The Ariel Helwani Show

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show by reacting to Keyshawn Davis turning down the Devin Haney fight and the domino effect it‘s going to cause (05:09). Will Haney pivot to Liam Paro or Jack Catteral? Will Top Rank freeze out Davis? It’s a mess (15:04).

After a historical conversation about the heavyweight division (20:30), they look ahead to Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic (31:37).

The heavyweight division is in transition as Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua is likely headed to Madison Square Garden instead of Wembley Stadium (39:11).

The David Benavidez-Jai Opetaia-Noel Mikaelian mess has...

Solomonster discusses Brock Lesnar announcing his retirement from wrestling on The Pat McAfee Show, people within WWE not believing he’s done, and two of his very best matches (02:08).

Thoughts on the start of the tournament to crown a challenger for Roman Reigns in Mexico City, the burial of Dominik Mysterio on WWE television, and the comments that may have triggered it (06:08).

Addressing recent comments by Conrad Thompson calling Roman Reigns “probably the most overrated main eventer in WWE history,” and why it’s a complicated argument to make (12:52).

Thoughts on the first confront...

Solomonster has thoughts on both nights of SummerSlam, which was a mixed bag of good and bad, including Hell in a Cell with Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi and the return of Kevin Owens (02:31).

Plus, news on the surgeon that saved KO’s career and some insight into his past “heat” with CM Punk (19:19).

Addressing the comments made by Triple H on Thursday’s Busted Open Radio about wishing the fans would direct their passion more towards the talent and not bad writing for the talent (39:10), plus his comments after SummerSlam addressing talent complaints about the same...

Dan Canobbio and guest Naji Grampus open the show discussing William Zepeda’s massive win over Lamont Roach to capture the vacant WBC lightweight title (01:30). 

The co-main event saw Raymond Muratalla successfully defend his IBF lightweight title against Robson Conceicao (29:406). 

In other news, Keyshawn Davis turned down $2.13M to fight Devin Haney, leaving the entire boxing world shaking their heads (44:01). 

The Craic is back! This time, it’s the OG duo of Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall.

The biggest news of the week is the surprise MVP and PFL merger. Petesy and Chuck react to the newly-formed promotion (06:30).

Then, they discuss the unfortunately familiar MMA story of Anthony Smith’s arrest (48:59).

UFC is heading to Belgrade, with the lads previewing the card alongside the rest of this weekend’s combat sports action (57:23).

To close the show, the duo answer your Super Chats (01:11:05).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri discuss Top Rank winning the purse bid for Devin Haney vs. Keyshawn Davis, with the fight happening sometime in October. Davis has 48 hours to accept the terms in order for the fight to proceed (00:48).

Lamont Roach and William Zepeda compete for the vacant WBC lightweight title in a bout that will air on both DAZN and TNT (22:50). Roach is coming off back-to-back draws against Gervonta Davis and Isaac Cruz, while Zepeda lost a decision to Shakur Stevenson last summer. 

There have been multiple updates with the Muhammad Ali Revival Act o...

The Boys in the Back react to major breaking news that Most Valuable Promotions and the Professional Fighters League have merged, discussing the implications for the industry and the new joint promotion (03:39).

After playing Ariel Helwani's reaction to the merger (11:13), they cover other news and notes, including the latest on Anthony Smith's arrest (1:06:04), the purse bid for Devin Haney vs. Keyshawn Davis (1:18:00), and more (1:21:36).

Next, they preview UFC Belgrade (1:25:17), PFL New York (1:45:48), and WWE SummerSlam (1:53:15), and make picks (1:58:52).

Plus, a brand new Fight Feasts featuring Serbian food (2:03:09), P4P sharks (2:26:57), voicemails (2:36:40), and Super...

Ariel Helwani starts the show by reacting to Anthony Smith’s arrest and discussing the way the sport of MMA handles fighter retirements (05:57), before moving to On The Nose. The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to answer questions about fights to show casual fans, referees enforcing penalties for fouls, biggest MMA “what ifs,” the quality of UFC 330, and more (12:03).

Darren Till returns to preview his upcoming BKFC bout against Yoel Romero, discussing how the fight came together, plans for a potential UFC return, his reaction to Conor McGregor’s injury, his feelings on Paddy Pi...

