The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani

Ariel Helwani around (3:04) wraps up UFC 295 this past Saturday night and believes Tom Aspinall should face Jon Jones next. The panel then weighs in if this is the right path for the interim UFC heavyweight champion. John Kavanagh around (26:40) talks about the challenges of traveling to fights around the world, watching UFC 295 live with Royce Gracie, getting recognized by fans over Gracie, Johnny Walker's position in the light heavyweight and the stoppage in his fight with Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 294, Johnny Walker's rematch with Magomed Ankalaev on Jan. 13, the state of Irish MMA, the impact of a potential merger between Bellator and PFL, Conor McGregor's potential return and work with PFL star Brendan Loughnan, the changing timeline for McGregor fighting in the UFC, Conor's situation with USADA, his thoughts on McGregor fighting Michael Chandler, the possibility of Conor returning to lightweight, reuniting with Dillon Danis, the possibility of Danis in the UFC, Ian Machado Garry's career trajectory, the controversy surrounding Garry's exit from Leon Edwards' gym, dealing with big personalities in the gym, how much longer he'll stay in the sport as a coach, his strongest memories from Conor McGregor's career, Katie Taylor's rematch with Chantelle Cameron, and more. Loopy Godinez around (1:33:43) discusses her big win at UFC 295, what it was like fighting at Madison Square Garden, the judges’ scores, if her sisters will follow her to MMA, why she didn’t like team sports, how Ronda Rousey inspired her, if she is ready for a title shot, how the camp change helped her, and more. Diego Lopes around (1:59:42) discusses his big 2023, breaks down his big win at UFC 295, the inspiration behind his unique haircut, if he enjoys being a coach or a fighter more, why there’s so much team success right now, how he ended up in Mexico, why he wants Bryce Mitchell next, the growing fan support, and more. Tom Aspinall around (2:22:06) discusses winning the UFC interim heavyweight title at UFC 295, his place among the top heavyweights Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou in the world today, his injury before UFC 295, his emotions heading into the fight, why he hugged Sergei Pavlovich before the fight, how he celebrated with his father after the fight, what’s next, and more. The panel then around (2:51:17) discusses Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall, Ariel’s pound-for-pound rankings, the next fight for Alex Pereira, and more. The parlay pals around (3:06:55) look back at their most recent selection, and GC recaps his picks for UFC 295. The panel also discusses more UFC 295 storylines, and more. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OR/ PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. New customers only. Min. $5 deposit required. Eligibility restrictions apply. See http://draftkings.com/sportsbook for details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

13 Marras 20233h 46min

Dillon Danis around (2:53) discusses how he met Alex Pereira, why he parted ways with Bellator, possibly joining the UFC, McGregor vs. Chandler, his UFC 295 co-main event prediction, Paddy Pimblett, Kevin Holland, Nate Diaz, and more. Julianna Peña around (27:45) discusses why she isn’t fighting for the title next, the UFC 297 co-main event, when she might be able to return from her injury, USADA’s departure, her options for her next fight, her goal of being a UFC commentator, who will win the top fights at UFC 295, and more. Chito Vera around (50:57) discusses his upcoming UFC 299 title fight against Sean O’Malley, when he knew it would happen, O’Malley’s game, their first fight, when he first met his wife, if he imagines life as a UFC champion, how he wants to bring an event to Ecuador, smoking weed, how the fight with O’Malley will go, his face-off with O’Malley, if Action Bronson will ever walk him out, and more. Action Bronson around (1:27:03) joins Chito Vera onstage to discuss their friendship, what song Vera should walk out to for the next event, if he would ever corner Vera at an event, his thoughts on the UFC 295 event, takes questions from the crowd, and more. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OR/ PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. New customers only. Min. $5 deposit required. Eligibility restrictions apply. See http://draftkings.com/sportsbook for details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11 Marras 20232h 7min

