The Ariel Helwani Show

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show recapping a huge combat sports weekend, starting with UFC 327. Joined by the Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll, the gang discusses Carlos Ulberg’s incredible one-legged knockout of Jiri Prochazka, Josh Hokit stealing the show all week, and the rest of the card (16:41). Newly-crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg stops by to reflect on the massive victory and knee injury he suffered in the fight, respond to Prochazka saying he showed “mercy,” calling him a “pretender,” look ahead to his recovery, and more (1:01:06). Cub Swanson is back to break down his storybook retirement fight, including the buildup to the moment, the fight itself, the reception from fans and fellow fighters, celebrating the win with his family, and more (1:31:59). Daniel Rodriguez returns to reveal details about his long hiatus, being detained in Mexico while crossing the border with marijuana, support he received while in jail, finding ways to exercise and make the best of his conditions, remaining motivated, how he was able to negotiate his release, and more (2:05:37). Kevin Holland joins following his impressive performance against Randy Brown at UFC 327, talking about his ranch and horses, his younger brother getting into the fight game, Brown’s ability to fight off submissions, wanting another crack at both Mike Malott and Daniel Rodriguez, and more (2:37:37). City Kickboxing head coach Eugene Bareman is back on the show, discussing Ulberg’s UFC 327 win, their camp for the fight, his real-time thoughts after Ulberg’s injury, his reaction to Prochazka’s “mercy” comments, Ulberg potentially fighting Magomed Ankalaev in his first title defense, his feelings on Israel Adesanya’s next move, and more (3:01:04). WBO super lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson is our final guest of the day, reacting to Conor Benn’s performance against Regis Prograis, being stripped of the WBC title and the politics involved, who he hopes to fight next, and more (3:36:14). Ariel closes the show with some other news and notes (3:57:29), before answering your Super Chats (4:58:22).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri are back breaking down Tyson Fury's win over Arslanbek Makhmudov and whether we will finally see the Anthony Joshua fight. Joshua was ringside for the win, but did not enter the ring or accept the fight which leads to even more speculation (03:18). Conor Benn got a win over Regis Prograis -- but did not look good -- raising even more questions about his future in the sport. Could a fight with Ryan Garcia be next for Benn? Should Benn take an easier route or "cash out" against a notable champion at welterweight (30:03)?

Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall are joined by Ben Fowlkes to react to a wild UFC 327 card, starting with Carlos Ulberg's shocking KO of Jiri Prochazka, despite blowing out his knee (01:59). The lads also discuss Paulo Costa's upset of Azamat Murzakanov (17:58), the Fight of the Year contender between Josh Hokit and Curtis Blaydes (22:43), Cub Swanson's storybook ending (37:10), and the rest of the card (44:01). Before signing off, they touch on Gable Steveson signing with the UFC and debuting in July (45:01), Tyson Fury's Netflix win and Anthony Joshua callout (51:27), Conor Benn's lackluster showing (54:18) and results from PFL Chicago (59:53).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri are back and open the show addressing the pushback Chris received over his criticism of the Wilder vs. Chisora fight and what could be next for Wilder, followed by some thoughts on the recent Xander Zayas vs. Jaron 'Boots' Ennis press conference in Brooklyn (01:06). DAZN and TNT Sports announced a partnership that will bring boxing back to linear television, with their first offering being the rumored July 4 show featuring Abdullah Mason vs. Joe Cordina (13:19). We move to preview mode as Tyson Fury steps back into the ring for the first time in 15  months against Arslanbek Makhmudov. How much does Fury have left? Will he finally look to fight Anthony Joshua with a victory (22:18)? The co-main event features the return of lightning rod Conor Benn, taking on veteran Regis Prograis in a 150-pound bout. Should Benn win, he has a ton of big-name opponents waiting at welterweight (42:10).

Jason is back and he's got a LOT to say about the WrestleMania 42 card reveal on ESPN this morning (00:38) as well as the bizarre Pat McAfee reveal on Smackdown last Friday, his inclusion in the Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton story, the TKO executive responsible for it happening and the REAL thing this company needs to be saved from (15:01). Thoughts on another CM Punk pipe bomb promo on Raw last night where he went SCORCHED EARTH on Roman Reigns, The Rock, Pat McAfee, TKO and their outrageous ticket prices (30:28). News on the new Shawn Michaels documentary dropping next week, his appearance on Carmelo Anthony's podcast discussing why he and The Rock never had a match and the truth about the heat between the two of them, plus news on the Hulk Hogan docuseries premiering on Netflix later this month (38:39). Thoughts on Chris Jericho's return on AEW Dynamite and choosing AEW over WWE (42:52), and previewing AEW Dynasty this Sunday from Vancouver with predictions for each of the matches (49:24). Injury updates on a pair of AEW stars (55:00) and thoughts on the controversy around Mercedes Mone dropping her last independent wrestling belt without losing it in the ring (58:24). Other news and notes on a shocking title change in New Japan, why the reigning TNA champion could be leaving the company soon, Alberto El Patron arrested for domestic violence AGAIN and the former WWE star deemed fit to stand trial for his wife's murder (1:04:15).

