The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani

Latest Episodes:

Dustin Poirier, Stephen Thompson, Rose Namajunas, Jiří Procházka, Bobby Green, UFC 291 recap, more Jul 31, 2023

Show notes

Ariel Helwani and crew around (11:07) discuss the star of the combat sports weekend, the future of Derrick Lewis, what’s next for Dustin Poirier, Alex Pereira's light heavyweight debut and his impressive resume, the current status of UFC 293's headliner, Tony Ferguson's future in the UFC, and more.

Jiri around (44:04) talks about his training in Thailand, the status of his shoulder, his thoughts on the Alex Pereira vs. Jan Blachowicz fight, thoughts on facing Pereira for the title and when he wants it to happen, his ongoing communication with Glover Teixeira, his reaction to Jamahal Hill's injury, when he'll be physically able to fight for the title, how a fight with Pereira would play out, and more.

Stephen Thompson around (1:14:43) explains why he pulled out of his UFC 291 fight after his opponent missed weight, when he knew Michel Pereira was going to be overweight, has a message to his future opponents, the process of whether to take the fight or not, if he has gotten paid yet, when he wants to return, and more.

Bobby Green around (1:42:07) discusses his win over Tony Ferguson at UFC 291, Ferguson’s comments about the eye poke, why eye pokes happen sometimes in his fights, his issues with Ferguson during the fight, the fighters on his list, injuries from the fight, why he got arrested in Salt Lake City, and more.

The parlay boys around (2:11:01) look back at a busy combat sports weekend, and GC recaps his picks.

Rose Namajunas around (2:29:24) discusses her absence from the UFC, her recent loss to Carla Esparza, if she thought of retirement, her move to flyweight division, facing Manon Fiorot in Paris, and more.

Dustin Poirier around (2:56:42) discusses his loss in the UFC 291 main event, what went wrong, how he felt about the first round, his reaction to watching the fight again, how Justin Gaethje has changed, his recovery, what’s next, Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz, and more.

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Paulo Costa, Robbie Lawler, Michael Chiesa, Nathaniel Wood, UFC 291 Preview Jul 26, 2023

Show notes

Michael Chiesa around (6:51) discusses his upcoming UFC 291 fight against Kevin Holland, his long layoff, how Chase Hooper tried to replicate Holland’s trash talking in camp, if he thought of retirement recently, if he feels his back is against the wall, if elevation will be an issue, Poirier vs. Gaethje 2, and more.

On the latest edition of On the Nose around (38:57), Ariel Helwani discusses the best fight of the weekend, the UFC heavyweight division and what’s next for Tom Aspinall, MVP’s next move, Lionel Messi and MLS, Chael Sonnen’s UFC analyst return, greatest lightweight to never hold a UFC title, Rose Namajunas’ future, GC’s review of Barbie and Oppenheimer, Israel Adesanya’s next fight, and more.

Robbie Lawler around (1:02:27) discusses his UFC 290 retirement bout, his lengthy career, his Hall of Fame speech, what fight day was like, why he changed his walkout song, if he has more fights left in him, will he ever come back, what’s next for him, if he has his favorite knockout, and more.

Nathaniel Wood around (1:29:45) discusses his win over Andre Fili at UFC London, if he thought he was getting the nod from the judges, if he is sticking at 145 pounds, his issues with cutting to 135 pounds, how close he is to being ranked, what’s next, his Jedi sponsorship, and more.

Paulo Costa around (2:01:16) discusses his upcoming fight against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294, joining OnlyFans, what happened with his UFC 291 fight, Chimaev’s recent comments, the issue between him and Chimaev, how he stole his hat, his Elon Musk T-shirt, secret juice, his new merchandise, what could be next after the fight, how he beats Chimaev, and more.

The parlay boys around (3:31:42) make their latest selection, and GC makes his picks for a busy combat sports weekend.

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Tom Aspinall, Paul Craig, Lerone Murphy, Grayson Waller, and more Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

Ariel Helwani around (7:13) recaps UFC London and Tom Aspinall’s triumphant return, the mistake Aspinall made with his callout, and more. The team discusses the possibility that Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic could be a double-retirement fight, the future of the heavyweight division and fates of potential contenders like Tom Aspinall, Jailton Almeida and Sergei Pavlovich, and more.

Paul Craig around (39:33) talks about his win over Andre Muniz at UFC London, how his move to middleweight came about, work with the UFC Performance Institute, his weight cut and what he weighed on fight night, bouncing back from back-to-back losses in fights against Volkan Oezdemir and Johnny Walker, his intense staredown with Muniz before the fight, the evolution of jiu-jitsu in Scotland, why he's not done with the light heavyweight division, his desire to fight Bo Nickall or Sean Strickland, how he accidentally broke a training partner's jaw in a pro-wrestling match, his desire to headline a UFC Scotland event, and more.

