The Ariel Helwani Show

Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes are back for this week’s Craic . First on the docket, the lads discuss the moving parts in the UFC lightweight division, including who Ilia Topuria should face next (10:51). Dana White was in vintage promotional form this week. Petesy, Chuck and Ben weigh in on his latest media appearance (34:29). This weekend brings plenty of action, with Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn in the ring (49:28) and Noche UFC inside the Octagon (55:47). The trio preview both events. After some fantasy football debate, the boys answer your Super Chats (01:14:38).

The Boys in the Back start the show with news and notes, including Ilia Topuria being "ready to fight" (05:10), UFC fighters speaking at the 2026 Republican Midterm Convention (16:06), the beef between Terence Crawford and 'Boots' Ennis (19:17), and more (25:19). Then, they recap Super RIZIN 5, which featured the RIZIN x PFL title fight between Razhabali Shaydullaev and A.J. McKee (27:08). Next, they discuss Dana White's priorities during a busy weekend for TKO (41:57) and preview Noche UFC (54:17), as well as Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn (1:33:15). Finally, the Boys make picks (1:45:35), deliver their P4P Noches (1:47:55), listen to your voicemails (2:12:52), and answer your Super Chats (2:51:42).

Ariel Helwani starts the show by reacting to Dana White’s comments about the departure of Michael ‘Venom’ Page, Ryan Garcia no-showing his faceoff with Conor Benn, the likelihood of an Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury fight happening, and more (07:48). Axel Sola joins to discuss his impressive knockout of Fares Ziam at UFC Paris, playing hockey in his childhood, how he discovered MMA, his ability to play piano and love of music, when he hopes to return, and more (36:25). Boxing manager Keith Connolly breaks down recent wins by Teofimo Lopez and Filip Hrgovic, Conor Benn’s upcoming fight against Ryan Garcia, Benn’s weight cut, the negotiations before Benn signed with Zuffa Boxing, his stance on the Ali Revival Act, fighters signing with broadcast networks like DAZN, and more (1:02:10). Kurtis Campbell talks about being able to bounce back after dropping his UFC debut, the crowd at UFC Paris, his signature glasses and pink shorts, getting into MMA after being bullied, training with other Liverpool-based fighters like Darren Till and Paddy Pimblett, Joanna Jedrzejczyk being his favorite fighter, and more (1:42:32). Paulo Costa is back to discuss UFC not offering him an interim title fight, his reaction to the UFC 322 announcement, ongoing contract negotiations with the UFC, his intention to sign with Matchroom Talent Agency and Eddie Hearn, being called out by Navajo Stirling, potential fights against Stirling, Jiri Prochazka, and Magomed Ankalaev, and more (2:19:59). Roberto Soldić returns to the show talking about his decision to sign with the UFC, the end of his time with ONE Championship, being motivated to showcase his skills for a larger audience, and more (2:51:07). The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll rejoin Ariel to answer your On The Nose questions, including Ariel’s move from news-breaker to host and beyond, Valentina Shevchenko being stripped of her title, which fight will headline UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden, and some more blind rankings (3:26:35). The show closes with your Super Chats (4:32:04).

