Advertise on podcast: The Ariel Helwani Show

The Boys in the Back are back kick off the show by sifting through the fallout from the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua press conference (04:45) and covering recent news and notes (15:48). Then, they debate whether UFC 332 is the worst numbered event in UFC history and preview the card (34:33), before touching on other combat taking place this weekend (1:32:26). Next, they make picks (1:34:30) and deliver their lists of P4P Kings (1:35:14). Finally, the show concludes with your voicemails (1:52:49) and Super Chats (2:36:46).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show breaking down the Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua press conference. The two men showed a lot of respect up on stage, but were outshined by Turki Alalshikh revealing his health issues (03:31). Tris Dixon reported that DAZN purchased a controlling stake in Ring Magazine. Ring has been owned by Turki Alashikh for several years now, which has led to many conflicts of interest. What does this mean for boxing and the Ring Magazine belt (32:33)? Ben Whittaker returns to the ring against Conor Wallace in an IBF title eliminator. Whittaker has a chance to take over the light heavyweight division with Dmitry Bivol tied up with Artur Beterbiev and David Benavidez likely staying at cruiserweight (46:02).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by reacting live to scenes from the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua kickoff press conference (02:08), plus thoughts on Contender Series and Dana White’s latest comments (11:17), as well as some other news and notes (52:50).Aljamain Sterling is back to break down his fight against Kevin Vallejos at UFC Qatar, talking about how the matchup came together, having to fight down in the rankings, his goal of being champion in a second weight class, his prediction for Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev, oblique kicks potentially being banned, referee Herb Dean’s recent controversies, and more (1:09:19).Khaos Williams stops by to discuss welcoming Roberto Soldic to the UFC, his analysis of Soldic’s skills, training with Justin Gaethje and Kamaru Usman, crossing paths with Floyd Mayweather, his trademark intensity, overcoming adversity in his early life, and more (1:39:14).Alexander Hernandez previews his UFC 332 matchup against Rafael dos Anjos, talking about his time so far in Salt Lake City, training at elevation, details from his cancelled fight against Michael Johnson and the suspicious betting activity, including being interrogated by FBI agents, utilizing a hyperbaric chamber, and more (2:00:57).Legendary television executive and Ki MMA Chief Content Officer Kevin Kay joins Ariel in-studio to talk about teaming up with Scott Coker again and getting back into the fight community, meeting with broadcasters for distribution deals, UFC landing with Paramount, his experience working on Saturday Night Live, Late Night with David Letterman, as well as with Vince McMahon and Howard Cosell, the birth of The Ultimate Fighter, UFC and Bellator’s time on SpikeTV, and more (2:31:22).After recapping more from the Fury and Joshua press conference (3:38:34), Ariel and crew dive into On The Nose questions about the Dana White and Eddie Hearn beef, an alternate version of Gable Steveson’s MMA career, Raoni Barcelos’ future, Josh Hokit’s interviews, Andy Foster’s interview with Ariel this week, and more blind rankings (3:43:54).The show closes with your Super Chats (4:50:36).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show covering news and notes, including Raoni Barcelos’ first words since the scary ending to UFC Vegas 121, the latest in the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua saga, a stacked fight card announced for UFC Qatar, RAF announcing Khamzat Chimaev vs. Colby Covington, and more (06:35). Mikey Musumeci returns to discuss his win over Bryce Mitchell at UFC BJJ 11, Mitchell’s strength, seeking matches against big-name competitors, wanting to transition to MMA and the preparation required, his issues with PED use in jiu-jitsu, and more (34:53). California State Athletic Commission Executive Director Andy Foster joins to talk about his proposal to ban oblique kicks in MMA, whether there are ways to prevent damaging eye-pokes, the regulation of Power Slap, the fan sentiment around referee Herb Dean, scoring of the UFC 331 main event, transparency and accountability from commissions, the latest version of the Ali Revival Act, and more (1:00:31). Ailin Perez stops by after her big win over rival Norma Dumont at UFC Vegas 121, explaining how the beef began, talking about having extra motivation to win, believing she won the fight before the split decision was read, still not being fond of Dumont, wanting to be the backup for Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes, and more (1:32:58). Ben Whittaker is back ahead of his IBF title eliminator against Conor Wallace, discussing the fight itself, Moses Itauma’s recent loss, his contract with Matchroom Boxing, the feud between Zuffa Boxing/Dana White and Eddie Hearn, and more (2:03:58). Ariel ends the show with your Super Chats (2:33:06).

