The Ariel Helwani Show

The Boys in the Back cover some news and notes (05:17), including Ilia Topuria's return (15:04), before breaking down the latest drama regarding the UFC's heavyweight title picture (22:36). When will we see Tom Aspinall again? Could Josh Hokit end up getting a title shot?

Plus, they preview UFC Baku (38:53) and PFL San Diego (58:26) and speak to LFA 235 winner Liam "The Iowan Lion" Aunan (1:09:08).

Finally, the Boys deliver their P4P worst fight tattoos (1:42:52), make picks (2:08:19), listen to your voicemails (2:10:38), and answer your Super Chats (2:43:50).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show breaking down the upcoming unification bout between Xander Zayas and Jaron 'Boots' Ennis. Is this too much too soon for the 23-year-old Zayas? Will this be Ennis’ defining moment so far in his career? Plus, the X’s and O’s between two fighters with two distinct styles (02:23).

Joe Cordina has visa issues and is out of his title fight vs. Abdullah Mason next week. Stepping in is the veteran Albert Bell, who was scheduled to fight Andy Cruz on July 18. Could this be a tougher fight for Mason, as Bell presents a totally different style and dynamic (52:44)

Reports state that Teofimo Lopez and Rolly Romero have “verbally agreed” to a fight this summer, where Romero would put his WBA welterweight title on the line (54:25).

Finally, they discuss Liam Paro’s big win over Lewis Crocker to capture the IBF welterweight title (57:12).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by discussing Dustin Poirier’s arrest, before being joined in-studio by Eddie Hearn.

Hearn breaks news of Ian Machado Garry signing with Matchroom Talent Agency, then talks about the latest regarding Tom Aspinall, including recent communication with the UFC, Michael Bisping’s comments about Aspinall, rumors of Zuffa Boxing signing top talent, drama surrounding the promotion of a potential Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis vs. Xander Zayas, Katie Taylor’s Croke Park fight, and more (09:40).

Ben Whittaker stops by the studio ahead of his American debut, previewing the bout against Richard Rivera, discussing his deal with Matchroom, coach Andy Lee’s impact on his fighting style, training alongside Joseph Parker, Hamzah Sheeraz, and Paddy Donovan, his respect for MMA fighters, English football, and more (1:16:27).

Cody Rhodes returns to catch up with Ariel, diving into who he considers the face of WWE, stories from his early career, his feelings on WWE Unreal, his relationship with AJ Styles, WrestleMania 42, the idea of taking a break, potentially becoming a booker in the future, whether he has unfinished business with The Rock, and more (1:46:05).

PDC world darts champion Luke Littler is in-studio to preview the US Darts Masters, reflect on his incredible success, and throw a few darts (2:28:20).

Ian Machado Garry pops in to talk about his signing with Matchroom Talent Agency, how the deal impacts his current management situation and relationship with the UFC (2:56:44).

The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll jump back in to cover news and notes and answer your Super Chats (3:36:04).

Solomonster reflects on 30 years since the birth of Austin 3:16 at the King of the Ring and a common misconception people have about it (0:26).

Then, he dives head-first into a wild week of TNA news, with thoughts on their stalled momentum six months after their debut on AMC Network and talent fleeing the company (06:26). Plus, Tessa Blanchard being forced to choose between TNA and CMLL (17:11), Tommy Dreamer out as head of creative, Sami Callihan making noise on his way out, and a Slammiversary preview (23:40).  

Next, thoughts on the King and Queen of the Ring finalists, the WWE championship match on Smackdown, and predictions for Night of Champions in Riyadh (38:32).

Finally, a preview and predictions for AEW Forbidden Door, including thoughts on Maya World shocking the world and beating Athena to advance to the Owen Hart tournament finals, Bully Ray’s stupid comments about Jon Moxley and Josh Barnett’s response (54:02).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with a preview of this week’s stacked sports slate (00:52).

Boxing prospect Emiliano Vargas joins Ariel in-studio to discuss his bout against Bryce Mills in Brooklyn, his Hall of Fame father Fernando, a potential Ryan Garcia fight, rooting for Ilia Topuria, and more (20:27).

Jaron "Boots" Ennis is back in-studio with Ariel to preview his fight with Xander Zayas, then talk about the Virgil Ortiz fight falling through, his P4P status, Zayas calling him “flat-footed,” and more (1:10:47).

Josh Hokit returns and reveals his right hand was hurt heading into the Derrick Lewis fight. Then he discusses being kicked out of the UFC Freedom 250 press conference, his beef with Alex Pereira, feeling Pereira is overrated, whether Ciryl Gane landed illegal blows, whether he regrets his post-fight interview, whether there is a line he won’t cross, and more (1:55:48).

The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll react to the Hokit interview, before answering On The Nose questions, with topics including Dana White’s successor, UFC’s new rankings, blind rankings, and more (2:45:37).

Ariel ends the show by answering your Super Chats (3:36:21).