The Ariel Helwani Show

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with a story about his nightmare evening (04:04).
Coach John Kavanagh stops by to talk about his new role as an ambassador for Scott Coker’s Ki MMA and his thoughts on potential MMA rule changes, before reflecting on Conor McGregor’s preparation for UFC 329 and the injury he suffered in the fight, McGregor’s mindset and mentality, another McGregor comeback and potential opponents if he returns, and more (31:10).
Dakota Ditcheva is back to discuss recovery from the hand injuries she suffered in July, already being back in training, plans for her to fight Liz Carmouche falling apart, hoping to return in February or March for a rematch against PFL champion Jena Bishop, how teammate Kayla Harrison looks in training, and more (1:17:46).
Sean O’Malley returns to react to Petr Yan’s win over Merab Dvalishvili, believing his rematch with Yan would be the biggest bantamweight fight of all time. He also touches on his conversation with Daniel Cormier to clear the air about any perceived friction, why he’s a bad matchup for Yan, being able to bounce back with two wins in 2026, and more (1:46:34).
Ariel covers news and notes (2:31:26), before previewing some upcoming sporting events (2:55:28).
The show ends with fan-submitted entires for the best current story in combat sports (3:03:03) and your Super Chats (3:11:58).

Solomonster has the latest on WWE Crown Jewel coming to Riyadh, Ari Emanuel’s comments about it on Fox News, and why all the TKO executives should be heading there with the talent (02:29).
Thoughts on a big night for the ladies on Raw, including an impromptu women’s world title match after a last-minute change, comparing Sami Zayn to Bret Hart in 1997, and why WWE may be swerving us with two Tiffany Stratton MITB cash-in attempts on Liv Morgan in less than a week (04:52).
Rey Mysterio retirement rumors for next year and pitching an idea for his final opponent (16:53), plus the stipulation for the next Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton match, and an idea for what to do with Cody next year as he admits “fatigue” has set in with some fans (21:03).
Thoughts on the teams for the AEW Blood & Guts matches, Ilja Dragunov’s in-ring debut, Jay White’s new faction gets a name, and MVP lashes out at “blatant lies” about the Hurt Syndicate (29:17).
Jake Hager undergoes a second eye surgery after brutal Power Slap injury, Brooke Hogan rants on people using her father for profit, and the Randy Savage IC title sells at auction for a record amount (51:20).
Answering your questions on Penta cashing in his MITB, why Dolph Ziggler was never a top player in WWE, Sheamus in AEW, and more (59:43).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with a recap of his time in Las Vegas for RAF 14, including the brawl between Dillon Danis and Arman Tsarukyan and team (06:25), then reflects on the biggest UFC 333 stories, from Alexander Volkanovski’s incredible legacy, to the idea of Volkanovski fighting Justin Gaethje, the title fights to make in multiple divisions, Petr Yan winning the rubber match against Merab Dvalishvili, Sean O’Malley’s reaction to Yan’s win, major announcements for UFC 336, and more (1:13:32).

Dominick Reyes is back after a big win to discuss his experience in Abu Dhabi, showing appreciation to the other great UFC 333 performances on social media, his beef with Daniel Cormier’s commentary, his recent success after overcoming career adversity, who he wants to fight next, and more (1:34:39).

Lone’er Kavanagh breaks down his highlight-reel knockout at UFC 333, talking about being able to bounce back from his loss to Brandon Royval, his prediction for Joshua Van vs. Manel Kape, and more (2:04:57).

Tim Welch stops by to analyze the UFC 333 co-main event and make the case for Sean O’Malley to fight Petr Yan next, also touching on Daniel Cormier only asking Yan about Song Yadong in the cage, his relationship with fans on social media, the future of Tommy McMillen, Alexander Volkanovski’s performance in the UFC 333 main event and how he’d fare against upcoming contenders, being a big fan of Payton Talbott, and more (2:19:45).

Fox Sports Australia’s Niko Pajarillo makes his show debut to discuss covering UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi, Volkanovski’s place in the mainstream Australian culture, how he compares to other successful Australian athletes, his thoughts on Volkanovski taking on Gaethje, whether he believes Dana White recognized Alexander Volkov at the press conference, Quillan Salkilld’s next fight, and more (2:56:00).

Ariel covers news and notes, including the latest on Canelo’s upcoming fight in Saudi Arabia, Dana White on Shakur Stevenson’s Zuffa Boxing release, and Devin Haney signing with DAZN and facing Liam Paro in December (3:28:26), before wrapping up with your Super Chats (4:01:37).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show reacting to O’Shaquie Foster’s dominant win over Emanuel Navarrete to become a three-belt champion at super featherweight. Should Foster go directly to lightweight for a potential battle with Shakur Stevenson (02:16)?

Over in Sheffield, England, Dalton Smith edged out Alberto Puello to retain his WBC super lightweight title in what was a very technical, low-contact fight. Smith now sets his sights on the other champions at 140 pounds (39:28).
Some more news and notes from the weekend: Naoya Inoue and Bam Rodriguez are back on track for a 2027 showdown, Devin Haney officially signs a deal with DAZN and is rumored to be fighting fellow welterweight champion Liam Para, Ryan Garcia and Teofimo Lopez are targeting a February fight date (42:12).

Ariel Helwani gives his instant reaction to UFC 333, starting with Alexander Volkanovski's flawless performance against Movsar Evloev (00:23), leading to the question: Who will Volkanovski fight next (03:13)?
In the co-main event, Petr Yan wins the rubber match of his trilogy with Merab Dvalishvili (04:34), while Alexander Volkov keeps the winning streak going (08:57) and Aaron Pico delivers a fast finish (10:14).

Ariel touches on a massive knockout from Dominick Reyes (11:06) and recaps the rest of the card (11:49).
Finally, Ariel reacts to the major announcements for UFC 336 in Toronto: Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales for the interim UFC welterweight title and Joshua Van defending UFC flyweight gold against Manel Kape (16:04).