Published by Uncrowned & Yahoo Sports
“The Ariel Helwani Show” is the flagship program for Uncrowned. Every episode will feature interviews with the biggest names in combat sports, and analysis from Helwani and The Boys in the Back.
Listen on Apple Podcasts1 hr 12 min
Dan Canobbio and guest Naji Grampus open the show discussing William Zepeda’s massive win over Lamont Roach to capture the vacant WBC lightweight title (01:30). The co-main event saw Raymond Muratalla successfully defend his IBF lightweight title against Robson Conceicao (29:406). In other news, Keyshawn Davis turned down $2.13M to fight Devin Haney, leaving the entire boxing world shaking their heads (44:01).
1 hr 14 min
The Craic is back! This time, it’s the OG duo of Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall. The biggest news of the week is the surprise MVP and PFL merger. Petesy and Chuck react to the newly-formed promotion (06:30). Then, they discuss the unfortunately familiar MMA story of Anthony Smith’s arrest (48:59). UFC is heading to Belgrade, with the lads previewing the card alongside the rest of this weekend’s combat sports action (57:23). To close the show, the duo answer your Super Chats (01:11:05).
1 hr 8 min
Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri discuss Top Rank winning the purse bid for Devin Haney vs. Keyshawn Davis, with the fight happening sometime in October. Davis has 48 hours to accept the terms in order for the fight to proceed (00:48). Lamont Roach and William Zepeda compete for the vacant WBC lightweight title in a bout that will air on both DAZN and TNT (22:50). Roach is coming off back-to-back draws against Gervonta Davis and Isaac Cruz, while Zepeda lost a decision to Shakur Stevenson last summer. There have been multiple updates with the Muhammad Ali Revival Act over the last few days, with the Senate putting together a revised bipartisan bill after hearing both sides. Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, opposes the changes to bill and was seen meeting with TKO Chairman Nick Khan over the weekend and appeared on the Zuffa boxing broadcast, which sparked many thoughts about where his intentions remain (51:45).
3 hr 38 min
The Boys in the Back react to major breaking news that Most Valuable Promotions and the Professional Fighters League have merged, discussing the implications for the industry and the new joint promotion (03:39). After playing Ariel Helwani's reaction to the merger (11:13), they cover other news and notes, including the latest on Anthony Smith's arrest (1:06:04), the purse bid for Devin Haney vs. Keyshawn Davis (1:18:00), and more (1:21:36). Next, they preview UFC Belgrade (1:25:17), PFL New York (1:45:48), and WWE SummerSlam (1:53:15), and make picks (1:58:52). Plus, a brand new Fight Feasts featuring Serbian food (2:03:09), P4P sharks (2:26:57), voicemails (2:36:40), and Super Chats (3:21:39). Interns Josh and Jack say goodbye to close out the show (3:36:35).
3 hr 50 min
Ariel Helwani starts the show by reacting to Anthony Smith’s arrest and discussing the way the sport of MMA handles fighter retirements (05:57), before moving to On The Nose. The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to answer questions about fights to show casual fans, referees enforcing penalties for fouls, biggest MMA “what ifs,” the quality of UFC 330, and more (12:03). Darren Till returns to preview his upcoming BKFC bout against Yoel Romero, discussing how the fight came together, plans for a potential UFC return, his reaction to Conor McGregor’s injury, his feelings on Paddy Pimblett and Ian Machado Garry, having no interest in Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua, and more (1:01:50). Bryan Battle is back to talk about his main event meeting with Dalton Rosta at PFL Charlotte, reflecting on his loss to Johnny Eblen and lessons learned, welcoming a new child, preparing for Rosta as an opponent, and more (1:37:25). Ariel covers some news and notes, including footage of Conor McGregor’s training prior to UFC 329, Joaquin Buckley vs. Mike Malott headlining UFC’s return to Edmonton, Paulo Costa going back-and-forth with Magomed Ankalaev, and more (2:03:33). WWE Superstar Dominik Mysterio makes his show debut, discussing what it was like to perform alongside Ryan Garcia and Karl-Anthony Towns, his accomplishments compared to his father Rey, performing for both WWE and AAA at the same time, his SummerSlam match against Danhausen, stories from the early days of his career, and more (2:29:50). Ariel closes the show with your Super Chats (3:24:38).
