The Ariel Helwani Show

3PAC — Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall — are back to dissect UFC 321.

Reaction begins with the night's controversial ending, as Ciryl Gane accidentally pokes Tom Aspinall in the eye, leading to a stoppage and No Contest in the main event (01:07).

After giving kudos to the evening's referees (30:03), the crew discuss Alex Pereira's reaction to the main event on social media (35:09) and what they expect to see from Jon Jones (36:53).

Next, they break down Mackenzie Dern's win over Virna Jandiroba to capture the UFC strawweight title (39:08) and Umar Nurmagomedov surviving second-round danger to defeat Mario Bautista (44:34).

They recap the rest of the card (52:13), before Chuck provides his final thoughts (1:09:12).

The Craic is back! Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes get together to unpack the biggest stories in MMA.

To get things underway, they preview UFC 321’s title fight headliner: Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane (5:30).

With another championship on the line, the crew discuss the stakes in the co-main event between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern (31:30).

Plus, Dana White teased new UFC scheduling in a recent interview. Could this mean better start times for European fans? The trio break down what the changes might mean (48:40).

And of course, Conor McGregor’s back in the headlines. Petesy and the boys dissect his recent “spiritual journey” comments (54:30).

To close the show, the guys answer your Super Chats (1:06:15).

The Boys in the Back are locked in for UFC 321, so join them as they preview the card, starting with the main event that pits UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall against foe Ciryl Gane (01:51).

After breaking down the the vacant UFC strawweight title fight between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern (23:24), the Boys hit the rest of the stacked main card (31:40) and prelims (49:21).

Finally, they make picks (1:03:14) and debut a brand new Fight Feasts, in which GC searches for NYC's best fish and chips (1:15:18).

Vibes are high today on The Ariel Helwani Show, as Ariel gives his thoughts on the premiere of Uncrowned Films’ first entry, “What is BKFC?” (10:15).

Wrestling legend Kurt Angle joins the show on a special date, the anniversary of his first WWE title win — against The Rock — and the anniversary of his first interview with Ariel. They discuss his upcoming commentary gig for Real American Freestyle, Hulk Hogan recruiting him for the role, Vince McMahon’s influence in shaping his WWE heel persona and promo work, Colby Covington using his entrance music, and more (16:32).

Payton Talbott is back to break down his upcoming fight against Henry Cejudo, talking about the difficulty of finding opponents, his respect for Cejudo and their past training sessions together, not seeking favorable matchups and wanting to test himself, and his recent rock-climbing expedition, and more (45:02).

Aiemann Zahabi returns to the show following his big win over Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera at UFC Vancouver, revealing he broke his forearm in the fight, responding to Vera’s claims he was robbed by the judges, doubling down on his Sean O’Malley callout, admitting his respect for bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, and more (1:13:05).

Promoter Frank Warren is the final guest of the day, previewing the heavyweight clash between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley, then touching on Moses Itauma’s potential next opponent, Zuffa Boxing’s entry into the space, Queensbury’s 2026 plans, whether Tyson Fury will return, and shares memories of Ricky Hatton (1:51:10).

Ariel answers your Super Chats to wrap up the show (2:20:23).

Ariel Helwani starts the show by celebrating the Blue Jays’ ALCS win, before pivoting to some Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane talk (03:52).

Next, The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to answer On The Nose questions, including thoughts on the likelihood of Conor McGregor fighting at the White House, Frankie Edgar’s false start with BKFC, the mysterious phone image at UFC Vancouver, and even the debut trailer for Uncrowned’s first film (12:43)

Anthony Pettis honors coach Duke Roufus, who tragically died last week, opening up about their special relationship, dealing with the emotions, and reliving memories from their championship-winning partnership (42:56).

Jade Gentile, formerly known as Jazmyn Nyx during her NXT tenure, joins Ariel in-studio to discuss her early soccer career, her WWE tryout, why she decided to turn down WWE’s offer after not getting a raise, receiving reality TV opportunities, controversial comments by her boyfriend that drew backlash from the wrestling community, being open to remaining in wrestling, and more (59:10).

Bo Nickal is back to preview his UFC 322 matchup with Rodolfo Vieira, speaking about not having a game plan for Reinier de Ridder and being humbled by his first career loss, his analysis of de Ridder’s loss to Brendan Allen, and the potential of fighting Khamzat Chimaev at the White House (1:57:58).

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is in-studio following an impressive victory in his 154-pound debut, touching on the difficulty of the cut to 147 pounds, his love of Philadelphia and the city’s sports teams, eyeing the Vergil Ortiz Jr. fight next, believing he’s the best in the world, the proposed Ali Revival Act, wanting to fight in the UK, training and sparring with Canelo, and makes a prediction for Jake Paul vs. ‘Tank’ Davis (2:26:08).

California State Athletic Commission Executive Director Andy Foster joins to discuss the Ali Revival Act, defending the bill from ‘negativity’ and explaining why it would help boxing, acknowledging the potential for creation of a league format in boxing, the loss of top end boxing broadcasters and its impact on the sport’s economics, addressing the lack of boxers and boxing promoters at the CSAC public hearing, before closing with a back-and-forth about recent officiating blunders (3:11:15).

The show ends with Ariel answering your Super Chats (4:04:56).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with a tribute to coach Duke Roufus, who tragically died on Friday (00:10)

Then, the Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to recap UFC Vancouver, starting with the main event between Brendan Allen and Reinier de Ridder. After an in-depth conversation about MMA refereeing, the crew covers the rest of the card and other news and notes from the weekend (06:26).