Solomonster discusses the sudden death of AEW star Pac, who passed away on Sunday, less than 24 hours after wrestling on PPV. He discusses reports about how he was found, what made him such a special performer, his greatest matches, and more (02:13). Thoughts on AEW All Out, including PAC’s final match, one very scary injury, Tommaso Ciampa’s daughter stealing the show, Will Ospreay’s first defense as AEW World champion and his comments about WWE counterprogramming them in Chicago (12:42). WWE announces a new content distribution deal with Bleacher Report (38:12) and where you will be able to watch the WWE Worlds Collide show this week (42:18). Thoughts on a good Raw, including the major angle with Jaida Parker debuting and joining the 946 crew after running down Jacob Fatu with her car, one theory about LA Knight, and two new matches set for Money in the Bank (48:39). TNA having issues selling tickets for its Bound for Glory PPV, which is less than two weeks away (1:00:33). Your questions on Conrad Thompson’s latest shade thrown at Roman Reigns, Triple H marrying into the McMahon family, Ricky Saints joining 946, and one last story about the infamous Randy Savage “Brasso Belt,” now available for auction (1:04:09).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show recapping UFC Vegas 121, including a big win by Raul Rosas Jr., the scary scene for Raoni Barcelos, the beef between Ailin Perez and Norma Dumont, and Luis Hernandez making a splash, as well as the scrap between Darren Till and Yoel Romero over at BKFC, Johnny Fisher’s Zuffa Boxing debut, and Misfits Boxing wins by Tony Feruson and Henry Cejudo (07:00). Josh Hokit joins to preview his UFC 334 title fight against Ciryl Gane and explain how it came together, before talking about Alex Pereira not getting the opportunity, why Gane doesn’t deserve to be undisputed champion, his belief that Tom Aspinall is faking his eye injury, being open to fighting Jon Jones, Gable Steveson’s loss, Alexander Volkov’s trash talk, and more (20:30). Ariel then deep dives the drama stemming from the turbulent Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua saga, including the latest comments by Dana White and Eddie Hearn (51:43). Luis “The Stache” Hernandez makes his show debut, discussing his quick rise in the UFC, his viral moment with Sean Strickland and Chris Curtis last year, recently getting married, his trademark mustache, his role as a Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office Deputy, the attention around his fight against Sedriques Dumas, his continued rivalry with Curtis, and more (2:02:35). Payton Talbott returns, talking about his time away from the spotlight, the UFC Vegas 121 main event, his hobbies — including DJing, nunchucks, and climbing buildings — his fear of dying, his upcoming matchup against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 332, enjoying the niche status of MMA compared to mainstream sports, and more (2:30:51). Raul Rosas Jr. recaps his massive comeback win against Raoni Barcelos, discussing the finish itself, the scary aftermath for Barcelos, his camaraderie with Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera, his brother Jessie’s Contender Series fight, how far away he is from a title shot  and more (3:04:52). The crew covers more news and notes, including tragedy in the wrestling world (3:53:56), before answering your Super Chats (4:04:19).

Unfortunately, we must open the show discussing the latest snag in the once-announced Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight. The event was announced on Thursday only for it to be in jeopardy by Friday evening. The hold up is reportedly based on Dana White’s involvement in the fight as a promoter (02:23). With all the negativity in boxing lately, the guys decided to list all the things they are grateful for in boxing, from Naoya Inoue, early main events, British heavyweights, to regional club boxing shows. Let’s get some positivity back in this insane sport (33:49).

Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall and Ben Fowlkes are back together for another episode of The Craic. Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury is finally official and it’s happening in the UK. The lads discuss the long-awaited matchup (05:19). Next on the agenda is UFC 331, as the dust settles on Saturday night’s card (30:43). Elsewhere, the lads weigh in on Nikita Hand’s recent media appearances and the contrasting reaction to the Gable Steveson situation (49:02). The group then weighs in on the calls to ban oblique kicks from MMA, and whether the case against them really holds up (55:42). Looking ahead, this weekend’s action includes Darren Till taking on Yoel Romero at BKFC (01:04:02), as well as UFC Vegas 121 (01:09:36). To wrap things up, the boys answer your Super Chats. (01:23:39).

The Boys in the Back react to the major announcement of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua throwing down in the UK (03:06). Then, NewYorkRic is forced to eat crow for perhaps his worst take (27:50) and the Boys preview a weekend that includes UFC Vegas 121 (1:02:55), BKFC 94 (1:11:57), and some boxing action (1:17:27). After making picks (1:23:31), they cover news and notes (1:25:18), then deliver their P4P catchphrases (1:38:54). The show wraps up with your voicemails (2:02:33) and Super Chats (2:25:32).

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua has finally been announced, taking place on Dec. 11 in Cardiff, Wales. The fight is about ten years too late and took several months to negotiate, but who wins when the entire boxing world tunes in (01:08)?  There are multiple reports that Manny Pacquiao and Shakur Stevenson could be the co-main event on the Fury-Joshua card. If this is the case, Stevenson has a lot of explaining to do (22:19). Teofimo Lopez has been ordered by the WBA to defend his welterweight title against Jack Catterall, which could throw a wrench into his plans to take on Ryan Garcia next year (33:45). The Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli fight scheduled for Oct. 31 is in danger of being moved out of Saudi Arabia due to ongoing conflict in the area. Multiple reports have the fight landing in Las Vegas in late November (47:58).

Ariel Helwani gives his instant reaction to the megafight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua being officially announced. It will air on Netflix from Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales on Dec. 11.

Ariel Helwani starts the show by welcoming in Alexander Volkov, who discusses the state of the UFC’s heavyweight division, his two fights against Ciryl Gane, Josh Hokit getting the title shot, wanting to fight for the belt next, Tom Aspinall vacating the title, Gable Steveson’s shocking loss, and more (04:14). Ariel and crew react to Gable Steveson releasing his first statement since being knocked out, Dana White’s comments about next steps for Steveson and the fan reaction during UFC 331 fight week, and Ciryl Gane calling Tom Aspinall “mentally fragile” (31:19). Yoel Romero stops by to preview his BKFC main event against Darren Till in Manchester, discussing their drug testing for the fight, Till’s trash talk, still being able to compete at a high level at nearly 50 years old, training and fighting with bare knuckles (1:01:55). Patricio Pitbull is back to reflect on his massive knockout of Doo Ho Choi at UFC 331, talking about being able to get back on track, his work with a sports psychologist, feeling pressure he’s never felt before, his callout of Jean Silva, his prediction for Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev, and more (1:35:21). Pat Brown discusses his impressive punching power, who he wants to fight next, navigating his budding career, lessons learned from Moses Itauma’s rise, his fondness for Ricky Hatton, envisioning a fight against Jai Opetaia, and more (2:00:52). Jack Catterall is our final guest of the day, talking about his mandatory title fight against Teofimo Lopez, whether he believes Lopez will actually take the fight, whether he’d take step-aside money, Lopez’s performance against Rolly Romero, and more (2:28:41). Ariel covers news and notes including Dana White’s comments about Paulo Costa’s frustrations and contract status, Justin Gaethje considering his future, and more (2:49:36). On The Nose features questions about oblique kicks potentially being banned, John Martin’s sudden PFL departure, flyweight bias, Alex Pereira’s star power, and more blind rankings (3:13:57). The team answers your Super Chats to close the show (4:04:55).