3 hr 59 min
Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by reacting to the newly-announced alliance between Most Valuable Promotions and Matchroom Boxing to bolster women’s boxing (01:21). Mike Perry is back on the show to discuss his MMA fight against Dillon Danis, potentially returning to BKFC to fight Darren Till, whether he’s interested in a UFC return, and more (10:17). Dakota Ditcheva joins Ariel in-studio to preview her fight against Denise Kielholtz at PFL Long Island, talking about recovering from the hand injury that kept her sidelined, how she landed on Kielholtz as an opponent, the status of her contract, planning to celebrate with the Sophie Cunningham point, attending UFC 329, and more (41:54). Ariel then recaps Gordon Fight Nights’ debut event from Israel (1:34:54). Nico Ali Walsh is up next, discussing his work behind the scenes regarding the Ali Revival Act, including conversations with Senators, being invited by TKO to meet and attend their Zuffa Boxing event, his impression of Nick Khan, his concerns with the Ali Revival Act and proposed changes to the legislation, trying to honor his grandfather, and more (1:48:49). Dan Hooker is back, reacting to his main event booking against newcomer Salahdine Parnasse at UFC Paris, talking about how the fight came together, his assessment of Parnasse’s skill level, relishing fighting in enemy territory, receiving death threats from French fans, Israel Adesanya leaving City Kickboxing, and more (2:19:53). PFL welterweight champion Thad Jean returns to break down his big win, touching on the late-notice opponent switch, being overconfident heading into the fight, the stoppage itself, who he wants to fight next, where he thinks he’d fall in the UFC’s welterweight division, and more (2:48:53). The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll jump in to cover news and notes including Michael Morales teasing a fight, fascinating video from Anthony Joshua’s corner, and more (3:17:50). The show closes with your Super Chats (3:42:42).
1 hr 28 min
Solomonster addresses to the demise of Pro Wrestling Nation 24/7 on SiriusXM and the debut of WWE Radio, heated reaction from fans online, and what it means for coverage of AEW and other promotions moving forward (3:13). Preview and predictions for both nights of SummerSlam, with thoughts on the Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi weigh-in, and one of the worst segments on any wrestling show all year (16:15). Thoughts on AEW Redemption, including Will Ospreay leaving the Death Riders, only to get dropped by Kenny Omega, three title changes and Willow Nightingale finally shedding light on her recent injury (51:04). Plus, the latest major development in the Paramount Skydance bid to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery and what it means for AEW (1:14:47). Finally, the former WWE champion who says he will go broke before he ever goes back to pro wrestling, and a couple of listener emails (1:18:29).
4 hr 5 min
Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping a wacky and wild weekend, which included UFC Abu Dhabi, PFL Washington D.C., Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua both in action, AEW in Montreal, and more (02:01). The Boys in the Back jump in to discuss the current appetite for the long-awaited Fury vs. Joshua fight (14:54). New UFC signee Salahdine Parnasse joins the show to talk about negotiating the deal and why the time was right, offers from other promotions, his upcoming fight against Dan Hooker, and more (40:03). Claressa Shields is back to break down the boxing game, including Errol Spence’s final fight, bouts she wants against Lauren Price and Mikaela Mayer, Most Valuable Promotions claiming she's banned from their events, wanting to headline at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, mentoring Caroline Dubois, Cris Cyborg’s continued trash talk, her music career, and more (1:02:37). BKFC Founder and President David Feldman stops by to break news that Darren Till will fight Yoel Romero at BKFC 94 in Manchester, then discuss Mike Perry potentially returning for a fight against Till, BKFC's upcoming event at Fenway Park in Boston, Andrei Arlovski’s next fight, plans for BKFC 100 and BKFSea, and more (1:37:05). Oscar De La Hoya is our final guest of the day, detailing his involvement in Ryan Garcia’s fight against Conor Benn under the Zuffa Boxing banner, his relationship with Garcia, and wanting Garcia to fight Devin Haney, before touching on other topics including Zuffa Boxing trying to sign every big-name free agent, Nico Ali Walsh meeting with Zuffa regarding the Ali Act, mending Golden Boy’s relationship with Vergil Ortiz, seeking the Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis fight, and more (2:03:14). The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll return to cover news and notes, including UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg’s reaction to the UFC Abu Dhabi main event, reaction to the rest of the card, President Trump’s recent comments about Freedom 250, Thad Jean escaping danger to become PFL welterweight champion, Mike Perry taking on Dillon Danis in MMA, and more (2:34:03). Intern Josh recaps his AEW experience (3:31:14), before the crew answers your Super Chats (3:57:24).