Solomonster reacts to the sudden death of former AEW star Andy Williams a.k.a. 'The Butcher,' as well as the death of Memphis wrestling legend Bill Dundee (02:46). Thoughts on the WWE championship match between CM Punk and Johnny Gargano from Smackdown, the same Gargano who’s been planking on crates for the last six months, and the title match made for Mexico City (10:32). A review of WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event, including Lil Yachty surviving five minutes in the ring with Baron Corbin, Oba Femi vs. Bron Breakker, with the return of Bronson Reed, and Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton in a Wrestlemania rematch. Plus what is being said about a potential Cody heel turn (15:05). The fallout from Raw, with a lame Bloodline angle, Liv Morgan defending her Women’s World championship, Bayley’s return and conflicting reports about her status, and the first two Money in the Bank qualifying matches (34:37). The aftermath from Wembley on AEW Dynamite, with two big matches confirmed for All Out in Chicago, Kofi and Creed speak to Ariel Helwani on reports of a WWE pay cut, and the argument for Mercedes Mone as the GOAT of women’s wrestling (51:20). Why Tessa Blanchard may no longer be appearing this weekend for MLW (1:05:26) and yours questions talking Ultimate X in WWE, top stars being asked to take pay cuts, and the top three matches I’ve ever seen live in person (1:07:33).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by reacting to Katie Taylor’s magnificent retirement fight at Croke Park, with the crew debating the greatest sports retirements ever, before touching on the scene at UFC Paris (08:25). Saturday’s star Salahdine Parnasse is back on the show, breaking down his huge win over Dan Hooker, talking about the celebrities in attendance, the raucous crowd, the finish itself, doubling down on his Max Holloway callout, being ready to return before the end of the year against a top-five opponent, and more (39:22). Boxing Hall of Famer Russ Anber joins Ariel in-studio to discuss his new book, Unrivaled, before launching into stories from Montreal and his early days in the sport, breaking down the proper way to wrap hands, and more (1:07:20). Heavyweight boxer Thomas Carty is back on the show to discuss the bizarre ending to his fight against Dave Allen at Croke Park, where he fell through the ropes. He talks about what happened leading to the no-contest, Allen’s response in the aftermath, the fan reaction to the incident, and more (2:14:22). Dave Allen is up next, giving his own perspective on the controversy, the finishing sequence, a potential rematch, his physique for the fight, and more (2:28:38). Mario Pinto makes his show debut, discussing another memorable knockout and promo at UFC Paris, his place in the heavyweight division, not wanting to rush into a title shot, his time as a bouncer, how he handles criticism from fans, and more (3:00:06). The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll rejoin Ariel to finish recapping the weekend, including the future of Michael ‘Venom’ Page (TIME) and cover news and notes, with the UFC 332 main event, new Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury drama, and Ilia Topuria breaking his silence up for discussion (3:30:08). The crew answers your Super Chats to close the show (4:31:27).

Ariel Helwani reacts to Salahdine Parnasse's dominant win over Dan Hooker at UFC Pairs, Katie Taylor's historic retirement fight, and the anticipated reveal of the UFC 332 main event.

In a special post-fight reaction show, Petesy Carroll reacts to Katie Taylor's retirement fight win over Flora Pili at Croke Park.

Our usual trio of Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes are back for this week’s edition of The Craic. UFC 332 is just a month away and still without a main event. The lads debate what could headline the Salt Lake City card (07:52). With the lightweight division also in need of some clarity, the boys turn their attention to Justin Gaethje, who has yet to return to the cage. What could be next for the UFC lightweight champion? (22:12). Then, they discuss the rumours that Sean Strickland could defend his belt against Nassourdine Imavov this December (30:29). This weekend sees the UFC returning to Paris with Saladine Parnasse taking on Dan Hooker (43:43), while Katie Taylor prepares for her retirement party at the esteemed Croke Park (57:49). The lads get into it all. To finish up, the trio answer your Super Chats (01:15:55).