Tom Aspinall around (1:16:27) breaks down his win over Marcin Tybura, one of the "lowest days of his life" one year ago and reflecting on his progress since then, bouncing back from his serious knee injury, thoughts about giving up the sport during his low point, how he gets very sick the day of his fights, how a trick Georges St-Pierre told him about helps him fight better, why he expected a 25-minute fight against Tybura, his meeting with hero Louis Theroux, how advice from Michael Bisping led to his callout of the winner of Gane vs. Spivac, his thoughts on a potential fight against Sergei Pavlovich, his thoughts on Jon Jones' reaction to his win, how a fight with Jones would play out, his like for Marvin Tybura and relaying an apology to Tybura's team after his win, and more.

Lerone Murphy around (1:52:26) discusses his win at UFC London on Saturday, if he gets nervous before fights, the Nathaniel Wood confrontation earlier in the week, Wood’s performance at UFC London, who he wants next, a past bike accident, his recent performances, and more.

Grayson Waller around (2:18:21) discusses his broken leg before the draft, where he was picked, if they would bring his show over, being compared to The Miz, paying tribute to Conor McGregor in his MSG debut, squaring off against John Cena, why he became a pro wrestler, why he stopped MMA, training with Robert Whittaker, his admiration with Chael Sonnen, starting the shoey after Tai Tuivasa, his issues with The Rock, his photo with Dillon Danis, and more.

The parlay boys around (3:03:10) look back at the most recent selection, and GC recaps his picks for UFC London.

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Julianna Peña, Oscar De La Hoya in studio, Phil de Fries, Bassil Hafez, Shauna Bannon, and more Jul 19, 2023

Show notes

In the latest On the Nose around (11:34), Ariel Helwani discusses how close Tom Aspinall is to a title shot, which megafight will do bigger PPV numbers, Francis Ngannou’s walkout, Paulo Costa’s next fight, Dana White’s news announcements, and more.

Phil de Fries around (41:43) discusses his latest KSW title defense, why he wasn’t happy with his performance, battling Francis Ngannou, Ngannou’s chances against Tyson Fury, when his contract will run out, how Tom Aspinall will do this weekend, and more.

Oscar De La Hoya around (1:10:16) discusses his new HBO documentary, why he was so open, his early success and struggles, being abused as a child, the controversial photos, what he regrets, where things stand with Ryan Garcia, Eddie Hearn, and more.

Julianna Pena around (1:45:22) discusses all the latest MMA Hour news, why some fighters might not like her, recent comments by Mayra Bueno Silva, where the beef started with Raquel Pennington, meeting Rey Mysterio and Scott Eastwood, Amanda Nunes, Ronda Rousey, and more.

Shauna Bannon around (2:15:14) discusses her UFC debut this weekend at UFC London, where she was when she got the call, how she got her start in mixed martial arts, how she has changed after the birth of her son, training as a single mother, learning from coach Paddy Holohan, Conor McGregor’s support, how the fight will finish, and more.

Bassil Hafez around (2:42:25) discusses his performance against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Vegas 77, where he was when he got the call, how tough his weight cut was, his hospital trip after the fight, if he thinks he won the fight, how he lost both of his parents to cancer, how he got started in MMA, and more.

The parlay pals around (3:47:25) make their next selection, and GC makes his picks for this upcoming weekend.

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Francis Ngannou, Rampage Jackson, Michael Page. Maycee Barber, Mayra Bueno Silva, and more Jul 17, 2023

Show notes

Ariel Helwani around (3:18) discusses UFC Vegas 77, if Jack Della Maddalena’s stock dropped, the KSW event, Jamahal Hill vacating the light heavyweight title, what’s next for the light heavyweight division, Nate Diaz vs. Jake Paul in MMA, and more.

Francis Ngannou around (1:01:04) discusses his upcoming fight against Tyson Fury, when the talks first started, a possible world media tour, Dana White’s comments on Jon Jones vs. Fury, his promotion, what life was like after the announcement, if there is a rematch clause, the staredown with Jones, a recent PFL controversy, how the fight with Fury will end, a message for the critics, and more.

Michael Page aruond (1:41::51) discusses his free agency, why did it happen, if he will return to Bellator, how he would do in the UFC, his favorite Bellator moments, if he wants a rematch with Mike Perry, and more.

Maycee Barber around (2:08:28) discusses her most recent win over Amanda Ribas this past June, if she was too brash in her UFC start, why she wants a rematch with Alexa Grasso, why she was crying during the date of that fight, why she ended up at Team Alpha Male, Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko 2, Rose Namajunas’ chances in the division, Julianna Pena’s trash talk, Erin Blanchfield’s hype, and more.

Rampage Jackson around (2:33:52) discusses his recent weight loss, the UFL, how the fans helped him make a change, how he feels about Dana White, if he plans on making a return, if he will box or not, his movie career, his new podcast, his son’s upcoming pro debut, and more.

