The Ariel Helwani Show

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LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS (DAY 1): John Kavanagh, Audie Attar, Eric Nicksick, Tyler Minton all in studio Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show, live from our Las Vegas studio, by setting the scene for UFC 329 fight week (01:00).

Coach John Kavanagh joins Ariel in-studio to discuss Conor McGregor’s preparation, rumors swirling regarding McGregor’s late arrival, Carlos Prates initially being proposed as an opponent, McGregor moving up to welterweight and likely being done with lightweight, how his communication with McGregor has evolved over the years, stories from past McGregor fights, and more (09:51).

Manager Audie Attar is in-studio to talk about Conor McGregor’s return, how negotiations with the UFC played out, the proposed April date for McGregor’s next fight, McGregor’s potential value as a free agent, the overall state of fighter pay, what’s next for Rico Verhoeven, Michael ‘Venom’ Page, and more (58:33).

Nutritionist Tyler Minton stops by the studio to give insights into Max Holloway’s UFC 329 preparation and weight cut, suggest that more weight classes could curb weight cutting, and give insights on the science behind getting elite athletes ready for competition (1:36:49).

Coach Eric Nicksick joins Ariel in-studio, discussing what’s next for some of his fighters, including Sean Strickland and Francis Ngannou, training Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, the rumored altercation with Ali Abdelaziz, Kai Kamaka’s UFC 329 fight, and more (2:21:45).

The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll ambush Ariel with a birthday cake, before tackling news and notes (2:56:13) and Super Chats (3:24:33).

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | Sheamus leaves WWE, CM Punk abruptly ends Sami Zayn’s reign Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Solomonster can’t believe it’s been 30 years since Hulk Hogan turned heel and formed the NWO, but it remains one of the most important moments in wrestling history (00:25).

After discussing that, he addresses Sheamus' shocking WWE departure, why it happened and what it means for his future (06:50).

CM Punk returned on Raw in Chicago and abruptly ended the nine-day reign of Sami Zayn as WWE champion. The polarizing decision likely leads to a major match for SummerSlam, but what it means for Sami is less certain (30:34).

Plus, news on four names reportedly on their way to WWE, including AEW and TNA talent (49:32).

Tony Khan announces the date and location for AEW All Out 2026, plus a preview for a big “Beach Break” Dynamite episode, with MJF against Kenny Omega for the AEW World championship, with a major stipulation (57:32).

Finally, listener questions regarding Oba Femi and Paul Heyman and the best year of Bret Hart’s career, as well as a note on the latest Dark Side of the Ring premiere (1:07:27).

The MMA Beat: Conor McGregor coverage, future plans with UFC, Paddy’s return, Gable’s ceiling Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani is joined by Uncrowned's Shaheen Al-Shatti, Chuck Mindenhall, and NewYorkRic to discuss the media stories surrounding Conor McGregor's return at UFC 329, including how he's covered (03:45), why he's fighting Max Holloway (22:31), the weigh-ins being aired on CBS (29:38), and what potential viewership for the card might look like (51:44). Plus, the panels touches on what's at stake for Paddy Pimblett (52:48) and Gable Steveson (59:17).

Jeff Jarrett in studio, Jaron 'Boots' Ennis, Craig Jones, UFC 329 preview, more Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by discussing World Cup drama involving the U.S. men’s national team and Taylor Swift marrying Travis Kelce at MSG (05:50).

Craig Jones joins the show to announce the return of The B-Team, including a brand new gym, then talks about approaching Tom Hardy and Mark Zuckerberg to compete for CJI, his rivalries with Gordon Ryan and Dillon Danis, crashing White House fight week with Sean Strickland, the state of CJI and UFC BJJ, continuing to work with Alexander Volkanovski, and more (23:27).

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is back following his big win over Xander Zayas, discussing the exciting third round, critics claiming Zayas quit, reaction to the fight from Terence Crawford and Vergil Ortiz, being forced to shave down his beard by the New York State Athletic Commission, his thoughts on attending his first BKFC event and who he hopes to fight next (1:06:09).

Wrestling legend Jeff Jarrett joins Ariel in-studio to preview his 'Dark Side of the Ring' special, discussing how it came together, his relationship with Dixie Carter and her absence from the project, Owen Hart’s death and its lasting impact on him, the true story of negotiating with Vince McMahon for his match against Chyna, his WWE firing, creating TNA, and other stories from his illustrious career (1:32:04).

Ariel closes out the show with some news and notes, before answering your Super Chats (3:03:42).

Inside Boxing | Abdullas Mason stops Albert Bell, Bruce Carrington wins, open scoring debate Jul 05, 2026

Show notes

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show breaking down Abdullah Mason’s somewhat controversial stoppage of Albert Bell. Who should Mason fight next and is he the true future of boxing (2:56)?

Bruce Carrington picked up a hard-fought decision win over Rene Palacios that left the crowd and audience wanting more (25:38). At age 29 and with a world championship belt, where does ‘Shu Shu’ go from here?

This fight also spawned an open scoring debate, as official scores were read after the fourth and eighth rounds (32:24).