Solomonster discusses the status of Crown Jewel after the latest attacks in Riyadh and what it means for WWE heading there in November (03:38). WWE Worlds Collide preview, what their plan was in even doing this show, why it failed, and the latest on the show not being scheduled to air live (07:09). Thoughts on Sami Zayn defending the WWE championship against Kevin Owens on Smackdown and the unfortunate finish, Solo Sikoa being abducted on Raw by the 946 crew, the latest names to qualify for Money in the Bank, and one very cool thing WWE is doing with those matches this year (11:21). The latest update on Paramount-Skydance settling with 12 states in their bid to stop the Warner Bros. Discovery merger from moving forward, as well as the potential impact this may have on AEW’s TV future (22:29). Preview and predictions for AEW All Out, which is sold out, running opposite the WWE Worlds Collide show, also taking place in Chicago (27:34). The latest health update from AEW star Kota Ibushi is a very Ibushi-like update and why this man is his own worst enemy (35:36). MLW finally gets its streaming deal with Tubi after WWE killed it five years ago (43:39) and the former WWE/WCW/ECW star who is behind bars waiting to be sentenced for an incident from two years ago (47:18). Your questions on Big E giving a TED Talk, booking a War Games match for the WWE title, Bret Hart or Kurt Angle as the GOAT, and the hatred Jim Cornette has for Vince Russo (51:16).

Ariel Helwani is back and he kicks off the show by reacting to breaking news that John Martin has stepped down as PFL CEO, as well as the continued fallout from Gable Steveson’s shocking loss (06:54). UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van joins to recap his brilliant title defense against Alexandre Pantoja, explaining why he wasn’t happy with the performance, revealing details about the shoulder injury he suffered ahead of UFC 331, responding to the latest comments by potential opponent Manel Kape, and more (1:03:07). Casey O'Neill is back on the show to reflect on her highlight-reel submission of Eduarda Moura, talking about the technique itself, Moura’s social media trash talk, fan response to UFC 332's main event, being awarded her black belt, wanting to fight Maycee Barber, and more (1:32:00). Arman Tsarukyan returns to break down his massive knockout of Mauricio Ruffy, discussing the performance itself, Ilia Topuria taking to social media during his fight week, being told he’ll get the next title shot, his relationship with streamer N3on, having Nina Drama in his corner for his next fight, Paddy Pimblett’s reaction to the win, whether he thinks Justin Gaethje will be his next opponent, and more (2:02:21). Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera is our final guest of the day, talking about being able to get back in the win column, handling the pressure before UFC 331, how the changes to his preparation impacted the fight, contemplating retirement, running into Petr Yan, and more (2:48:26). Ariel covers news and notes (3:22:04), before answering your Super Chats (3:26:05).

The Boys in the Back are filling in on Monday, being joined by Petesy Carroll to recap all the UFC 331 action. But first, Ariel Helwani gives his thoughts on the card (02:56). After praising Joshua Van for a masterful performance, the lads discuss his ceiling and star potential, his looming meeting with Manel Kape, where Alexandre Pantoja goes from here, and more (26:44). Then, they react to Arman Tsarukyan's knockout of Mauricio Ruffy, presumably earning Arman a title shot (1:00:47), and Sean Sharaf turning the MMA world on its head with his shocking upset of Gable Steveson (1:24:17). Next, they touch on the rest of the card (2:00:23), before turning attention to the newly-announced UFC 334 fights (2:15:59). Finally, they cover news and notes, including Michael Morales and Ian Machado Garry teasing a fight (2:34:54), Paulo Costa calling for his UFC contract to come to an end (2:37:54), more chirping between Terence Crawford and Ryan Garcia, and more (2:42:22). The show concludes with your Super Chats (2:50:05).