The Ariel Helwani Show

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by previewing the UFC Freedom 250 card, including Sean Strickland’s alleged banning, potential weather concerns, Josh Hokit continuing to taunt Alex Pereira, and more (11:59).

The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to answer On The Nose questions regarding Dana White’s projected viewership for the White House card, Alex Pereira’s potential GOAT status, and more (28:52).

Aiemann Zahabi returns just days before his fight against Sean O’Malley at UFC Freedom 250, giving insight into his preparation, the venue being built at the White House, representing Canada, Sean O’Malley’s comments about him in the lead-up, having Georges St-Pierre in his corner, and more (55:40).

GLORY heavyweight champion Mory Kromah makes his show debut, talking about training with Ciryl Gane in preparation for Gane’s fight against Alex Pereira, his own title defense against Miloš Cvjetićanin, the impact of Alex Pereira's success, Israel Adesanya, Rico Verhoeven and others on kickboxing’s growth, and more (1:30:28).

Wrestler Killer Kross is back in-studio talking about his success since leaving WWE, the state of the industry, his relationship with Tony Khan and talks with AEW, not hearing from HHH after his departure, his feelings about WrestleMania 42, defending his MLW title against Matt Riddle, the greatness of AAA’s mask vs. mask match, and more (1:57:47).

Ariel Helwani wraps the show with Super Chats (3:02:47).

Solomonster opens with an update on the WWE shareholder lawsuit that was supposed to go to trial this week, but has been settled in principle. Plus, Money in the Bank again gets moved to a new date (01:26).

Next, discussion of Chad Gable reappearing on WWE television after his Match of the Year in Mexico, what he should be doing at SummerSlam, and Eric Bischoff says we may see Gable in Real American Freestyle (6:32).

Then, the next potential Bloodline member was spotted at the WWE Performance Center on Monday (14:27), and where things stand with the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments, including a total burial of Smackdown so far (15:57).

Why Mick Foley is totally wrestling in AEW, a lot sooner than he even suggests (25:11), and thoughts on an excellent episode of Dynamite, which included an injury to MJF and the return of Mercedes Mone (32:55).

Two TNA stars request and receive their releases, including a former champion, as the talent exodus continues and why it’s about to get even worse (49:06).

Police finally rule on Hulk Hogan’s death, despite questions that remain from his daughter (1:00:06), and Rick Martel clarifies his comments on the WWE Hall of Fame (1:03:35).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with a recap of his NBA Finals experience and watching the New York Knicks (09:13).

Tommy Fury comes on to preview his upcoming boxing match against Eddie Hall, discussing the weight advantage Hall will have, having no interest in fighting Darren Till after their failed first booking, recent comments by Carl Froch, and more (33:43).

Former Knicks forward Steve Novak joins Ariel in-studio to break down all things Knicks, including his feelings about the current NBA Finals and stories from his own career, behind-the-scenes of Linsanity, his iconic belt celebration, working as an analyst for MSG Networks, and more (1:03:55).

Katie Taylor talks about finally having the opportunity to headline Croke Park, this being the final fight of her illustrious career, and more (1:58:07).

Alex Pereira returns ahead of his Freedom 250 fight against Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title to talk about his preparation and added weight, Josh Hokit’s inflammatory comments, his newfound friendship with Ilia Topuria, Rico Verhoeven’s performance against Oleksandr Usyk, wanting to return quickly, and more (2:23:59).

Ariel and the gang cover news and notes, including more UFC Freedom 250 updates (3:01:03), before answering Super Chats (3:45:00).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with more excitement for the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals run, before recapping the weekend. The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join him to discuss Ilia Topuria saying Justin Gaethje made their fight personal, Arman Tsarukyan claiming he wagered $1 million on Gaethje, Sean Strickland’s White House drama, Dana White suggesting Alex Pereira could become MMA’s GOAT, and more (01:36).

Diego Lopes is back on the show, previewing his meeting with Steve Garcia at the White House, then talking about frustrations with things being taken out of context in the media, lessons learned from his two fights against Alex Volkanovski, his prediction for Volkanovski’s presumed title defense against Movsar Evloev, and more (37:01).

Darren Till returns to recap his big BKFC debut, shoot down accusations of PED use due to his transformed physique, express interest in fighting Mike Perry and Yoel Romero, tease a potential return to MMA, weigh in on Eddie Hearn’s handling of Tom Aspinall’s career, and more (1:03:17).

Steve Garcia joins the show to discuss the Lopes fight, competing on the White House lawn, feeling disrespected by not having more notoriety despite his success, teammate Holly Holm’s controversial loss to Stephanie Han, his love of golf, and more (1:32:05).

Levy Rozman, aka chess International Master “GothamChess,” joins Ariel in-studio to talk about his life and career, the recent popularity of chess, building a successful YouTube channel, his combat sports fandom and training, and more. Then Levy takes Ariel to chess school (2:01:31)!

Ariel closes the show with news and notes, including Dana White and Eddie Hearn’s latest war of words (3:05:03), before answering your Super Chats (3:35:03).

Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes return for another edition of The Craic.

Chuck kicks off the show by sharing his plans to attend the UFC White House card in person (4:43).

Paramount also weighed in on its partnership with the UFC, outlining what they hope to achieve through the deal (16:30).

After years of speculation, Croke Park is officially set to host Katie Taylor’s next fight. Petesy sheds light on the mood in Ireland ahead of the historic event (43:30).

Fellow Irishman Conor McGregor’s reported sparring partners have also come to light. Are these the right names to help prepare him for his return (54:58)?

