The Ariel Helwani Show

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show by reacting to Canelo Alvarez’s outstanding win over Christian Mbilli to capture another world title at super middleweight (01:50). Who should Canelo fight next: Hamzah Sheeraz? Terence Crawford (19:28)? The undercard lasted several hours and saw Rafael Espinoza stop Ricardo Blandon by TKO and an all out slugfest between Jaime Munguia and underdog Nikita Zon (37:02). Lastly, Oleksandr Usyk has expressed a desire to go back down to cruiserweight and fight David Benavidez in 2027. Is this a possible reality (49:31)?

On this episode of The Uncrowned Beat, Ariel Helwani is joined by Ben Fowlkes, Chuck Mindenhall, and Conner Burks to discuss top combat sports stories including: Alex Volkanovski angling for a Justin Gaethje superfight (01:20), fans seemingly turning on Alex Pereira (13:11), whether Petr Yan vs. Sean O'Malley is the biggest bantamweight fight ever (20:09), Conor Benn calling out Conor McGregor (27:40), and a look at the state of combat sports memorabilia (32:55).

The Craic is back! This week, Ben Fowlkes and Chuck Mindenhall take the reins. First up, the duo unpack the controversy surrounding Canelo Alvarez’s return to boxing in Saudi Arabia amid ongoing safety concerns. There’s UFC action this weekend too, with Ben and Chuck looking ahead to Saturday’s Apex card (03:35). Jake Paul has also announced his return to the ring, only there’s one problem: he doesn’t have an opponent. The latest developments get the Craic treatment (22:46). Elsewhere, Sean Strickland is reportedly intended to defend his title against Nassourdine Imavov, despite recently speaking out about his pay (32:58). Then, the lads weigh in on the UFC’s plans for an interim welterwright title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales (41:15). To round out the show, Ben highlights his most recent Uncrowned piece on Joe Louis (55:52), the duo talk Halloween plans, then answer your Super Chats (01:10:57).

The Boys in the Back kick off the show by reacting to recent news, including Sean Brady being forced out of his matchup against Gabriel Bonfim (10:16), Jake Paul announcing his next fight for Christmas Eve (11:21), and WWE's Crown Jewel switching locations in Saudi Arabia (23:47). Them, the Boys discuss whether Islam Makhachev is being treated unfairly in regard to his inactivity, or lack thereof (25:20), and preview this weekend's action, featuring UFC Vegas 123 (41:09) and Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbili taking place in Saudi Arabia (1:05:35). They make picks (1:10:13) and deliver their P4P Disney characters (1:15:30), before listening to your voicemails (1:33:42) and answering your Super Chats (2:24:23).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show discussing Canelo Alvarez’s return to the ring against Christian Mbilli. What does Canelo have left in the tank after 68 professional fights? Can Mbilli pull off the upset (00:42)? They also take a look at the snakebitten undercard that features Jaime Munguia and Rafael Espinoza in tune-up fights (43:16). Devin Haney officially announced his return to the ring, taking on IBF welterweight champion Liam Paro on Dec. 19. With a win, Haney would set himself up for massive unification fights against either Ryan Garcia or Teofimo Lopez (49:02). They end the show with some headlines, ranging from Jake Paul’s Christmas Eve return to Edgar Berlanga’s recent arrest (56:01).