1 hr 5 min
Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show by breaking down Anthony Joshua’s wild knockout win over Kristian Prenga, which saw him hit the canvas twice in the opening round. How much does Joshua have left and can he beat Tyson Fury in their grudge match (02:00)? As for Fury, he won his tune-up fight against Mariusz Wach in front of a small crowd in Thailand to set up what we think will be the Joshua megafight (23:24). Errol Spence returned to the ring for the first time in three years and dropped a decision to Tim Tszyu. Spence retired after the fight, while Tszyu called out WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara (37:59).
1 hr 15 min
Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes are back for another edition of The Craic. First up, the lads dig into Canelo Alvarez’s comments on The Ariel Helwani Show about boxing’s rivalry with the UFC (14:31). One fight boxing fans are still waiting on is Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua. The trio discuss the uncertainty surrounding whether the long-awaited matchup will actually happen (30:01). UFC Fight Night: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov is this weekend, with Chuck sharing insight from his interview with Ankalaev ahead of the fight (37:54). Later, the boys discuss the lack of buzz surrounding this weekend’s PFL event (47:20), before diving into Ben’s latest Uncrowned article on boxing’s greatest corruption scandal (53:48). After discussing the hype around The Odyssey, they close out the show by answering your Super Chats (01:07:41).
1 hr 1 min
Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show discussing the return of Errol Spence Jr., as he steps in the ring with former 154-pound champion Tim Tszyu. How much does Spence have left in the tank (07:58)? Zuffa Boxing has its first New York City card on Sunday night, with Edgar Berlanga taking on Steven Butler and Richardson Hitchins facing off with Ricardo Salas (33:57). According to reports, Devin Haney will sign an exclusive deal with DAZN and fight his WBO mandatory challenger, Keyshawn Davis, in the fall. Teofimo Lopez also signed directly with DAZN last week, as we see a real “war” unfolding between DAZN and Paramount/Zuffa (43:02). Finally, Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will step into the ring – not against each other – but in separate tune-up fights, with the agreement to square off at the end of the year (51:16).
2 hr 42 min
The Boys in the Back start the show by covering news and notes, including Devin Haney signing with DAZN (02:58), and more UFC fight announcements (11:16). Then, they preview a wild combat sports weekend, that features UFC Abu Dhabi (24:30), PFL Washington D.C. (1:03:59), Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in action, but not against each other (1:07:51), Karate Combat 62 (1:20:25), BKFC in Uruguay (1:21:40), and more. Finally, The Boys makes picks (1:27:16), deliver the P4P chips (1:30:58), listen to voicemails (1:52:36), and answer your Super Chats (2:32:21).
4 hr 24 min
Ariel Helwani starts the show with On The Nose. The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join to answer questions about handling emotional interviews, Conor McGregor embarking on another comeback, the concept of point-fighting, and more (13:05). Johnny Eblen is back on the show, recapping his win over Impa Kasanganay for PFL’s interim middleweight title, before talking about his continued rivalry with Costello van Steenis, wanting the rematch next, training with and potentially fighting Sean Strickland, and more (1:03:30). Boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez joins Ariel in-studio, talking about his fight with Christian Mbilli and why it was delayed, feeling off ahead of his fight against Terence Crawford, wanting the Crawford rematch, his love of golf and his son’s love of wrestling, his relationship with Jake Paul, still loving boxing, and more (1:35:55). Inside Boxing host Dan Canobbio drops in to react to Canelo’s interview and talk all things boxing (2:26:24). Fatima Kline stops by the studio to break down her UFC win over Tabatha Ricci, then express interest in fighting Zhang Weili or Tatiana Suarez next, give her prediction for Mackenzie Dern vs. Gillian Robertson, tell stories from her life, and more (2:57:48). The show wraps up with your Super Chats (4:08:16).
