Best Of The MMA Hour, 2021 Edition | Feat. Dustin Poirier, Jorge Masvidal, Jake Paul, Becky Lynch, More

Ariel Helwani around (3:18) discusses UFC Vegas 77, if Jack Della Maddalena’s stock dropped, the KSW event, Jamahal Hill vacating the light heavyweight title, what’s next for the light heavyweight division, Nate Diaz vs. Jake Paul in MMA, and more. Francis Ngannou around (1:01:04) discusses his upcoming fight against Tyson Fury, when the talks first started, a possible world media tour, Dana White’s comments on Jon Jones vs. Fury, his promotion, what life was like after the announcement, if there is a rematch clause, the staredown with Jones, a recent PFL controversy, how the fight with Fury will end, a message for the critics, and more. Michael Page aruond (1:41::51) discusses his free agency, why did it happen, if he will return to Bellator, how he would do in the UFC, his favorite Bellator moments, if he wants a rematch with Mike Perry, and more. Maycee Barber around (2:08:28) discusses her most recent win over Amanda Ribas this past June, if she was too brash in her UFC start, why she wants a rematch with Alexa Grasso, why she was crying during the date of that fight, why she ended up at Team Alpha Male, Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko 2, Rose Namajunas’ chances in the division, Julianna Pena’s trash talk, Erin Blanchfield’s hype, and more. Rampage Jackson around (2:33:52) discusses his recent weight loss, the UFL, how the fans helped him make a change, how he feels about Dana White, if he plans on making a return, if he will box or not, his movie career, his new podcast, his son’s upcoming pro debut, and more. Mayra Bueno Silva around (3:16:31) discusses her big win over Holly Holm at UFC Vegas 77, her nickname, how she got the finish, why she overcame depression thanks to her wife, how she recovered, why she thought of retirement after Manon Fiorot, Julianna Pena’s message, and more. The parlay pals around (4:04:11) recap their latest selection and GC looks back at his UFC Vegas 77 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

17 Juli 20234h 16min

In the latest On the Nose around (08:11), Ariel Helwani discusses Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, the Jon Jones vs. Fury talks, Saudi Arabia hosting the fight, Alexander Volkanovski vs. Aljamain Sterling, a main event quiz, Georges St. Pierre around (1:00:34) discusses his return to grappling this fall, Alexander Volkanovski’s talents, when he decided to compete again in grappling, his top choice for an opponent, Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury, if he would do boxing, the state of Canadian MMA, how he ended up training Elon Musk, and more. Bo Nickal around (1:33:29) discusses his big win at UFC 290, how he dealt with the change of opponents, the entire fight against Val Woodburn, becoming a father, predicts his future, facing Khamzat Chimaev, what’s next, and more. Cat Zingano around (2:01:48) discusses her recent support for a bill for pension for MMA fighters, how Ronda Rousey was involved in the effort, if the bill passes what it would mean for fighters, if Cris Cyborg would be next, doing jiu-jitsu under water, Marquel Martin around (2:54:33), Francis Ngannou’s longtime representative, discusses the announcement of Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury, when the clash became a real thing, Dana White’s comments about Jon Jones vs. Fury, why the Fury vs. Ngannou fight didn’t happen in the UFC, Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony Joshua, Ngannou’s chances against Tommy Fury, how much Ngannou possibly will get paid, and more. Brandon Royval around (3:26:20) discusses the co-main event at UFC 290, the weight cut, the life of a backup fighter, how he scored the main event, if a title shot is next, the state of the flyweight division, the tough loss to Alexandre Pantoja, and more. GC and the parlay pals around (4:20:07) make their pick for this upcoming weekend, and GC makes his picks for UFC Vegas 77. 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 Juli 20234h 49min

