The Ariel Helwani Show

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show recapping the team’s adventures in Las Vegas, then reacting to the announcement of Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn, Conor McGregor’s first appearance since UFC 329, and more (10:37).

Shakur Stevenson is back to discuss his signing with Zuffa Boxing, other offers he received, whether he’ll be able to wear his own gear, still having hard feelings with the WBC, how Dana White and Nick Khan sold him on signing, wanting to fight Devin Haney in his debut, attending UFC 329, and more (36:09).

Ariel touches on the latest comments by Ilia Topuria, Alex Pereira’s commentary on Michel Pereira’s release, and more (1:06:12).

Johnny Fisher joins the show to talk about his move from Matchroom to Zuffa, getting a massive raise, his conversations with Eddie and Barry Hearn after making the decision, his father “Big John” and their viral content, and more (1:15:36).

Mario Bautista returns on the heels of his huge UFC 329 win over Cory Sandhagen, discussing injuring Sandhagen’s leg and capitalizing on it during the fight, believing he’s worthy of a title shot, being willing to fight former teammate Sean O’Malley, social media chirping from Vinicius Oliveira, and more (1:41:16).

Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling President Scott D’Amore joins Ariel in-studio to talk about the status of MLP, his time working with TNA, his early wrestling career and how he got into the business, recent WWE angles, and more (2:02:29).

The Boys in the Back jump in with Ariel to answer your On The Nose questions, with topics including journalistic ethics, UFC 329 fight week, the UFC light heavyweight title picture, Conor McGregor’s injury, and more (3:09:10).

Finally, the show ends with Super Chats (3:46:56) and an impromptu Argentina vs. England World Cup watchalong.

Solomonster talks about CMLL continuing to break box office records in Mexico, leading into comments from AJ Styles on his podcast about wanting WWE to acquire a promotion in Japan similar to what they did with AAA (02:42).

News on Survivor Series coming to the home of the Houston Astros and why the War Games concept really needs to be put to bed for a while (09:05).

CM Punk’s first night on Smackdown as WWE champion and a major match made official for SummerSlam with Cody Rhodes. Plus, the return of Baron Corbin and an AEW star‘s pending return to WWE (13:21).

An injury update on Rhea Ripley and why the women’s title scene in WWE is a complete mess right now (23:24). 

Thoughts on the Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins contract signing and the nonsensical explanation from Oba Femi for giving up his guaranteed title match at SummerSlam (28:19).

Predictions for Saturday Night’s Main Event, with news on Jalen Brunson’s role and rumors about Bayley’s WWE contract status (39:47).

Jim Ross reveals why he’ll be having brain surgery soon, thoughts on Kenny Omega winning the AEW World championship from MJF, and possible directions for each of them at their upcoming Redemption PPV (47:32).

Thoughts on Hangman Adam Page returning on AEW Collision and making it clear he will never challenge again for the AEW World championship. Plus, footage leaks of Paul Wight stepping back in the ring for a dark segment (58:24).

Thoughts on the Dark Side of the Ring Season 7 premiere, covering Jeff Jarrett and the battle for TNA Wrestling, which includes an epic burial of Dixie Carter (1:04:33).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with a recap of UFC 329, including Conor McGregor’s social media posts after the fight, McGregor’s injury status before and after the fight, fan reaction to the main event, what he feels is next for McGregor, and more (02:57).

Dr. Brian Sutterer is back, breaking down Conor McGregor’s injury, from speculation about McGregor being compromised before the fight, how using PEDs could potentially impact durability, recovery time and when McGregor could compete again, and more (53:55).

Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller joins Ariel in-studio for the first time since their infamous viral moment, reacting to UFC 329, speaking about the status of his relationship with rival Nick Diaz, martial arts saving his life, the handling of fighters after retirement, his various business, and more (1:03:47).

Robert Whittaker stops by the studio to discuss his successful light heavyweight debut at UFC 329, the decision to move up, training at City Kickboxing, Israel Adesanya leaving the gym, not wanting to fight his teammates, his thoughts on UFC 329, wanting to be a firefighter and work in media after his career, and more (2:03:51).

Ariel reacts to comments by Max Holloway, Dustin Poirier, Sean Strickland, and others after UFC 329 (3:01:21).

