The Ariel Helwani Show

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).

Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall and Ben Fowlkes are back together for another episode of The Craic.
Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury is finally official and it’s happening in the UK. The lads discuss the long-awaited matchup (05:19).
Next on the agenda is UFC 331, as the dust settles on Saturday night’s card (30:43).
Elsewhere, the lads weigh in on Nikita Hand’s recent media appearances and the contrasting reaction to the Gable Steveson situation (49:02).
The group then weighs in on the calls to ban oblique kicks from MMA, and whether the case against them really holds up (55:42).
Looking ahead, this weekend’s action includes Darren Till taking on Yoel Romero at BKFC (01:04:02), as well as UFC Vegas 121 (01:09:36).
To wrap things up, the boys answer your Super Chats. (01:23:39).