Ariel Helwani reacts to UFC announcing Quillan Salkilld vs. Benoit Saint Denis for UFC Sydney, Amanda Serrano being booked for her retirement fight, and the new RAF 15 main event (07:38). The Boys in the Back join Ariel for On the Nose, answering questions about Dana White press conferences, Oscar De La Hoya’s promised clapback, Ariel’s Showergate situation, Alexander Volkanovski’s legacy, and more (23:41). Jean Silva joins the show again to react to Alexander Volkanovski’s win over Movsar Evloev, then talk about why he feels Jose Aldo is the greatest featherweight of all time, believing he should get the next title shot, Volkanski’s coach saying Silva hasn’t earned the opportunity, Aljamain Sterling’s claim to the title shot, and more (1:00:14). Alexander Volkov is back after his UFC 333 win to discuss the new attention on his personality, his viral press conference moment with Dana White, feeling like the spirit of the sport of MMA is being lost, Josh Hokit’s trash talk, the fight between Alex Pereira and Sergei Pavlovich, and more (1:35:48). Unified super featherweight world champion O’Shaquie Foster returns following his action-packed win over Emanuel Navarrete, talking about wanting to fight Shakur Stevenson after capturing undisputed gold, his claim to the title of Fighter of the Year over Ryan Garcia, interest in a potential Lomachenko bout, and more (2:03:28). Colby Thicknesse makes his show debut, discussing his massive upset over Asaf Chopurov at UFC 333, his relationship with teammate Alexander Volkanovski, how he got into the sport at any early age, Chopurov underestimating him, dealing with impostor syndrome, wanting to fight Cody Garbrandt on the UFC Sydney card, and more (2:33:00). UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is our final guest of the day, discussing the illness he dealt with ahead of UFC 333, feeling the effects in the fight against Movsar Evloev, how his legacy stacks up to Australia’s other sporting legends, his callout of UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, his view of the featherweight contenders, being willing to fight Arman Tsarukyan if Gaethje doesn’t, and more (3:02:29). Ariel covers news and notes (3:51:37), before answering your Super Chats (4:00:22).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with a story about his nightmare evening (04:04). Coach John Kavanagh stops by to talk about his new role as an ambassador for Scott Coker’s Ki MMA and his thoughts on potential MMA rule changes, before reflecting on Conor McGregor’s preparation for UFC 329 and the injury he suffered in the fight, McGregor’s mindset and mentality, another McGregor comeback and potential opponents if he returns, and more (31:10). Dakota Ditcheva is back to discuss recovery from the hand injuries she suffered in July, already being back in training, plans for her to fight Liz Carmouche falling apart, hoping to return in February or March for a rematch against PFL champion Jena Bishop, how teammate Kayla Harrison looks in training, and more (1:17:46). Sean O’Malley returns to react to Petr Yan’s win over Merab Dvalishvili, believing his rematch with Yan would be the biggest bantamweight fight of all time. He also touches on his conversation with Daniel Cormier to clear the air about any perceived friction, why he’s a bad matchup for Yan, being able to bounce back with two wins in 2026, and more (1:46:34). Ariel covers news and notes (2:31:26), before previewing some upcoming sporting events (2:55:28). The show ends with fan-submitted entires for the best current story in combat sports (3:03:03) and your Super Chats (3:11:58).

