Advertise on podcast: The Ariel Helwani Show

On this episode of The Uncrowned Beat, Ariel Helwani is joined by NewYorkRic, Petesy Carroll, and Drake Riggs to discuss hot topics including: UFC's welterweight title picture, amid reports of Carlos Prates being Islam Makhachev's next challenge (02:34), Sean Strickland's complaints about his pay (10:19), Nassourdine Imavov ramping up the trash talk (33:00), and more.

Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes are back together for another edition of The Craic. First, the trio debate the true value of a UFC title in an era where meritocracy feels increasingly absent (04:50). On a similar note, the lads react to Farid Basharat not being re-signed by the UFC despite going 7-0 (28:30). Next, the uncertainty around upcoming fight cards in Saudi Arabia comes into focus (46:47). To close the show, the boys preview this weekend’s combat sports action (53:04), and answer your Super Chats (01:18:13).

The Boys in the Back cover news and notes, including Alexander Volkanovski calling out Justin Gaethje (03:02), Farid Basharat not being re-signed by the UFC (08:45), and more (29:07). Then, they sort out the UFC welterweight title picture based on reports of Islam Makhachev vs. Carlos Prates taking place in early 2027 (46:07). After previewing UFC Edmonton (1:06:44), they touch on the rest of this weekend's action (1:36:06) and make picks (1:59:41). The Boys deliver their lists of P4P Canadians (2:03:06), listen to your voicemails (2:29:41), and answer your Super Chats (3:03:53).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show reacting to Naoya Inoue saying he's no longer “waiting” on 'Bam' Rodriguez and will now prepare for a move to featherweight (12:01). The biggest fight of the weekend is the rematch between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley. Dubois stopped Wardley in the first fight, but Wardley had Dubois down twice in the first three rounds. Who makes the adjustments and comes out on top (34:49)? Sebastian Fundora returns to the ring on Saturday night as a massive favorite over his mandatory, Ermal Hadribeaj. For Fundora, he must win and immediately look to fight the winner of the rumored Jaron 'Boots' Ennis-Josh Kelly unification bout (52:36).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with quick news and notes (05:33). Kayla Harrison returns to talk about recovering from neck surgery, facing the possibility of not fighting again, the process of getting back to fighting shape, whether she will retire after fighting Amanda Nunes, already being satisfied with her career, Ronda Rousey’s trash talk, and more (13:40). Prospect Asaf Chopurov joins the show for the first time to discuss his extensive amateur career, his upcoming debut at UFC 333, fighting in Abu Dhabi, aiming to be a UFC champion by the time he turns 28 years old, and more (46:26). Ariel addresses Sean Strickland and Dana White’s comments about Strickland’s contract status (1:00:29). Liz Carmouche is back to break down her PFL women’s flyweight title fight against Jena Bishop, talking about her late career resurgence, training with Bishop and their first bout, potentially facing Dakota Ditcheva, Bishop training with Ronda Rousey, and more (1:10:21). Niko Price explains why he decided to retire in March, then touches on the offer that got him to come back, having a proper retirement fight, memories from his UFC career, and more (1:35:06). WBC super welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora stops by to preview his upcoming title defense and discuss potential massive fights on the horizon, his status with PBC, whether he’d entertain offers from other promotions, his love of wrestling, the massive success of his sister Gabriela, and more (2:01:05). The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to answer On The Nose questions about the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua undercard, Josh Hokit’s meteoric rise, the prevelance of Dana White Contender Series fighters, Paramount viewership, and more (2:23:08). The show wraps up with your Super Chats (3:35:02).

Solomonster thinks it's insane that WWE still remains committed to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel next month despite multiple attacks on their airport and several fatalities (00:18). Thoughts on TNA’s Bound for Glory PPV and the controversy that led to them cutting all ties with Max Caster after his debut (04:20). Thoughts on Money in the Bank, including another failure for LA Knight and both Tiffany Stratton and Penta winning the briefcases, which evidently wasn’t the original plan (14:20). Why Carmelo Hayes returning to TV as the newest addition to the 946 crew is a great move and what things are looking like now for War Games (27:28). All of the AEW stars who suddenly appear to be poised to wrestle on New Japan’s big Tokyo Dome show in January and potential matches we’re looking at (33:51). AEW WrestleDream preview and predictions, plus all of the remaining qualifying matches for spots in Clockwork Carnage for the AEW World championship (41:18). Necro Butcher signs a WWE Legends deal and an update on 2 Cold Scorpio being sentenced to six years in prison, but it comes with a catch (52:45). Your questions on how Paul Levesque views LA Knight, who would’ve made great MITB winners if the gimmick existed in the 80s and 90s, names still missing from the Hall of Fame, and more (57:52).