We open the show reacting to Deontay Wilder’s win over Derek Chisora in what was a sloppy, bar-room type brawl in the UK. Will Wilder fight on vs. the likes of Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk (00:28)? Floyd Mayweather recently put his fight with Manny Pacquiao in limbo, saying the fight an exhibition while Netflix and Team Pacquiao maintain the fight will go on their official records. Is Mayweather looking for a way out (23:09). Next up, Dan and Chris go over the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven and which leads to a discussion on how fighters are ranked by the WBA and WBO (31:55). Finally, it was reported Keyshawn Davis will return in a rematch with Nahir Albright, scheduled for mid May which Chris believes is a “nothing burger” (41:26).

We open the show discussing the viral video of Deontay Wilder describing how his daughter was conceived and how Dan thinks this is a clear sign that Derek Chisora should win the fight (02:42). Next up, MVP has their first all-women card from London featuring Caroline Dubois vs. Terri Harper and Ellie Scotney vs. Rayelli Mosquero. Will Dubois call out Alycia Baumgarder should she win (19:46)? Zuffa Boxing returns on Sunday from the UFC Apex in Vegas with an underrated card that could produce some wild moments – most notably – Azat Hovhannisyan vs. Eduardo Baez (37:55). We end the show discussing the big fight announced between unified super welterweight champion, Xander Zayas vs. Jaron Ennis, set for June 27th in Brooklyn, New York. Is this too much too soon for the 23-year old Zayas (44:27)?

The Craic is back for a special Wednesday edition, with Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes as usual. The lads kick things off by reacting to Israel Adesanya’s loss to Joe Pyfer and what it could mean for the next phase of his career (05:00). From MMA to wrestling, the guys discuss Arman Tsarukyan vs. Uriah Faber being booked in RAF (20:15). Tsarukyan also made some bold comments on The Ariel Helwani Show, suggesting Max Holloway would get knocked out by Conor McGregor in their rumoured bout, which the trio dig into (31:27). Petesy then gets Chuck and Ben’s take on Alexa Grasso’s highlight-reel knockout-to-submission sequence (38:49), before the conversation turns to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s comments on women in MMA nearly simultaneous to Grasso’s stunning finish (44:06). Attention then shifts to the PFL, with the promotion reportedly considering a rebrand, including a potential return to the Bellator name. The boys brainstorm their own ideas (51:00). To close, the lads preview Derek Chisora vs. Deontay Wilder (01:02:07), then get to your Spring Break Super Chats (01:08:00).

Jason is back with thoughts on Sid Vicious and Bad News Brown getting Legacy inductions into the WWE Hall of Fame (01:54), as well as John Cena being chosen to host this year’s WrestleMania, why it’s happening and how Tom Brady could be involved (12:39). Thoughts on Monday Night Raw from Madison Square Garden, including the latest interaction with CM Punk and Roman Reigns, why Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi feels like the real main event right now for Las Vegas, Gunther finally returns to TV and gets his WrestleMania opponent, and possible explanations for why he would target this person (17:13). New tag team champions crowned as the plight of LA Knight continues (29:33), while Smackdown offers up the WORST show of the year and the fans continue to cheer for Randy Orton despite all of the nefarious things he’s been doing (43:31). Ronda Rousey speaks on her AEW appearance while Josh Alexander speaks on the “severe” injury that’s going to keep him out for a while and why Kyle Fletcher may soon be joining him on that list (1:00:55). A scary end to the TNA Sacrifice main event on Friday night and praise for how the referee handled the situation, plus major news for Scott D’Amore and Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling (1:10:10). And he ends with TWO crazy stories, one about a possible STABBING at an independent show this past weekend as one of the wrestlers was attacked by a fan (1:15:33) and another about an NYC school teacher who embezzled millions of dollars for, among other things, buying WWE tickets (1:18:44).

