The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani

Latest Episodes:

Dan Hooker, Khalil Rountree Jr., Marlon Vera, Cody Law, and more Mar 14, 2022

Show notes

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by wrapping up a busy combat sports weekend.

Cody Law around (11:50) discusses his uncanny prediction for his latest Bellator fight, if he’s done it before, if he’s happy with Bellator, why his favorite fighter is Georges St-Pierre, their similar tattoo, and more.

Khalil Rountree around (29:19) discusses his emotional post-fight scrum after his UFC Vegas 50 win, how his father’s death impacted him, if he would have still been a fighter, when things changed as a teenager, how he wants to inspire change, how he gets over tough days, Conor McGregor’s compliment, and more.

GC and Helwani around (1:31:35) look back at GC’s picks this past weekend.

Dan Hooker around (1:59:32) discusses his featherweight cut before UFC London, why his coaches didn’t like the move, how excited he is for the debut in the weight class, his cheap side job, what he weighs right now, and more.

Marlon Vera around (2:34:47)discusses his new massive head tattoo, why he picked it, how he cut some people out of his life, what he thinks about Rob Font as his next opponent, the thoughts of his first main event, and more.

In the latest Ric’s Picks around (3:09:34), Eric Jackman and Ariel discuss John Lineker, Tom Brady’s return to the NFL, Marlon Moraes’ latest loss, and more.

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Michael Bisping, Robert Whittaker, Tai Tuivasa, Ben Askren, Jalin Turner, and more Mar 09, 2022

Show notes

Jalin Turner around (5:52) discusses the key behind his recent UFC win streak, his performance at UFC 272, why he wants to bring wrestling back to his high school, inspirational words from Anderson Silva, the amount of spiders he has, and more.

Ben Askren around (30:11) discusses some trips down memory lane with the UFC and the Olympics, the UFC 272 main event, his advice for Colby Covington, Kayla Harrison’s return to PFL, Jorge Masvidal’s recent tattoo, bitcoin, Jake Paul, his new book, and more.

GC and Helwani around (1:17:28) discuss GC’s picks for UFC Vegas 50 and more.

Michael Bisping around (1:30:00) discusses his new documentary out in a couple of weeks, the injuries he’s still dealing with from his career, if he would fight Jake Paul, if coaches should throw the towel in more, hanging out with Darren Till and Khamzat Chimaev, and more.

In the latest On the Nose around (2:14:48), Ariel Helwani discusses what’s next for Jorge Masvidal, Dustin Poirier vs. Nate Diaz, the ‘BMF’ title, if there’s other life out there, how Ariel met his wife, and more.

Robert Whittaker around (2:53:07) discusses his recent “skinny Rob” tweet, what his “living” weight is, why he wants to face Marvin Vettori next, why he doesn’t like rematches, if he has watched the second fight with Israel Adesanya, open scoring, what he might have done differently against Adesanya, if he was surprised by his kids at the airport, and more.

Tai Tuivasa around (3:24:19) discusses his recent knockout of Derrick Lewis at UFC 271, his problems with Greg Hardy, if he’s going to fight Stipe Miocic next, and more.

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Kayla Harrison, Rafael dos Anjos, Kevin Holland, Maryna Moroz, Terrance McKinney, and more Mar 07, 2022

Show notes

Ariel Helwani delivers his thoughts about Colby Covington’s trash talk and UFC 272.

Kayla Harrison around (15:30) discusses the mood at ATT after an emotional night at UFC 272, what she thought of the main event, how close she is to a new deal, what haunts her, and more.

Kevin Holland around (52:08) discusses his performance at UFC 272, what he could have done better, if he regrets calling out Donald Cerrone, why he changed to Daniel Rodriguez, if he plans to stick at 170 pounds, his battle against trolls, and more.

Maryna Moroz around (1:17:19) discusses her performance at UFC 272, what caused her almost two-year absence between fights, if she ever thought about dropping out of fight after Ukraine was invaded, what her family is dealing with back home, and more.