Steve-O around (4:46) discusses leaving the Drew Barrymore show, his upcoming comedy special, the MMA stars involved in the project, trying to get cauliflower ear, surgeries, why he doesn’t want to have kids, his new book, getting choked out by Michael Bisping, his MMA fandom, Colby Covington, Paddy Pimblett, why he doesn’t like boxing, watching Diaz vs. Paul with Dana White, breaking his nose on Mike Tyson’s fist, Francis Ngannou, his ideas for Dana White, and more. Anthony Smith around (1:14:49) discusses possibly doing commentary, hearing criticism from fighters, his Alex Pereira comments, the UFC 295 main event, a possible clash with Pereira down the road, what he wants next, the UFC 295 co-main event, Jon Jones’ future, Francis Ngannou’s future, bare-knuckle boxing, Dillon Danis’ MMA future, and more. Viacheslav Borschchev around (2:13:30) discusses his upcoming fight at UFC 295, how he got into MMA, how he ended up at Team Alpha Male, how his grandmother helped him follow his dream, odd jobs, how Urijah Faber helped him, fighting for his UFC career, how his fight against Nazim Sadykhov will go, how he got his nickname, and more. Urijah Faber around (2:36:44) discusses his current weight, how Viacheslav Borschchev turned it around, his advice for fighters, how fighters arrive at Team Alpha Male, his gym’s relationship with Sacramento State, his robot training partner, his business ventures, the WEC days, if it bothers him he didn’t win UFC belt, if he called it quits at the right time, his relationship with Dominick Cruz, and more. In the latest On the Nose around (3:34:02), Ariel Helwani discusses his morning routine, a big question for Travis Barker, Conor McGregor’s UFC future, what happened with darts, Ariel’s favorite shows, and more. The parlay pals around (4:09:28) make their latest pick, and GC around (4:13:57) makes his selections for UFC 295. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OR/ PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. New customers only. Min. $5 deposit required. Eligibility restrictions apply. See http://draftkings.com/sportsbook for details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

9 Marras 20234h 30min

Ariel Helwani around (7:36) discusses the fallout from his interview with Chael Sonnen, Francis Ngannou’s pay-per-view sales for Tyson Fury fight, his report on the UFC 297 main event, the UFC Sao Paulo main event, Logan Paul’s big WWE win, and more. Nicolas Dalby around (59:21) talks about the reception he's received since his UFC São Paulo win over Gabriel Bonfim, the betting odds heading into the fight, the changes in his personal life that helped him turn around his career, a UFC return to Denmark, breaks down Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington at UFC 296, getting "you're gonna die" chants in Brazil, when he wants to return, and more. Jailton Almeida around (1:18:17) discusses his performance at UFC Sao Paulo against Derrick Lewis, how close he was to a finish, having his father in his corner, wanting to be a soccer player, what he wants next, Pavlovich vs. Aspinall, and more. Jorge Masvidal around (1:46:12) discusses getting out of his felony charges for his alleged Colby Covington incident, what might happen if he runs into Covington again, how the past couple of months have been for him, his upcoming Gamebred Boxing event, his possible next fight, and more. Sean O’Malley around (2:01:43) discusses his upcoming title defense against Chito Vera at UFC 299, when he first felt like he was a champion, Francis Ngannou’s next steps, what Vera texted him recently, Merab Dvalishvili, Aljamain Sterling’s next steps, short-notice fights, when he first thought of being UFC champion, singing lessons, his first fight with Vera, his trip to University of Montana football team, Alexander Volkanovski, why he can’t watch pro wrestling, Ian Garry’s comments, his official fight prediction, and more. Jiří Procházka around (3:02:40) discusses his upcoming title fight against Alex Pereira at UFC 295, ignoring social media, Jamahal Hill’s comments, his samurai spirit, how he remains balanced, fight day, his hair, the light heavyweight division, Iceland trip, and more. The parlay pals around (3:57:11) look back at their most recent selection, and GC recaps his UFC Sao Paulo picks. The panel then around (4:04:42) breaks down the upcoming title fights at UFC 297, UFC 298, and UFC 299.. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OR/ PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. New customers only. Min. $5 deposit required. Eligibility restrictions apply. See http://draftkings.com/sportsbook for details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