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by reacting to the newly-announced alliance between Most Valuable Promotions and Matchroom Boxing to bolster women’s boxing (01:21).

Mike Perry is back on the show to discuss his MMA fight against Dillon Danis, potentially returning to BKFC to fight Darren Till, whether he’s interested in a UFC return, and more (10:17).

Dakota Ditcheva joins Ariel in-studio to preview her fight against Denise Kielholtz at PFL Long Island, talking about recovering from the hand injury that kept her sidelined, how she landed on Kielholtz as an opponent, the status of her...

Solomonster addresses to the demise of Pro Wrestling Nation 24/7 on SiriusXM and the debut of WWE Radio, heated reaction from fans online, and what it means for coverage of AEW and other promotions moving forward (3:13).

Preview and predictions for both nights of SummerSlam, with thoughts on the Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi weigh-in, and one of the worst segments on any wrestling show all year (16:15).

Thoughts on AEW Redemption, including Will Ospreay leaving the Death Riders, only to get dropped by Kenny Omega, three title changes and Willow Nightingale finally shedding light on her recent...

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping a wacky and wild weekend, which included UFC Abu Dhabi, PFL Washington D.C., Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua both in action, AEW in Montreal, and more (02:01).

The Boys in the Back jump in to discuss the current appetite for the long-awaited Fury vs. Joshua fight (14:54).

New UFC signee Salahdine Parnasse joins the show to talk about negotiating the deal and why the time was right, offers from other promotions, his upcoming fight against Dan Hooker, and more (40:03).

Claressa Shields is back to break down...

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show by breaking down Anthony Joshua’s wild knockout win over Kristian Prenga, which saw him hit the canvas twice in the opening round. How much does Joshua have left and can he beat Tyson Fury in their grudge match (02:00)?

As for Fury, he won his tune-up fight against Mariusz Wach in front of a small crowd in Thailand to set up what we think will be the Joshua megafight (23:24).

Errol Spence returned to the ring for the first time in three years and dropped a decision to Ti...

Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes are back for another edition of The Craic.

First up, the lads dig into Canelo Alvarez’s comments on The Ariel Helwani Show about boxing’s rivalry with the UFC (14:31).

One fight boxing fans are still waiting on is Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua. The trio discuss the uncertainty surrounding whether the long-awaited matchup will actually happen (30:01).

UFC Fight Night: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov is this weekend, with Chuck sharing insight from his interview with Ankalaev ahead of the fight (37:54).

Later, the boys disc...

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show discussing the return of Errol Spence Jr., as he steps in the ring with former 154-pound champion Tim Tszyu. How much does Spence have left in the tank (07:58)?

Zuffa Boxing has its first New York City card on Sunday night, with Edgar Berlanga taking on Steven Butler and Richardson Hitchins facing off with Ricardo Salas (33:57).

According to reports, Devin Haney will sign an exclusive deal with DAZN and fight his WBO mandatory challenger, Keyshawn Davis, in the fall. Teofimo Lopez also signed directly with DAZN last week...

The Boys in the Back start the show by covering news and notes, including Devin Haney signing with DAZN (02:58), and more UFC fight announcements (11:16).

Then, they preview a wild combat sports weekend, that features UFC Abu Dhabi (24:30), PFL Washington D.C. (1:03:59), Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in action, but not against each other (1:07:51), Karate Combat 62 (1:20:25), BKFC in Uruguay (1:21:40), and more.

Finally, The Boys makes picks (1:27:16), deliver the P4P chips (1:30:58), listen to voicemails (1:52:36), and answer your Super Chats (2:32:21).

Ariel Helwani starts the show with On The Nose. The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join to answer questions about handling emotional interviews, Conor McGregor embarking on another comeback, the concept of point-fighting, and more (13:05).

Johnny Eblen is back on the show, recapping his win over Impa Kasanganay for PFL’s interim middleweight title, before talking about his continued rivalry with Costello van Steenis, wanting the rematch next, training with and potentially fighting Sean Strickland, and more (1:03:30).

Boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez joins Ariel in-studio, talking about his fight with Christian Mbilli and why it...

Solomonster reacts to TMZ's report that Tom Brady is in talks to do something with WWE, coming off his recent run-ins with Logan Paul (1:34).

