The Ariel Helwani Show

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).

Ariel Helwani starts the show by reflecting on winning his 16th straight Journalist of the Year award, recapping UFC 329 media day, including comments from Conor McGregor, and more (04:00).

Old friend Chael Sonnen joins Ariel in-studio, discussing his surprising beef with Francis Ngannou, his political interests and a potential run at the presidency, his role with RAF, Conor McGregor’s demeanor during fight week, Dustin Poirier’s arrest, reports of McGregor’s banned substance use, his relationship with Josh Hokit, and more (39:35).

Coach Owen Roddy drops into the studio for a chat about Conor McGregor’s preparation for UFC 329 (1:32:02).

UFC lightweight contender Mauricio Ruffy stops by the studio to talk about his past performances, including the revelation that he was injured before the Rafael Fiziev fight, volunteering to be the backup for Conor McGregor and Max Holloway, what he hopes to do next, and more (1:56:34).

Uncrowned’s Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall join Ariel to catch up on all the fight week action (2:31:41).

Coach John Wood is the final in-studio guest, discussing being recognized as Coach of the Year and Syndicate MMA as Gym of the Year, the latest on Gina Carano, Merab Dvalishvili, and Khalil Rountree Jr., how he sees McGregor vs. Holloway playing out, and more (2:56:47).

Ariel and the crew close the show with your Super Chats (3:47:31).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show, live from our Las Vegas studio, by setting the scene for UFC 329 fight week (01:00).

Coach John Kavanagh joins Ariel in-studio to discuss Conor McGregor’s preparation, rumors swirling regarding McGregor’s late arrival, Carlos Prates initially being proposed as an opponent, McGregor moving up to welterweight and likely being done with lightweight, how his communication with McGregor has evolved over the years, stories from past McGregor fights, and more (09:51).

Manager Audie Attar is in-studio to talk about Conor McGregor’s return, how negotiations with the UFC played out, the proposed April date for McGregor’s next fight, McGregor’s potential value as a free agent, the overall state of fighter pay, what’s next for Rico Verhoeven, Michael ‘Venom’ Page, and more (58:33).

Nutritionist Tyler Minton stops by the studio to give insights into Max Holloway’s UFC 329 preparation and weight cut, suggest that more weight classes could curb weight cutting, and give insights on the science behind getting elite athletes ready for competition (1:36:49).

Coach Eric Nicksick joins Ariel in-studio, discussing what’s next for some of his fighters, including Sean Strickland and Francis Ngannou, training Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, the rumored altercation with Ali Abdelaziz, Kai Kamaka’s UFC 329 fight, and more (2:21:45).

The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll ambush Ariel with a birthday cake, before tackling news and notes (2:56:13) and Super Chats (3:24:33).

Solomonster can’t believe it’s been 30 years since Hulk Hogan turned heel and formed the NWO, but it remains one of the most important moments in wrestling history (00:25).

After discussing that, he addresses Sheamus' shocking WWE departure, why it happened and what it means for his future (06:50).

CM Punk returned on Raw in Chicago and abruptly ended the nine-day reign of Sami Zayn as WWE champion.  The polarizing decision likely leads to a major match for SummerSlam, but what it means for Sami is less certain (30:34).

Plus, news on four names reportedly on their way to WWE, including AEW and TNA talent (49:32).

Tony Khan announces the date and location for AEW All Out 2026, plus a preview for a big “Beach Break” Dynamite episode, with MJF against Kenny Omega for the AEW World championship, with a major stipulation (57:32).

Finally, listener questions regarding Oba Femi and Paul Heyman and the best year of Bret Hart’s career, as well as a note on the latest Dark Side of the Ring premiere (1:07:27).