The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani

Ariel Helwani around (3:28) wraps up a busy combat sports weekend, including taking a closer look at PFL Europe, UFC Vegas 83, and Haney vs. Prograis. We look at what’s next for Khalil Rountree, if a title shot should be next, and the future of Anthony Smith. They also discuss Song Yadong's performance against Chris Gutierrez at UFC Vegas 83 and a potential fight with Petr Yan, Conor McGregor's staredown with Yan at a boxing event in Dubai, and more. Dakota Ditcheva around (42:21) reflects on her title win at PFL Europe, Valentina Scatizzi's horrific eye injury and the fight's stoppage, the impact of her $100,000 winner's check, her desire to do a PFL tournament, Manchester City following her on Instagram, the possibility of fighting champ Liz Carmouche, and more. Shavkat Rakhmonov around (1:00:02) talks about how the fight with Stephen Thompson came together, whether a title shot is on the line, his sister Sora Rakhmonova's readiness for the UFC, meeting the president of Kazakhstan, his prediction for Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington, training at Kill Cliff MMA, his prediction for his career in 2024, what he expects for the UFC 296 press conference, and more. ONE champion Jonathan Di Bella around (1:20:06) discusses how he got into kickboxing, why the sport is illegal in Montreal, why he recently decided to box, social media, coffee plans, facing Rodtang or Takaru, his diet, when he wants to return, how active he wants to be in 2024, the face of kickboxing, the difference between kickboxing and boxing, Eddie Hearn around (1:55:03) discusses the new Matchroom gym in Los Angeles, the upcoming fight schedule, the competition with other promoters, Regis Prograis comments, what’s next for Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia vs. Oscar De La Hoya, Garcia’s performance, why isn’t Anthony Joshua facing Francis Ngannou next, Fury vs. Usyk, why Joshua keeps changing trainers, Andy Cruz, Conner Benn vs. Chris Eubank Jr., Amanda Serrano’s recent decision, Taylor vs. Cameron 3, and more. The panel then around (2:39:50) takes a closer look at some of the top early storylines and best bets for UFC 296 on Saturday night. Leon Edwards around (3:19:20) talks about his appearance as a goalie at Soccer Aid, why it's taken him so long to return to the cage, Colby Covington fighting him after a two-year layoff, whether the UFC wants Covington to win at UFC 296, Belal Muhammad serving as a backup fighter, the best part about being welterweight champion, the drama surrounding Ian Machado Garry and his gym, how he'll treat Machado Garry when they see each other at UFC 296, and more. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling (tel:18004262537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), tel:18005224700 (CO/NH), /visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), (IA), (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

12 Dec 20234h 7min

Drakkar Klose around (6:02) discusses his memorable knockout of Joe Solecki at UFC Austin, if there was any bad blood with Solecki, why he wants the Beneil Dariush fight next, his post-fight speech, making ends meet during his recent injury, his kids, the UFC Austin main event, Sean O’Malley, the best slam KO of all-time, and more. Eddie Alvarez around (30:15) discusses his loss to Mike Perry at BKFC 56, his injuries suffered in the fight, the stoppage by his corner, if he enjoys BKFC, giving up size to Mike Perry, why Perry has had so much BKFC success, the weigh-in drama, what he wants next, PFL acquiring Bellator, Chandler vs. McGregor, and more. Regis Prograis around (1:06:36) discusses his upcoming clash with Devin Haney, their staredown at the Golden Gate Bridge, the fact Haney took this fight, mixed martial arts, what a win will mean to his career, Matchroom Boxing, if Haney is underestimating him, Ryan Garcia’s fight, Shakur Stevenson, and more. Johnny Eblen around (1:28:44) discusses what he thought of the PFL’s latest pay-per-view, Derek Brunson, the lack of elbows in some PFL fights, when he wants to fight next, how many fights he has left on his contract, co-promotional fights, Gordon Ryan’s comments, if he’s ever been offered steroids, and more. In the latest On the Nose around (1:57:32), Ariel Helwani discusses the UFC anti-trust exemption lawsuit reports, GSP vs. Nick Diaz 2 at UFC 300, the real ‘God of War,’ MMA referees, World Fight League, Arman Tsarukyan’s future, and more. Alexander Volkanovski around (2:29:02) discusses his upcoming UFC 298 fight against Ilia Topuria, his knockout loss at UFC 294, why he was so emotional after the defeat, why he went to post-fight press conference, his first concussion, what Cristiano Ronaldo texted him, Topuria’s abilities, rebounding from his first KO loss, and more. The parlay boys around (3:23:40) make their pick for the upcoming weekend, and GC announces his selections as well. 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 Dec 20233h 45min