Michael Bisping had some harsh words for Tom Aspinall regarding his recovery from eye injury. The lads examine Bisping’s apparent change in stance (59:50).

To close up shop, the boys look ahead to PFL action (01:10:05), before answering your Super Chats (01:32:21).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show discussing the recent WBO ordering of Devin Haney vs. Keyshawn Davis at welterweight, including if the fight will happen, who will win, and the entire welterweight picture at this very moment (03:18).

Lamont Roach is returning to the ring and the lightweight division as his fight with William Zepeda was made official for Aug. 1 in Las Vegas for the vacant WBC title (14:38).

Chris Billam-Smith vs. Ryan Rozicki is this weekend’s fight to keep an eye on and we have your picks for this one (26:59).

We end the show with your voicemails, ranging from favorite pizza spot on Long Island, to Tank Davis’ status, to what we do not like about the changes being made to the Muhammad Ali Revival Act (33:03).

After reading your five-star podcast reviews (04:02) and tackling some news and notes (08:03), The Boys in the Back react to Sean Strickland claiming he was banned from attending the UFC White House card (11:53), leading to a back-and-forth with headliner Justin Gaethje. Tom Aspinall also came out and said he wasn't invited to attend the event.

The Boys then preview UFC Vegas 118 (39:20) and give their picks (1:07:21), before delivering their P4P worst mic moments (1:12:45).

The show closes with your voicemails (1:45:19) and Super Chats (2:14:54).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by reveling in scenes from the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals appearance, before answering your On The Nose questions, with topics including Action Bronson’s brilliance, whether Tom Aspinall vs. Francis Ngannou is a realistic fight, the strength of the UFC White House card, and more (00:57).

Dakota Ditcheva is back on the show to talk about her fight against Denise Kielholtz, why there’s no PFL belt on the line, returning from injury, wanting to retire by the time she’s 32 years old, her criticism of Ronda Rousey’s comments about Khamzat Chimaev, and more (58:28).

Holly Holm returns on the heels of her loss to Stephanie Han to discuss the scoring of the fight, frustrations with the referee for their first fight in Puerto Rico, whether she believes she’ll end up facing Katie Taylor, potential fights against Gina Carano and Ronda Rousey, and more (1:35:56).

BKFC President David Feldman joins to talk about Darren Till’s impressive promotional debut, Mike Perry’s contract status, a timeline for the $25 million “World’s Baddest Man” tournament, whether Conor McGregor will compete for the promotion when his UFC deal ends, and more (2:08:51).

Cory Sandhagen is back to break down his rematch against Mario Bautista, give his predictions for Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi and Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway, explain his social media voice, his friendship with the late Chuck Norris, and more (2:35:55).

After answering more On The Nose questions (3:09:08), Ariel tackles Super Chats (3:22:46).

Solomonster opens with his thoughts on the greatest all-around spectacle of the year in pro wrestling and the fumble WWE is making if they don’t capitalize on things with Chad Gable (0:28:24).

Then, he dives into Clash in Italy, including Brock Lesnar beating Oba Femi and why it wasn’t necessary. Plus Jacob Fatu drops two straight to Roman Reigns, and why a conversation needs to be had about WWE's infatuation with the Bloodline (12:17).

Thoughts on the the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments, potential winners, and why one hand doesn’t know what the other hand is doing when it comes to King of the Ring announcements (34:10).

Reaction to a former WWE intercontinental champion being arrested in an embarrassing McDonald’s Drive Thru incident (49:34).

AEW announces a new PPV event for Montreal, why it feels like Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay will main event at Wembley Stadium, and how AEW plans to fill the TBS championship vacancy (53:09).

TNA contract news on Leon Slater and why they allegedly did not allow him to break the record for longest-reigning X Division champion (58:56).

Ric Flair has another social media meltdown, this time dragging his son publicly and threatening to sue him (1:01:23) and an ex-WWE writer reveals a pitch for a terrible nWo reboot in 2020 that nearly became a reality (1:05:42).

Ariel Helwani starts the show by covering some news and notes (TIME).

Mick Foley joins the show, discussing his decision to cut ties with WWE due to associations with President Trump, his decision to sign with AEW, his relationship with Tony Khan and role for the promotion, how the AEW product compares to WWE’s offering, being a mentor for up-and-coming talent, whether he has any career regrets, his love of boxing, and more (17:01).

Scott Coker is in-studio to talk about his return to the MMA industry, the end of Bellator and why he didn’t end up with PFL, how long this league was in the works, plans for tournaments and broadcast partners, the state of the sport and potential UFC competitors, Dana White’s promotional tactics, funding for the new promotion, and more (1:04:38).

Olympic bronze medalist and big-time boxing prospect Omari Jones makes his show debut, talking about his pro success, finding himself in the middle of Xander Zayas and ‘Boots’ Ennis drama, getting his start in karate before moving to boxing, being around the likes of LeBron James and Steph Curry during his time at the Olympics, Jake Paul training at the Olympic training center, and more (2:04:17).

WBC super featherweight champion O’Shaquie Foster is our final guest of the day, recapping his win over Ray Ford, then discussing his heated exchange with Shakur Stevenson after the fight, the viral moment where Foster threw Ford through the ropes, whether he believes the fight with Stevenson will be made, stories from their training sessions, overcoming difficult circumstances early in his life, and more (2:36:15).

Ariel brings in the Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll to cover some news and notes, including escalating trash talk between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, Georges St-Pierre revealing his demands at the time for an Anderson Silva fight, Alex Pereira appearing in the new A24 film, and more (2:58:41).

The show closes with your Super Chats (3:22:02).