Ariel Helwani is joined right away by new UFC Hall of Famer Demetrious Johnson, who kicks off the show discussing training with Khamzat Chimaev, his YouTube channel, Israel Adesanya's loss, and more (05:24). Eddie Hall joins Ariel to preview his Misfits boxing match against Tommy Fury and discuss how the fight got made, retiring at 40, having new fights already lined up, and more (34:22). Lance Gibson Jr. makes his show debut following a big weekend at UFC Seattle, discussing his rural lifestyle, battling peace at home versus violence at work, beekeeping, sparring Demetrious Johnson, and more (1:02:21). Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych joins us in-studio to discuss being banned from the 2026 Olympics, the helmet that got him banned, and being the first Ukrainian skeleton racer to qualify for the Winter Olympics (1:38:08). Johnny Eblen checks back in following a successful night at PFL Pittsburgh to discuss his win over Brian Battle, a potential rematch against Costello van Steenis, bringing back the Bellator name, and more (2:29:21). Terrence McKinney joins the show to talk about his big knockout win at UFC Seattle, having the shortest average fight time in history, never getting a UFC bonus, what's next for his career, and more (3:09:04). Ariel finishes the show alongside Conner to discuss a potential PFL rebrand and Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor 3, then wraps up by answering your Super Chats (3:29:39).

Ariel Helwani begins the show recapping UFC Seattle with Conner, who talks about his UFC Seattle experience live from the arena. Ariel discusses Israel Adesanya’s loss and Michael Chiesa’s retirement fight, they recap the post-fight press conference where Dana White talked Conor McGregor, and more (16:59). Arman Tsaryukyan joins Ariel, breaking down his RAF 7 win over Georgio Poullas and donating the $10,000 given to him by Poullas, teasing a new UFC fight, a potential Dillon Danis grappling match, wanting to fight six times per year, an Ilia Topuria fight, and more (1:01:19). Moses Itauma joins the show, reflecting on his knockout win this weekend over Jermaine Franklin Jr., discussing his next fights, not being nervous competing in Manchester, boxing keeping him sane, meeting Mike Tyson, and more (1:44:21). Flyweight great Alexandre Pantoja gives us the latest update on his recovery, his return to the title picture, his unfortunate elbow injury against Joshua Van at UFC 323, a future rematch against Van, and more (2:08:12). Joe Pyfer joins Ariel to reflect on a huge win at UFC Seattle against Israel Adesanya, discussing his new belief in God, changing his way of life, potential for a UFC Philadelphia fight, and more (2:40:14). The newly retired Michael Chiesa stops by after his magical hometown sendoff, discussing retirement plans, his last fight being perfect, continuing his career as a coach, the Kevin Lee beef, and more (3:19:51). Casey O’Neill joins the show to talk about her long-awaited UFC comeback, discussing her knockout win, fighting in two left-handed gloves, dealing with her knee injury, living in Thailand for two months, and more (3:50:11). Ariel then finishes the show by breaking down Dana White's response to Jon Jones and Khabib Nurmagomedov's latest comments about women's MMA, before answering your Super Chats (4:17:06)

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open up the show by reacting to Sebastian Fundora’s dominant stoppage victory over Keith Thurman, discussing his chances against the top talent at super welterweight. Is he ready for a Vergil Ortiz, 'Boots' Ennis or Xander Zayas (00:47)? Next up, they discuss 21-year-old prodigy Moses Itauma's knockout of Jermaine Franklin. Who will he fight next and could he one day share the ring with heavyweight icon Oleksandr Usyk (28:38)?

The Craic is back with it’s familiar trio of Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes. First up, the lads dive deep into UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Pyfer (3:45). There’s PFL action this weekend too. Chuck sheds light on his chat with promotional newcomer Bryan Battle ahead of his bout against Johnny Eblen (27:55). Another promotion making noise is RAF. The trio look ahead to the upcoming wrestling match between UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan and Georgio Poullas (50:01). After previewing this weekend’s boxing fixtures (01:04:00), they round things off by answering your Super Chats (01:12:35).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show discussing the recent update with the Muhammad Ali Revival Act and how it will reshape the sport. Will other promoters set up UBOs moving forward?. Will they form a coalition against Zuffa (02:58)? The IBF officially stripped Jai Opetaia of his cruiserweight belt which led to a bigger discussion of how Zuffa and the sanctioning bodies will coexist. Could Ring Magazine also strip Opetaia who has not fought a top-five ranked opponent in over three years (11:43)? Next up, it’s time for a Sebastian Fundora-Keith Thurman title fight preview – with betting odds, analysis and predictions from the entire PPV.com fight card. Can Thurman turn back the hands of time or will it be more dominance from Fundora (30:29)? Lastly, discussion turns to heavyweight phenom Moses Itauma and his fight with veteran Jermaine Franklin. Itauma is widely looked at as the next best heavyweight and a stoppage win over Franklin would be a massive statement (51:06).

