Aspinall's latest eye surgery (29:39), Nate Diaz teasing a return to the cage (40:04), Joaquin Buckley taking on the boxing world (46:21), and more (58:14).
Plus, the Boys deliver their P4P Winter Olympic sports (1:32:55), listen to your voicemails (1:52:40), and answer your Super Chats (2:32:47).

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