Mayra Bueno Silva around (3:16:31) discusses her big win over Holly Holm at UFC Vegas 77, her nickname, how she got the finish, why she overcame depression thanks to her wife, how she recovered, why she thought of retirement after Manon Fiorot, Julianna Pena’s message, and more.

The parlay pals around (4:04:11) recap their latest selection and GC looks back at his UFC Vegas 77 picks.

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Georges St-Pierre, Bo Nickal, Brandon Royval, Cat Zingano, Marquel Martin, reaction to Francis Ngannou news Jul 12, 2023

Show notes

In the latest On the Nose around (08:11), Ariel Helwani discusses Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, the Jon Jones vs. Fury talks, Saudi Arabia hosting the fight, Alexander Volkanovski vs. Aljamain Sterling, a main event quiz,

Georges St. Pierre around (1:00:34) discusses his return to grappling this fall, Alexander Volkanovski’s talents, when he decided to compete again in grappling, his top choice for an opponent, Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury, if he would do boxing, the state of Canadian MMA, how he ended up training Elon Musk, and more.

Bo Nickal around (1:33:29) discusses his big win at UFC 290, how he dealt with the change of opponents, the entire fight against Val Woodburn, becoming a father, predicts his future, facing Khamzat Chimaev, what’s next, and more.

Cat Zingano around (2:01:48) discusses her recent support for a bill for pension for MMA fighters, how Ronda Rousey was involved in the effort, if the bill passes what it would mean for fighters, if Cris Cyborg would be next, doing jiu-jitsu under water,

Marquel Martin around (2:54:33), Francis Ngannou’s longtime representative, discusses the announcement of Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury, when the clash became a real thing, Dana White’s comments about Jon Jones vs. Fury, why the Fury vs. Ngannou fight didn’t happen in the UFC, Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony Joshua, Ngannou’s chances against Tommy Fury, how much Ngannou possibly will get paid, and more.

Brandon Royval around (3:26:20) discusses the co-main event at UFC 290, the weight cut, the life of a backup fighter, how he scored the main event, if a title shot is next, the state of the flyweight division, the tough loss to Alexandre Pantoja, and more.

GC and the parlay pals around (4:20:07) make their pick for this upcoming weekend, and GC makes his picks for UFC Vegas 77.

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Alexander Volkanovski, Chael Sonnen, Dan Hooker, Alexandre Pantoja, Ilia Topuria, Jens Pulver, w/ UFC 290 reaction Jul 10, 2023

Show notes

The team discusses Alexander Volkanovski's amazing win over Yair Rodriguez, what's next for him, Robbie Lawler's retirement, discusses Dricus du Plessis win over Robert Whittaker, du Plessis' confrontation with Israel Adesanya, the genesis of Israel Adesanya's feud with Dricus du Plessis, and more.

Alexandre Pantoja around (1:05:47) talks about his "hero's welcome" at American Top Team after winning the flyweight title at UFC 290, his thoughts on the scoring of his fight, his relationship with his father, his emotional post-fight speech, respect for Brandon Moreno and "Rocky" moment in the hospital after the fight, how he was an Uber Eats driver two fights before his title shot, and more.

Chael Sonnen around (1:39:51) discusses Israel Adesanya’s staredown with Dricus du Plessis at UFC 290, if Adesanya crossed a line, if du Plessis could beat Adesanya, Alexander Volkanovski’s performance, Adesanya vs. Jon Jones, Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, Bo Nickal vs. Khamzat Chimaev, and more.

Jens Pulver around (2:19:02) discusses his Hall of Fame week at UFC 290, why he felt an awesome sense of PTSD during the week, how nervous he was to give his speech, getting inducted alongside old teammate Robbie Lawler, memories of Lawler’s early career, catching up with Nick Diaz and Bas Rutten, his viral moment with Chris Curtis, his mom’s reaction to his speech, reaction to UFC 290, Anderson Silva’s absence from the ceremony, and more.

Dan Hooker around (2:45:17) discusses his thrilling UFC 290 win over Jalin Turner, the multiple surgeries he needs for his injured arm and orbital bone, dealing with the injuries mid-fight, how he scored the fight, the future of his blonde hair, and more.

Ilia Topuria around (3:02:44) discusses his staredown with Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 290, Volkanovski’s performance, how he matches up against Volkanovski, if he will get a title shot next, if the UFC will host event in Spain, his rose celebration against Josh Emmett, how he got his nickname, and more.

Alexander Volkanovski around (3:25:34) discusses recent comments by Ilia Topuria, his staredown with Topuria after the UFC 290 main event, when he first injured his arm, if he will return by UFC 294, what’s next, if anything surprised him against Yair Rodriguez, and more.

