The Ariel Helwani Show

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 star‘s pending return to WWE (13:21).

An injury update on Rhea Ripley and why the women’s title scene in WWE is a complete mess right now (23:24). 

Thoughts on the Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins contract signing and the nonsensical explanation from Oba Femi for giving up his guaranteed title match at SummerSlam (28:19).

Predictions for Saturday Night’s Main Event, with news on Jalen Brunson’s role and rumors about Bayley’s WWE contract status (39:47).

Jim Ross reveals why he’ll be having brain surgery soon, thoughts on Kenny Omega winning the AEW World championship from MJF, and possible directions for each of them at their upcoming Redemption PPV (47:32).

Thoughts on Hangman Adam Page returning on AEW Collision and making it clear he will never challenge again for the AEW World championship. Plus, footage leaks of Paul Wight stepping back in the ring for a dark segment (58:24).

Thoughts on the Dark Side of the Ring Season 7 premiere, covering Jeff Jarrett and the battle for TNA Wrestling, which includes an epic burial of Dixie Carter (1:04:33).

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 moment, reacting to UFC 329, speaking about the status of his relationship with rival Nick Diaz, martial arts saving his life, the handling of fighters after retirement, his various business, and more (1:03:47).

Robert Whittaker stops by the studio to discuss his successful light heavyweight debut at UFC 329, the decision to move up, training at City Kickboxing, Israel Adesanya leaving the gym, not wanting to fight his teammates, his thoughts on UFC 329, wanting to be a firefighter and work in media after his career, and more (2:03:51).

Ariel reacts to comments by Max Holloway, Dustin Poirier, Sean Strickland, and others after UFC 329 (3:01:21).

Paulo Costa is in-studio to talk about what’s next, being offered a short-notice fight against Magomed Anakalev, wanting to fight Jiri Prochazka for an interim title, his negotiations with the UFC, the latest Zuffa Boxing signings, his beef with Josh Hokit, conversations with Eddie Hearn, and more (3:31:56).

The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel in-studio to close out their time in Las Vegas (4:38:46) and answer Super Chats (4:45:05).

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 to some of Dana White's comments at the post-fight press conference (1:03:19).

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 Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall stop by to dive deeper into the UFC 329 press conference and weigh-ins, discussing whether Conor McGregor could fight Paddy Pimblett or Ian Machado Garry next, Max Holloway’s demeanor this week, then react to various moments from this year’s UFC Hall of Fame ceremony, Shakur Stevenson signing with Zuffa Boxing, and more (1:04:52).

UFC play-by-play man Jon Anik joins Ariel to talk all things UFC 329, revealing his interactions with Conor McGregor this week, how he handles preparation, his relationships with fellow UFC broadcasters, the stories behind some of his greatest calls, the unique nature of calling Freedom 250, and more (2:18:08).

Ariel answers your Super Chats (3:23:12).

Aljamain Sterling is the final guest of the day, stopping the studio to talk about his mentality toward training, Israel Adesanya leaving City Kickboxing, Merab Dvalishvili getting into a dustup in Georgia, Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway, Dustin Poirier’s arrest, his next fight, and more (3:34:40).

The Boys in the Back join Ariel to close the show (4:10:32).

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 disappointment (33:07).