Finally, this was TNT Sports first foray into boxing and the production was outstanding with Terence Crawford, Tim Bradley and Shawn Porter at the host desk offering their thoughts throughout the night (46:25).

MMA mid-year awards, ‘quitting on the stool' stigma, UFC 329 preview, more | The Craic Jul 03, 2026

Show notes

Petesy Carroll and Ben Fowlkes are back on The Craic.

This week, they dive into their picks for Uncrowned’s MMA mid-year awards (08:20).

Following recent criticism of Herb Dean, the duo discuss the current state of MMA officiating (51:35).

Next, they tackle the stigma around "quitting on the stool," following Ilia Topuria’s title loss to Justin Gaethje (56:01).

With UFC 329 just two weeks away, the lads assess Conor McGregor’s energy during his pre-fight media run (01:02:21).

To close things out, the boys discuss their World Cup plans (01:11:15) before answering your Super Chats (01:17:24).

$200 million?! Conor McGregor vs. Terence Crawford, Jon Jones speaks, more | The Boys in the Back Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

The Boys in the Back quickly cover some news and notes (06:38), before reacting to Terence Crawford's response to Conor McGregor, who claims the pair were offered $200 million for a two-fight — one MMA, one boxing — deal (11:49).

They also recap Jon Jones speaking on a variety of topics (26:17) and predict who could be the next American UFC champion (35:37).

Plus, the Boys deliver their P4P lists of greatest American moments (46:27), listen to your voicemails (1:19:04), and answer your Super Chats (1:52:05).

Inside Boxing | Boots-Fundora not next, Mason-Bell preview, heavyweight news Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show discussing Jaron 'Boots' Ennis' next opponent, as a report that Sebastian Fundora could be next was quickly shot down. Will it be Josh Kelly or even a voluntary defense (05:14)?

Abdullah Mason steps back into the ring this weekend, taking on late replacement Albert Bell in TNT’s first foray into boxing. Will Mason continue his winning ways (23:32)? Bruce 'Shu Shu' Carrington also appears in the co-main event against Rene Palacios (33:12).

Tyson Fury announced he will take fight Mariusz Wach before his showdown with Anthony Joshua (41:40).

Lastly, Moses Itauma has been mandated by the IBF to fight Frank Sanchez for their vacant title. Itauma currently has a fight against Filip Hrgovic scheduled for late August and there is speculation that Itauma could forego that fight to take on Sanchez (49:57).

Terence Crawford, Dave Allen, Matchroom Multi-Sport CEO Emily Frazer, On The Nose, news & notes Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

Ariel Helwani opens the show by covering news from the worlds of soccer and basketball (02:31), before launching into On The Nose.

Question topics include Turki Alalshikh’s promoter “peace summit,” the likelihood of Jon Jones as Oleksandr Usyk’s next opponent, and more (19:52).

Matchroom Mult-Sport CEO joins Ariel in-studio to discuss the other sports in Matchroom’s portfolio, including billiards, their new ESPN broadcast deal for pool, working with Barry and Eddie Hearn, how her career began, ambitions in the United States market, and more (1:0135).

Dave Allen is back to discuss his upcoming fight against Thomas Carty at Croke Park, reflecting on his loss to Filip Hrgovic, suggesting he might retire if he loses to Carty, expressing his desire to wrestle for WWE, how upcoming fights in the heavyweight division play out, and more (1:59:19).

Terence Crawford returns to discuss his debut as an analyst for TNT Sports, the potential of prospect Abdullah Mason, the performances of Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Xander Zayas, Conor McGregor saying there was a $200 million offer to fight him, whether he ever considered going into MMA, Ilia Topuria’s loss, his thoughts on the sanctioning bodies, and more (2:29:22).

Ariel covers some news and notes, including images of Ilia Topuria as he recovers, Ian Machado Garry on how he plans to upset Islam Makhachev, Daniel Cormier saying Jon Jones was offered seven figures for a wrestling match between the rivals, and more (3:05:56).

The show ends with Ariel answering your Super Chats (3:28:58).

The Uncrowned Wrestling Show | Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam, Sami Zayn wins WWE title, Forbidden Door review Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

Solomonster covers a lot of ground this week, starting with WWE Night of Champions, Sami Zayn winning the WWE championship, the finals of the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments, Piper Niven putting Jade Cargill on blast on social media, and more (03:56).

Brock Lesnar returned on Raw last night, with Oba Femi accepting his challenge to a Hell in a Cell match. Solomonster breaks down what this means for Femi's title shot, Seth Rollins challenging Roman Reigns, and what the overall SummerSlam card is looking like (25:41).

Next, TNA Slammiversary thoughts with Nic Nemeth regaining the title, Mike Santana’s future, the latest on Road Dogg joining their creative team, and Amazing Red being named to this year’s TNA Hall of Fame class (44:11).

Finally, thoughts on AEW Forbidden Door with Will Ospreay and Mercedes Mone punching their tickets to Wembley Stadium, Maya World’s star-making performance, and how the original card was impacted by injuries and visa issues (49:35).

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