Ariel Helwani opens the show by recapping Sean Strickland’s recent comments about Ariel and responding with receipts (04:36). Sal Everett makes his show debut, telling his incredible story of working for the UFC as security and Dana White’s assistant, his early amateur career, his Contender Series win and the raucous crowd there to support him, and more (43:01). Alexander Hernandez is back to break down his win over Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 332, wanting to be in the main event, the high purses for Zuffa Boxing athletes compared to UFC fighters, his relationship with his team, and more (TIME1:06.21). Manager Spencer Brown joins to talk about Tyson Fury’s side of the fight against Anthony Joshua, including negotiations for the location and all the players involved, the beef between Dana White and Eddie Hearn, and more (1:30:46). Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins is back one day after defeating the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football to talk about the team’s season, his love of combat sports, and the latest storylines in WWE (2:03:43). Ariel closes the show with your Super Chats (2:42:30) and a Contender Series preview (2:50:48).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with legend Demetrious Johnson, who joins Ariel in-studio to talk about his new manga Flow Mushin, Sean Strickland’s friction with UFC over his contract, his feelings about UFC flyweight champ Joshua Van, his new podcast with Israel Adesanya, Jon Jones’ mentorship of Gable Steveson, the GOAT conversation, and more (04:48). Ariel dives into Sean Strickland’s contract drama, from Nassourdine Imavov showing up in Las Vegas, to Strickland’s string of social media posts, to Strickland’s contract status, Dana White’s reaction to Strickland calling out Zuffa Boxing champion Jai Opetaia, and more (1:01:59). The Boys join Ariel to cover other news and notes, including Jake Paul’s hit list, KSI’s retirement, Michael “Venom” Page signing with Misfist Boxing, and more (1:43:41). Michael “Venom” Page is back to talk about his new Misfits Boxing deal, revealing details about the number of fights and timeframe, teasing a potential bout against Darren Till, expressing his desire to fight Sean Strickland while in the UFC, giving his assessment of UFC prioritizing excitement over winning, and more (2:02:39). Andre Fili returns to the show to break down his massive knockout against Kai Kamaka III at UFC Vegas 122 (2:29:40). While waiting for Fili to reconnect, Ariel recaps the rest of UFC Vegas 122, starting with Brendan Allen’s big win (2:43:40). Andre Fili re-joins and the conversation turns to fatherhood, having new perspective on his life and career, his love of wrestling, wanting all his fights to be at UFC’s Apex, and more (3:02:10). Ariel and crew cover more news and notes (3:45:57), before wrapping up with your Super Chats (4:10:03).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show discussing Floyd Schofield's win over Lucas Bahdi, making him the WBA lightweight champion. Is Schofield ready for the likes of Abdullah Mason and William Zepeda (03:07)? In an amazing upset, Sergio Mendoza stopped Ricardo Sandoval to become the unified flyweight champion (31:59). Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli is still slated for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, despite ongoing attacks of the city's major airport. Turki Alalshikh says Canelo “fears no one” and the fight will continue (39:16). We end the show on a sad note, as the boxing world lost Puerto Rican legend Wilfredo Gomez (57:30).

On this episode of The Uncrowned Beat, Ariel Helwani is joined by Dan Canobbio, Petesy Carroll, and Darshan Desai to discuss hot topics including where Ben Whittaker's stock stands after his latest win (02:40), the continuing war between Dana White and Eddie Hearn (14:09), reports of Ring Magazine being sold to DAZN (27:18), Oscar De La Hoya claiming British fighters are "overhyped" (28:28), and talks of a megafight between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson (39:58).

