The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani

Ariel Helwani and the crew break down around (8:30) the Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz fight, who has more to lose, and much more. In the latest On the Nose around (47:24), Ariel Helwani discusses how champs deal with losses, Max Holloway vs. Arnold Allen, Israel Adesanya’s UFC 287 celebration, if there are too many rematches, Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, Dana White’s recent behavior, the Monster deal, Ryan Garcia vs. Gervonta Davis, and more. Shane Burgos around (1:31:15) discusses his PFL debut, why it’s at lightweight instead of 145, fighting Olivier Aubin-Mercier, why he pulled out of his previous PFL debut this past fall, his relationship with Dana White and the UFC, Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz, and more. Dricus du Plessis around (1:47:34) discusses his recent nose surgery and possible return, the UFC 287 main event, Israel Adesanya’s celebration, what he meant with his previous comments, what Adesanya said at the press conference, when he wants to face Adesanya, and more. Eugene Bareman around (2:20:23) discusses Israel Adesanya’s latest win at UFC 287, his focus before the fight, his UFC 287 walkout, which parts of his gameplan didn’t work out so well, Adesanya’s celebrations, whom Adesanya should face and when, a possible trilogy fight between Adesanya and Alex Pereira, and more. Chris Curtis around (2:49:36) discusses what happened at UFC 287, his interactions with the fans after the event, if he plans to appeal an alleged headbutt in the second round, why he wants a rematch with Kelvin Gastelum, and more. Julianna Peña around (3:12:34) discusses her upcoming trilogy fight against Amanda Nunes at UFC 289, why she got the shot over Irene Aldana, what happened in her second fight with Nunes, how Mike Tyson walked her out in her last fight, why she likes snakes, her regrets after the title, and more. The parlay pals around (3:57:35) make their picks for UFC Kansas City, and GC makes his bets for this weekend’s event. 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

12 Huhti 20234h 21min

Ariel Helwani around (2:49) discusses UFC 287, the performance by Israel Adesanya, the possibility of a trilogy fight between Pereira and Adesanya, Adesanya's growing feud with Dricus Du Plessis, and more. Kevin Holland around (1:04:40) discusses his win over Santiago Ponzinibbio, his hand injury, how his mom initially told him not fight, what he was smelling during the fight, his run-ins with Jorge Masvidal, the BMF belt, what he wants next, why he fumbled the bag at UFC 287, and more. Christian Rodriguez around (1:28:29) discusses his upset of Raul Rosas Jr. at UFC 287, the pre-fight trash talk by Rosas, if he thought he won the fight, if he was stronger than the teen, how he ended up at his gym, how he ended up with Anthony Pettis as manager, who he wants next, the future of Rosas, and more. Joe Pyfer around (1:43:15) discusses his win over Gerald Meerschaert at UFC 287, why he wants to be like Justin Gaethje or Michael Chandler, how he ended up with GM3, his tough weight cut, his elbow injury, the UFC 287 main event, what he’s learned from Jon Jones, why he wants Dustin Stoltzfus nex, and more. Chael Sonnen around (2:12:26) discusses UFC 287, Jorge Masvidal’s career and legacy, what’s next for Gilbert Burns, who gets the next welterweight title shot, if Colby Covington would defeat Leon Edwards, Israel Adesanya’s celebration, Adesanya vs. Jon Jones, Dricus Du Plessis, 170 to 205, Nunes vs. Pena 3, why Adesanya is better than Anderson Silva, UFC and WWE, Cody Rhodes, and more. Jorge Masvidal around (3:07:16) discusses his UFC 287 performance, when he decided to call it quits, if he will box, greasing allegations by Gilbert Burns, Kevin Holland incidents during fight week, if there’s someone he wished he would have fought, any regrets, and more. The parlay pals around (3:36:18) look back at their most recent selection, and GC recaps his UFC 287 picks. 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

10 Huhti 20234h 7min

Ariel Helwani discusses the big news of UFC parent company Endeavor announcing the purchase of the WWE, which organization will be helped more by the sale, what’s next for the fighters and wrestlers, and more. Michael Chiesa around (41:37) discusses his cancelled UFC 287 fight against Li Jingliang, how many replacement fighters turned the fight down, why he wants Gunnar Nelson next, why he’s willing to wait for the fight, whether Kevin Lee was ever in the equation, his loss to Sean Brady, overcoming injuries, why Belal Muhammad should be the next challenger for Leon Edwards rather than Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal’s place in the division, the WWE purchase, and more. Kayla Harrison around (1:10:37) discusses life since her PFL loss, why the setback was one of the best things to happen to her career, how she had a spiritual awakening and found peace from the experience, wanting to be in the current PFL season, his future with the promotion, and more. Eddie Hearn around (1:36:29) discusses the WWE/UFC news by Endeavor, if Endeavor will get Into the sport of boxing, if Matchroom Boxing would be for sale, what he thought of Anthony Joshua’s fight, Francis Ngannou’s chances against Joshua, what could be next for Joshua, why the Fury vs. Usyk fight didn’t happen, Katie Taylor’s next fight, his trip to the Black Forge Inn, if Canelo Alvarez will fight David Benavidez, his support for Conor Benn, and more. Anthony Pettis around (2:19:08) discusses his win over Roy Jones Jr. in his boxing debut, if he will return to the PFL or box again, the experience fighting for Gamebred Boxing, why he was wearing No. 17 jersey, who impressed him the most at Gamebred Boxing, his brother Sergio against Pitbull, Benson Henderson’s retirement, and more. The parlay pals around (2:53:43) discuss their latest pick and make their upcoming pick for this weekend. GC around (3:00:03) also makes his picks for UFC 287. 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