The Boys in the Back kick off the show talking about their experience so far at Muckleshoot Casino Resort (02:54). Then, they dive into their previews of UFC Seattle (14:25) and PFL Pittsburgh (1:01:13), before making picks (1:11:58). After touching on some recent news and notes (1:18:25), The Boys deliver their P4P reigns (1:24:54), listen to your voicemails (1:47:54) and answer your Super Chats (2:26:59).

Ariel Helwani begins the show with breaking news of Gable Steveson signing with RAF, then brings in The Boys in the Back — live from the Seattle area — and Petesy Carroll to answer your On The Nose questions, with topics including White House card announcements, Conor McGregor continuing to tease his return, whether a Jorge Masvidal comeback is in the works and against who, Jon Jones amplifying support from Francis Ngannou, Paul Hughes being forced out of his next fight, and more (6:54). Colby Covington joins Ariel for the first time in a long time, previewing his upcoming RAF 7 match against Dillon Danis, discussing his relationship with the UFC, not being selected for the White House card, his beef with Bo Nickal, challenging Georges St-Pierre to a grappling match, whether he’d ever ask for his UFC release, and more (1:01:32). PFL’s Dalton Rosta makes his show debut, breaking down his upcoming fight against Impa Kasanganay and wanting to earn the next title shot with a win, then talking about his early days in amateur wrestling, how the loss of his father impacted his life and career, fighting in his hometown of Pittsburgh, and more (1:33:56). KSW double champ Salahdine Parnasse checks in, discussing his decision to re-sign with KSW despite UFC offers, fighting Kenneth Cross on the MVP card on Netlfix, forays into the fashion and music worlds, his interest in boxing, whether he will again attempt to capture a third title in the future, and more (2:03:04). Muhammad Mokaev is back on the show, talking about his matchup against Adriano Moraes on Netlifx, the strength of the card overall, grappling Arman Tsarukyan at Hype FC, believing Kyoji Horiguchi is UFC’s best flyweight even over champion Joshua Van, talks of fighting Demetrious Johnson, being offered a UFC BJJ match against Mikey Musumeci, training with Moraes previously, and more (2:33:54). Oscar De La Hoya returns, detailing Golden Boy’s new broadcast deal with DAZN and the state of his relationship with Vergil Ortiz Jr. following Ortiz’s lawsuit against Golden Boy, then giving his opinion on Zuffa Boxing, their belt and the Ring Magazine belt, before discussing Ryan Garcia potentially fighting Devin Haney next, the Ali Revival Act advancing through Congress, his ongoing feud with Dana White, and more (3:01:19). Ariel answers a few more On The Nose questions (3:35:12) and ends with your Super Chats (3:41:18).

Jason is back with thoughts on the death of Dennis Condrey, one half of the Midnight Express, and his contribution as one of the greatest tag team wrestlers of all time, as well as the death of actor Chuck Norris and his involvement in the wrestling world (02:25). News on Dennis Rodman being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and his history with WCW, as well as breaking news on another induction, "Sycho" Sid Vicious, who joins their legacy class of 2026 (09:02). Then, key takeaways from Monday Night Raw in Boston, with Roman Reigns destroying CM Punk, Oba Femi once again leveling Brock Lesnar, and Gunther being MIA for the third straight week (15:59). Plus, news on a successful WWE ticket promotion for 3/16 Day (47:41), Tony Khan bidding to acquire WWE in 2023 when the company was up for sale (52:17), fallout from AEW Revolution, with an update on Ronda Rousey, and Ricochet's apology after his embarrassing tweet (58:39). Also, former WWE star Ted DiBiase, Jr. acquitted of all charges in his Mississippi fraud case, while another former WWE star speaks with Ariel Helwani about the incident that ended his recent run with the company (1:10:44). The show ends with some listener Q&A on Cody Rhodes' potential heel name, the Bret Hart WrestleMania match that we almost got in 1986, and why one of DDT Pro Wrestling's biggest stars was just forced into an early retirement (1:18:19).

