The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani

Latest Episodes:

Jorge Masvidal, Alistair Overeem, Mariusz Pudzianowski, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Merab Dvalishvili, Jordan Leavitt, and more Jun 01, 2022

Show notes

Jordan Leavitt around (7:02) discusses his upcoming clash with Paddy Pimblett, cutting back on social media, how active he wants to be this year, his reading goals, his unique celebrations, his dancing, his nickname, and much more.

Alistair Overeem around (42:45) discusses how he ended up doing pro wrestling, facing Braun Strowman, what happened to Rico Verhoeven fight in Glory and how he ended up with Badr Hari, if he’s done with MMA, facing Fedor Emelianenko, his ending with the UFC, and more.

Merab Dvalishvili around (1:08:21) discusses his efforts on landing a fight, his possible return at UFC on ABC 3 in Long Island, who he wants to fight next, his viral swimming videos, his thoughts on Aljamain Sterling’s recent comments, how he ended up in the gym, and more.

Mariusz Pudzianowski around (1:37:03) discusses his knockout upset at KSW 70, why he was emotional after the fight, his diet, his social media, his recent success, if he wants to face Mamed Khalidov next, and more.

Jairzinho Rozenstruik around (2:04:48) discusses his upcoming fight against Alexander Volkov at UFC Vegas 56, facing tall fighters, what he learned from Curtis Blaydes fight, the state of the UFC heavyweight division, if Francis Ngannou will return, and more.

GC and Helwani around (2:19:47) recap best bets from this past weekend and look ahead to UFC Vegas 56 on Saturday night.

In the latest On the Nose around (2:46:29), Ariel Helwani discusses state of UFC heavyweight division, stars who could make leap into another promotion, Jorge Masvidal vs. Conor McGregor, the LeBron James of MMA, his favorite WWE tag teams, and more.

Jorge Masvidal around (3:07:32) discusses MMA judging, his loss to Colby Covington, Herb Dean, his alleged incident with Covington, facing Conor McGregor or Gilbert Burns next, Nate Diaz’s issues with the UFC, Canelo vs. Usman, Dustin Poirier vs. Colby Covington, families and trash talk, and more.

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Dominick Cruz, Al Iaquinta, Shannon Knapp, Andy Foster, and more May 25, 2022

Show notes

Towards the beginning of the show, Ariel Helwani delivers an emotional reaction to the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

Shannon Knapp around (13:49) gives us an update on Invicta FC, the history of open scoring at her events, how it has helped, the reaction of the fans, and more.

Al Iaquinta around (38:14) discusses selling NewYorkRic a house, why he doesn’t like open scoring, rips Doug Crosby, MVP vs. Storley judging, what Aljamain Sterling Day was like, if he’ll return at Long Island UFC event, and more.

Andy Foster around (1:17:22) discusses why he isn’t in favor of open scoring, scoring rounds 10-10, the evolution of judging, the criticism of judges, corner issues, how DQ’s should be a last resort, Charles Oliveira’s weight miss, digital scale vs. beam scale, and more.

Dominick Cruz around (2:04:23) discusses open scoring, why education of judges would make the true difference, the 135-pound division, if T.J. Dillashaw earned a title shot, when he might return and where, his thoughts on Marlon Vera, and more.

GC and Helwani around (2:39:49) look at best bets for the upcoming KSW event and more.

In the latest On the Nose around (3:01:06), Ariel Helwani discusses if there should be more judges, Ali Abdelaziz vs. Cris Cyborg, Sasha Banks and Naomi vs. WWE, his relationship with Brock Lesnar, failed dinner plans with The MMA Hour crew, a failed wedding proposal, NewYorkRIc calls in, and more

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Glover Teixeira, Valentina Shevchenko, Chase Hooper, Mariusz Pudzianowski, and more May 23, 2022

Show notes

Ariel Helwani opens the show by discussing UFC Vegas 55’s close main event and open scoring, how the fighters could have “the power,” and more.

Chase Hooper around (35:43) discusses his performance at UFC Vegas 55, his new hair, judging, fan noise, how the time off helped him, his recent marriage, his T-shirt, his tough childhood, how his coach is his manager, and more.

