The Ariel Helwani Show

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).