The Ariel Helwani Show

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 Fost...

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 t...

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 de...

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 agains...

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 p...

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...

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...

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 subm...

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).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show reacting to Isaac 'Pitbull' Cruz’s ugly, foul-laden knockout win over Nestor Bravo (02:46).

Referee Thomas Taylor played a big role in the fight and afterwards Cruz called out Ryan Garcia for a December fight. Will we see that next (13:49)?

Hamzah Sheeraz has officially vacated his WBO super middleweight title after Queensberry Promotions won the purse bid for his fight against Janibek Alimkhanuly (21:15).

We end the show with your voicemails, with topics ranging from PED usage in boxing, 'Boots' Ennis vs. Vergil Ortiz, to the latest on...

Ariel Helwani gives his immediate reaction to UFC 331, including the brilliance of UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van (00:40), Arman Tsarukyan's stunning knockout (04:12), Patrício Pitbull turning back the clock (08:04), Gable Steveson's shocking loss at the hands of Sean Sharaf (09:59), Marlon 'Chito' Vera getting back on track (19:38), and a highlight reel submission by Casey O'Neill (21:34).

Then, he give thoughts on the newly-announced UFC 334 fight card, going down at Madison Square Garden in November (24:01).

The Boys in the Back are joined by Ben Fowlkes to break down all things UFC 331, starting with Joshua Van's incredible performance against Alexandre Pantoja in their rematch (01:09).

Then, they recap Arman Tsarukyan knocking out Mauricio Ruffy in the first round and seemingly securing his title shot (14:03) and Patrício Pitbull's return to form (21:13).

Next, they dissect the night's shocking upset, as Sean Sharaf put Gable Steveson out cold in 12 seconds (23:20).

After revealing who won bonus money (39:24), they touch on the rest of the card (43:27) and give early thoughts on the newly-announced UFC 334 (53:51).

The Craic is back, with the trio of Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes returning. 

UFC 331 takes centre stage this weekend, with Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja clashing for the flyweight belt. Petesy, Chuck and Ben break down the main event and look ahead to the rest of the card (06:01).

All eyes are on Arman Tsarukyan and his chances of earning a title shot. Is a win enough to put him next in line, or could other factors stand in his way (32:20)?

Gable Steveson made headlines after taking some flak from opponent S...

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show debating who the face of boxing is in 2026, whether it be Canelo, Ryan Garcia, or even Naoya Inoue (03:28).

The Muhammad Ali Revival Act got a key endorsement from Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, on its way to the Senate, where it's expected to pass and could change the sport of boxing in a very big way (37:49). 

The Boys in the Back begin the show by covering news and notes, starting with the latest on the Ali Revival Act and Nico Ali Walsh's efforts to make changes (03:57).

Then, they preview UFC 331, including Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja as a potential Fight of the Year (14:06), what's at stake for Arman Tsarukyan, whether Ilia Topuria reemerging hurts Arman's chances at a title shot (43:04), and more.

After making picks (1:29:48), The Boys deliver their P4P "Oh wow, congrats," listen to your voicemails (2:11:39), and answer your Super Chats (2:43:47).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by reacting to the UFC 331 main and co-main event faceoffs, Brian Ortega giving an update on the cut that forced him off the card, Gable Steveson teasing a Jon Jones comeback, and more (08:52).

The Bad Guy himself, Chael Sonnen is back to break down UFC 331, including whether Arman Tsarukyan can secure a title shot with a win, the heat between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja, and more. Plus, he weighs in on Tom Aspinall vacating the UFC heavyweight belt, whether Alex Pereira or Josh Hokit would get the next title shot...

Solomonster gives his honest thoughts about both nights of TripleMania 34, including and one very noticeable thing, the best match of the weekend, and El Grande Americano getting his big moment (01:59).

Thoughts on Sami Zayn regaining the WWE championship from CM Punk on Smackdown, the real reason the title change was done, and pitching a different idea for this year’s men’s War Games match at Survivor Series (13:53).

Reaction to one of the best episodes of Monday Night Raw all year from Mexico City and an excellent main event between Roman Reigns and Penta, as well...

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show covering Brian Ortega’s withdrawal from UFC 331 (01:16).

Ki MMA CEO Scott Coker and matchmaker Rich Chou join Ariel in-studio to discuss details about the new promotion, including their tournament format, how they plan to attract talent, utilizing a ring instead of a cage, the competitive landscape, branding elements like the name and logo, and more (11:52).

Brandon Moreno stops by following his big win over Joseph Morales at Noche UFC, talking about bouncing back after a two-fight skid, dealing with demons and the pressure of remaining on top, still loving th...

