In this episode of Nickals and Dimes, we’re joined by the one and only Ariel Helwani—one of the most respected and influential voices in MMA media. Ariel has been covering combat sports for over a decade, winning multiple MMA Journalist of the Year awards and shaping the way fans experience the fight game. From hosting The Ariel Helwani Show to breaking some of the biggest stories in MMA history, he has built a reputation as one of the most insightful journalists in the industry.

The conversation kicks off with how Ariel began his journalism journey at the University of Syracuse. From there, we dive into the world of MMA journalism, discussing how the field has changed and the challenges of covering such a dynamic sport.

Ariel also breaks down the impact of the Netflix era in combat sports, giving his take on how streaming platforms could change the way fights are promoted and consumed. He shares his big break moment, the moment that took his career to the next level, and how he manages to stay up to date with everything happening in sports.

The conversation shifts to Ariel discussing his relationship with Dana White, his favorite and craziest interviews, and what it’s really like dealing with fighters in and out of the cage. He also shares his thoughts on how MMA can become more mainstream, the dream interviews he’d still love to do, and the unique relationship between the sport and its fans.

Go check out Ariel's channel

https://www.youtube.com/@UCVOdVp54jLrFhRUm4S29HeA

https://sports.yahoo.com/combat/

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00:00:00 - Ariel Intro

00:07:48 - The Idea of a Multiperson Interview Show

00:11:13 - MMA Journalism

00:14:29 - Netflix Era in Combat Sports

00:20:37 - Big Break Moment for Ariel

00:27:21 - How Does Ariel Stay Up to Date with Sports

00:32:35 - Ariel’s Relationship with Dana White

00:51:02 - Ariel’s Favorite and Craziest Interviews

01:04:47 - Dealing with Fighters

01:09:36 - How can MMA be more main stream

01:20:58 - Who are some people Ariel dreams to interview?

01:31:26 - Relationships between the sport of MMA and the Fans