The Ariel Helwani Show

Ariel Helwani kicks off the the show by covering some news and notes (06:52), before being joined in studio by California State Athletic Commission Executive Director Andy Foster, who discusses regulation for the UFC’s White House card, Herb Dean’s handling of Ciryl Gane’s win over Alex Pereira, Ilia Topuria being able to continue with his damaged eye, MVP’s MMA card on Netflix, the New York Times report about Conor McGregor using “banned drugs,” disclosed fighter purses, and more (16:10).

Sean O'Malley is back following his big White House win over Aiemann Zahabi, diving into the differences of the card from a normal fight week, additional pressure and preparation for the fight, his weight cut, believing he deserved a bonus for his knockout, who he wants to fight next, his salute celebration, Justin Gaethje’s massive main event upset, and more (59:49).

Ariel and the crew react to Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry being announced for August, World Cup action, Paramount download data for the White House card, Floyd Mayweather’s reported money issues, and more (1:33:09).

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski returns to discuss cornering Mauricio Ruffy at the UFC White House, Ilia Topuria’s performance against Justin Gaethje, Topuria’s chances in a rematch, expectations for Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway, when he plans to return, and more (2:26:32).

Before the next guest, Ariel answers your Super Chats (2:52:35).

Alex Pereira joins Ariel in-studio to express frustration with the stoppage in his fight against Ciryl Gane. Plus, coach Plinio Cruz’s details his reaction to the final sequence, then Pereira talks about whether he thinks Gane is a dirty fighter, referee Herb Dean’s decision-making and past controversies, wanting to use this situation to improve future officiating and fighter safety, wanting a rematch, planning to stay at heavyweight, Josh Hokit’s continued trash talk, and more (3:18:00).

Ariel finishes the show with a few more Super Chats (4:28:28).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with further reflection on the UFC White House event and reaction to new stories developing in the aftermath (14:53).

Ariel and The Boys in the Back answer your On The Nose questions about the New York Knicks, White House walkouts and production, Josh Hokit’s controversial post-fight comments, whether Ciryl Gane is getting a reputation for fouling opponents, and more (44:10).

Chuck Mindenhall joins Ariel to give his first-hand account of the UFC White House card (1:21:18).

Conor McGregor makes his long-awaited in-studio return, talking about his announced comeback, his negotiations with the UFC, including a confirmed date for the final fight on his current contract, thoughts on the White House card and Ilia Topuria, being offered a two-fight deal — boxing and MMA — against Terence Crawford, BKFC’s new broadcast partner, his rivalry with Max Holloway, the New York Times reporting his took “banned drugs,” and more (1:52:22).

Ariel and crew answer more On The Nose questions (2:48:09) and your Super Chats (3:19:55).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri kick off the show discussing the New York Knicks becoming NBA champions and what it all means for the city of New York (01:08). 

Bam Rodriguez scored an impressive knockout win over Antonio Vargas to win the WBA bantamweight title on Saturday night and now all eyes are on a potential super fight with Naoya Inoue (16:24). Should Bam take another fight before? Should he jump right into an Inoue fight, which would be his highest-paying fight by a large margin (25:28)?

Next up, the UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House produced some wild scenes and fights (38:53) as well as a confusing boxing moment when Tyson Fury was brought in to make an announcement and instead deferred to Dana White (45:25). We’re guessing the announcement will be Fury officially signing with Zuffa Boxing. What does this mean for the Anthony Joshua fight?

Solomonster chimes in on the wild rumors floating around regarding CM Punk, his physical appearance, heat with WWE, and even a future return to AEW (04:09).

Thoughts on Friday's WWE championship, where things may be headed for Night of Champions, plus an injury update on Rhea Ripley (12:53).

News on the death of the man who created the King of the Ring in 1985, plus thoughts on where things stand with the KOTR and QOTR tournaments after Raw (19:37).

A major update on Vince McMahon's sex trafficking lawsuit and whether it could pave the way for an eventual return to the company, plus an update on Liv Morgan’s stalker being found not guilty by reason of insanity (30:49).

MJF gets a match at Forbidden Door but it’s not a title match, the finals of the men’s Owen Hart tournament have been set and why the Forbidden Door concept no longer works (44:37).

Five title changes on the New Japan Dominion show this past weekend, including a new IWGP champion crowned, and the blocks revealed for this year’s G1 Climax tournament (54:19).

Vince Russo reveals some sad news about Konnan’s health, plus some listener questions and a note about the social media ban being implemented in the UK (57:53).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by discussing the emotions of his New York Knicks winning the NBA championship (01:56).

The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to react to the UFC White House card, including the impressive production, Tyson Fury’s bizarre appearance, Justin Gaethje shocking the world, Ilia Topuria’s corner stopping the fight, Ciryl Gane dominating Alex Pereira, what what’s next for both, the night’s biggest winners, and more (21:01).

Bo Nickal is back after his White House win against Kyle Daukaus, giving behind-the-scenes insights, revealing his conversations with President Trump, and talking about what he wants next (1:29:50).

Anthony Smith joins to weigh in on the UFC White House card, dissecting Ilia Topuria’s game plan against Justin Gaethje, Gaethje’s toughness, the main event stoppage, Ciryl Gane’s next fight, Topuria and Pereira’s ability to bounce back, the rest of the card, and more (2:02:01).

Action Bronson joins Ariel in celebration of the Knicks title win, laying out his watching habits, how he reacted to the clinching game, his longtime fandom, and more (3:01:39).

Ariel touches on the continued promotional battle between Dana White and Eddie Hearn (3:26:20).

Arman Tsarukyan returns to discuss his RAF win over Tony Ferguson, before giving thoughts on the UFC White House main event, his friend’s winning bet on Justin Gaethje, believing he’s next in line for the title shot, still wanting to fight Ilia Topuria, wanting to be UFC champion above anything else, and more (3:46:18).

Ariel covers news and notes (4:21:09) and answers your Super Chats to end the show (4:30:09).