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by reacting to Tom Aspinall vacating his UFC heavyweight title, delivering a timeline of events leading to the announcement, discussing Aspinall’s future, and more (08:00).

Attention turns to what next for interim champion Ciryl Gane (38:45) and TKO’s weekend takeover, including the aftermath of Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn (49:44).

WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia returns after stealing the show this weekend, talking about his newfound maturity, the brutal knockout of Conor Benn, overcoming mental health hurdles, what it was like to work with Dana White and Zuffa Boxing, Oscar De L...

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show breaking down Ryan Garcia's second-round stoppage of Conor Benn in Las Vegas. Is fellow titleholder Teofimo Lopez next for Garcia and how does Benn regroup after this (02:45)?

Outside of Canelo-Crawford, this was Zuffa Boxing's biggest event to date. Did it meet expectations and how does Zuffa fit into the current boxing landscape (30:49)?

In the co main event, Jai Opetaia stopped Noel Mikaelian to retain his cruiserweight title, before welcoming David Benavidez into the ring (47:10).

We end the show by celebrating 500 episodes of the podcast (52:21)!

Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes are back for this week’s Craic.

First on the docket, the lads discuss the moving parts in the UFC lightweight division, including who Ilia Topuria should face next (10:51).

Dana White was in vintage promotional form this week. Petesy, Chuck and Ben weigh in on his latest media appearance (34:29).

This weekend brings plenty of action, with Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn in the ring (49:28) and Noche UFC inside the Octagon (55:47). The trio preview both events.

After some fantasy football debate, the boys answer your Su...

The Boys in the Back start the show with news and notes, including Ilia Topuria being "ready to fight" (05:10), UFC fighters speaking at the 2026 Republican Midterm Convention (16:06), the beef between Terence Crawford and 'Boots' Ennis (19:17), and more (25:19).

Then, they recap Super RIZIN 5, which featured the RIZIN x PFL title fight between Razhabali Shaydullaev and A.J. McKee (27:08).

Next, they discuss Dana White's priorities during a busy weekend for TKO (41:57) and preview Noche UFC (54:17), as well as Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn (1:33:15).

Finally, the Boys make picks (1:45:35), deliver their P4P Noches (1:47:55), listen to...

Ariel Helwani starts the show by reacting to Dana White’s comments about the departure of Michael ‘Venom’ Page, Ryan Garcia no-showing his faceoff with Conor Benn, the likelihood of an Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury fight happening, and more (07:48).

Axel Sola joins to discuss his impressive knockout of Fares Ziam at UFC Paris, playing hockey in his childhood, how he discovered MMA, his ability to play piano and love of music, when he hopes to return, and more (36:25).

Boxing manager Keith Connolly breaks down recent wins by Teofimo Lopez and Filip Hrgovic, Conor Benn’s upcomi...

Solomonster reacts to the sudden death of former AEW star Andy Williams a.k.a. 'The Butcher,' as well as the death of Memphis wrestling legend Bill Dundee (02:46).

Thoughts on the WWE championship match between CM Punk and Johnny Gargano from Smackdown, the same Gargano who’s been planking on crates for the last six months, and the title match made for Mexico City (10:32).

A review of WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event, including Lil Yachty surviving five minutes in the ring with Baron Corbin, Oba Femi vs. Bron Breakker, with the return of Bron...

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by reacting to Katie Taylor’s magnificent retirement fight at Croke Park, with the crew debating the greatest sports retirements ever, before touching on the scene at UFC Paris (08:25).

Saturday’s star Salahdine Parnasse is back on the show, breaking down his huge win over Dan Hooker, talking about the celebrities in attendance, the raucous crowd, the finish itself, doubling down on his Max Holloway callout, being ready to return before the end of the year against a top-five opponent, and more (39:22).

Boxing Hall of Famer Russ Anber joins Arie...

Ariel Helwani reacts to Salahdine Parnasse's dominant win over Dan Hooker at UFC Pairs, Katie Taylor's historic retirement fight, and the anticipated reveal of the UFC 332 main event.  

In a special post-fight reaction show, Petesy Carroll reacts to Katie Taylor's retirement fight win over Flora Pili at Croke Park. 

Our usual trio of Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes are back for this week’s edition of The Craic.

UFC 332 is just a month away and still without a main event. The lads debate what could headline the Salt Lake City card (07:52).

With the lightweight division also in need of some clarity, the boys turn their attention to Justin Gaethje, who has yet to return to the cage. What could be next for the UFC lightweight champion? (22:12).

Then, they discuss the rumours that Sean Strickland could defend his belt against Nassourdine Im...

The Boys in the Back kick off the show by covering the latest in the Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury saga (03:18) and other news and notes (15:34).