1 hr 12 min
Solomonster reacts to TMZ's report that Tom Brady is in talks to do something with WWE, coming off his recent run-ins with Logan Paul (1:34). The latest on the sex trafficking lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE going to arbitration and why it may be happening (5:59), plus an update on when former WWE champion Sheamus will become a free agent (8:25). WWE once again counter-programs AEW, announcing NYC events to coincide with WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia next year (11:07). Rhea Ripley is out of SummerSlam, with an unnecessary interim champion to be crowned (15:23). Saturday Night’s Main Event thoughts from MSG, with Roman Reigns and Jalen Brunson closing the show, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk teaming up with Nick Aldis, screwing Gunther and Sami Zayn out of a championship opportunity at SummerSlam, and speculation about Bayley’s future (22:55). Thoughts on AEW Dynamite and predictions for their Redemption PPV in Montreal (41:35). Dark Side of the Ring thoughts on the finale for Jeff Jarrett and the battle for TNA, including some notes not included in the episode (53:36), plus the death of former WWE star Siva Afi, and how his run halted the night he debuted at MSG (1:06:23).
3 hr 50 min
Ariel Helwani starts the show with The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll, covering news and notes that include the real owner of Ilia Topuria’s Freedom 250 stool refuting Paddy Pimblett’s post, Navajo Stirling stepping into his first UFC main event, Dan Hooker’s reaction to Israel Adesanya leaving City Kickboxing, and more (01:32). Brandon Royval is back following a huge win over Lone'er Kavanagh, talking about getting back in the win column, listening in to Kavanagh’s corner during the fight, expecting his first child, the viral post about his girlfriend, winning Fight of the Year at the World MMA Awards, and more (31:25). Bruce Buffer, the voice of the UFC, joins to discuss his World Cup opportunity, teaming with his brother, Conor McGregor’s return at UFC 329, his experience at The White House, his mentality after making an error, his other projects, and more (58:08). Dustin Poirier returns for an emotional conversation, addressing his struggles with mental health, swearing off alcohol after his airport incident, the support he received from the MMA community, his conversation with Sean Strickland in the aftermath, wanting to get in touch with the officer, how he prepared for retirement, his family history with alcoholism, severing ties with sponsors, and more (1:44:02). Ariel and The Boys cover more news and notes, focusing in on a wacky upcoming weekend for combat sports and ESPN layoffs (2:30:27), before answering Super Chats (2:59:21). Ryan Garcia is our final guest of the day, previewing his blockbuster bout against Conor Benn, talking about the responsibility of being WBC champion, Golden Boy and Oscar De La Hoya’s role in promoting the fight, Zuffa Boxing’s product so far, his explosive press conference with Benn, his continued rivalry with Devin Haney, plans to sue Haney’s team, trash talk between himself and UFC fighters Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan, and more (3:02:05).
4 hr 28 min
Ariel Helwani kicks off the show recapping a busy weekend in sports, including the World Cup final, Ben Askren’s retirement match, Conor McGregor sounding off about his injury and next steps on social media, UFC 329 viewership being released, and more (11:34). Dominick Cruz is back to discuss his UFC Hall of Fame induction, life in retirement, his reaction to Conor McGregor’s injury, his sense of McGregor’s mental and physical state, overcoming his own injuries throughout his career, and more (35:14). Michael "Venom" Page returns, talking about Conor McGregor’s injury, his frustration with opportunities he’s gotten since joining the UFC, his upcoming fight against Nursulton Ruziboev, his relationship and communication with the UFC, wanting to face the promotion’s biggest names, and more (1:01:51). Colby Covington joins the show as RAF crossover cruiserweight champion, reflecting on his upset win over Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 11, discussing the strength of Tsarukyan’s wrestling, his beef with and respect for Ben Askren, Belal Muhammad potentially being his next opponent, his friendship with Dricus du Plessis, his continued rivalries with Kamau Usman and Bo Nickal, and more (1:34:20). Ben Askren stops by to talk about his retirement match at RAF 11, his physical preparation for the event, why Belal Muhammad was his perfect opponent, his emotions during the week, having his friends and family there supporting him, his legacy, Gable Steveson’s MMA ceiling, and more (2:02:49). Tommy “Gun” McMillen makes his show debut, recapping his show-stealing performance at UFC OKC, his animosity toward Alberto Montes, training with Sean O’Malley and coach Tim Welch, his dream of fighting in the UFC coming true, setting a record for significant strikes, dubbing himself the third Diaz brother, and more (2:26:58). The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to covers news and notes, including Dricus du Plessis’ impressive win over Kamaru Usman and other fights from UFC OKC, Johnny Eblen’s continued improvements and PFL’s future, Zuffa Boxing’s press conference for Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn, Tom Brady and Logan Paul doing a WWE angle, and more (3:00:04). Ariel closes the show with your Super Chats (4:15:16).
