Claim OwnershipThe Ariel Helwani Show
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“The Ariel Helwani Show” is the flagship program for Uncrowned. Every episode will feature interviews with the biggest names in combat sports, and analysis from Helwani and The Boys in the Back.
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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).
The Craic is back! This time, it’s the duo of Petesy Carroll and Ben Fowlkes. To start things off, the lads react to the passing of martial arts icon Chuck Norris (02:21).
Then, they size up UFC's White House event against Netflix’s Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card (13:05).
Another fight on the Netflix card is Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry. Petesy provides an update on Conor McGregor’s return now that Diaz has been ruled out as an opponent (30:51).
Amid ongoing unrest around fighter pay, several retired UFC veterans have spoken out against the promotion’s model, giving the guys plenty to dig into (50:02).
There’s fights this weekend too. Petesy and Ben break down PFL’s big media push for their Friday night Madrid card (55:36), and preview UFC London’s main event: Lerone Murphy vs. Mosvar Evloev (01:02:42).
The boys are back! Dan Canobbio and Chris Algeri start the show by reacting to Top Rank’s new partnership with DAZN – what are the details, what it could mean for future fights and DAZN’s imprint in the US (03:04).
Next up, PBC announced their full undercard for the May 2 card headlined by Gilberto Ramirez vs. David Benavidez and it features all high-energy fights that will not disappoint (35:09).
Finally, the guys preview the weekend fights – Lester Martinez vs. Immanuel Aleem and Carlos Adames vs. Ammo Williams (41:31)!
The Boys in the Back cover some recent news, including UFC appointing the Association of Boxing Commissions as regulator for the White House event (02:16), Robert Whittaker saying he's got a light heavyweight opponent lined up (06:25), and more.
Then, they start their UFC London preview, discussing Jean Silva's looming shadow over the main event (10:52), whether Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy will earn a title shot (16:02), and the rest of the card (41:19).
After previewing PFL Madrid (1:08:03), the Boys make picks (1:13:03), deliver their P4P lists of British slang (1:18:10), listen to your voicemails (1:40:56), and answer your Super Chats (2:29:16).
Ariel Helwani is joined by the Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll to quickly recap Venezuela’s stunning upset over the United States in the World Baseball Classic. Then, they tackle On The Nose, answering questions about March Madness, Joe Rogan’s recent comments on UFC fighter pay, Ronda Rousey suggesting Dana White isn’t UFC’s decision maker, Nate Diaz potentially returning to the UFC, and more (13:14).
Sean Brady joins next, recapping his performance against Michael Morales, explaining why he believes Ian Machado Garry should get the next title shot, discussing his interactions with upcoming opponent Joaquin Buckley, predicting how Morales would do in a fight against Islam Makhachev, and more (1:32:08).
Rising boxing star Moses Itauma is back to preview his bout against Jermaine Franklin, reflect on not being able to break Mike Tyson’s record for being the youngest heavyweight champion ever, express his desire to fight the division’s top names, including Oleksandr Usyk, Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley, and more (2:01:23).
Top Rank President Todd duBoef joins Ariel in studio following the announcement of the promotion’s new broadcast deal with DAZN to discuss the inner workings of the partnership, other networks that they spoke to during negotiations, Top Rank’s stable of young stars, the state of the boxing business, the Ali Revival Act and Zuffa Boxing’s entry into the sport, and more (2:28:47).
Jeremy Stephens is the final guest of the day, talking about returning to the UFC against King Green, whether he’ll fight again for BKFC, financial struggles over the last few years, his timeline for retirement, and more (3:31:06).
Ariel answers your Super Chats to close the show (4:03:14).
Jason Solomon is back and he opens with his thoughts on the terrible OVW incident, where a referee suffered a mid-match seizure (2:24).
Then he reviews AEW Revolution (13:13), with MJF retaining his championship in a Texas Death Match over Hangman Adam Page, major returns on the show including Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay, and a surprise appearance by Ronda Rousey (19:28).
On the WWE side, news on internal discussions regarding the status of their upcoming Saudi Arabia shows, as war remains ongoing in the Middle East (43:06).
Then it's onto Monday Night Raw, with Oba Femi accepting Brock Lesnar's open challenge for WrestleMania in a tremendous segment (47:31) and the weakest confrontation yet between Roman Reigns and CM Punk, which already feels like it's running out of gas (55:48).
Randy Orton's BRUTAL heel turn on Cody Rhodes on Smackdown, what made it work so well, why it might have worked better at Mania, and who Orton might have been seen on the phone with on Raw (59:19).
News on Pat McAfee's future with WWE from the man himself, plus some listener Q&A, and a great story about Jake "The Snake" Roberts approaching 14 years of sobriety (1:13:42).