It’s a two-man show this week, with Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall holding down The Craic. Up first, the pair break down the fallout from Sean Strickland’s statement about UFC fighter pay (03:41). Then, the lads react to the Tyson Fury ticket vs. Anthony Joshua sellout and the latest in the Dana White-Eddie Hearn beef (25:01). The duo then touch on how attacks in Saudi Arabia could affect Canelo Alvarez’s upcoming Riyadh Season fight (45:50). Last up, Petesy and Chuck preview this weekend’s combat sports action (01:03:39).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show reacting to recent rumors of a Floyd Mayweather vs. Ryan Garcia fight that made waves on social media (04:46). Another welterweight fight being discussed is Shakur Stevenson vs. Devin Haney. The two have been in discussions for several months with the weight and a possible rehydration clause the sticking point. Will we see the fight (24:38)?Lastly, we have an intriguing lightweight title fight this weekend with Floyd Schofield taking on Lucas Bahdi in a shootout of two heavy hitters (53:21).

The Boys in the Back kick off the show by reacting to Nassourdine Imavov pulling up to Las Vegas to confront Sean Strickland, as well as Strickland calling for a bigger payday to defend his UFC middleweight title (03:43). Then, they cover the nasty back-and-forth between Jon Jones and Colby Covington (47:51) and other news and notes (55:24), including Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson agreeing to fight, Petr Yan teasing a featherweight run, and Joe Rogan re-upping with Spotify for big money. The Boys preview this weekend's fights (1:10:22), make picks (1:27:09), and deliver their P4P three-letter-acronyms (1:28:13). The show closes with your voicemails (1:49:14) and Super Chats (2:41:37).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by reacting to Dana White’s latest comments about the Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury fight and Eddie Hearn, Oscar De La Hoya’s claims about his treatment on Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn fight night, and more (08:38). Colby Covington is back to talk about his upcoming RAF match against Khamzat Chimaev, withdrawing from his Hype FC appearance, whether he’d consider coming back to MMA, his thoughts on UFC welterweights including Islam Makhachev, Ian Machado Garry, Carloes Prates, and Michael Morales, Jon Jones’ coaching of Gable Steveson, and more (32:31). Roberto Soldic stops by to discuss his successful UFC debut, why he’s currently competing at welterweight, potentially facing Dricus du Plessis in a trilogy fight, training with Mirko Cro Cop, and more (1:01:37). Prolific wrestling podcaster Conrad Thompson joins Ariel in-studio to tell stories about his impressive memorabilia collection, including the WWF Intercontinental Championship belt used from 1985-1988 that’s up for auction. Then, they discuss how Thompson got started in podcasting, the various wrestlers he’s worked with, including his father-in-law Ric Flair, Eric Bischoff, Jim Ross, Bruce Prichard, and John Bradshaw Layfield, his viral take about Roman Reigns, and current topics in the wrestling world (1:29:26). The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll jump in to help Ariel answer On The Nose questions, with topics including the delay in booking Sean Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov, Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett potentially coaching TUF, rumors of Floyd Mayweather vs. Ryan Garcia, and more (2:41:45). Ariel closes the show with Super Chats (3:35:48).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with Diego Lopes, talking about his move up from featherweight to lightweight, being booked against Charles Oliveira at UFC 335, competing for the BMF belt, who he feels is the best lightweight right now, his prediction for Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evolev, his popularity with UFC and fans, and more (09:05). Eddie Hearn returns to talk about Ben Whittaker’s latest win, his battle with Dana White, raising his profile in America, details about the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight negotiations, talks of a potential meeting with Dana White, White claiming his team will produce Fury-Joshua, Zuffa Boxing’s trajectory so far, drug testing for Fury-Joshua, his loyalty to Joshua, offers being made to Joshua behind-the-scenes, the latest on Matchroom Talent Agency clients Tom Aspinall and Ian Machado Garry, and more (31:57). Ariel covers a bit of news and notes (1:40:50). Navajo Stirling makes his show debut, discussing his fight against Jiri Prochazka headlining UFC Qatar, being a fan of Prochazka’s style when he was coming up, conversations about potentially fighting teammate Carlos Ulberg, the origin and meaning behind his name, wanting to go to Dagestan to work on his wrestling, agreeing to a fight against Paulo Costa, and more (2:01:16). Newly retired Court McGee is the final guest of the day, talking about his career, his UFC run and retirement, being inspired by Mark Kerr and TUF 1, his sobriety, his relationship with Chuck Liddell, his sons’ wrestling training, and more (2:33:05). Ariel reflects on the anniversary of UFC 229 (3:02:48), before wrapping up with your Super Chat (3:12:00).