Solomonster has the latest on WWE Crown Jewel coming to Riyadh, Ari Emanuel’s comments about it on Fox News, and why all the TKO executives should be heading there with the talent (02:29). Thoughts on a big night for the ladies on Raw, including an impromptu women’s world title match after a last-minute change, comparing Sami Zayn to Bret Hart in 1997, and why WWE may be swerving us with two Tiffany Stratton MITB cash-in attempts on Liv Morgan in less than a week (04:52). Rey Mysterio retirement rumors for next year and pitching an idea for his final opponent (16:53), plus the stipulation for the next Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton match, and an idea for what to do with Cody next year as he admits “fatigue” has set in with some fans (21:03). Thoughts on the teams for the AEW Blood & Guts matches, Ilja Dragunov’s in-ring debut, Jay White’s new faction gets a name, and MVP lashes out at “blatant lies” about the Hurt Syndicate (29:17). Jake Hager undergoes a second eye surgery after brutal Power Slap injury, Brooke Hogan rants on people using her father for profit, and the Randy Savage IC title sells at auction for a record amount (51:20). Answering your questions on Penta cashing in his MITB, why Dolph Ziggler was never a top player in WWE, Sheamus in AEW, and more (59:43).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with a recap of his time in Las Vegas for RAF 14, including the brawl between Dillon Danis and Arman Tsarukyan and team (06:25), then reflects on the biggest UFC 333 stories, from Alexander Volkanovski’s incredible legacy, to the idea of Volkanovski fighting Justin Gaethje, the title fights to make in multiple divisions, Petr Yan winning the rubber match against Merab Dvalishvili, Sean O’Malley’s reaction to Yan’s win, major announcements for UFC 336, and more (1:13:32). Dominick Reyes is back after a big win to discuss his experience in Abu Dhabi, showing appreciation to the other great UFC 333 performances on social media, his beef with Daniel Cormier’s commentary, his recent success after overcoming career adversity, who he wants to fight next, and more (1:34:39). Lone’er Kavanagh breaks down his highlight-reel knockout at UFC 333, talking about being able to bounce back from his loss to Brandon Royval, his prediction for Joshua Van vs. Manel Kape, and more (2:04:57). Tim Welch stops by to analyze the UFC 333 co-main event and make the case for Sean O’Malley to fight Petr Yan next, also touching on Daniel Cormier only asking Yan about Song Yadong in the cage, his relationship with fans on social media, the future of Tommy McMillen, Alexander Volkanovski’s performance in the UFC 333 main event and how he’d fare against upcoming contenders, being a big fan of Payton Talbott, and more (2:19:45). Fox Sports Australia’s Niko Pajarillo makes his show debut to discuss covering UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi, Volkanovski’s place in the mainstream Australian culture, how he compares to other successful Australian athletes, his thoughts on Volkanovski taking on Gaethje, whether he believes Dana White recognized Alexander Volkov at the press conference, Quillan Salkilld’s next fight, and more (2:56:00). Ariel covers news and notes, including the latest on Canelo’s upcoming fight in Saudi Arabia, Dana White on Shakur Stevenson’s Zuffa Boxing release, and Devin Haney signing with DAZN and facing Liam Paro in December (3:28:26), before wrapping up with your Super Chats (4:01:37).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show reacting to O’Shaquie Foster’s dominant win over Emanuel Navarrete to become a three-belt champion at super featherweight. Should Foster go directly to lightweight for a potential battle with Shakur Stevenson (02:16)? Over in Sheffield, England, Dalton Smith edged out Alberto Puello to retain his WBC super lightweight title in what was a very technical, low-contact fight. Smith now sets his sights on the other champions at 140 pounds (39:28). Some more news and notes from the weekend: Naoya Inoue and Bam Rodriguez are back on track for a 2027 showdown, Devin Haney officially signs a deal with DAZN and is rumored to be fighting fellow welterweight champion Liam Para, Ryan Garcia and Teofimo Lopez are targeting a February fight date (42:12).

Ariel Helwani gives his instant reaction to UFC 333, starting with Alexander Volkanovski's flawless performance against Movsar Evloev (00:23), leading to the question: Who will Volkanovski fight next (03:13)? In the co-main event, Petr Yan wins the rubber match of his trilogy with Merab Dvalishvili (04:34), while Alexander Volkov keeps the winning streak going (08:57) and Aaron Pico delivers a fast finish (10:14). Ariel touches on a massive knockout from Dominick Reyes (11:06) and recaps the rest of the card (11:49). Finally, Ariel reacts to the major announcements for UFC 336 in Toronto: Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales for the interim UFC welterweight title and Joshua Van defending UFC flyweight gold against Manel Kape (16:04).

On this episode of The Uncrowned Beat, Ariel Helwani is joined by Dan Canobbio, Naji Grampus, and Alan Dawson to discuss boxing hot topics including: Shakur Stevenson securing his release from Zuffa Boxing (01:39), continued attacks in Sauda Arabia and how it will impact Canelo's upcoming bout (24:32), fallout from Daniel Dubois' massive win over Fabio Wardley (33:32), Sebastian Fundora potentially facing Jaron 'Boots' Ennis (35:52), and more.