The Boys in the Back kick off the show by covering the latest in the Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury saga (03:18) and other news and notes (15:34). Then, they preview UFC Paris (35:32), including whether it's too soon for Salahdine Parnasse to face Dan Hooker and their pick for the most disrespected UFC fighter, before talking about the other combat sports action going down this weekend (1:26:47) and making picks (1:37:26). Finally, they deliver their P4P debuts (1:40:40), listen to your voicemails (1:56:01) and answer your Super Chats (2:39:45).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show discussing all the fallout from Moses Itauma’s loss last weekend, from his official statement, to what was said in his corner, to if he can fully recover (04:03). The heavyweight top 10 is ever changing, so Dan and Chris rank the division's best (24:36). Andy Ruiz returns to the ring for the first time since 2024, facing Damian Knyba, a hard-hitting Polish fighter who gave Agit Kabayel all he could handle earlier this year. Can Ruiz find the magic one more time and reclaim his greatness (36:34)? We end the show touching on Katie Taylor’s final fight from historic Croke Park in Ireland on Saturday afternoon (53:49).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with last weekend’s big winner, Song Yadong, who recaps his massive knockout of Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Shanghai. Song talks about why he felt it would be an easy fight, not being bothered by Umar’s comments before the fight, the experience of fighting in front of his countrymen in China, his reaction to Usman Nurmagomedov coming into the cage, Khabib Nurmagomedov wiping blood off his face, and more (05:24). Eddie Hearn returns to discuss Katie Taylor’s sendoff at Croke Park, the drama surrounding Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury and whether he sees a resolution happening, the involvement of Dana White and Zuffa Boxing, his relationship with Turki Alalshikh and Sela, the latest on Matchroom Talent Agency and potential interest in working with Paulo Costa, Tom Aspinall’s return, and more (30:54). Petesy Carroll checks in with a live report from Katie Taylor’s open workout at The Helix in Dublin, Ireland (1:06:46). Ariel and The Boys in the Back answer your On The Nose questions regarding kids getting into combat sports, BKFC’s Fenway Park event, the return of The Uncrowned Beat, rumors about the UFC 332 main event, the potential for Umar or Usman Nurmagomedov to carry on Khabib’s legacy, Contender Series’ ability to create stars, and more (1:19:51). Bilal Hasan makes his show debut, talking about his memorable Contender Series debut, representing Indonesia, his viral popularity, having his dad in his corner, his fandom of Michael Jackson, his callout of Andre Lima, and more (2:02:20). Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera talks about dealing with and overcoming self-doubt during his recent skid, making major changes to his camp and life, his upcoming fight against Charles Jourdain and grappling against Jose Aldo, and more (2:34:44). Anthony Wint is our final guest of the day, discussing his rapid rise from Contender Series to UFC, having no prior combat sports experience, not loving the art of fighting, his NFL career, comparisons to Josh Hokit, battling homelessness and gambling addiction, and more (3:09:06). Ariel covers some news and notes (3:46:31), answers more On The Nose questions (3:53:43) and closes with Super Chats (4:08:20).

Solomonster raves about AEW All In London and has a lot to say about Will Ospreay’s title win and entrance at Wembley, plus Eric Bischoff comparing it to a Nasty Boys match (1:14). He also has thoughts on the return of Britt Baker after nearly two years, the debut of The New Level, what really attracted them to AEW, the one team missing from the tag team standoff, and Mercedes Mone breaking her nose while winning the world title (7:27). Kota Ibushi updates us on his broken leg and it’s not good, plus Jim Ross is back with a health update and why he wasn’t present in London for the PPV (32:32). NXT Heatwave thoughts, including the match you should go out of your way to watch, Grayson Waller wins the NXT championship, and why it felt like he was one step away from being released before this latest run (39:16). News on the return of Wrestlepalooza and what it could mean for the John Cena Classic, Penta and Rey Fenix battle to decide who gets to challenge Roman Reigns in Mexico City, one possible creative path for Jacob Fatu, plus a preview and predictions for Sunday Night's Main Event in Atlanta (43:50). Injury updates on Kevin Owens after a scare this past weekend and Matt Cardona speaks from the heart after tearing his tricep (56:21). Mercedes Martinez announces her sudden retirement in the middle of her final tour and more embarrassing Ric Flair tweets, as he threatens to sue over stolen robes (1:04:39). Ending with your questions, talking a possible Ilja Dragunov debut in AEW, a Mighty Mouse and Ben Askren-type trade between WWE and AEW, and some of the top wrestler monikers (1:10:35).