The latest on the sex trafficking lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE going to arbitration and why it may be happening (5:59), plus an update on when former WWE champion Sheamus will become a free agent (8:25).

WWE once again counter-programs AEW, announcing NYC events to coincide with WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia next year (11:07).

Rhea Ripley is out of SummerSlam, with an unnecessary interim champion to be crowned (15:23).

Saturday...

Ariel Helwani starts the show with The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll, covering news and notes that include the real owner of Ilia Topuria’s Freedom 250 stool refuting Paddy Pimblett’s post, Navajo Stirling stepping into his first UFC main event, Dan Hooker’s reaction to Israel Adesanya leaving City Kickboxing, and more (01:32).

Brandon Royval is back following a huge win over Lone'er Kavanagh, talking about getting back in the win column, listening in to Kavanagh’s corner during the fight, expecting his first child, the viral post about his girlfriend, winning Fight of the Year at...

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show recapping a busy weekend in sports, including the World Cup final, Ben Askren’s retirement match, Conor McGregor sounding off about his injury and next steps on social media, UFC 329 viewership being released, and more (11:34).

Dominick Cruz is back to discuss his UFC Hall of Fame induction, life in retirement, his reaction to Conor McGregor’s injury, his sense of McGregor’s mental and physical state, overcoming his own injuries throughout his career, and more (35:14).

Michael "Venom" Page returns, talking about Conor McGregor’s injury, his frustration with opportunities he’s got...

On a special birthday edition of The Craic, newly 39-year-old Petesy Carroll is joined by Chuck Mindenhall and Ben Fowlkes to break down the biggest stories in combat sports.

To kick things off, they break down the aftermath of UFC 329, including Conor McGregor’s vow to “be back” (7:27).

Next up on the calendar is UFC Oklahoma City. The lads preview the main event, Dricus du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman (43:11).

After Justin Gaejthe said he won’t rematch Paddy Pimblett, the trio debate who the UFC lightweight champion will fight next (51:01).

Then, the boys...

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show reacting to news that Ryan Garcia will be defending his WBC welterweight title against Conor Benn on Sept. 12 on Paramount Plus (05:02). The Paramount Plus aspect is very significant, as the streaming service gets their first big boxing event to go along with their UFC rights (22:36). 

Speaking of Zuffa Boxing, Shakur Stevenson recently signed with the promotion and has expressed his desire and willingness to fight Devin Haney this fall at a catchweight of 144 pounds (33:51). Haney has a decision to make: fight Stevenson and vacate his WBO title or defend i...

The Boys in the Back are back from Las Vegas and kick off the show by reacting to Conor McGregor calling for his UFC 329 fight to be deemed a No Contest (03:14), as well as other news and notes (06:40).

Then, they discuss the growing star power of Paddy Pimblett, including a ranking of UFC's biggest stars (12:12), and preview a weekend that includes UFC OKC (40:47), PFL Austin (1:18:10), and RAF 11(1:20:29).

Finally the Boys make picks (1:24:32), deliver their P4P broadcast graphics errors (1:26:56), listen to your voicemails (1:55:34), and answer your Super Chats (2:31:32).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show recapping the team’s adventures in Las Vegas, then reacting to the announcement of Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn, Conor McGregor’s first appearance since UFC 329, and more (10:37).

Shakur Stevenson is back to discuss his signing with Zuffa Boxing, other offers he received, whether he’ll be able to wear his own gear, still having hard feelings with the WBC, how Dana White and Nick Khan sold him on signing, wanting to fight Devin Haney in his debut, attending UFC 329, and more (36:09).

Ariel touches on the latest comments by Ilia T...

Solomonster talks about CMLL continuing to break box office records in Mexico, leading into comments from AJ Styles on his podcast about wanting WWE to acquire a promotion in Japan similar to what they did with AAA (02:42).

News on Survivor Series coming to the home of the Houston Astros and why the War Games concept really needs to be put to bed for a while (09:05).

CM Punk’s first night on Smackdown as WWE champion and a major match made official for SummerSlam with Cody Rhodes. Plus, the return of Baron Corbin and an AEW st...