Terrance McKinney around (1:48:11) discusses how he ended up with a short-notice fight this weekend, his gameplan for the Drew Dober fight, when he wants to be UFC champion, and more.

Rafael dos Anjos around (2:20:03) discusses his performance at UFC 272, his hectic fight week, why things didn’t work with Islam Makhachev, if he was surprised the Renato Moicano fight wasn’t stopped sooner, if he took his fight off the gas, and more.

GC and Helwani around (2:34:51) recaps GC’s best bets for UFC 272.

In the latest Ric’s Picks around (2:58:56), NewYorkRic and Ariel discuss RDA vs. Renato Moicano, Kayla Harrison’s legacy and more.

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Tyson Fury, Canelo Alvarez, Eddie Hearn, Dan Lambert, and more Mar 02, 2022

Show notes

Ariel Helwani opens the show talking about the latest news in MMA, UFC 272, Cain Velasquez’s arrest, and more.

ATT owner Dan Lambert around (28:52) discusses how Jorge Masvidal turned things around, when he first met Colby Covington, when the Colby Covington persona got to be too much in the gym, why he kicked Covington and Masvidal out of the gym two years ago, and more.

Tyson Fury around (1:05:39) discusses why Dillian Whyte didn’t show up to press conference Tuesday, Wembley Stadium selling out, if this Whyte fight is his final one, a future exhibition fight with Francis Ngannou, how he focuses on fights, and more.

In the latest On the Nose around (1:39:08), Ariel Helwani discusses if Conor McGregor will get a title shot, why Colby Covington hasn’t appeared on The MMA Hour, Bellator vs. UFC fighter pay, coffee or tea, why TUF has struggled recently, and more.

Canelo Alvarez discusses around (2:08:50) why he decided to return to Matchroom and DAZN, why 175 pounds, how he ended up with Dmitry Bivol, his thoughts on MMA, his feud with Ryan Garcia, if he wants to fight Kamaru Usman, and more.

Eddie Hearn discusses around (2:19:51) the return of Canelo Alvarez, if pay-per-views are dead, Dillian Whyte’s absence from the press conference, if Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk will be delayed, if there should be open scoring, and more.

GC and Helwani around (2:37:31) take a look at GC's best bets for UFC 272.

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Logan Paul, Gegard Mousasi, Rafael dos Anjos, Terrance McKinney, Mike Brown, and more Feb 28, 2022

Show notes

Terrance McKinney around (8:27) discusses his most recent win at UFC Vegas 49, why he left his phone in Las Vegas, his childhood and early trouble with the law, how he got into hard drugs, how he escaped from the hospital, how he got nicknamed T-Rex, and more.

Gegard Mousasi around (38:57) discusses his performance at Bellator 275, his “confusing” walkout, how he’s settled down, his words to Austin Vanderford after his win, if he could beat Israel Adesanya, and more.

Mike Brown around (1:04:21) discusses how Jorge Masvidal will do against Colby Covington at UFC 272, his past coaching Colby Covington, will Masvidal be able to control his emotions, Kayla Harrison’s future, Amanda Nunes’ departure, and more.

Rafael dos Anjos around (1:33:13) finds out live on the air that he just lost his fight at UFC 272. He also discusses if Islam Makhachev should get a title shot next, if he would face Makhachev at next Saturday’s event, and more.

Logan Paul around (2:00:26) discusses teaming up with Arnold Schwarzenegger for slap fighting event, how he knocked someone out slap fighting, how he ended up in WrestleMania, not being paid for his Floyd Mayweather fight, if he will box again, how his brother Jake has exceeded his expectations, the Aokigahara forest controversy, YouTube creation, his Pokemon “L,” and more.

Manager Sayat Abdrakhmanov around (2:59:37) discusses why Rafael Fiziev can’t fight at UFC 272, FIziev’s previous visa issues, what’s next for Arman Tsarukyan, and more.

GC and Helwani around (3:11:24) break down GC’s best bets from UFC Vegas 49 on Saturday night.

New York Ric is around (3:41:06), back to talk about all the latest goings on in MMA.