Ariel Helwani around (4:42) quickly wraps up a busy combat sports weekend. Mike Perry around (10:43) talks about his big win over Eddie Alvarez at BKFC 56, his performance compared to Conor McGregor, his family's reactions to his fights, all the callouts he got immediately after the fight, and potential opponents for his next bout, including Nate Diaz, Jake Paul, Darren Till, Jorge Masvidal, his conversation in the hospital after the fight with Alvarez, and more. Sean Brady around (43:17) talks about medical complications that forced him to withdraw from his fight against Jack Della Maddalena, his win over Kelvin Gastelum at UFC Austin, his work with a mental coach for the fight, how he lost his confidence in the Belal Muhammad fight, getting hate from the crowd in Austin, the kimura he used on Gastelum, his problems with Ian Machado Garry and wanting the winner of Garry vs. Vicente Luque, his pick in Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington, and more. Deiveson Figueiredo around (1:05:21) reflects on his bantamweight debut win over Rob Font at UFC Austin, whether he wishes he'd moved up from flyweight earlier, what he weighed heading into the fight, how close he is to a title shot against Sean O'Malley, moving full time to Arizona to work with Henry Cejudo, whom he wants to fight next, when he'll be ready, whom he picks in Alexandre Pantoja vs. Brandon Royval, and more. Miesha Tate around (1:30:42) discusses her big win at UFC Austin, her training camp, her new coach, how she wanted to win this fight as much as a world title, what she learned from going down to 125 pounds, if she regrets the move to 125, competing in fights with her kids older, if she would want Holly Holm next, her legacy, and more. Dan Hooker around (2:01:07) discusses his recent arm injury, Jalin Turner’s win over Bobby Green, the controversial stoppage, his new chest tattoo, the timetable for his return, and more, the break from the Octagon, Islam. Makhachev’s future, Arman Tsaurkyan’s hotel confrontation, who he wants next, and more. Arman Tsarukyan around (2:28:19) discusses his win over Beneil Dariush at UFC Austin, the KO of Dariush, his gameplan for Dariush, the issues of finding fight, getting a title shot, the lightweight division, the confrontations with Bobby Green, the controversial stoppage with Green, when he would like to return, and more. Michael Chandler around (2:56:29) discusses his new business venture with tequila, not being able to fight in 2023, if the Conor McGregor fight will happen at UFC 300, McGregor’s training footage, the Beneil Dariush knockout, Ian Machado Garry, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and more. The panel around (3:27:31) discusses Dana White’s recent comments about PFL, UFC Austin, the Bobby Green controversial stoppage, and more. The parlay boys around (3:45:09) look back at their latest pick, and GC recaps his picks from last 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

4 Dec 20234h 8min

In the latest On the Nose segment around (9:34), Ariel Helwani discusses the first feud for CM Punk, the future of ONE FC, where MVP will end up, Paddy Pimblett’s stardom, if Netflix will partner up with PFL, the NBA in-season tournament, UFC heavyweight division, two former YouTube creators, Kayla Harrison’s future, magazines, PFL pay-per-views, Ariel’s WWE theme song, possible PFL trades with UFC, and more. Daniel Cormier around (1:04:19) discusses CM Punk’s return to the WWE, if Cormier will appear at another WWE event, the true UFC heavyweight champion, USADA’s departure, UFC 300 matchups, Chael Sonnen’s recent interview with Ariel, MVP vs. Kevin Holland, Noche UFC, the end of DC’s career, Kayla Harrison vs. Cris Cyborg, UFC vs. PFL, Sean Strickland, Aljamain Sterling at featherweight, Dustin Poirier’s next move, Bayern Munich, and more. The parlay boys around (2:55:15) make their next selection for this weekend, and GC reveals his picks as well. 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 Nov 20233h 32min