Valentina Shevchenko around (1:04:33) discusses her upcoming title defense at UFC 275, why she is training in Florida, her reception back home, a traditional game, if she was shocked by recent loss by Amanda Nunes, if she might move to fight for 135-pound title next, Rose vs. Carla, the secret to her success, and more.

Glover Teixeira around (1:31:46) discusses his life as UFC champion, how he feels about event in Singapore, if he is changing up his camp for the fight, his perfect plan for retirement, when he decided to give up hard liquor, if Jan Blachowicz could be next after UFC 275, Anderson Silva’s recent boxing run, if Charles Oliveira should have been stripped of title, and more.

Mariusz Pudzianowski around (2:01:17) discusses his lengthy MMA career, how his body has changed to do mixed martial arts, his least favorite Strongman event, how long he wants to compete in MMA, his daily routine and diet, his helicopters, if he ever has been approached by a major U.S. promotion, what convinced him to do MMA, and more.

GC and Helwani around (2:30:50) look back at best bets from the previous weekend.

Ariel Helwani, GC and NewYorkRic around (2:48:16) discuss who should be the next person to box Jake Paul, the next opponent for Holly Holm, and Valentina Shevchenko’s next title shot. They also discuss future bets.

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Jan Blachowicz, Aleksandar Rakic, Davey Grant, Eric Albarracin, and more May 18, 2022

Show notes

Davey Grant around (7:12) discusses his win over Louis Smolka, not getting a bonus at UFC Vegas 54, his roller-coaster road through the UFC, why he doesn’t fight in London, and more.

Eric Albarracin around (27:32) discusses the return of Henry Cejudo, Cejudo’s preferred weight class, Cejudo vs. Volkanovski or Holloway, if he will keep working with Jon Jones, and more.

Jan Blachowicz around (57:17) discusses his performance at UFC Vegas 54, the injuries he suffered in the fight, his recent injury scare, if he earned a title shot, what he likes to do in Las Vegas, Sean Strickland’s recent comments, and more.

Aleksandar Rakic around (1:23:52) talks about the return from his injured knee, his performance at UFC Vegas 54, how close he is to the light heavyweight title, and more.

GC and Helwani around (2:01:30) discuss best bets for UFC Vegas 55 and more.

In the latest On the Nose around (2:25:54), Ariel Helwani discusses a possible TUF battle between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson, Johnny Hendricks vs. GSP, Dustin Poirier vs. Colby Covington, Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, a possible Salt Lake City main event, and more.

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Tony Ferguson, Dustin Poirier, Paul Daley, Michael Page, and more May 16, 2022

Show notes

Ariel Helwani (12:34), along with Conner Burks and Eric Jackman, take a look at best bets this past weekend and wrap up all the action from UFC Vegas 54.

Michael Page around (34:30) discusses his performance against Logan Storley at Bellator 281, if the rules need to be changed with wrestlers, if he believes he won, Scott Coker’s comments after the fight, would open scoring help, if there will be a rematch, Paul Daley, and more.

Ariel Helwani around (1:01:56), along with Conner Burks and Eric Jackman, take a closer look at the latest MMA news and more.

Paul Daley around (1:29:13) discusses his performance at Bellator 281 on Friday, how he pulled off the final finish, the injury he suffered, which two fights he would end his retirement for, and more.

Dustin Poirier around (1:56:49) discusses his struggles to get a UFC fight, why he hasn’t fought Nate Diaz yet, possibly facing Colby Covington next, Michael Chandler’s recent comments, and more.

Tony Ferguson around (2:31:14) discusses his performance at UFC 274, the knockout finish by Michael Chandler, which team he might join, what sparked his comments at the UFC 274 media day, fighting Conor McGregor, Gregor Gillespie’s recent comments, his beef with Khabib Nurmagomedov, and more.

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Michael Chandler, Alexander Volkanovski, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Pat Barry and Rose Namajunas, Tom Aspinall, and more May 11, 2022

Show notes

Tom Aspinall around (7:18) discusses his return to UFC London against Curtis Blaydes, his failed callouts, MMA fighters turned celebs, Fury vs. Ngannou, and more.