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Gegard Mousasi, Commander Dale Brown, Chad Mendes, Austin Vanderford, BKFC President David Feldman, and more Feb 23, 2022

Show notes

Austin Vanderford around (4:09) discusses his upcoming title fight against Gegard Mousasi at Bellator 275, the necklace of his tattoo, how Florida is treating him, his place in the middleweight rankings, and more.

Gegard Mousasi around (30:58) discusses his upcoming title defense at Bellator 275, his first fight in Ireland, why he checks out his opponents on social media, why he wants to box Anderson Silva, his place in the middleweight rankings, a past story about Conor McGregor, and more.

Chad Mendes around (1:02:29) discusses his BKFC debut, why it was so enjoyable for him, if he was getting paid more than his UFC fights, if he will return to the BKFC cage, how he went into “Mike Tyson mode,” if he will return to the UFC, and more.

Commander Dale Brown around (1:35:05) discusses how he started D.U.S.T., how his videos have gone viral, why he never became a cop, how he ended up in the corner of Joaquin Buckley at UFC Vegas 48, if he would corner Buckley again, and more.

Dave Feldman around (2:07:22) discusses the majority stake sale of BKFC to Triller, the recent BKFC Knucklemania 2 event, fighter pension, Paige VanZant, Diego Sanchez, and more.

GC and Helwani around (2:39:49) break down GC’s best bets for UFC Vegas 49.

In the latest On the Nose around (2:57:51), Ariel Helwani discusses why Chad Mendes was allowed to fight in BKFC, a storyline that would make a good ’30 for 30’, Bobby Green’s chances this weekend, the NBA dunk contest, and more.

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Korean Zombie, Bobby Green, Mike Perry, Jamahal Hill, Joaquin Buckley, Bryce Mitchell, and more Feb 21, 2022

Show notes

Joaquin Buckley around (16:57) discusses his performance at UFC Vegas 49, why he included D.U.S.T. founder Dale Brown in his corner, if Brown will return for future fights, the changes he made after his Alessio Di Chirico loss, the card he gave his opponent, and more.

Jamahal Hill around (39:51) discusses his incredible knockout at UFC Vegas 49, the tux he wore to the fight, his childhood, what he learned from his arm injury, possibly facing Volkan Oezdemir, why he did the shoey at weigh-ins, and more.

Bobby Green around (1:03:16) explains his issues with Ariel Helwani, when he found out he was fighting Islam Makhachev, how much weight he has dropped in the past week, and more.

Bryce Mitchell around (1:41:15) discusses why he is not walking out to his own rap songs for his next fight, and more. (Disclaimer: MMA Fighting does not support or condone the misinformation in this interview.)

Korean Zombie around (2:12:39) discusses his upcoming title fight at UFC 273, Henry Cejudo makes a brief appearance, if his fight against Alexander Volkanovski is personal, how difficult it is to be away from his family this long, and more.

Mike Perry around (2:35:22) discusses his BKFC debut at Knucklemania 2, why he couldn’t punch real well in the last four rounds, BKFC vs. MMA, why he brought a bat to the press conference, when he might return, and more.

GC and Helwani around (3:05:45) discuss best bets from UFC Vegas 48, PFL Challengers and Bellator 274.

In the latest edition of Ric’s Picks around (3:26:12), he talks about the latest social and news in the MMA world.

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Israel Adesanya in studio, Ciryl Gane, Casey O’Neill, Jessica-Rose Clark, Tim Simpson in studio, and more Feb 17, 2022

Show notes

Jessica-Rose Clark around (5:15) discusses the inspiration behind her hair color, why she should have passed on the Pannie Kianzad rematch, how a sports psychologist has helped her, her experience wrestling high school teens at DC’s academy, her painful first tattoo, her nickname, and more.

Ciryl Gane around (33:26) discusses his performance against Francis Ngannou at UFC 270, what went wrong after his fast start, if he thought he won at the end, if he knew about Ngannou’s injured knee the day of the event, what he wants to do next, and more.

