The Ariel Helwani Show

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri kick off the show breaking down the heavyweight title fight between champion Oleksandr Usyk and kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven. Why is this fight happening? Does Verhoeven have any shot at all?

We introduce a new segment to the show and lay out the odds for the Usyk-Verhoeven fight as well as the co-main event which features Richard Torrez Jr. stepping up to face veteran Frank Sanchez. 

The rest of the undercard features the return of Hamzah Sheeraz fighting for the vacant WBO 168-pound title against unknown German Alem Begic. Could Sheeraz fight Jaime Munguia or Canelo Alvarez next? The other notable undercard fight is a WBA interim title fight between Shakram Giyasov and Jack Catterall.

Finally, Ryan Garcia recently appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and announced his next fight against Conor Benn. Do we believe Ryan? Will Zuffa and Golden Boy play nice and do business together?

The Boys in the Back kick off the show by reacting to Scott Coker re-entering the MMA world (06:19), Khabib Nurmagomedov pushing back against Dana White's claims about his retirement (10:12), the arrest of wrestler Ludwig Kaiser (20:20), and trash talk between Ilia Topuria and Ryan Garcia regarding a hypothetical boxing match (24:22).

Then, they discuss Conor McGregor's return and speculate on his next few fights (28:56) and preview a weekend that includes Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven, PFL Brussels, and Brandrisk 014 (51:33).

Ariel Helwani joins the show to give further details about Coker's plans for his new promotion (1:18:52).

The Boys debut video from their California training sessions with UFC fighters (01:35:59), then deliver a particularly convoluted P4P list (02:04:04).

The show closes as always with voicemails (02:33:30) and Super Chats (02:45:36).

Ariel Helwani kicks off with a recap of last night’s spectacular win by his New York Knicks and Arsenal winning the Premier League title (23:47).

Most Valuable Promotions CEO Nakisa Bidarian is back to address fan criticism of the promotion’s MMA debut on Netflix, then discuss the event’s viewership numbers, UFC announcing Conor McGregor’s return during Francis Ngannou’s walkout, how many events they plan to do in the future, Jake Paul’s return from the jaw injury he suffered against Anthony Joshua, and more (31:21).

Old friend Alistair Overeem returns to the show to talk about a potential comeback, his role as an analyst for Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven, and then break down the heavyweight clash (1:04:49).

Nico Ali Walsh, Muhammad Ali’s grandson, makes his show debut to discuss all things related to the proposed Ali Revival Act, including Zuffa Boxing’s role and intentions, the Congressional committee hearing, the narrative that boxing needs to be fixed, and more (1:30:53).

Phumi Nkuta joins Ariel in-studio, reflecting on his controversial loss to Adriano Moraes, talking about the sequence leading to the submission attempt, Moraes holding the choke after the bell, the referee’s decision to grant Moraes the win, appealing the result and what he hopes to achieve, why he hasn’t been offered a UFC contract, and more (2:05:33).

The show closes with some news and notes (2:55:14) and Super Chats (3:28:29).

Solomonster is back with thoughts on the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano “fight” on Netflix, as well as a controversial finish during the preliminary fights, featuring a pro wrestler (0:37).

Thoughts on John Cena being treated for a medical condition and more information about the John Cena Classic (4:27), plus Brock Lesnar’s surprise return on Raw to destroy Oba Femi, Tribal Combat added to the Clash in Italy card, and hollow justice for Stephanie Vaquer’s alleged abuser (8:14).

Then, the latest on Randy Orton injury reports, and the former WWE star that could be coming back (21:30), a preview and predictions for Saturday Night’s Main Event, and Sports Illustrated saying WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley could be on his way to AEW (29:28).

Thoughts on the brackets for the men’s and women’s Owen Hart Foundation tournaments, plus an AEW Double or Nothing preview and predictions (43:32).

Why Road Warrior Animal’s widow was furious after A&E’s Biography, plus a WILD story as former WWE star Reginald reveals how he nearly ended up in the WrestleMania main event (57:15).

Ariel Helwani starts the show with a media discussion, sparked by NBA insider Shams Charania’s recent reporting of NBA’s MVP award (10:21).

Carlos Prates is back to reflect on his dominant performance against Jack Della Maddalena, then talks about deserving the next title shot, facing Michael Morales in the future, Mauricio Ruffy’s relationship with The Fighting Nerds, a dream fight against Ilia Topuria, and more (32:05).

Ariel and the gang answer On The Nose questions, with topics including their adventures in Hollywood, Conor McGregor’s return announcement, reactions to Netflix’s MMA debut, and more (1:02:21).

Maxwell Jacob Friedman (a.k.a. MJF) joins Ariel in-studio, discussing Tony Khan’s growth, wrestling fans being disenfranchised, the strength of the AEW roster, having unfinished business with Darby Allin, WrestleMania 42, Danhausen’s success, legends Steve Austin, Bret Hart, and Shawn Michaels, his 2024 free agency, and more (1:44:57).

Ariel and The Boys in the Back close the show with some news and notes, more On The Nose questions, and your Super Chats (3:03:44).