Pat Barry and Rose Namajunas around (34:37) discuss life after UFC 274, how they feel about the fight, sticking to the game plan, the issues with the mat, his comments during the fight, the criticism after the fight, respond to Sean Strickland’s relationship comments, when she might return, and more.

Joanna Jędrzejczyk around (1:31:32) discusses possibly training with Rose Namajunas for UFC 275, what she thought of the UFC 274 co-main event, if a title fight is on the line, having Kayla Harrison in the gym, and more.

Michael Chandler around (1:48:05) discusses his performance at UFC 274, his finger injury warming up before the fight, his issues in the first round, his take on the viral knockout photo, his post-fight promo, who he wants next, the injuries he might have suffered, why he doesn’t want to face Dustin Poirier, if Charles Oliveira deserved to be stripped of the title, his KO, and more.

GC and Helwani around (2:20:10) break down best bets for this upcoming weekend.

In the latest On the Nose around (2:47:48), Ariel Helwani answers questions about Charles Oliveira’s recent run, Nate Diaz’s delayed return, Conor McGregor’s return opponent, if Charles Oliveira should have been stripped of title, and more.

Alexander Volkanovski around (3:25:21) discusses his upcoming trilogy match with Max Holloway at UFC 276, if he needs to make a statement, what a win will mean to his legacy, and more.

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UFC 274 reaction, Sean O’Malley, Carla Esparza, Jared Cannonier, Joe Lauzon, Shaheen Al-Shatti, and more May 09, 2022

Show notes

After UFC 274, Ariel Helwani discusses Charles Oliveira’s weight miss and if he should remain champion, why the UFC should change its policy, Michael Chandler’s knockout, and more about Saturday’s event in Phoenix.

Carla Esparza around (33:12) discusses her performance at UFC 274, her gameplan for the fight, the takedown defense by Rose Namajunas, the criticism of the fans of the fight, her thoughts on the commentary, 10-10 rounds, open scoring, what rounds she won, and more.

Joe Lauzon around (1:02:04) discusses when he found out Cowboy Cerrone was going to drop out of their fight at UFC 274, why he felt fight was going to be off all week, if he had any issues with the scale in Phoenix, if he will fight again, and more.

Jared Cannonier around (1:31:34) discusses how he got the title fight against Israel Adesanya at UFC 276, if he was worried he wouldn’t get the shot, his viral clip at UFC 274, his crystals, his search for a flawless victory, and more.

Shaheen Al-Shatti around (1:57:45) discusses fight week at UFC 274, Tony Ferguson’s performance and comments at UFC 274, Ferguson’s future, who is next for Michael Chandler, the fans in Phoenix, if Charles Oliveira should be champion still, and more.

Sean O’Malley around (2:25:56) discusses his upcoming fight against Pedro Munhoz at UFC 276, why he didn’t fight at UFC 274, if he would rematch Marlon Vera, what he thought about the UFC 274 co-main event, his thoughts on the Canelo Alvarez fight, Francis Ngannou’s contract situation, and more.

GC and Helwani around (2:59:59) take a closer look at his best bets from this past weekend. They are also joined by NewYorkRic to discuss the Canelo fight and UFC 274.

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Chael Sonnen, Kayla Harrison, Shogun Rua, Joe Lauzon, Raufeon Stots, and more May 04, 2022

Show notes

Joe Lauzon around (19:00) discusses why he decided not to fight during the pandemic, if he plans on retiring at UFC 274, if he ever came close to fighting Donald Cerrone before, why he didn’t want to fight at the UFC Apex, a conversation he had with Cerrone, his life on OnlyFans, and more.

Shogun Rua around (32.08) discusses his motivation before UFC 274, his tough trip to Phoenix, if it was his idea to rematch OSP, the first fight between the two fighters, the secret to his longevity, if he watches his old fights, which fight he likes the best from his past, and more.

Kayla Harrison around (1:01:42) discusses headlining PFL 3 on Friday night, why she’s cutting back on social media, her time as a free agent, what the PFL season is like, what her T-shirt means, what she learned from Ronda Rousey, possibly facing Cris Cyborg in the PFL, her thoughts on Cain Velasquez, and more.