Ariel Helwani around (8:33) wraps up a busy combat sports weekend, including the PFL’s latest pay-per-view. He breaks down what worked and what didn’t on Friday night. He also predicts what fights they should make next, including one for Cris Cyborg. He then discusses Katie Taylor’s big win over Chantelle Cameron and what should be next for Taylor. Helwani wraps it up talking about CM Punk’s surprising return to WWE. Bellator exec Mike Kogan around (30:33) discusses Bellator’s sale to PFL MMA, Bellator’s relationship with Showtime, if he will remain with Bellator, Bellator’s possible future, if Scott Coker will join the new Bellator, PFL's tournament format, Cris Cyborg’s future, ONE Championship’s future, and more. Impa Kasanganay around (1:01:31) discusses his PFL title win Friday, his motorcycle tour, what his past year has been like, why he lived in his car for six months, how he was able to train, if he ever thought of retirement, his childhood, what he wants next, Francis Ngannou, and more. Joe Pyfer around (1:28:32) discusses his upcoming main event against Jack Hermansson, when he found out, what could be next after it, if he wanted to test his free agency, Paul Craig’s antics, avenging his one UFC loss, the UFC rankings, and more. Skye Nicolson around (1:53:45) discusses her stoppage win over Lucy Wildheart on Saturday night, what she has learned over the past year, if she was more nervous before this fight, her walkout song, why she passed on next Olympics, coming out with bad intentions, facing Amanda Serrano, meeting Ed Sheeran, her message to Serrano, and more. Olivier Aubin-Mercier around (2:24:04) discusses his win over Clay Collard in the PFL pay-per-view, if it could be the end of his career, when he will make a final decision, what he wants to do next, if he has any regrets, what GSP means to you, some of his injuries, his favorite victory, and more. The panel around (2:47:32) takes another look at a busy combat sports weekend. The parlay boys around (3:31:28) look back at their most recent selection, and GC recaps his picks 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 Nov 20233h 47min

Boxing champ Chantelle Cameron around (12:41) discusses Katie Taylor skipping media for their rematch, how life has changed since her win over Taylor, why she was in awe of Taylor before the first fight, suffering a bad injury before that fight, her frustration at the terms of the rematch, her lack of a rematch clause, wanting to challenge for Taylor’s 135-pound titles, their awkward run-ins before the rematch, why she thinks Eddie Hearn is rooting for Taylor to win despite promoting both fighters, and more. On the latest edition of On the Nose around (33:18) and (3:22:45) Ariel Helwani answers your questions about the PFL-Bellator deal, the year of the backup fighter, PFL’s five different brands, how Bellator’s preexisting contracts work, math rock, favorite fighter nicknames, PFL’s broadcast future, European MMA, UFC press conferences compared to boxing press conferences, sneakers, hating the NBA’s in-season tournament, college football, weird hobbies, and more. Kayla Harrison around (54:54) discusses her PFL bout against Aspen Ladd, her up-and-down year since her first loss, what’s different for Friday’s bout, why her kids won’t be in attendance this year, why Julia Budd isn’t fighting, why Larissa Pacheco would smoke Ladd, her run-ins with Pacheco on fight week, not understanding why the Ladd bout is a 150-pound catchweight, her future in PFL after Friday’s return, Cris Cyborg, and more. Dustin Poirier around (1:37:31) discusses his charitable efforts for the Thanksgiving season, reconnecting with The Korean Zombie, why he’s still processing his knockout loss to Justin Gaethje, the drama around the recent Islam Makhachev fight, wanting to fight at UFC 300, why he’s too small for welterweight, Brendan Allen’s big win, wanting to box in the future, Francis Ngannou’s performance against Tyson Fury, his post-MMA plans, and more. Ailín Pérez joins us in studio around (2:09:08) to discuss her UFC Vegas 82 win, the crazy brawl at the Argentina vs. Brazil soccer match, her side of her Performance Institute run-in with Joselyn Edwards before her fight, the origin of their feud, manager Alex Davis’ account of the situation, whether she’s considering pressing charges on Edwards, her viral post-fight celebration, the money she makes from her OnlyFans, and more. The Parlay Boys around (3:54:23) make their selections for the holiday 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