Mike Malott joins following a big win over Kevin Holland at UFC Vancouver, expressing frustration over some controversial low blows, feeling Holland embellished the groin shots and how the controversy is overshadowing his victory, reacting to Holland’s tweets after the fact, expecting to enter the UFC rankings, and more (1:02:04).

Ariel visited Oscar De La Hoya at his home in Las Vegas to discuss a host of topics, including ‘Boots’ Ennis’ recent win and a potential meeting with Vergil Ortiz Jr., Top Rank not yet securing a broadcast deal, the launch of Zuffa Boxing and proposed amendments to the Ali Act, his relationship with Ryan Garcia, Jake Paul vs. ‘Tank’ Davis, Golden Boy’s next broadcast deal, and more (1:24:39).

Derek Moneyberg sits down in-studio to open up about his businesses, his interest in combat sports, taking inspiration from BJ Penn in earning his black belt, his relationships with various fighters, his beef with Sean Strickland and their viral interaction, his challenge to Strickland for a public match, his upbringing and previous career as a dating coach, settling his differences with Mikey Musumeci, social media marketing and bots, and more (2:15:21).

Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera returns following his loss to Aiemann Zahabi and speaks about the aftermath, feeling like he did more damage despite landing less total strikes, not being defined by his three-fight skid, leaving the arena immediately after the fight, his high hopes for fellow Ecuadorian Michael Morales, and more (3:20:28).

After a few bits of news and notes, Ariel answers your Super Chats (3:56:30).

Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes reunite for your weekly dose of The Craic.

First up, they dive into what’s next for Alex Pereira and his possible move to heavyweight, and how it could shake up next week’s title clash between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane (4:02).

Next, the guys react to the Chris Weidman vs. Anderson Silva trilogy announcement set for the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis Netflix boxing event (25:46).

Another surprise comeback rumor making the rounds is Ronda Rousey’s potential return. After her recent comments hinting at a 2026 comeback, Petesy and the boys weigh in (42:20).

To close the show, the trio break down their favorite matchups from this weekend’s UFC Vancouver card, then answer your superchats (57:08).

The Boys in the Back kick off the show by reacting to Most Valuable Promotions announcing Chris Weidman and Anderson Silva will box on the Jake Paul vs. 'Tank' Davis undercard (01:11).

Then, they discuss Merab Dvalishvili's 2025 run and whether, with a dominant victory in December, it will be the best year a fighter's ever had (08:29).

After previewing UFC Vancouver (25:54), the Boys make picks (1:05:07), deliver their top 12-month runs in MMA (1:14:08), listen to voicemails (1:44:49), and answer your Super Chats (2:22:20).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping his experience at the Colombia vs. Canada soccer game, before Petesy Carroll joins to react to Ian Machado Garry’s comments from Tuesday’s show. The Boys in the Back jump in to discuss the appeal of Contender Series and its potential next landing spot (02:09).

Sean Brady is back to talk about accepting his fight against Michael Morales, not wanting to wait around for another opponent, No. 1 contender fights no longer being guaranteed by the UFC, feeling like the promotion wants Carlos Prates to emerge from the welterweight pack, and more (38:08).

Youngster Steven Spice joins to discuss “Supercar Saints,” the film chronicling his journey with a brain disorder and the celebrities he met along the way, including Daniel Cormier and John Cena. He also expresses his love of pro wrestling and asks Ariel for journalism advice (1:00:59).

Boxer Danny Garcia joins Ariel in-studio to preview his fight against Daniel Gonzalez, his 10th time headlining Barclays Center in Brooklyn. After suggesting it might be the final fight of his illustrious career, he give his thoughts on Zuffa Boxing’s entry into the sport, championship belts, potential amendments to the Ali Act, the top fights of his career, boxing’s best promoters, and more (1:19:31).

Journalist Jeff Pearlman is in-studio to preview his new Tupac biography, “Only God Can Judge Me,” telling never-before-told stories about the rapper’s complicated life and legacy. He touches on his other media endeavors, including his New York Times best-selling books and podcast (1:53:55).

Wrestling legend Diamond Dallas Page is back on the show, this time in studio, to promote his “Change or Die” docuseries, where he helps people, including boxer Butterbean, make healthy lifestyle changes. He looks back at wrestling storylines from years past, including an angle involving Undertaker’s wife, and reminisces about career moments involving Vince McMahon, The Rock, Hulk Hogan, and others (2:55:27).

Ariel Helwani, The Boys in the Back, and Petesy open the show by talking about the latest round of UFC fight announcements, then answering On The Nose questions (29:49).

Mikey Musumeci is back to discuss his UFC BJJ 3 victory, address the YouTube views controversy surrounding the event, open up about the level of scrutiny he faces, his relationship with Craig Jones, the Derek Moneyberg drama, and more (1:02:17).

Paulie Malignaggi explains why he’s returning to the ring, before the conversation gets contentious when discussing Dana White and Zuffa’s entry into boxing, and Malignaggi challenges Conor McGregor to a winner-take-all fight (1:33:13).

Cory Sandhagen returns to look back at his fight against Merab Dvalishvili, admitting he may have gotten cocky in second round and Merab hits harder than he expected. He also calls for the Sean O’Malley fight next (2:05:05).

Ian Machado Garry explains why he’s fighting Belal Muhammad rather than Sean Brady, predicts his next fight will be for the title, explains there’s no bad blood with Belal, reacts to his son’s favorite fighter being Carlos Prates, predicts Prates ‘sparks’ Leon Edwards, and more (2:30:05).

Ariel closes the show with more On The Nose questions and your Super Chats (3:05:17).