Raufeon Stots around (1:30:15) discusses his road to interim Bellator champion, his childhood, what led him to mixed martial arts, unwraps a gift from Bellator, his lone loss, and more.

Chael Sonnen around (2:01:57) discusses the latest news in the world of mixed martial arts, including Nate Diaz’s current issues with the UFC, Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury, if Ngannou will remain with the UFC, what’s next for Henry Cejudo and Colby Covington, and much more.

GC and Helwani around (2:46:17) break down bets for the upcoming UFC and Bellator events as well as Canelo Alvarez fight.

In the latest episode of On the Nose around (3:13:34), Ariel Helwani discusses Eddie Hearn’s recent comments on Jake Paul, the recent leaks from the UFC war room, best pizza topping, is Paulo Costa trying to get cut, Tony Ferguson's recent comments, and more.

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Eddie Hearn and Cris Cyborg in studio, Carla Esparza, Marlon Vera, Holly Holm, and more May 02, 2022

Show notes

Eddie Hearn around (15:40) discusses the memorable Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano event, Taylor’s walkout song, watching the main event with Jake Paul, if Taylor plans on retirement, what Taylor was like when he first met her, the Jake Paul bet, his recent comments about Jake Paul’s boxing skills, and more.

Carla Esparza around (1:17:41) talks about fighting at UFC 274 right before her wedding, why it took so long to make this rematch, her thoughts from the fight fight, Rose then vs. Rose now, the color of her fingernails, and more.

Cris Cyborg around (1:37:10) discusses the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano event, how she was a part of the Jake Paul diss track of Dana White, her boxing career and upcoming free agency, why the Cat Zingano fight never happened, how her parents felt about her fighting, how her handball career led to her starting mixed martial arts, a Ronda Rousey fight in the UFC, if she thought about retirement after the Amanda Nunes loss, and more.

Holly Holm around (2:26:59( discusses the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano event, why she left boxing for MMA, if she would be interested in boxing Katie Taylor, her delayed return to the UFC, her injuries, and more.

Marlon Vera around (2:55:22) discusses his performance at UFC Vegas 53, his tough start, when Rob Font missed weight, a possible showdown with Jose Aldo and Dominick Cruz, when he wants to return, and more.

GC, NewYork Ric, and Ariel around (3:30:39) discuss the best bets from the past weekend, the Taylor vs. Serrano event, Marlon Vera’s win, and more.

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Eddie Hearn in studio, Charles Jourdain, Arjan Bhullar, Yancy Medeiros, DAZN exec Joe Markowski in studio, and more Apr 27, 2022

Show notes

Charles Jourdain around (5:58) discusses how he changed things up in the UFC and got back on track, how he got into MMA, crossing paths with GSP, the Quebec MMA scene, his callout after UFC Vegas 52, and more.

Arjan Bhullar around (33:45) discusses why he’s sticking with ONE Championship, if he could be headed to WWE or AEW as well, his thoughts on Francis Ngannou’s situations with the UFC, Daniel Cormier’s advice, Henry Cejudo trade rumors, and more.

Eddie Hearn around (1:16:18) discusses how he determines success, finding that balance between family and promotion, if he’s the best promoter in combat sports, what he liked about UFC London, the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano fight and what it means, Tyson Fury’s recent fight, and more.

Joe Markowski around (1:50:21) talks about how DAZN bounced back from the pandemic, what happened with DAZN and MMA, how they staggered main event endings with ESPN on Saturday, if Jake Paul could return to DAZN, if pay-per-views are dead, and more.

Yancy Medeiros around (2:25:02) discusses how he ended up at Bellator 279, his performance, how Nate Diaz helped him, fighting in Hawaii, his tough year, Diaz’s situation with the UFC, and more.

GC and Helwani around (2:47:16) takes a closer look at GC’s best bets for PFL 2, UFC Vegas 53 and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano.

In the latest On the Nose segment around (3:14:58), Ariel Helwani discusses Nate Diaz’s future with the UFC, what items on The MMA Hour set mean the most, are fans to blame for Dan Hooker’s TKO loss, and more.

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