Casey O’Neill around (1:04:33) discusses her performance against Roxanne Modafferi at UFC 271, the judging on the fight, if she cares what people think, her wrist tattoo, why she didn’t touch gloves, when she wants to return, and more.

In the latest On the Nose around (1:30:00), Ariel Helwani discusses Bellator 257, Conor McGregor’s path if he didn’t fight Floyd Mayweather, the Joe Rogan and UFC 271 controversy, Ariel vs. The Schmo, PFL and Kayla Harrison’s future, and more.

Tim Simpson, the manager of Israel Adesanya, around (2:07:53) discusses why he does few media interviews, how he started, fighter pay in the UFC, sponsorships, Conor McGregor’s return, and more.

Israel Adesanya around (2:42:32) discusses his performance in the UFC 271 main event, how the walkout locked him into the fight, the promotion of the fight when it was first announced, if he wanted to test free agency, his thoughts on the relationship between Francis Ngannou and the UFC, why he won’t fight ever in New Zealand, who he might fight next, his pro wrestling influences, why he will do less media going forward, and more.

GC and Helwani around (3:42:29) break down GC’s best bets for UFC Vegas 48 and more.

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Israel Adesanya coach Eugene Bareman, Jared Cannonier, Roxanne Modafferi, Booker T, Johnny Walker, and more Feb 14, 2022

Show notes

Eugene Bareman around (2:58) breaks down Israel Adesanya’s performance at UFC 271, what Adesanya could have done better, the leg kicks, who might be next for Adesanya, what he thought about Blood Diamond’s UFC debut, and more.

Jared Cannonier around (32:52:06) discusses his win over Derek Brunson at UFC 271, the finish, if he should get a title shot next, the haters on social media, what he thought of Israel Adesanya’s performance, how he matches up against the champ, and more.

Roxanne Modafferi around (1:01:21) discusses her final UFC fight at UFC 271, what she thought about her performance, what she might have done differently, when she might have retired earlier, her future plans, her favorite fights, which UFC fight inspired her to do MMA, and more.

GC and Helwani around (1:35:14) take a closer look at GC’s best bets for UFC 271.

Booker T around (1:59:28) discusses how he ended up asking questions at UFC 271, what he thought of Israel Adesanya’s reactions, how he scored fight main event in Houston, what he enjoys more as a fan WWE or UFC, fighter pay, his hair, and much more.

Johnny Walker around (2:35:48)discusses his last performance against Thiago Santos, who will be in the corner for his fight, his upcoming opponent, his thoughts on Glover Teixeira winning the UFC title, and more.

New York Ric around (2:50:16) is back to talk about all the latest goings on in MMA, including Joe Rogan’s absence from UFC 271.

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Israel Adesanya coach Eugene Bareman, Chris Weidman, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Garry, and more Feb 09, 2022

Show notes

Shavkat Rahkmonov around (5:37) discusses the pressure of the incredible start to his career, his UFC debut, his nickname, the significance of the headdress he wears, the Khamzat Chimaev comparisons, who he wants next, and more.

Chris Weidman around (31:11) gives the latest on the recovery from his broken leg, how close he is to booking a fight, if he would want to face Uriah Hall, how his Vitor Belfort changed him, Israel Adesanya vs. Robert Whittaker 2, and more.

Eugene Bareman around (1:03:22) talks about about his team’s struggles to get back home after UFC 271, Israel Adesanya’s new contract with the UFC, Adesanya’s motivation heading into the rematch, how much Robert Whittaker has improved since their first fight, if they regret taking the light heavyweight title fight, and more.

Ian Garry around (1:35:47) talks about his return at UFC 273 instead of UFC London, his next opponent Darian Weeks, what he learned from Kamaru Usman in the gym, his recent tattoo on his hands, and more.

In the latest GC and Helwani around (2:06:37), GC offers up his best bets for UFC 271 this weekend.

In the latest On the Nose segment around (2:31:06), Ariel Helwani discusses if Leon Edwards could get passed over again for a title fight, honest feedback from a fan, Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, what was the first UFC event he attended as a fan, his thoughts on baseball strike right now, and more.

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