On a special guest edition of The Craic, Ben Fowlkes helms the ship alongside Eric Jackman and Craic debutant Dudey. After reacting to some of the standout moments from the UFC 333 press conference (05:09), the trio turn their focus to the main event between Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev (16:38). The co-main event is next on the agenda, with Petr Yan set to face Merab Dvalishvili in their trilogy fight (28:32). Next, Arman Tsarukyan and Dillon Danis’ brawl at the RAF 14 press conference gives the crew plenty to unpack (50:15). Then, the unfolding situation in Saudi Arabia and what it could mean for Canelo Alvarez’s next fight comes under the microscope (01:02:07). Last up, the trio answer your Super Chats (01:16:36).

The Boys in the Back kick off the show by reacting to the growing talk surrounding a potential fight between Floyd Mayweather and Ryan Garcia (04:46), as well as other news and notes from the combat space (12:58). Then, they break down UFC 333 from top to bottom (34:41), before touching on RAF 14 (1:44:31), and makings picks (1:47:37). After debuting a brand new Fight Feasts, featuring Russian food (1:51:47), the Boys deliver their P4P trilogies (2:08:33). The show wraps up with your voicemails (2:34:43) and Super Chats (2:54:33).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show reacting to the latest Floyd Mayweather and Ryan Garcia posts teasing a potential fight. Dan got caught up in the hysteria, as Garcia tweeted directly at him, while Chris is still bullish on the fight happening (01:06). Shakur Stevenson has mutually agreeed to part ways with Zuffa Boxing before even staging a fight together. Stevenson is now a free agent and says he still wants to make the biggest fights possible. What does this mean for Zuffa (15:05)? We end the show previewing two excellent world title fights: Emanuel Navarrete vs. O’Shaquie Foster (35:05) and Dalton Smith vs. Alberto Puello (51:39).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by raising a New York Knicks championship banner in the studio (02:20). The Boys in the Back join Ariel to answer On The Nose questions about UFC letting Farid Basharat walk, interest in a potential Jake Paul vs. Darren Till fight, additional intrigue for Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes, Muhammad Mokaev taking issue with UFC’s practices, the state of ONE Championship, and more (13:20). Newly-crowned PFL women’s flyweight champion Jena Bishop makes her show debut, talking about her big win over former training partner Liz Carmouche, her expected rematch against Dakota Ditcheva, how she would fare against UFC champion Natalia Silva, and more (1:10:57). Mandel Nallo talks about picking up his first UFC win, arriving to the promotion late in his career, his strategic approach to training, why he picked his nose at the weigh-ins, his “Rat Garbage” nickname, and more (1:30:23). Ariel covers news and notes (2:31:04) and answers your Super Chats (2:41:08). IBF heavyweight champion Filip Hrgovic stops by to discuss his viral broadcast moment and newfound popularity, deserving more credit for his win over Moses Itauma, the state of the heavyweight division, wanting to rematch Daniel Dubois, his prediction that Tyson Fury will beat Anthony Joshua, and more (1:58:33). Alex Pereira and coach Plinio Cruz are back in-studio, with Cruz recapping his big Misfits Boxing win and Pereira talking about not getting the rematch with Ciryl Gane, who he believes will win between Gane and Josh Hokit, feeling Gane threw illegal strikes in their fight, Magomed Ankalaev saying Pereira left the division to avoid him, whether he considered a return to light heavyweight, how he ended up fighting Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335, whether the Jon Jones fight was ever close to being made for the White House card, and more (2:51:07). Ariel quickly previews UFC 333 to close the show (3:59:56).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with Joe Pyfer, who responds to recent comments by Bo Nickal on the show, describing his interactions with Nickal previously, the area of his game he expects Nickal to try to exploit, being offered Anthony Hernandez before accepting the fight against Nickal, his framing of the fight as “poor kid vs. rich kid,” and more (06:01). Mike Perry is back to talk about recovering from the shoulder injury he suffered in August, having to take a pay cut for his Duel Arena fight, still having hard feelings toward Dillon Danis, his relationship with BKFC and whether he’ll fight for them again, when we’ll see him next, Sean Strickland’s recent pay dispute, and more (29:45). Ilja Dragunov joins the show to discuss his WWE departure and signing with AEW, touching on details about WWE’s offer, being a polarizing performer, feeling like he can now unlock his creativity, and AEW dream matches. Plus, he offers memories of Pac, who recently passed away (1:03:53). Old friend Ade Oladipo returns to break down the biggest boxing stories, including Zuffa Boxing’s recent run and its shocking release of Shakur Stevenson, what happens with Devin Haney, fallout from Daniel Dubois’ massive knockout of Fabio Wardley, Filip Hrgovic’s newfound personality, Canelo’s fight against Christian Mbilli still being planned for Saudi Arabia, and more (1:46:09). Ariel answers your Super Chats to close the show (2:38:24).