22 Nov 20234h 28min

Ariel Helwani around (4:06) wraps up a busy combat sports weekend and then breaks down PFL’s acquisition of Bellator. He then looks back at memorable MMA mergers in the past. The panel then takes a closer look at PFL’s big move and the biggest fight that can be made between the two promotions. Frank Warren around (40:48) discusses how the big boxing event came together for the Dec. 23 event, his relationship with Eddie Hearn, why Tyson Fury isn’t on Dec. 23 card, if Fury will rematch Ngannou next after Usyk fight, fights in Saudi Arabia, how Ngannou would do against other top heavyweights, and more. Donn Davis around (1:06:40) discusses PFL’s acquisition of Bellator, when the talks started, why they did it, if cash was involved in deal, if Bellator and PFL will have different TV deals, why they are keeping the Bellator brand alive, when Francis Ngannou will fight for the PFL, Jake Paul, Kayla Harrison, Scott Coker’s future, uniforms, rules, broadcast team, how close they are to the UFC now, PFL’s pay-per-view price, crowd sizes, Canadian events, and more. Dan Hardy around (2:03:08) discusses PFL’s acquisition of Bellator, PFL Europe, his split with UFC, if he’s done fighting, how he broke into TV work, why he changed his walkout song early in his UFC career, Lee Murray, his wife’s arm triangle, what it’s like watching his fight in the UFC, Tom Aspinall, Brendan Loughnane training with Conor McGregor, his Lego collection, and more. Veronica Hardy around (2:49:53) discusses living in the UK, her performance at UFC 286, her childhood, the impact of Bruce Lee, how she got into mixed martial arts, when she first met Dan Hardy, having Hardy as a coach, if Hardy should fight again, concussions, Tool, her upcoming fight, and more. The parlay boys around (3:35:57) look back at their latest selection, and GC recaps his selections 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

20 Nov 20234h 6min

In the latest On the Nose around (6:23), Ariel Helwani discusses Tom Aspinall’s future, the best post-fight speeches, what PFL may do with Bellator, the possibility of future live shows, any updates of Nate Diaz, Draymond Green’s rear-naked choke, and more. Steve Erceg around (42:15 )discusses his big UFC 295 win, fighting at MSG, where his nickname comes from, what he wants next, why he didn’t fight on the Sydney card, and more. Andre Ward around (1:00:58) discusses why he’s become more open after his career is over, his documentary and book, when he started to use drugs, his father’s death, why he parted ways with ESPN, his plans for the future, Diaz vs. Paul, Wilder vs. Joshua, Francis Ngannou’s performance against Tyson Fury, what Ngannou should be next, Fury vs. Usyk, Jake Paul’s next fight, Devin Haney, and more. Benoit Saint-Denis around (1:30:40) discusses his UFC 295 win, how his brother ended up in his corner, how his wife is his agent, if he would have his wife in the corner, fighting at Madison Square Garden, his mouthpiece, what led him to combat sports, why he wants to face Justin Gaethje next, and more. Jake Paul around (2:23:35) discusses his upcoming fight with Andre August next month, if the Nate Diaz rematch was close, his PFL uniform photo shoot, the KSI showdown, the union effort with Anderson Silva, Canelo Alvarez, Logan Paul’s boxing retirement, his fight prediction, and more. Mayra Bueno Silva around (2:50:55) discusses her upcoming UFC title shot, her recent positive drug test, having her win overturned, Julianna Pena’s recent comments, her prediction for the Raquel Pennington fight, and more. The parlay pals around (3:11:12) make a pick for the upcoming combat sports weekend, and GC makes his selections. 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

15 Nov 20233h 39min