Ariel Helwani starts the show briefly touching on the fan reaction to Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry and the promotional tribalism forming (01:15).
Mick Conlan joins the show ahead of his WBC International title defense against Kevin Walsh in Belfast to preview the fight. But first, some Saint Patrick's Day trivia, with Mick taking on our very own Petesy’s Carroll (06:16).
Aiemann Zahabi returns to discuss his upcoming White House fight against Sean O’Malley, explaining how it came to be, his plan to have Drake walk him out, what it means to have Georges St-Pierre in his corner, and who could be next with a win over O’Malley (31:50).
Mike Perry is back following the massive announcement that he’ll be fighting Nate Diaz on Netflix’s first MMA card, talking about how long the fight had been in the works, his return to MMA after five years, getting the biggest payday of his career, how he expects Diaz to approach the buildup, wanting to finish Diaz inside three rounds, and more (1:03:24).
Carlos Prates joins to discuss his upcoming fight against Jack Della Maddalena, buzz around a potential Conor McGregor bout, witnessing the madness at Hype FC in Brazil, today being the 14th anniversary of his MMA debut, hoping for a title shot if he beats Della Maddalena, and more (1:33:39).
BKFC’s Gzim Selmani, formerly known as Rezar during his time in WWE, is our final guest of the day, breaking down his journey through combat sports, how he got his nickname, ‘The Albanian Psycho,’ being recruited by WWE, the end of his wrestling career, getting back to fighting, and more (2:01:45).
Ariel answers your Super Chats to end the show (2:38:29).
Ariel Helwani starts the show by reacting to breaking news that Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry has been added to the Rousey vs. Carano card on Netflix, how it impacts the event’s potential, and whether the UFC could have a new rival. Plus, the crew gives their thoughts on UFC’s latest round of announcements, including Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland, recap UFC Vegas 114, and more (08:39).
Kyle Daukaus is first up, discussing his UFC White House meeting with Bo Nickal, how the fight came together, noise coming from Colby Covington about the matchup, fan reaction to his placement on the card and the event overall, and more (1:08:29).
Coach Eric Nicksick returns to talk about some of his athletes, including Chris Curtis’ UFC Vegas 114 fight, Sean Strickland’s win over Anthony Hernandez and upcoming matchup against Khamzat Chimaev, and Francis Ngannou’s recent demeanor and addition to Netflix’s first MMA card (1:35:20).
After tackling some other news and notes (2:09:17), Ariel connects with old friend Anderson Silva to discuss his new dramatic series, being offered a spot on the Netflix MMA card, only wanting to box moving forward, his commitment to becoming a police officer, and more (2:17:36).
Kevin Vallejos joins following his big win over Josh Emmett, breaking down the finish, expressing his desire to fight in front of a sold-out arena, calling for a rematch with Jean Silva, giving a timeline for when he plans to compete for UFC gold, and more (2:44:37).
Alex Pereira and coach Plinio Cruz are back in-studio, touching on Pereira’s knockout of Magomed Ankalaev in their rematch, how long he planned his move to heavyweight, whether he was offered a fight against Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall, signing a new UFC deal, where winning a third belt would put him in the GOAT conversation, potentially fighting Jones in the future, the honor of being on the White House card, and more (3:05:28).
Ariel wraps up the show with your Super Chats (4:20:36).
The boys are back and kick off the show recapping Najee Lopez’s wild win over Manuel Gallegos, its Fight of the year worthiness and Chris’ experience being on the call for it. Could Lopez climb the ranks at light heavyweight and what does this mean for ProBoxTV (02:39)?
Next up, we dive into the full weekend of boxing from Golden Boy’s show, featuring wins from Arnold Barboza, Alexis Rocha, Gabby Fundora, Oscar Collazo and Anthony Caccace overseas (18:03).
Lastly, we take your voicemails! Calls ranging from HBO Boxing content, Ryan Garcia-Devin Haney, to the current state of club level shows in the US (27:09)!
1The Craic returns with its regular trio: Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes.
The boys get straight into the recent wave of fight announcements, including Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland for the UFC middleweight title (02:45).
At the press conference for the Netflix superfight between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, Rousey weighed in on the state of the UFC and its matchmaking. The lads share their thoughts on her comments (19:40).
Another superstar potentially nearing a comeback is Conor McGregor, raising the question of whether recent fan discontent has pushed the UFC to move on his return (31:27).
With the UFC’s White House card approaching, concerns have begun to surface over the stability and security of the event amid the current political climate, giving the guys plenty to unpack (44:45).
That leads to another question: which event looms larger, UFC’s White House card or Netflix’s Rousey vs. Carano? The lads make their cases (49:21).
To round things out, Chuck shares details from his recent conversation with UFC Apex headliner Kevin Vallejos ahead of his fight this weekend (1:07:00), before the boys answer your Super Chats (1:14:21).