Ariel Helwani starts today’s show with reaction to Most Valuable Promotions announcing the rest of its Netflix card, including some recognizable names and rising prospects, and reports of Manel Kape vs. Kyoji Horiguchi being booked for June (03:58). Featherweight contender Jean Silva is next, reacting to the UFC London main event, discussing whether it should be him or Movsar Evloev getting the next title shot, wanting to defend fellow Brazilian Jose Aldo’s legacy against Alexander Volkanovski, why Evloev can’t be trusted to headline the card, suggesting he’d leave the UFC if he he loses to Volkanovski, and more (36:19). PFL CEO John Martin is back in-studio, talking about the promotion’s debut in Madrid, the potential return of Cedric Doumbe, progress PFL is trying to make in the U.S. market, including negotiations for its next broadcast deal, conversations he’s had with Eddie Hearn, PFL parting ways with Francis Ngannou and Jake Paul, rooting for the success of Netflix’s first MMA card, being open to co-promotion, and more (1:14:55). Sebastian Fundora joins ahead of his WBC title fight against Keith Thurman, discussing his unconventional training methods, being motivated by the success of his sister Gabriela, his impressions of Zuffa Boxing so far, his love of pro wrestling, the future potential of his youngest sister, excitement in the 154-pound division, and more (2:05:21). The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to cover recent news, including Golden Boy re-signing with DAZN, Katie Taylor once again teasing a Croke Park fight, Alistair Overeem’s comments about PEDs and testing, the Ali Revival Act passing through the U.S. House of Representatives, and more (2:26:26). Francis Ngannou is our final guest of the day, talking about his PFL departure, critics claiming he’s damaged his legacy, the recent wave of fighters — including Ronda Rousey — speaking about UFC’s pay and practices, Jon Jones deserving to be paid more than he was reportedly offered for the White House card, Tom Aspinall teaming up with Eddie Hearn, potentially fighting Jake Paul, and more (3:00:12). Ariel answers your Super Chats to end the show (3:53:58).

Ariel Helwani is joined by The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll to recap a busy weekend, but first they check in on GC, as he makes good on cooking Venezuelan arepas for the crew (07:42). They transition to UFC London, breaking down Movsar Evloev’s win over Lerone Murphy in the main event, whether Evloev or Jean Silva will fight Alexander Volkanovski next, and the overall response to the card from the UK fanbase (12:45). Next, they touch on Jon Jones’ latest statements regarding negotiations for the White House card, Conor McGregor’s potential return in July, and more (48:01). PFL middleweight champion Costello van Steenis joins to recap his finish of Fabian Edwards at PFL Madrid, talking about fighting on the same card as his brother Gino, Real Madrid stars showing up to the event, wanting to fight Johnny Eblen again, believing he can beat UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev, and more (1:15;12). Iwo Baraniewski makes his show debut following a first-round knockout against Austen Lane in London. He discusses the big win, training with fellow Polish fighter Jan Błachowicz, hoping to have three fights in 2026, getting his start in judo before transitioning to MMA, Jon Jones being his favorite fighter, and more (1:36:22). Michael "Venom" Page is up next, talking about his UFC London performance against Sam Patterson and admitting frustrations, before explaining what potential improvements he could make, whether his recent string of decisions adds pressure, his recent comments about fighter pay, why he felt disrespected with his placement on the card, having one fight remaining on his contract, who he wants to fight next, and more (2:00:14). Shanelle Dyer speaks to Ariel for the first time, reflecting on her impressive UFC debut, then discussing having attended the past six UFC events in London as a fan, starting in Muay Thai after having reservations about MMA, why she parted ways with PFL, getting a post-fight bonus, the story behind her “Nightmare” nickname, and more (2:29:09). Ariel reacts to more news, including the latest verbal jabs between Dana White and Eddie Hearn, Anthony Joshua training with former foe Oleksandr Usyk, BKFC teasing a massive event, Arman Tsarukyan linking up with IShowSpeed and Khamzat Chimaev, and more (3:06:48). The show ends with your Super Chats (3:33:38).

This week Dan Canobbio is joined by boxing personality Naji Grampus for a fun conversation based around the biggest topics in the sport. The guys begin reacting to Carlos Adames and Lester Martinez’s big wins and forecast what's next (01:38). Next up, Dan and Naji debate who could potentially give Shakur Stevenson his toughest fight, who he might fight next, and if a mega fight with Gervonta 'Tank' Davis could ever come to fruition (22:10). The conversation then moves to the heavyweight division, where Oleksandr Usyk is ready to fight kickboxer Rico Verhoeven for the WBC title. Is this fight warranted? Will Usyk fight Agit Kabayel? Where does Usyk rank among the all-time greats (42:22)? Finally, the guys discuss the upcoming fight between Sebastian Fundora and Keith Thurman at 154 pounds (1:00:43).