Ariel Helwani quickly previews today’s lineup before being joined by The New Level to talk about their recent AEW debut. Kofi and Austin Creed reveal behind-the-scenes details about AEW negotiations, their first time interacting with the rest of the roster, reports of WWE asking them to take a pay cut and the decision to part ways, their continued relationship with Big E, the positive vibes around AEW right now, and more (04:45). Alex Apodaca makes her show debut, discussing the shocking upset of Bella Mir, being a massive underdog in the fight, how she got her start in MMA, her accounting job, getting awarded the UFC contract by Dana White, her reaction to Mir’s mother’s comments on social media, and more (1:05:29). Ronald Humphrey joins on the heels of his impressive win on Contender Series, talking about the experience on the show, as well as the fighting career and death of his father, Abongo, his thoughts on the rest of the UFC welterweight division, including champion Islam Makhachev, his goal of being an all-time great, and more (1:34:36). Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller is back to discuss his episode of Vice’s Dark Side of the Cage and reflect on his career, overcoming legal troubles, his recent growth and evolution, and his time on Bully Beatdown. He also touches on his coaching career, his girlfriend, how to support fighters after retirement, and more (2:12:00). Bella Mir looks back at her first career loss, detailing the preparation, the fight itself, and the aftermath. She goes into her weight cut, whether there was additional pressure, how she felt during the fight, her mother’s comments after the fight, expectations for her career, whether she has a UFC deal, and more (2:44:03). Ariel announces the return of The Uncrowned Beat, covers recent news items (3:22:03), and then answers your Super Chats (3:31:26).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping a wild weekend of combat sports, starting with Song Yadong’s stunning knockout of Umar Nurmagomedov, as well as brother Usman Nurmagomedov’s viral moment (01:30). Katie Taylor joins ahead of her highly-anticipated retirement fight at Croke Park to talk about headlining the historic venue, her plans post-retirement, the various tributes being paid to her career, and more (32:22). Ariel and crew react to Moses Itauma’s stunning loss at the hands of Filip Hrgovic, including foreshadowing comments by Itauma in now-unearthed interviews and Oleksandr Usyk’s thoughts on the fight, before discussing the embarrassing Duel Arena event (53:41). UFC veteran Joe Lauzon discusses his BKFC debut, including what it was like to fight at Fenway Park, preparing for his first boxing bout, the damage sustained from bare-knuckle punches, his UFC contract status, and more (1:41:03). Heavyweight boxer Andy Ruiz joins Ariel in-studio to talk about his comeback, his desire to be champion again, signing with Matchroom Boxing, his thoughts on Zuffa Boxing, his reaction to Moses Itauma’s loss, his son wanting to pursue boxing as well, releasing a diss track, and more (2:03:40). Ariel covers other news and notes, including Zabit Magomedsharipov’s successful return to competition, Muhammad Mokaev grabbing grappling gold, Justin Gaethje getting into motivational speaking, Dana White being asked about the secret location he’s teasing, and more (2:51:47). The show closes with your Super Chats (3:39:54).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show recapping one of the craziest endings to a heavyweight fight in ages, as Filip Hrgovic pulled off the massive upset of Moses Itauma, who simply ran out of gas (03:32). How will Itauma bounce back from this loss? Chris digs deep into the psyche of Itauma and if his team prepared properly for this fight (29:43). Over in Los Angeles, ProBoxTV rolled out one of their biggest fight cards to date with Lester Martinez defeating Luka Plantic in the main event. The co-main event saw Najee Lopez defeat Juan Carillo after a very bizarre replay review (47:24). Finally, over in Birmingham, UK, Chantelle Cameron defeated Mikaela Mayer in a very close, back-and-forth fight. In the co-main event, Caroline Dubois defeated Amelia Moore then got into it again with Alycia Baumgardner outside the ring (53:38).

Petesy Carroll and Ben Fowlkes are back for a duo edition of The Craic. Dillon Danis has pulled out of his MMA fight with Mike Perry. The boys react to the news (02:11). Following her loss on Dana White’s Contender Series, Bella Mir has taken plenty of flack online. Petesy and Ben discuss the response to her defeat (23:21). Then, the lads weigh in on Usman Nurmagomedov’s claim that he turned down a $2 million offer from PFL (49:19). Looking ahead to the weekend, Petesy and Ben preview Moses Itauma’s return to the ring (59:05) and UFC Shanghai (01:03:41). To finish up, the duo answer your Super Chats (01:13:35).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieiri open the show previewing the heavyweight title fight between 21-year old phenom Moses Itauma and battle-tested Filip Hrgovic (04:57). ProBox TV has a big card featuring Lester Martinez, Ramon Cardenas, and Najee Lopez, with Chris on the call (26:47). Over in Birmingham, MVPW has another installment with Mikaela Mayer taking on Chantelle Cameron in a battle of two top-five pound-for-pound talents with big stakes (41:19). A slew of fight announcements were made this week: Dmitry Bivol vs. Callum Smith, Floyd Schofield vs. Lucas Bahdi, and Sebastian Fundora vs. Ermal Hadribeaj (45:13). We end the show with some Floyd Mayweather news, as the TBE launches The Money Team Legal Network (57:46).