6 Marras 20234h 29min

In the latest On the Nose around (14:46), Ariel Helwani discusses his favorite candy and food, UFC staff interview, if UFC stars will try to box, Francis Ngannou’s biggest fight, a crossover show, the James Harden trade, advice for fathers, and more. Rico Verhoeven around (31:23) discusses his upcoming Glory title fight, his knee injury, his movie career, if his next fight will be it, Ngannou vs. Fury, the trickier guy to fight, how he stays motivated, would you take short-notice fight, Alistair Overeem’s retirement, and more. Marquel Martin, the agent for Francis Ngannou, around (1:02:56) discusses the fight against Tyson Fury, the fight week, what’s next for Ngannou, when he could return, Anthony Joshua, his departure from UFC, and more. Eric Nicksick, the coach for Francis Ngannou, around (1:35:08) discusses the fight against Tyson Fury, what he thought about Ngannou’s chances before the fight, if he was nervous, their strategy, Tyson Fury’s elbow shot, what’s next for Ngannou, what’s next for Sean Strickland, Paul Felder, and more. Chael Sonnen and Ariel around (2:02:12) get into a heated debate over the Fury vs. Ngannou clash, how much Francis Ngannou really made, what could be next for Ngannou, and more. The parlay pals around (4:18:58) make their latest selection, and GC around (4:21:01) announces his picks for UFC Sao Paulo. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OR/ PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. New customers only. Min. $5 deposit required. Eligibility restrictions apply. See http://draftkings.com/sportsbook for details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1 Marras 20234h 41min

Ariel Helwani around (10:11) brings receipts on all the social media hate Francis Ngannou got before the Fury fight, and the boxing media's reaction to Ngannou and Fury's showing this past Saturday. The team then weighs in on the true winner of the fight, Ngannou adding to his career-defining performances, John Fury overseeing the second razor-close fight involving his sons, the state of crossover boxing after Saturday, where Ngannou goes from here, and more. Saudi Royal Court Minister Turki Alalshikh around (59:20) talks about not being surprised by Ngannou's performance against Fury, what will happen in Ngannou's future, how he believes the fight performed on pay-per-view, whether Ngannou's next fight will be in Saudi Arabia, and more. Francis Ngannou around (1:07:20) talks about what the past two days have been like, whether the fight was the best night of his life, what he would have done differently in training camp, his feelings about the judges' decision, whether Fury underestimated him, how he held back during the fight, the pre-fight moment that made him angry, all the doubters he encountered in the media beforehand, whether he'll do boxing or MMA next, the possibility of fighting Deontay Wilder in MMA, why a rematch with Fury isn't an immediate priority, whether he ever doubted the path he took in leaving the UFC and seeking a boxing fight, Dana White's reaction to the fight, the hate he got from fighters before booking the Fury bout, when he'll return to fighting, and more. Eddie Hearn discusses around (1:44:16) Francis Ngannou’s performance against Tyson Fury, if Ngannou won, how Anthony Joshua would do against Ngannou, Tyson Fury’s legacy, how Ngannou matches up against other top heavyweights, and more. Dan Hardy around (2:18:51) reflects on Francis Ngannou’s performance against Tyson Fury, how he scored the fight, Ngannou’s gameplan, what Ngannou should do next, how Ngannou matches up against Anthony Joshua, if fighters will leave UFC to box, PFL Europe, and more. Donn Davis, the PFL founder, around (2:40:53) discusses Francis Ngannou’s performance, the event itself, if Ngannou’s next fight will be in the PFL, the chances of a mixed rules fight, where this fight could be held, Paul vs. Nate Diaz rematch in MMA, reported Bellator sale, PFL Europe, international expansion, and more. The crew around (3:11:09) then talks about what’s next for Francis Ngannou and the best move for the former UFC heavyweight champion. GC around (3:26:39) looks back at his bets for the big boxing weekend. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OR/ PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. New customers only. Min. $5 deposit required. Eligibility restrictions apply. See http://draftkings.com/sportsbook for details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