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with a recap of UFC 329, including Conor McGregor’s social media posts after the fight, McGregor’s injury status before and after the fight, fan reaction to the main event, what he feels is next for McGregor, and more (02:57).

Dr. Brian Sutterer is back, breaking down Conor McGregor’s injury, from speculation about McGregor being compromised before the fight, how using PEDs could potentially impact durability, recovery time and when McGregor could compete again, and more (53:55).

Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller joins Ariel in-studio for the first time since their infamous viral mome...

Ariel Helwani is joined by The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll for their immediate reactions to UFC 329, starting with the shocking injury to Conor McGregor, then discussing where McGregor goes from here, where the win places Max Holloway, and more (02:48).

Next, they tackle the star-making performance by Paddy Pimblett in the co-main event (25:00), before circling back for more thoughts on McGregor (30:47).

After recapping thrilling wins by Mario Bautista (44:14), Brandon Royval (45:50) and King Green (48:11), they cover the night's prelims, which included Gable Steveson's successful UFC debut (51:38).

They end the show by reacting...

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping the team’s time in Las Vegas, including their celebratory omakase, before reacting to footage from the UFC 329 press conference and official weigh-ins (00:48).

UFC Hall of Famer Joanna Jędrzejczyk joins Ariel in-studio to discuss life in retirement, which includes a move to Vegas, fighter management, and pickleball. She also touches on her fight with Zhang Weili going into the UFC Hall of Fame, the upcoming title fight between Mackenzie Dern and Gillian Robertson, the state of the strawweight division and women’s MMA, and more (16:53).

Petesy Carro...

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show discussing the recent broadcast deal reached between DAZN and PBC, and what the major promoters in boxing being under one roof means for fans (04:18).

Moving onto the latest roadblock regarding the potential Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight – what time the event will start (11:06). The organizers want the fight to air on prime time in America, which could mean a late start in London. 

After making MMA picks (18:28), it’s time to hand out awards for the halfway point. Categories include performance, fight, moment, knockout, trainer, round, and d...

Ariel Helwani starts the show by reflecting on winning his 16th straight Journalist of the Year award, recapping UFC 329 media day, including comments from Conor McGregor, and more (04:00).

Old friend Chael Sonnen joins Ariel in-studio, discussing his surprising beef with Francis Ngannou, his political interests and a potential run at the presidency, his role with RAF, Conor McGregor’s demeanor during fight week, Dustin Poirier’s arrest, reports of McGregor’s banned substance use, his relationship with Josh Hokit, and more (39:35).

Coach Owen Roddy drops into the studio for a chat about Conor McGregor’s preparat...

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show, live from our Las Vegas studio, by setting the scene for UFC 329 fight week (01:00).

Coach John Kavanagh joins Ariel in-studio to discuss Conor McGregor’s preparation, rumors swirling regarding McGregor’s late arrival, Carlos Prates initially being proposed as an opponent, McGregor moving up to welterweight and likely being done with lightweight, how his communication with McGregor has evolved over the years, stories from past McGregor fights, and more (09:51).

Manager Audie Attar is in-studio to talk about Conor McGregor’s return, how negotiations with the UFC played out, the propos...

Solomonster can’t believe it’s been 30 years since Hulk Hogan turned heel and formed the NWO, but it remains one of the most important moments in wrestling history (00:25).

After discussing that, he addresses Sheamus' shocking WWE departure, why it happened and what it means for his future (06:50).

CM Punk returned on Raw in Chicago and abruptly ended the nine-day reign of Sami Zayn as WWE champion.  The polarizing decision likely leads to a major match for SummerSlam, but what it means for Sami is less certain (30:34).

Plus, news on four names reportedly on th...

Ariel Helwani is joined by Uncrowned's Shaheen Al-Shatti, Chuck Mindenhall, and NewYorkRic to discuss the media stories surrounding Conor McGregor's return at UFC 329, including how he's covered (03:45), why he's fighting Max Holloway (22:31), the weigh-ins being aired on CBS (29:38), and what potential viewership for the card might look like (51:44). Plus, the panels touches on what's at stake for Paddy Pimblett (52:48) and Gable Steveson (59:17).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by discussing World Cup drama involving the U.S. men’s national team and Taylor Swift marrying Travis Kelce at MSG (05:50).