3 Huhti 20233h 33min

In a special edition of The MMA Hour, Ariel Helwani answers your questions about Dustin Poirier’s future, welterweight drama and more in the latest On The Nose, previews a very busy weekend slate for combat sports, and helps the parlay pals make their latest pick. 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

29 Maalis 20232h 11min

Ariel Helwani around (8:25) discusses the UFC San Antonio main event, the performance by Cory Sandhagen, the judging in Texas, the scary scene at Fury FC 76, and more. PFL prospect Dakota Ditcheva around (41:33) discusses her first-round win over Malin Hermansson at PFL Europe, her road to MMA, fighting as a 4-year-old, people proclaiming her as the next Ronda Rousey, getting the first submission of her career, goals of being a UFC champion one day, and more. Jorge Masvidal around (1:02:22) discusses his upcoming Gamebred Boxing 4 card, juggling that and his UFC 287 fight against Gilbert Burns, Leon Edwards’s win over Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington’s title shot claim, Khamzat Chimaev, and more. Cory Sandhagen around (1:31:19) discusses his win over Marlon Vera at UFC San Antonio, if it was his best performance in the UFC, the turning point before the fight, the differences between Dominick Cruz and him, the judging of his fight, how he would fix poor judges and officials, and more. Valentina Shevchenko around (1:59:39) discusses her loss to Alexa Grasso at UFC 285, what went wrong in the fight, if she overlooked Grasso, the submission, the rematch, how long she wants to compete, her problem with one of the ref’s decisions during the fight, and more. Nate Lendwehr around (2:27:43) discusses his big win at UFC San Antonio, his post-fight speech, what happened to his shirt under his suit, visiting the Alamo, why things have worked out so well in Miami, and more. The parlay pals around (2:54:57) look back at their most recent selection, and GC looks back at his picks from UFC San Antonio. 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

28 Maalis 20233h 16min

Rafael Fiziev around (4:28) discusses his loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 286, what went wrong, why he likes a bloody picture from the fight, if he wishes there was two more rounds, and more. In the latest edition of On the Nose around (24:07), Ariel Helwani discusses what’s next for Cory Sandhagen and Chito Vera, Colby Covington’s title shot and the reaction to his return, Covington’s comments about Jon Anik, how much power Leon Edwards has with the UFC, how competitive Ariel is, pies, and more. Khamzat Chimaev around (1:18:27) discusses his lengthy absence from the Octagon, why he won’t fight during Ramadan, what happened with the Colby Covington fight, what happened with the Nate Diaz fight, his chances against Alex Pereira, training with Neil Magny, Bo Nickal’s comments, when he wants to return, and more. Dave Lovell, a coach for Leon Edwards around (1:57:18), discusses Edwards’ performance at UFC 286, how the champ was different in the rematch, Kamaru Usman’s comments, the gameplan for Usman, his message to Leon Edwards before the final round, what the win meant, Colby Covington or Belal Muhammad, and more. Jay Hieron around (2:19:51) drops by the studio to discuss his role in Road House with Conor McGregor and Jake Gyllenhaal, the scenes he filmed at UFC 285, his acting career, how he got into acting, why he stopped fighting, acting with Denzel Washington, and more. Jeff Molina around (3:07:57) discusses why he released a statement on social media revealing he was bisexual, how people have reacted since, why he almost didn’t do the interview, his last UFC performance, if he is still in the UFC, his charity work, and more. The parlay pals around (4:30:59) make their pick for this upcoming weekend, and GC around (4:34:50) reveals his bets for UFC San Antonio. 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

23 Maalis 20234h 51min

Leon Edwards around (2:11) discusses his title defense at UFC 286, Kamaru Usman’s pre-fight trash talk, his pre-fight gunshot gesture, the fouls during the fight, Colby Covington’s appearance at fight week, if Covington deserves a title shot, who might be next for the title, how the tide has turned for the “Rocky” era, and more. Ariel Helwani around (19:55) reacts to Leon Edwards’ trilogy win over Kamaru Usman at UFC 286, the promotion’s decision to award Colby Covington a title shot, the road forward for Kamaru Usman, and more. Jack Shore around (1:02:38) discusses his UFC 286 win over Makwan Amirkhani, his move to featherweight, the reaction to last week’s controversial darts game against Ariel Helwani, his father’s cancer diagnosis, and what’s next. He also rematches Helwani in a high-stakes winner-take-all darts showdown. Muhammad Mokaev around (1:56:15) discusses his UFC 286 win over Jafel Filho, the kneebar submission that nearly ended his night, the state of his knee moving forward, breaking Filho mentally, when he wants to return, his altercations with Jake Hadley, and more. Alexa Grasso around (2:19:32) discusses her historic upset of Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 285, how her life has changed, where her belt is located, what her fight week was like, how she pulled off the finish of Shevchenko, and more. Yanal Ashmouz around (2:50:08) breaks down his UFC 286 performance, what happened with him and the PFL, when he would like to return, how he looks like Sami Zayn, how he got his nickname, 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

20 Maalis 20233h 59min

Conor McGregor discusses TUF 31, facing Michael Chandler, almost facing Nate Diaz in a trilogy match, Francis Ngannou’s departure from the UFC, the night he was injured at UFC 264, acting in the movie Road House, 155 or 170 pounds for his return, Jon Jones’ recent win, Ian Garry, and more. Ariel Helwani, GC, and NYRic then recap and break down the interview with Conor McGregor. 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

16 Maalis 202346min