The Ariel Helwani Show

Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes are back with The Craic.

This weekend’s highly anticipated matchup between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano is on everyone’s mind. The boys debate whether the Netflix card can compete with the UFC (02:31).

They then break down the co-main event between Francis Ngannou and Phillipe Lins (40:52), followed by a preview of the guaranteed brawl between Nate Diaz and Mike Perry (46:13).

The lads give their official picks for this weekend (56:50), break down this weekend UFC Apex card (01:03:02), then close up shop by answering your Super Chats (01:05:58).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri kick off the show discussing Ring Magazine’s report of Vasiliy Lomachenko coming out of retirement for “massive fights. Could it be a Shakur Stevenson showdown or perhaps a fight with Gervonta Davis? Why is Lomachenko returning; money grab or does he legitimately want to achieve more (09:53)?

Keyshawn Davis returns to the ring against Nahir Albright in a fight that Davis admits he did not even want. Who could Davis fight next if he is victorious (33:50)?

Lastly, top-rated heavyweight Filip Hrgovic takes on upset-minded Dave Allen this weekend in the UK which leads to a broader discussion around the heavyweight division – could we see Hrgovic in the ring with phenom Moses Itauma this summer (48:48)?

The Boys in the Back are live from Los Angeles, kicking off the show by reading more five-star podcast reviews (04:55).

After quickly touching on some news and notes (10:39), they preview the upcoming MVP MMA card, headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano, on Netflix (14:26).

Next, they debut a brand new Fight Feasts, featuring the iconic Dodger Dog (42:32), break down UFC Vegas 117 (53:32), and make picks (1:15:01).

The Boys showcase their shopping trip ahead of visiting the Magic Castle (1:23:22) and deliver their P4P Star Wars characters (1:40:42).

The show concludes with your voicemails (1:53:55) and soda-fueled Super Chats (2:16:13).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with movie star O’Shea Jackson Jr., who joins him in-studio to talk LA sports, his latest film projects, pro-wrestling, fatherhood, going on tour with his father Ice Cube, and more (03:34).

Junior dos Santos is back on the show, previewing his fight against Robelis Despaigne on Netflix, then talking about fellow Brazilians Philipe Lins and Adriano Moraes also competing on the card, potentially rematching Francis Ngannou, significant moments from his illustrious career, maintaining his motivation, and more (1:05:44).

PFL CEO John Martin is in-studio to discuss the promotion’s plans and upcoming schedule, their media partnerships and rights, then breaks news of Thad Jean and Shamil Musaev fighting for PFL’s welterweight title in Washington, D.C., the use of AI in promoting fights, and more (1:31:41).

Jake Babian joins Ariel in-studio ahead of his big show debut on the undercard of the Netflix MMA card, talking about his rivalry with opponent Namo Fazil, his early life and combat sports journey to this point, and more (2:07:42).

Next, video of Ariel’s visit to Dodger Stadium, where he spoke to Dodgers fans about last year’s World Series against the Blue Jays (2:29:45).

Petesy Carroll calls in to react to the team’s LA adventure and express his frustration with not being there, then cover some news and notes (2:48:19) and answer your Super Chats (3:26:58).

Hall of Fame NFL wide receiver Michael Irvin crashes the studio to tell tales from his playing days, discuss his massive combat sports fandom, touch on football stories with names like Jerry Jones, Bill Belichick, and Mike Vrabel, and more (3:29:50).

The Boys in the Back join Ariel for a final meal, before ending the show (4:24:28).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by previewing the show, then addressing his recent back-and-forth with Sean Strickland, touching on other news and notes, and answering Super Chats he missed from yesterday’s show (07:48).

Next, video of the crew’s visit to the Santa Monica Pier, including a roller coaster, some basketball, and more (30:38).

Chris Avila joins Ariel in-studio to preview his fight against Brandon Jenkins on the Netflix MMA card, speaking on potential rematches against Benson Henderson and Anthony Pettis, wanting to fight Tony Ferguson for Misfits, being bothered by the odds for his upcoming fight, venturing into acting, and more (43:31).

Bodybuilding star Mike O’Hearn comes in-studio to discuss the beginnings of his career, training with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno from an early age, appearing on American Gladiators alongside Gina Carano, garnering interest from WWE, dispelling claims of PED use, memes and handling viral fame, his martial arts training, and more (1:16:10).

Ariel sits down with Nate Diaz for a wide-ranging interview on his decision to fight Mike Perry on Netflix, talks with the UFC about a return, a potential Conor McGregor and Max Holloway fight, the legacy of the BMF title, and more. Plus, stories from his illustrious career and long-standing beefs involving Daniel Cormier and Jake Shields get settled over FaceTime (2:15:45).

MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian is in-studio to preview Netflix's MMA card, diving into the business side of the event, how the talent was assembled, viewership expectations, before also discussing TKO’s position in the industry, fighter pay, the Ali Revival Act, Jake Paul’s return, and more (2:56:34).

Legendary musician Travis Barker joins Ariel in-studio to talk about his upcoming projects and rabid MMA fandom, including his thoughts on UFC 328 and the aftermath (3:29:00).

Magician Ian Michael Scheller wows and amazes Ariel Helwani with tricks, including a few with an MMA twist (4:01:00).

The Boys in the Back join Ariel to try some In-N-Out (4:24:01).