GC around (4:05:16) looks back at his picks at UFC 290, the International Fight Week draft, and the latest parlay pals selection.

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Alexander Volkanovski, Jorge Masvidal, Dan Hooker, Cory Sandhagen, Jack Della Maddalena, and more Jul 05, 2023

Show notes

Dan Hooker around (2:49) discusses his new hair style, why he has turned the corner, his new tattoos, which tattoos hurt the most, how he got back on track, how he broke his hand in training, his comments about Islam Makhachev, his reaction to the Tony Ferguson offer, his fight against Jalin Turner at UFC 290, and more.

Alexander Volkanovski around (31:04) discusses his UFC 290 title defense against Yair Rodriguez, how he got a recent cut, Rodriguez’s custom belt, if he was close to a rematch with Islam Makhachev, Logan Paul and Prime, Dan Hooker’s comments, Mark Zuckerberg vs. Elon Musk, his bromance with Jamal Murray, Max Holloway’s recent fight, and more.

Jack Della Maddalena around (1:02:24) discusses his short-notice fight against Josiah Harrell at UFC 290, Kevin Holland possibly stepping up, missing out on Sean Brady, his infant son watching his fights, and more.

In the latest On the Nose around (1:26:47), Ariel Helwani discusses if Tyson Fury will face Francs Ngannou next, Money in the Bank, UFC London, Kevin Lee’s future, the recent ESPN layoffs, how the UFC treats Aljamain Sterling, and more.

Jorge Masvidal around (1:59:13) discusses his upcoming event in September, retired life, the main event rematch between JDS and Fabricio Werdum, what bareknuckle MMA is like, a bathroom fight in China, Jake Paul, Paul vs. Nate Diaz, the return of the BMF title, if he plans to fight again, facing KSI, and more.

Cory Sandhagen around (2:35:01) discusses his new social media game, his NBA fandom, why he is fighting Umar Nurmagomedov, how he is preparing for the fight, if a title shot is on the line, a rematch with Aljamain Sterling, what he learned from their first fight, how he escapes from fighting, reality TV, and more.

The group around (3:32:13) participates in the annual International Fight Week draft and then makes their latest parlay pick.

GC then around (3:45:58) makes his picks for UFC 290.

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Ariel Helwani: On The Nose & Upcoming Week Preview Jun 28, 2023

Show notes

Ariel Helwani around (02:27) answers your questions on the latest edition of On The Nose.

The Parlay Boys around (01:05:17) preview the weekend ahead in combat sports and make their picks.

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Chael Sonnen, Brandon Moreno, Ilia Topuria, Tatiana Suarez, Randy Brown in studio, and more Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

Ariel and company around (9:00) discuss Ilia Topuria's big win over Josh Emmett at UFC Jacksonville, addresses the controversy surrounding the Natan Shulte and Raush Manfio at PFL 6, what the PFL should have done about the situation, and how the tournament should play out.

Ilia Topuria around (31:51) reacts to his win over Josh Emmett at UFC Jacksonville, Emmett's toughness in the fight, how Emmett surprised him, soccer star Sergio Ramos' appearance at the fight, where the UFC should visit in Spain, how he'd delay a title shot to fight Max Holloway in Spain, whether he's rooting for Alexander Volkanovski or Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290 (and who he thinks will win), his brother's MMA career, how he felt mercy for Emmett during the fight, and more.

Chael Sonnen around (57:00) takes a few shots at Blazers star Damian Lillard, claims Mark Zuckerburg told him he's agreed to fight Elon Musk at UFC 300, the Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez title fight, why the UFC does fun fights every 10 years and whether that contradicts Dana White's vow not to make gimmick fights. Chael also tries to get Mark Zuckerberg to call into the show, why Dana White wants to make Zuckerberg vs. Musk, why he wouldn't coach Zuckerberg, the PFL 6 controversy, his recent acting job, how Aspen Ladd catfished him, the possible Bellator acquisition of PFL, the UFC's revenue share with fighters, and more.

Tatiana Suarez around (1:43:03) explains why she has changed weight classes, her back injury, if she ever thought of retiring during her time away, her relationship with Patchy Mix, missing out on a chance to face Rose Namajunas, and more.

Brandon Moreno around (2:04:19) discusses his upcoming title defense at UFC 290, the lack of drama before the fight, Pokemon cards, if he will do pro wrestling after his fight, if Kai Kara-France won his last fight, Henry Cejudo’s latest comments, Alexandre Pantoja, and more.

Randy Brown around (2:23:44) discusses his performance at UFC Jacksonville, how he tuned out the critics, how he dealt with UFC 284 loss, how the fans treat him in different parts of the world, his tough childhood, how he got into MMA, growing up in Jamaica, the move to New York City, MMA in Jamaica, what’s next, and more.

The parlay pals around (3:27:08) look back at their most recent selection, and GC looks at how his picks did from this past weekend.

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