The team discusses Alexander Volkanovski's amazing win over Yair Rodriguez, what's next for him, Robbie Lawler's retirement, discusses Dricus du Plessis win over Robert Whittaker, du Plessis' confrontation with Israel Adesanya, the genesis of Israel Adesanya's feud with Dricus du Plessis, and more. Alexandre Pantoja around (1:05:47) talks about his "hero's welcome" at American Top Team after winning the flyweight title at UFC 290, his thoughts on the scoring of his fight, his relationship with his father, his emotional post-fight speech, respect for Brandon Moreno and "Rocky" moment in the hospital after the fight, how he was an Uber Eats driver two fights before his title shot, and more. Chael Sonnen around (1:39:51) discusses Israel Adesanya’s staredown with Dricus du Plessis at UFC 290, if Adesanya crossed a line, if du Plessis could beat Adesanya, Alexander Volkanovski’s performance, Adesanya vs. Jon Jones, Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, Bo Nickal vs. Khamzat Chimaev, and more. Jens Pulver around (2:19:02) discusses his Hall of Fame week at UFC 290, why he felt an awesome sense of PTSD during the week, how nervous he was to give his speech, getting inducted alongside old teammate Robbie Lawler, memories of Lawler’s early career, catching up with Nick Diaz and Bas Rutten, his viral moment with Chris Curtis, his mom’s reaction to his speech, reaction to UFC 290, Anderson Silva’s absence from the ceremony, and more. Dan Hooker around (2:45:17) discusses his thrilling UFC 290 win over Jalin Turner, the multiple surgeries he needs for his injured arm and orbital bone, dealing with the injuries mid-fight, how he scored the fight, the future of his blonde hair, and more. Ilia Topuria around (3:02:44) discusses his staredown with Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 290, Volkanovski’s performance, how he matches up against Volkanovski, if he will get a title shot next, if the UFC will host event in Spain, his rose celebration against Josh Emmett, how he got his nickname, and more. Alexander Volkanovski around (3:25:34) discusses recent comments by Ilia Topuria, his staredown with Topuria after the UFC 290 main event, when he first injured his arm, if he will return by UFC 294, what’s next, if anything surprised him against Yair Rodriguez, and more. GC around (4:05:16) looks back at his picks at UFC 290, the International Fight Week draft, and the latest parlay pals selection. 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 Juli 20234h 36min

Dan Hooker around (2:49) discusses his new hair style, why he has turned the corner, his new tattoos, which tattoos hurt the most, how he got back on track, how he broke his hand in training, his comments about Islam Makhachev, his reaction to the Tony Ferguson offer, his fight against Jalin Turner at UFC 290, and more. Alexander Volkanovski around (31:04) discusses his UFC 290 title defense against Yair Rodriguez, how he got a recent cut, Rodriguez’s custom belt, if he was close to a rematch with Islam Makhachev, Logan Paul and Prime, Dan Hooker’s comments, Mark Zuckerberg vs. Elon Musk, his bromance with Jamal Murray, Max Holloway’s recent fight, and more. Jack Della Maddalena around (1:02:24) discusses his short-notice fight against Josiah Harrell at UFC 290, Kevin Holland possibly stepping up, missing out on Sean Brady, his infant son watching his fights, and more. In the latest On the Nose around (1:26:47), Ariel Helwani discusses if Tyson Fury will face Francs Ngannou next, Money in the Bank, UFC London, Kevin Lee’s future, the recent ESPN layoffs, how the UFC treats Aljamain Sterling, and more. Jorge Masvidal around (1:59:13) discusses his upcoming event in September, retired life, the main event rematch between JDS and Fabricio Werdum, what bareknuckle MMA is like, a bathroom fight in China, Jake Paul, Paul vs. Nate Diaz, the return of the BMF title, if he plans to fight again, facing KSI, and more. Cory Sandhagen around (2:35:01) discusses his new social media game, his NBA fandom, why he is fighting Umar Nurmagomedov, how he is preparing for the fight, if a title shot is on the line, a rematch with Aljamain Sterling, what he learned from their first fight, how he escapes from fighting, reality TV, and more. The group around (3:32:13) participates in the annual International Fight Week draft and then makes their latest parlay pick. GC then around (3:45:58) makes his picks for UFC 290. 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