1 hr 21 min
On a special birthday edition of The Craic, newly 39-year-old Petesy Carroll is joined by Chuck Mindenhall and Ben Fowlkes to break down the biggest stories in combat sports. To kick things off, they break down the aftermath of UFC 329, including Conor McGregor’s vow to “be back” (7:27). Next up on the calendar is UFC Oklahoma City. The lads preview the main event, Dricus du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman (43:11). After Justin Gaejthe said he won’t rematch Paddy Pimblett, the trio debate who the UFC lightweight champion will fight next (51:01). Then, the boys talk PFL action this weekend (58:15), and tell tales from their week in Sin City (01:05:22).
56 min
Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show reacting to news that Ryan Garcia will be defending his WBC welterweight title against Conor Benn on Sept. 12 on Paramount Plus (05:02). The Paramount Plus aspect is very significant, as the streaming service gets their first big boxing event to go along with their UFC rights (22:36). Speaking of Zuffa Boxing, Shakur Stevenson recently signed with the promotion and has expressed his desire and willingness to fight Devin Haney this fall at a catchweight of 144 pounds (33:51). Haney has a decision to make: fight Stevenson and vacate his WBO title or defend it against Keyshawn Davis. Andy Ruiz will step back into the ring for the first time in two years, taking on Damian Knyba on Sept. 4, which leads to a discussion on whether or not Ruiz can reach the mountaintop again in the sport (49:39).
2 hr 43 min
The Boys in the Back are back from Las Vegas and kick off the show by reacting to Conor McGregor calling for his UFC 329 fight to be deemed a No Contest (03:14), as well as other news and notes (06:40). Then, they discuss the growing star power of Paddy Pimblett, including a ranking of UFC's biggest stars (12:12), and preview a weekend that includes UFC OKC (40:47), PFL Austin (1:18:10), and RAF 11(1:20:29). Finally the Boys make picks (1:24:32), deliver their P4P broadcast graphics errors (1:26:56), listen to your voicemails (1:55:34), and answer your Super Chats (2:31:32).
4 hr 6 min
Ariel Helwani kicks off the show recapping the team’s adventures in Las Vegas, then reacting to the announcement of Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn, Conor McGregor’s first appearance since UFC 329, and more (10:37). Shakur Stevenson is back to discuss his signing with Zuffa Boxing, other offers he received, whether he’ll be able to wear his own gear, still having hard feelings with the WBC, how Dana White and Nick Khan sold him on signing, wanting to fight Devin Haney in his debut, attending UFC 329, and more (36:09). Ariel touches on the latest comments by Ilia Topuria, Alex Pereira’s commentary on Michel Pereira’s release, and more (1:06:12). Johnny Fisher joins the show to talk about his move from Matchroom to Zuffa, getting a massive raise, his conversations with Eddie and Barry Hearn after making the decision, his father “Big John” and their viral content, and more (1:15:36). Mario Bautista returns on the heels of his huge UFC 329 win over Cory Sandhagen, discussing injuring Sandhagen’s leg and capitalizing on it during the fight, believing he’s worthy of a title shot, being willing to fight former teammate Sean O’Malley, social media chirping from Vinicius Oliveira, and more (1:41:16). Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling President Scott D’Amore joins Ariel in-studio to talk about the status of MLP, his time working with TNA, his early wrestling career and how he got into the business, recent WWE angles, and more (2:02:29). The Boys in the Back jump in with Ariel to answer your On The Nose questions, with topics including journalistic ethics, UFC 329 fight week, the UFC light heavyweight title picture, Conor McGregor’s injury, and more (3:09:10). Finally, the show ends with Super Chats (3:46:56) and an impromptu Argentina vs. England World Cup watchalong.