The Ariel Helwani Show

On this episode of The Uncrowned Beat, Ariel Helwani is joined by NewYorkRic, Petesy Carroll, and Drake Riggs to discuss hot topics including: UFC's welterweight title picture, amid reports of Carlos Prates being Islam Makhachev's next challenge (02:34), Sean Strickland's complaints about his pay (10:19), Nassourdine Imavov ramping up the trash talk (33:00), and more.

Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes are back together for another edition of The Craic.
First, the trio debate the true value of a UFC title in an era where meritocracy feels increasingly absent (04:50).
On a similar note, the lads react to Farid Basharat not being re-signed by the UFC despite going 7-0 (28:30).
Next, the uncertainty around upcoming fight cards in Saudi Arabia comes into focus (46:47).
To close the show, the boys preview this weekend’s combat sports action (53:04), and answer your Super Chats (01:18:13).

The Boys in the Back cover news and notes, including Alexander Volkanovski calling out Justin Gaethje (03:02), Farid Basharat not being re-signed by the UFC (08:45), and more (29:07).
Then, they sort out the UFC welterweight title picture based on reports of Islam Makhachev vs. Carlos Prates taking place in early 2027 (46:07).
After previewing UFC Edmonton (1:06:44), they touch on the rest of this weekend's action (1:36:06) and make picks (1:59:41).
The Boys deliver their lists of P4P Canadians (2:03:06), listen to your voicemails (2:29:41), and answer your Super Chats (3:03:53).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show reacting to Naoya Inoue saying he's no longer “waiting” on 'Bam' Rodriguez and will now prepare for a move to featherweight (12:01).
The biggest fight of the weekend is the rematch between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley. Dubois stopped Wardley in the first fight, but Wardley had Dubois down twice in the first three rounds. Who makes the adjustments and comes out on top (34:49)?
Sebastian Fundora returns to the ring on Saturday night as a massive favorite over his mandatory, Ermal Hadribeaj. For Fundora, he must win and immediately look to fight the winner of the rumored Jaron 'Boots' Ennis-Josh Kelly unification bout (52:36).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with quick news and notes (05:33).
Kayla Harrison returns to talk about recovering from neck surgery, facing the possibility of not fighting again, the process of getting back to fighting shape, whether she will retire after fighting Amanda Nunes, already being satisfied with her career, Ronda Rousey’s trash talk, and more (13:40).
Prospect Asaf Chopurov joins the show for the first time to discuss his extensive amateur career, his upcoming debut at UFC 333, fighting in Abu Dhabi, aiming to be a UFC champion by the time he turns 28 years old, and more (46:26).
Ariel addresses Sean Strickland and Dana White’s comments about Strickland’s contract status (1:00:29).
Liz Carmouche is back to break down her PFL women’s flyweight title fight against Jena Bishop, talking about her late career resurgence, training with Bishop and their first bout, potentially facing Dakota Ditcheva, Bishop training with Ronda Rousey, and more (1:10:21).
Niko Price explains why he decided to retire in March, then touches on the offer that got him to come back, having a proper retirement fight, memories from his UFC career, and more (1:35:06).
WBC super welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora stops by to preview his upcoming title defense and discuss potential massive fights on the horizon, his status with PBC, whether he’d entertain offers from other promotions, his love of wrestling, the massive success of his sister Gabriela, and more (2:01:05).
The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to answer On The Nose questions about the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua undercard, Josh Hokit’s meteoric rise, the prevelance of Dana White Contender Series fighters, Paramount viewership, and more (2:23:08).
The show wraps up with your Super Chats (3:35:02).