5 Juli 20234h 3min

Ariel Helwani around (02:27) answers your questions on the latest edition of On The Nose. The Parlay Boys around (01:05:17) preview the weekend ahead in combat sports and make their 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

28 Juni 20231h 21min

Ariel and company around (9:00) discuss Ilia Topuria's big win over Josh Emmett at UFC Jacksonville, addresses the controversy surrounding the Natan Shulte and Raush Manfio at PFL 6, what the PFL should have done about the situation, and how the tournament should play out. Ilia Topuria around (31:51) reacts to his win over Josh Emmett at UFC Jacksonville, Emmett's toughness in the fight, how Emmett surprised him, soccer star Sergio Ramos' appearance at the fight, where the UFC should visit in Spain, how he'd delay a title shot to fight Max Holloway in Spain, whether he's rooting for Alexander Volkanovski or Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290 (and who he thinks will win), his brother's MMA career, how he felt mercy for Emmett during the fight, and more. Chael Sonnen around (57:00) takes a few shots at Blazers star Damian Lillard, claims Mark Zuckerburg told him he's agreed to fight Elon Musk at UFC 300, the Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez title fight, why the UFC does fun fights every 10 years and whether that contradicts Dana White's vow not to make gimmick fights. Chael also tries to get Mark Zuckerberg to call into the show, why Dana White wants to make Zuckerberg vs. Musk, why he wouldn't coach Zuckerberg, the PFL 6 controversy, his recent acting job, how Aspen Ladd catfished him, the possible Bellator acquisition of PFL, the UFC's revenue share with fighters, and more. Tatiana Suarez around (1:43:03) explains why she has changed weight classes, her back injury, if she ever thought of retiring during her time away, her relationship with Patchy Mix, missing out on a chance to face Rose Namajunas, and more. Brandon Moreno around (2:04:19) discusses his upcoming title defense at UFC 290, the lack of drama before the fight, Pokemon cards, if he will do pro wrestling after his fight, if Kai Kara-France won his last fight, Henry Cejudo’s latest comments, Alexandre Pantoja, and more. Randy Brown around (2:23:44) discusses his performance at UFC Jacksonville, how he tuned out the critics, how he dealt with UFC 284 loss, how the fans treat him in different parts of the world, his tough childhood, how he got into MMA, growing up in Jamaica, the move to New York City, MMA in Jamaica, what’s next, and more. The parlay pals around (3:27:08) look back at their most recent selection, and GC looks at how his picks did from this past 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

27 Juni 20233h 40min

In the latest edition of On The Nose around (8:14), Ariel Helwani discusses Conor McGregor’s latest rape allegation, will Michael Chandler fight McGregor next, Marlon Vera vs. Henry Cejudo, the PFL drug testing scandal, possible Bellator sale, Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou staredown, CM Punk’s return promo, the James Krause situation, Kayla Harrison’s PFL return, and more. Sergio Pettis around (52:41) discusses his recent title defense against Patricio Pitbull at Bellator 297, his knee injury, Anthony’s massive bet, his anxiety, Pitbull’s risk, facing Patchy Mix next, training with Cory Sandhagen, the Bellator-PFL sale rumors, if he wants to box down the road, and more. John Gotti III around (1:18:29) discusses his performance against Floyd Mayweather, how he got the Mayweather exhibition, how the fight started, the ref’s warnings, the brawl, how he feels about Mayweather now, if there will be a rematch, if he’s done with MMA, and more. Chris Avila around (1:44:56) discusses his fight on the Paul vs. Diaz undercard, if he’s done with mixed martial arts, Jeremy Stephens’ boxing debut, Nate Diaz’s training for Jake Paul, Esquiva Falcao’s recent comments, and more. Marlon Vera around (2:04:03) discusses his reported fight against Henry Cejudo at UFC 292, what he learned from his last loss against Cory Sandhagen, his family life after a defeat, Cejudo’s loss to Aljamain Sterling, if Sterling will beat Sean O’Malley, his 72-hour fast, and more. Eddie Hearn around 2:28:30) discusses the Edgar Berlanga vs. Jason Quigley fight, Oscar De La Hoya’s recent comments, if Ryan Garcia will leave Golden Boy, Devin Haney’s future, Canelo Alvarez’s next fight, Anthony Joshua’s next fight, if Joshua would fight Francis Ngannou, Ngannou’s boxing future, Nate Diaz’s chances against Jake Paul, Teofimo Lopez’s future, and more. Ariel, GC and NewYorkRic around (3:34:38) discuss the recent news around the combat sports world. The parlay pals around (3:49:39) look back at their most recent selection, and GC makes his picks for this upcoming weekend. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (tel:18004262537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), tel:18005224700 (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 http://OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE tel:18008899789 (TN), or tel:18885323500 (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