Then, they preview UFC Paris (35:32), including whether it's too soon for Salahdine Parnasse to face Dan Hooker and their pick for the most disrespected UFC fighter, before talking about the other combat sports action going down this weekend (1:26:47) and making picks (1:37:26).

Finally, they deliver their P4P debuts (1:40:40), listen to your voicemails (1:56:01) and answer your Super Chats (2:39:45).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show discussing all the fallout from Moses Itauma’s loss last weekend, from his official statement, to what was said in his corner, to if he can fully recover (04:03).

The heavyweight top 10 is ever changing, so Dan and Chris rank the division's best (24:36).

Andy Ruiz returns to the ring for the first time since 2024, facing Damian Knyba, a hard-hitting Polish fighter who gave Agit Kabayel all he could handle earlier this year. Can Ruiz find the magic one more time and reclaim his greatness (36:34)?

We end th...

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with last weekend’s big winner, Song Yadong, who recaps his massive knockout of Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Shanghai. Song talks about why he felt it would be an easy fight, not being bothered by Umar’s comments before the fight, the experience of fighting in front of his countrymen in China, his reaction to Usman Nurmagomedov coming into the cage, Khabib Nurmagomedov wiping blood off his face, and more (05:24).

Eddie Hearn returns to discuss Katie Taylor’s sendoff at Croke Park, the drama surrounding Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury and whethe...

Solomonster raves about AEW All In London and has a lot to say about Will Ospreay’s title win and entrance at Wembley, plus Eric Bischoff comparing it to a Nasty Boys match (1:14).

He also has thoughts on the return of Britt Baker after nearly two years, the debut of The New Level, what really attracted them to AEW, the one team missing from the tag team standoff, and Mercedes Mone breaking her nose while winning the world title (7:27).

Kota Ibushi updates us on his broken leg and it’s not good, plus Jim Ross is b...

Ariel Helwani quickly previews today’s lineup before being joined by The New Level to talk about their recent AEW debut. Kofi and Austin Creed reveal behind-the-scenes details about AEW negotiations, their first time interacting with the rest of the roster, reports of WWE asking them to take a pay cut and the decision to part ways, their continued relationship with Big E, the positive vibes around AEW right now, and more (04:45).

Alex Apodaca makes her show debut, discussing the shocking upset of Bella Mir, being a massive underdog in the fight, how she got her start in...

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping a wild weekend of combat sports, starting with Song Yadong’s stunning knockout of Umar Nurmagomedov, as well as brother Usman Nurmagomedov’s viral moment (01:30).

Katie Taylor joins ahead of her highly-anticipated retirement fight at Croke Park to talk about headlining the historic venue, her plans post-retirement, the various tributes being paid to her career, and more (32:22).

Ariel and crew react to Moses Itauma’s stunning loss at the hands of Filip Hrgovic, including foreshadowing comments by Itauma in now-unearthed interviews and Oleksandr Usyk’s thoughts on the figh...

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show recapping one of the craziest endings to a heavyweight fight in ages, as Filip Hrgovic pulled off the massive upset of Moses Itauma, who simply ran out of gas (03:32).

How will Itauma bounce back from this loss? Chris digs deep into the psyche of Itauma and if his team prepared properly for this fight (29:43).

Over in Los Angeles, ProBoxTV rolled out one of their biggest fight cards to date with Lester Martinez defeating Luka Plantic in the main event. The co-main event saw Najee Lopez defeat Juan...

Petesy Carroll and Ben Fowlkes are back for a duo edition of The Craic.

Dillon Danis has pulled out of his MMA fight with Mike Perry. The boys react to the news (02:11).

Following her loss on Dana White’s Contender Series, Bella Mir has taken plenty of flack online. Petesy and Ben discuss the response to her defeat (23:21).

Then, the lads weigh in on Usman Nurmagomedov’s claim that he turned down a $2 million offer from PFL (49:19).

Looking ahead to the weekend, Petesy and Ben preview Moses Itauma’s return to the ri...

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieiri open the show previewing the heavyweight title fight between 21-year old phenom Moses Itauma and battle-tested Filip Hrgovic (04:57).

ProBox TV has a big card featuring Lester Martinez, Ramon Cardenas, and Najee Lopez, with Chris on the call (26:47).

Over in Birmingham, MVPW has another installment with Mikaela Mayer taking on Chantelle Cameron in a battle of two top-five pound-for-pound talents with big stakes (41:19). 

A slew of fight announcements were made this week: Dmitry Bivol vs. Callum Smith, Floyd Schofield vs. Lucas Bahdi, and Sebastian Fundora vs. Ermal Hadribeaj (45:13).