The boys are back! Dan Canobbio and Chris Algeri go back to their roots and talk about the fights!
What are the five fights we are most excited about? From Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani to an all-out heavyweight war between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois – which fight takes the cake (04:02)?
Next up, Gervonta Davis vs. Pitbull Cruz has made the rounds on social media, sparking speculation about a return to the ring. If 'Tank' is really back, could we see him finally face off with Shakur Stevenson (47:05)?
We round out the show with a weekend preview and reaction to a chaotic scene at Hype FC in Brazil (53:08)!
The Boys in the Back kick off the show by reacting to some recent UFC fight announcements (03:24) and other news (10:55).
After recapping the madness at Hype FC (18:23), they discuss potential options for Islam Makhachev's next opponent (32:39) and preview UFC Vegas 114 (56:22).
The Boys make picks (1:17:45), deliver their P4P letdowns (1:22:07), listen to your voicemails (2:00:51) and close with your Super Chats (2:37:11).
Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping his experience hosting the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano press conference, including a few revelations (05:31).
Legend Mike Tyson joins the show next to talk about the Mike Tyson Invitational, which is his amateur boxing event in Las Vegas, his upcoming exhibition bout against Floyd Mayweather, spending time with Conor McGregor, the aftermath of the Jake Paul fight, and more (31:46).
The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to discuss other MMA news, including Jon Jones asking for his UFC release, ongoing negotiations with Conor McGregor, the Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev rivalry heating back up, Ronda Rousey’s comments about the UFC, and more (47:18).
Ariel wraps up the show with your Super Chats (1:40:10).
The Boys in the Back tackle major MMA stories, including Jon Jones asking for his UFC release (02:11), Ilia Topuria claiming Islam Makhachev ducked him (43:29), Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland potentially happening in May (1:07:18), and more.
Plus, watch alongside the Boys as they livestream the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano press conference and react in real time (1:10:08).
Finally, the Boys answer your Super Chats (2:21:58).
Jason Solomon has thoughts on a BIG change to the Smackdown writing team, with Road Dogg (Brian James) QUITTING his role, and what it could mean for the quality of the show moving forward (3:46).
Then he discusses the MAJOR title change on Friday with Cody Rhodes regaining the WWE championship from Drew McIntyre, the anger online from some fans, including reviewing bombing and paid bots, the original plan for Cody and Drew at WrestleMania and more (10:59).
Next, he addresses the social media controversy involving Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill, what is being reported, why he's not buying into a lot of it, and thoughts on their first promo together on Smackdown (23:00).
Plus, thoughts on Monday Night Raw and a BIZARRE open with Seth Rollins and his Power Rangers putty people, a strong segment with CM Punk and The Usos, Finn Balor is finally kicked out of the Judgment Day, and news on AJ Styles' new role behind the scenes (30:25).
News on WWE potentially setting a record this year with more women's matches at WrestleMania than ever before (48:38), plus an AEW Revolution preview and match predictions for this Sunday's PPV (52:45).
Mance Warner and Steph De Lander GONE from TNA Wrestling, why it happened and what De Lander had to say about her now ex-boss, TNA President Carlos Silva, and the lack of a proper medical team in the company (1:07:52).
Solomonster wraps up with a sad health update on wrestling legend Konnan, plus some listener Q&A on topics including which NXT women have the brightest futures on the main roster and sports betting on pro wrestling (1:18:59).
Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping massive MMA news, starting with Francis Ngannou being added to the Rousey vs. Carano Netflix event (06:26), then touching on the UFC White House card announcement (11:52), negotiations with Jon Jones and Ilia Topuria for the card (27:38), Conor McGregor’s upcoming negotiations (46:31), the BMF title losing meaning (53:01), fan sentiment that Ngannou “fumbled” (59:25), and Tom Aspinall teaming with Eddie Hearn (1:12:40).
Sean O’Malley joins to discuss his bout against Aiemann Zahabi at the White House, explaining how the fight came together, Petr Yan being his top choice, not being offered Cory Sandhagen, and then discusses his recent fighter pay comments (1:30:21).
Bo Nickal is next, breaking down his own White House fight, touching on the fan reaction, surprise about Kyle Daukaus being the opponent, Colby Covington turning down the opportunity, criticism of the card overall, whether President Trump requested his inclusion on the card, and more (2:00:24).
Eddie Hearn is back to discuss the launch of Matchroom Talent Agency and Tom Aspinall being its first signing. Hearn talks about Aspinall’s UFC contract status, potential for negotiating opposite Dana White, other MMA fighters reaching out for representation, White’s recent comments about Hearn, including challenging him to a fight, Conor Benn’s deal with Zuffa Boxing and Jai Opetaia’s debut, needing to book a fight for Katie Taylor at Croke Park, and more (2:29:38).