Solomonster has three legal updates related to WWE, including a defeat in the McMahons' ring boy lawsuit, Ludwig Kaiser’s battery case, and Montez Ford accused of a sexualized lap dance on Monday Night Raw (01:56). Why Smackdown is a terrible TV show and Friday was no different, right down to the man nodding off in the front row (17:56), and thoughts on Roman Reigns and The Bloodline sending the 946 crew packing on Raw (24:18). An update on the cause of death for AEW star Pac, Tony Khan heaps praise on the Paramount-Skydance acquisition of Warner Brothers Discovery, and one big name who helped spearhead the WWE deal being gone from Netflix (35:44). AEW WrestleDream thoughts on the debut of Clockwork Carnage, with what worked and what didn’t, and the arrival of Ilja Dragunov. Plus, Adam Copeland announcing his retirement for 2027 (42:11). Former WWE and AEW star Zach Gowen announces his retirement from the ring, his quick rise and fall, the famous John Laurinaitis story, and why Gowen is a great example of never giving up on your dreams (1:16:20).

Ariel Helwani starts the show by reacting to breaking news that Shakur Stevenson has secured his release from Zuffa Boxing (08:51). The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to talk about Farid Basharat not being re-signed and Dana White’s comments in the aftermath, the finish-heavy UFC Edmonton card, and more (42:16). Jasmine Jasudavicius joins the show to discuss her big win over Erin Blanchfield, detailing the pre-fight trash talk, the atmosphere in Edmonton, the intricacies of her grappling game, her desire to fight on the Toronto card, how she matches up with UFC women’s flyweight champion Natalia Silva, and more (1:05:33). Mike Malott returns to talk about his highlight-reel knockout of Joaquin Buckley, his relationship and run-ins with Buckley prior to the fight, the game plan for the fight, his soft-spoken demeanor contrasted with his violent fighting style, also wanting to turn around for the Toronto card, his NHL playing brother Jeff Malott, reacting to the finish, and more (1:30:26). Bo Nickal is back to discuss the new date for his fight against Joe Pyfer, announcing the news at a political rally, Pyfer saying he’ll crush Nickal’s dreams, the stylistic matchup, his contentious relationship with Gable Steveson, MMA fighters competing in amateur wrestling, still wanting the Colby Covington match, and more (2:01:08). Petr Yan is our final guest of the day, previewing his title defense against Merab Dvalishvili, his game plan heading into the trilogy fight, what he wants if he's victorious at UFC 333, and more (2:38:58). Ariel then covers news and notes, touching on how attacks in Saudi Arabia have impacted the sporting world, including upcoming UFC and Canelo Alvarez events, Eddie Hearn’s reaction to the Shakur Stevenson news, fallout from Daniel Dubois’ knockout of Fabio Wardley, and more (2:56:41). The show wraps up with your Super Chats (4:04:51).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show reacting to Daniel Dubois’ destructive second-round stoppage of Fabio Wardley (03:21). Sebastian Fundora picked up a buzzer-beating knockout win over Ermal Hadribeaj to retain his WBC super welterweight title and now sets his sights on the Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis-Josh Kelly winner (32:17). Brandon Figueroa missed weight, had his title stripped, and ultimately pulled out of his fight with Tomoki Kameda. This could open the door for Naoya Inoue to fight for the vacant WBA title (54:44).