21 Juni 20234h 16min

Patricio Pitbull around (3:58) discusses his bantamweight title shot against champ Sergio Pettis at Bellator 297, the weight cut down to 135 pounds, why he’s attempting this feat, Daniel Wanderley’s help in the camp, his case for being the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighting in the world, why he’s not the main event, and more. MMA manager Tim Simpson around (15:44) discusses Israel Adesanya’s upcoming documentary, how he first connected with Adesanya, starting the Chosen Advisory Group, why he decided to leave Paradigm, why he was prepared to walk away from MMA, how he amassed his client list, why it’s “embarrassingly easy” to start an MMA management firm, whether he considered working for the UFC, Leon Edwards playing at Soccer Aid 2023, working with Max Holloway, the UFC’s booking of Dricus Du Plessis, the “intense” fight week for Adesanya’s last win, why Edwards vs. Covington makes sense now, Jiri Prochazka’s recovery, and more. Max Holloway around (1:05:12) discusses his relationship with Alexander Volkanovski’s coach Eugene Bareman, visiting New York and Japan, anime, life after fighting, why he doesn’t watch MMA, life in Waianae, how he met his wife, growing up without much of a father figure, his mom getting clean, wanting to be a baseball player as a kid, how he became an MMA fighter, getting into trouble as a kid, how Israel Adesanya’s documentary opened his eyes, his son getting into MMA, if Korean Zombie is next, lightweight, Charles Oliveira, and more. Mike Malott around (2:09:25) discusses his UFC 289 win over Adam Fugitt, the aftermath of the madness, praise he’s received from the combat sports community, Canada’s perfect night, the pressure of being the final Canadian to fight on the card, the arena railing almost falling and hitting him, the butterfly effect of UFC 289 moving forward, Georges St-Pierre, what’s next, and more. Regis Prograis around (2:36:33) discusses talks his WBC light welterweight title defense against Danielito Zorrilla this Saturday, why he joined up with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing, working as his own manager, Teofimo Lopez’s win over Josh Taylor, whether he believes Lopez’s retirement, wanting Lopez next, why he regrets traveling to England to fight Josh Taylor, the state of boxing, whether influencer boxing is hurting the sport, sparring Nate Diaz, Diaz’s fight with Jake Paul, meeting Allen Iverson, and more. Ariel Helwani on the latest edition of On The Nose around (3:03:07) discusses Amanda Nunes’ legacy, Julianna Peña’s heat with the fan base, whether Conor McGregor’s return in going to happen in 2023, booking for UFC 300, Robbie Lawler’s upcoming retirement, Dustin Poirier vs. Colby Covington, Daniel Cormier’s comments about Jim Miller and the UFC Hall of Fame, the lack of a true MMA Hall of Fame, Eric Bischoff’s criticism of AEW, middleweight matchmaking in the UFC, Patricio Pitbull’s three-division attempt, how Demetrious Johnson would’ve fared at UFC 1, regrets from childhood, and more. The Parlay Pals around (3:58:57) make their best bets for the busy 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

14 Juni 20234h 22min