Paulo Costa is in-studio to talk about what’s next, being offered a short-notice fight against Magomed Anakalev, wanting to fight Jiri Prochazka for an interim title, his negotiations with the UFC, the latest Zuffa Boxing signings, his beef with Josh Hokit, conversations with Eddie Hearn, and more (3:31:56).

The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel in-studio to close out their time in Las Vegas (4:38:46) and answer Super Chats (4:45:05).

Ariel Helwani is joined by The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll for their immediate reactions to UFC 329, starting with the shocking injury to Conor McGregor, then discussing where McGregor goes from here, where the win places Max Holloway, and more (02:48).

Next, they tackle the star-making performance by Paddy Pimblett in the co-main event (25:00), before circling back for more thoughts on McGregor (30:47).

After recapping thrilling wins by Mario Bautista (44:14), Brandon Royval (45:50) and King Green (48:11), they cover the night's prelims, which included Gable Steveson's successful UFC debut (51:38).

They end the show by reacting to some of Dana White's comments at the post-fight press conference (1:03:19).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping the team’s time in Las Vegas, including their celebratory omakase, before reacting to footage from the UFC 329 press conference and official weigh-ins (00:48).

UFC Hall of Famer Joanna Jędrzejczyk joins Ariel in-studio to discuss life in retirement, which includes a move to Vegas, fighter management, and pickleball. She also touches on her fight with Zhang Weili going into the UFC Hall of Fame, the upcoming title fight between Mackenzie Dern and Gillian Robertson, the state of the strawweight division and women’s MMA, and more (16:53).

Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall stop by to dive deeper into the UFC 329 press conference and weigh-ins, discussing whether Conor McGregor could fight Paddy Pimblett or Ian Machado Garry next, Max Holloway’s demeanor this week, then react to various moments from this year’s UFC Hall of Fame ceremony, Shakur Stevenson signing with Zuffa Boxing, and more (1:04:52).

UFC play-by-play man Jon Anik joins Ariel to talk all things UFC 329, revealing his interactions with Conor McGregor this week, how he handles preparation, his relationships with fellow UFC broadcasters, the stories behind some of his greatest calls, the unique nature of calling Freedom 250, and more (2:18:08).

Ariel answers your Super Chats (3:23:12).

Aljamain Sterling is the final guest of the day, stopping the studio to talk about his mentality toward training, Israel Adesanya leaving City Kickboxing, Merab Dvalishvili getting into a dustup in Georgia, Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway, Dustin Poirier’s arrest, his next fight, and more (3:34:40).

The Boys in the Back join Ariel to close the show (4:10:32).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show discussing the recent broadcast deal reached between DAZN and PBC, and what the major promoters in boxing being under one roof means for fans (04:18).

Moving onto the latest roadblock regarding the potential Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight – what time the event will start (11:06). The organizers want the fight to air on prime time in America, which could mean a late start in London. 

After making MMA picks (18:28), it’s time to hand out awards for the halfway point. Categories include performance, fight, moment, knockout, trainer, round, and disappointment (33:07).

Ariel Helwani starts the show by reflecting on winning his 16th straight Journalist of the Year award, recapping UFC 329 media day, including comments from Conor McGregor, and more (04:00).

Old friend Chael Sonnen joins Ariel in-studio, discussing his surprising beef with Francis Ngannou, his political interests and a potential run at the presidency, his role with RAF, Conor McGregor’s demeanor during fight week, Dustin Poirier’s arrest, reports of McGregor’s banned substance use, his relationship with Josh Hokit, and more (39:35).

Coach Owen Roddy drops into the studio for a chat about Conor McGregor’s preparation for UFC 329 (1:32:02).

UFC lightweight contender Mauricio Ruffy stops by the studio to talk about his past performances, including the revelation that he was injured before the Rafael Fiziev fight, volunteering to be the backup for Conor McGregor and Max Holloway, what he hopes to do next, and more (1:56:34).

Uncrowned’s Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall join Ariel to catch up on all the fight week action (2:31:41).

Coach John Wood is the final in-studio guest, discussing being recognized as Coach of the Year and Syndicate MMA as Gym of the Year, the latest on Gina Carano, Merab Dvalishvili, and Khalil Rountree Jr., how he sees McGregor vs. Holloway playing out, and more (2:56:47).

Ariel and the crew close the show with your Super Chats (3:47:31).

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).

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).

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).