Craig Jones joins the show to announce the return of The B-Team, including a brand new gym, then talks about approaching Tom Hardy and Mark Zuckerberg to compete for CJI, his rivalries with Gordon Ryan and Dillon Danis, crashing White House fight week with Sean Strickland, the state of CJI and UFC BJJ, continuing to work with Alexander Volkanovski, and more (23:27).

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is back following his big wi...

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show breaking down Abdullah Mason’s somewhat controversial stoppage of Albert Bell. Who should Mason fight next and is he the true future of boxing (2:56)?

Bruce Carrington picked up a hard-fought decision win over Rene Palacios that left the crowd and audience wanting more (25:38). At age 29 and with a world championship belt, where does ‘Shu Shu’ go from here?

This fight also spawned an open scoring debate, as official scores were read after the fourth and eighth rounds (32:24).

Finally, this was TNT Sports first foray into boxing...

Petesy Carroll and Ben Fowlkes are back on The Craic.

This week, they dive into their picks for Uncrowned’s MMA mid-year awards (08:20).

Following recent criticism of Herb Dean, the duo discuss the current state of MMA officiating (51:35).

Next, they tackle the stigma around "quitting on the stool," following Ilia Topuria’s title loss to Justin Gaethje (56:01).

With UFC 329 just two weeks away, the lads assess Conor McGregor’s energy during his pre-fight media run (01:02:21).

To close things out, the boys discuss their World Cup plans (01:11:15) before answering your Super...

The Boys in the Back quickly cover some news and notes (06:38), before reacting to Terence Crawford's response to Conor McGregor, who claims the pair were offered $200 million for a two-fight — one MMA, one boxing — deal (11:49).

They also recap Jon Jones speaking on a variety of topics (26:17) and predict who could be the next American UFC champion (35:37).

Plus, the Boys deliver their P4P lists of greatest American moments (46:27), listen to your voicemails (1:19:04), and answer your Super Chats (1:52:05).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show discussing Jaron 'Boots' Ennis' next opponent, as a report that Sebastian Fundora could be next was quickly shot down. Will it be Josh Kelly or even a voluntary defense (05:14)?

Abdullah Mason steps back into the ring this weekend, taking on late replacement Albert Bell in TNT’s first foray into boxing. Will Mason continue his winning ways (23:32)? Bruce 'Shu Shu' Carrington also appears in the co-main event against Rene Palacios (33:12).

Tyson Fury announced he will take fight Mariusz Wach before his showdown with Anthony Joshua (41:40). 

Las...

Ariel Helwani opens the show by covering news from the worlds of soccer and basketball (02:31), before launching into On The Nose.

Question topics include Turki Alalshikh’s promoter “peace summit,” the likelihood of Jon Jones as Oleksandr Usyk’s next opponent, and more (19:52).

Matchroom Mult-Sport CEO joins Ariel in-studio to discuss the other sports in Matchroom’s portfolio, including billiards, their new ESPN broadcast deal for pool, working with Barry and Eddie Hearn, how her career began, ambitions in the United States market, and more (1:0135).

Dave Allen is back to discuss his upcoming fight agai...

Solomonster covers a lot of ground this week, starting with WWE Night of Champions, Sami Zayn winning the WWE championship, the finals of the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments, Piper Niven putting Jade Cargill on blast on social media, and more (03:56).

Brock Lesnar returned on Raw last night, with Oba Femi accepting his challenge to a Hell in a Cell match. Solomonster breaks down what this means for Femi's title shot, Seth Rollins challenging Roman Reigns, and what the overall SummerSlam card is looking like (25:41).

Next, TNA Slammiversary thoughts with Nic Nemeth regaining...

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with a bit of news and notes (03:28), then welcomes in longtime referee “Big” John McCarthy to discuss all things officiating.

McCarthy covers the controversial ending to Adriano Moraes vs. Phumi Nkuta, the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven stoppage, whether Ciryl Gane landed shots to the back of the Alex Pereira’s head and how Herb Dean handled the call, Michel Pereira having his hair pulled by Shara Bullet, how the doctors treated Ilia Topuria’s damage eye at the White House, and more (13:28).

UFC strawweight title challenger Gillian Robertson is back...