30 Loka 20233h 52min

Alistair Overeem around (4:01) discusses why he decided to retire, what he wants to do next, how much weight he has lost, his diet, his future in politics, the highlights of his career, why he thinks Francis Ngannou will win, and more. Tyson Fury around (31:45) discusses his upcoming fight against Francis Ngannou, why this fight interested him, the pay difference between UFC and boxing heavyweights, Ngannou’s chances against him, what he plans to weigh, how the Usyk fight was announced, if there is a rematch clause, Tommy Fury’s performance against KSI, and more. Fabiano Buskei around (1:03:43) discusses how he became a translator with the UFC, if he is an MMA fan, how many languages he speaks, and more. Charles Oliveira around (1:31:26) discusses when the cut happened to knock him out of the UFC 294 fight, how the cut was treated, when his peers questioned his heart, what he thought of the UFC 294 main event, if he wants Islam Makhachev next, when will he be able to compete, and more. Tom Aspinall around (1:57:26) discusses how he ended up in the UFC 295 co-main event, facing Sergei Pavlovich for the UFC interim heavyweight title, his weight, if it should be for the undisputed title, the advice from Michael Bisping, Tyson Fury’s comments, Fury vs. Ngannou, how the Pavlovich fight will go, and more. Mike Breeden around (2:31:53) discusses his big win at UFC 294, if he felt he was fighting for his job heading into the event, his weight cut, if he ever barked during a fight before, when he thought his opponent broke at UFC 294, how he used to weigh 275 pounds, and more. In the latest On the Nose around (2:51:35), Ariel Helwani discusses Stipe Miocic’s future in the UFC and his legacy fight with Jon Jones, the future of Jones, Kamaru Usman’s next fight, if Nate Diaz is avoiding Jake Paul in MMA, and more. GC around (3:33:03) makes his picks for the upcoming combat sports weekend. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OR/ PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. New customers only. Min. $5 deposit required. Eligibility restrictions apply. See http://draftkings.com/sportsbook for details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 Loka 20233h 47min

Ariel Helwani around (6:44) discusses the UFC 294 main event, what’s next for Islam Makhachev, Khamzat Chimaev vs. Kamaru Usman, who should get welterweight title shot next, and more. The team around (28:53) then debates the pound-for-pound rankings in the wake of Makhachev's win over Volkanovski at UFC 294, what Makhachev's next title defense should be, whether Volkanovski should fight again in January at UFC 297, whether or not Khamzat Chimaev should get a title shot against Sean Strickland, whether Kamaru Usman would have beaten Chimaev with five rounds, and more. Johnny Walker around (58:43) reacts to his no-contest against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 294, the illegal knee he took in the fight, the questions the cageside doctor asked him after the foul, what he thinks the doctor should have done, how he believes Ankalaev made a "dirty move" in the fight, what happened after the fight was called off, his interaction with Ankalaev after the fight was called off, Dana White's promise to make things right, the expenses he incurred to make the fight, UFC 295 co-main event, a message for Ankalaev, and more. Francis Ngannou around (1:29:47) discusses his upcoming fight against Tommy Fury, the critics of his skills, when he might compete for the PFL, if he’s nervous, his relationship with Mike Tyson, who will be in his corner, his gym training footage, the blurred shirt on UFC 294 Embedded, Kamaru Usman’s performance at UFC 294, the watch from Cristiano Ronaldo, and more. Paulo Costa around (2:01:54) discusses his elbow injury, when he found out he couldn’t fight at UFC 294, his issues with a fan during an event, what he thought about the UFC 294 co-main event, if Khamzat Chimaev deserves a title shot, when he wants to fight again, who he wants to fight next, and more. Devin Haney around (2:25:07) joins us in studio to discuss his upcoming title fight against Regis Prograis next month, Sean O’Malley’s comments, Ngannou vs. Fury, leaving Top Rank, Shakur Stevenson, his last fight against Vasiliy Lomachenko, Prograis’ recent comments, Terence Crawford, and more. The parlay boys around (3:09:00) recap their latest selection and GC looks back at his picks for UFC 294. Ariel and crew around (3:20:32) then discuss if Dillon Danis is headed to the UFC. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling () (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), (CO/NH), /visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), (IA), (7867) (LA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE (TN), or (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OR/ PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. New customers only. Min. $5 deposit required. Eligibility restrictions apply. See http://draftkings.com/sportsbook for details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

23 Loka 20233h 48min