Tom Aspinall is the final guest of the day, discussing his partnership with Hearn, his UFC contract compared to his earning potential, whether he plans to box, the state of his relationship with Dana White, the latest on his eye and a timeline to return, his reaction to Jon Jones asking for his release, and more (3:40:40).
To kick things off, Dan Canobbio and Chris Algeri break down Jai Opetaia’s dominant performance over Brandon Glanton and how he looked in his Zuffa Boxing debut (02:29).
In the 11th hour, the IBF decided to strip Opetaia of their title, which set off a frenzy. Was this the right thing to do? Why did Opetaia sign with Zuffa if he wants to be undisputed (11:01)?
We end the show with a debate on Opetaia’s chances vs. Gilberto Ramirez and David Benavidez, who fight on May 2 (30:39).
Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall, a.k.a. 3PAC, give their immediate thoughts on UFC 326, starting with Charles Oliveira's one-sided victory over Max Holloway to become BMF champion (03:57).
After debating whether Oliveira's performance was worthy of the BMF moniker (15:04), they recap the rest of the card (20:25).
Then, the trio reacts to the White House card announcement (24:45), with Ariel giving additional insights into how it all came together.
After checking in on the post-fight press conference (47:04), they close the show with Chuck's final thoughts (54:35).
The Craic is back! Petesy Carroll is joined, as always, by Chuck Mindenhall and Ben Fowlkes.
To kick things off, the lads dig into the surprise partnership between Tom Aspinall and Eddie Hearn (3:36).
One partnership that hasn’t lasted is Francis Ngannou and the PFL. The boys react to the news of Ngannou’s release (32:56).
With the White House card fast approaching, the crew then discuss which fights could headline the historic event (47:36).
UFC 326 is this weekend too. The trio preview Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira and debate the legitimacy of the BMF belt up for grabs (52:01).
To close the show, the lads give their Uncrowned UFC 326 picks (01:17:00), and answer your Super Chats (01:19:22).
Dan Canobbio and Chris Algeri kick off the show with news that Vergil Ortiz is “done” with Golden Boy Promotions after the recent ruling in favor of Oscar De La Hoya’s promotional company and their lengthy negotiations for a Jaron Ennis fight (04:08). If this fight doesn’t happen, who could Ortiz and Ennis fight (18:26)?
Next up is a Jai Opetaia-Brandon Glanton title fight preview which includes the IBF’s reluctance to have their title on the line in the fight due to the ongoing war between the traditional sanctioning bodies and Zuffa Boxing. Will Opetaia vacate the IBF title? Will the fight with Glanton go the distance (30:22)?
Finally, the conversation shifts to the welterweight division and the latest Devin Haney-Ryan Garcia-Rolly Romero saga which sees the trio all angling to fight each other. Which fight makes the most sense and which is most likely to happen next (48:50)?
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Today I have chosen to search for a replacement for this podcast. I got used to skipping "Ariel x Ade" as I am not interested in boxing, but now Ariel throws in boxing on almost every episode he is involved in. Too bad because Boys In The Back is the best part of this pod.
1:14:00 Rico goes from a warm bed to an ice bath. I'm impressed 😮
3:14:30 Respect to Cube for not being pressured into getting the Covid jab.
2:34:00 "talkin about bullsh*t" 🤣
48:30 😂 Well played Ariel.
1:11:00 I love Vitor's fight against Scott Ferozo.
Usually when I subscribe to someone I am in the habit of consuming all their content. But since I rarely watch boxing, and couldn't pick most of these boxers out of a lineup, I'm going to skip Ariel x Ade from now on. ✌️
MMA starts at 1:22:30
I wonder who talks more, Alexander or his wife.
1:58:00 One hundred Ariel's can't beat a gorilla 🤣
That was quite the Eddie Hearn monologue. Reminds me of Mike Swick's interview with Joshua Fabia.
Based on Ariel's comment at 11:00, I wonder what he thinks about the killing of the pre-born (aka abortion).
40:50 Why are you using GoFundMe? GiveSendGo is the one to use.
29:00 Questions I would like to ask Ariel: Is it possible for Israel to do wrong? If yes, is it okay to criticize it?
Ariel needs to talk to a Constitutional scholar, because his understanding of the 1st Amendment is in error.
2:08:00 "They are not my fans, they are haters" 😂
Props to Dana for standing up for free speech, as opposed to those who say "I believe in free speech, BUT...".
Anyone who voices an opinion of Adolf Hitler should have to take a knowledge test about him. I suspect most would fail such a test, including myself.
2:14:30 Props to White for defending free speech. That's what makes the USA different from the UK.