The Boys in the Back serve up a brand new show, starting with some news and notes. They cover Bella Mir’s first statement after her Contender Series loss and her mother’s apology (04:04), Kevin Holland addressing speculation about him being the $11 million man (09:53), Josh Hokit taking aim at Tom Aspinall (17:51), Usman Nurmagomedov turning down big money from the PFL (48:30), and more. After breaking down the escalating beef between Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov (50:59), they dive into Nurmagomedov’s fight against Song Yadong at UFC Shanghai and the rest of the card (1:02:48). Next, they preview the rest of the weekend’s fight, including Mike Perry vs. Dillon Danis, BKFC at Fenway Park, Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic, and Mikaela Mayer vs. Chantelle Cameron (1:36:09), and make picks (1:44:37). Plus, a brand new Fight Feasts, featuring Shanghainese food (1:46:00), P4P Chinese takeout (02:07:31), voicemails (2:21:21), and Super Chats (3:13:01).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by reacting to breaking news that TKO has become minority shareholders in DAZN, Bella Mir’s shocking Contender Series loss, Dana White’s demeanor at press conferences, Complex’s sports media power rankings, and more (10:12). WBA welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez joins on the heels of his win over Rolly Romero to discuss managing his coaching relationship with his father, wanting to fight Devin Haney, calls for him to fight Jack Catterall, and more (1:09:21). Sean Brady talks about his experience preparing for RAF 12 and stepping on the mat against Jordan Burroughs, how he believes Islam Makhachev would do against Burroughs in wrestling, wanting to face Colby Covington for RAF, his upcoming fight against Gabriel Bonfim, Ian Machado Garry’s performance against Makhachev, not being on UFC 330 in Philadelphia, whether Din Thomas will corner him for his next fight, and more (1:34:54). Jose Delgado makes his show debut, discussing how his main event matchup against Jean Silva came together, his upbringing and family life, hoping to honor his father, who died when Delgado was young, his girlfriend’s taxidermy hobby, and more (2:07:12). Rafael dos Anjos is our final guest of the day, talking about returning from a two-year layoff at UFC 332, opening his new gym in Austin, Texas, the secret to his longevity, still wanting to fight Conor McGregor, and more (2:33:24). Ariel and the crew answer your On The Nose questions, including how the sport and UFC can attract new fans, drug testing in MMA and its impact on all-time rankings, Ilia Topuria’s next fight, and an all-time saga regarding Ariel’s missing yogurt (2:59:50). The show ends with your Super Chats (4:06:32).

Ariel Helwani opens the show by bouncing around the upcoming schedule, including Umar Nurmagomedov’s UFC main event against Song Yadong in Shanghai, Bella Mir’s Contender Series showcase, and more (05:57). Old friend Ade Oladipo reunites with Ariel to talk all things boxing, starting with the reaction to his viral George Foreman clip, then discussing Moses Itauma’s massive potential, the drama surrounding Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury and it potentially not taking place in the UK, Zuffa Boxing’s impact so far, and more (18:01). Unified super welterweight champion Mikaela Mayer joins to preview her bout against Chantelle Cameron, also talking about her contract with MVP, wanting to fight Claressa Shields, Alycia Baumgardner fighting Elif Nur Turhan rather than Caroline Dubois, the momentum in women’s boxing compared to their MMA counterparts, her commentary career, and more (1:01:06). Ariel and The Boys in the Back chitchat about youth sports, fatherhood, and life, before covering some breaking news (1:29:29). Carli Judice makes her show debut, discussing her sports background, growing up as a non-MMA fan, the story being her nickname “Crispy,” her finishing ability and high-volume style, meeting fellow Lafayette, Louisiana native Dustin Poirier, and more (2:00:53). AEW star Will Osprey discusses his massive opportunity to headline AEW All In opposite Kenny Omega at Wembley Stadium, reflecting on his career to this point, his high-flying style, his relationship with AEW boss Tony Khan, the vibe in the locker room, receiving offers from WWE, how the WWE and AEW products compare, loving his time in Japan, and more (2:33:00). Ariel and crew close out the show with your Super Chats (3:20:23).