The Ariel Helwani Show

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping massive MMA news, starting with Francis Ngannou being added to the Rousey vs. Carano Netflix event (06:26), then touching on the UFC White House card announcement (11:52), negotiations with Jon Jones and Ilia Topuria for the card (27:38), Conor McGregor’s upcoming negotiations (46:31), the BMF title losing meaning (53:01), fan sentiment that Ngannou “fumbled” (59:25), and Tom Aspinall teaming with Eddie Hearn (1:12:40).

Sean O’Malley joins to discuss his bout against Aiemann Zahabi at the White House, explaining how the fight came together, Petr Yan being his top choice, not being offered Cory Sandhagen, and then discusses his recent fighter pay comments (1:30:21).

Bo Nickal is next, breaking down his own White House fight, touching on the fan reaction, surprise about Kyle Daukaus being the opponent, Colby Covington turning down the opportunity, criticism of the card overall, whether President Trump requested his inclusion on the card, and more (2:00:24).

Eddie Hearn is back to discuss the launch of Matchroom Talent Agency and Tom Aspinall being its first signing. Hearn talks about Aspinall’s UFC contract status, potential for negotiating opposite Dana White, other MMA fighters reaching out for representation, White’s recent comments about Hearn, including challenging him to a fight, Conor Benn’s deal with Zuffa Boxing and Jai Opetaia’s debut, needing to book a fight for Katie Taylor at Croke Park, and more (2:29:38).

Tom Aspinall is the final guest of the day, discussing his partnership with Hearn, his UFC contract compared to his earning potential, whether he plans to box, the state of his relationship with Dana White, the latest on his eye and a timeline to return, his reaction to Jon Jones asking for his release, and more (3:40:40).

To kick things off, Dan Canobbio and Chris Algeri break down Jai Opetaia’s dominant performance over Brandon Glanton and how he looked in his Zuffa Boxing debut (02:29).

In the 11th hour, the IBF decided to strip Opetaia of their title, which set off a frenzy. Was this the right thing to do? Why did Opetaia sign with Zuffa if he wants to be undisputed (11:01)?

We end the show with a debate on Opetaia’s chances vs. Gilberto Ramirez and David Benavidez, who fight on May 2 (30:39).

Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall, a.k.a. 3PAC, give their immediate thoughts on UFC 326, starting with Charles Oliveira's one-sided victory over Max Holloway to become BMF champion (03:57).

After debating whether Oliveira's performance was worthy of the BMF moniker (15:04), they recap the rest of the card (20:25).

Then, the trio reacts to the White House card announcement (24:45), with Ariel giving additional insights into how it all came together.

After checking in on the post-fight press conference (47:04), they close the show with Chuck's final thoughts (54:35).

The Craic is back! Petesy Carroll is joined, as always, by Chuck Mindenhall and Ben Fowlkes.

To kick things off, the lads dig into the surprise partnership between Tom Aspinall and Eddie Hearn (3:36).

One partnership that hasn’t lasted is Francis Ngannou and the PFL. The boys react to the news of Ngannou’s release (32:56).

With the White House card fast approaching, the crew then discuss which fights could headline the historic event (47:36).

UFC 326 is this weekend too. The trio preview Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira and debate the legitimacy of the BMF belt up for grabs (52:01).

To close the show, the lads give their Uncrowned UFC 326 picks (01:17:00), and answer your Super Chats (01:19:22).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algeri kick off the show with news that Vergil Ortiz is “done” with Golden Boy Promotions after the recent ruling in favor of Oscar De La Hoya’s promotional company and their lengthy negotiations for a Jaron Ennis fight (04:08). If this fight doesn’t happen, who could Ortiz and Ennis fight (18:26)?

Next up is a Jai Opetaia-Brandon Glanton title fight preview which includes the IBF’s reluctance to have their title on the line in the fight due to the ongoing war between the traditional sanctioning bodies and Zuffa Boxing. Will Opetaia vacate the IBF title? Will the fight with Glanton go the distance (30:22)?

Finally, the conversation shifts to the welterweight division and the latest Devin Haney-Ryan Garcia-Rolly Romero saga which sees the trio all angling to fight each other. Which fight makes the most sense and which is most likely to happen next (48:50)?