Ariel Helwani's MMA Show

Ariel Helwani's MMA Show starts off with bantamweight Marlon Vera, who explains what he must do to get mentioned with the top names in MMA (6:38). Next, "Meatball" Molly McCann describes her experiences from Greenville inside and outside of the ring (19:55). After that, former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez talks about his upcoming August return (35:45). New Bellator middleweight champion Rafael Lovato Jr. then tells Ariel about his life's path and how it has prepared him for the success he's now enjoying (53:50). Next, a few days after winning on the premiere episode of Dana White's ESPN + show, Brendan Loughnane talks about his emotions following the UFC's decision to not offer him a contract (1:05:45). Liz Carmouche then discusses how she's feeling ahead of her August title fight against Valentina Shevchenko in Uruguay (1:27:09). After that, Jon "Bones" Jones discusses his beefs with Israel Adesanya and Dillon Danis after explaining why he's happy with where he is in life (1:44:40). Then, a confident Deron Winn joins to praise the UFC for how they've treated him so far in his short career (2:04:40). Next, Luis Pena discusses his decision to fight at 155 before telling the crazy story of how he found his biological father (2:28:25). Lastly, Ariel speaks with Zhang Weili, Jessica Andrade's August 31 opponent, and her translator (2:48:45).

On this week's episode, Ariel is first joined by TSN's Aaron Bronsteter to discuss the debut of Dana White's Contender Series on ESPN+, particularly the decision to not award Brendan Loughnane a contract following his win (3:40). Then, ESPN's Marc Raimondi stops by to weigh in on the Loughnane decision, Valentina Shevchenko vs. Liz Carmouche 2 and UFC Greenville (26:22). Finally, we're joined by NewYorkRic to get his thoughts on Loughnane, Chael Sonnen's legacy, the careers of Aaron Pico and Dillon Danis and lastly, Bellator's re-signing of Fedor Emelianenko (42:12).

Ariel Helwani's MMA Show starts off with some thoughts on the futures of Conor McGregor and Dillon Danis from John Kavanagh (in studio), who trains the two fighters at SBG Ireland (4:30). UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier then talks about preparations for his UFC 242 headliner against Khabib Nurmagomedov and explains why he's confident he'll win (1:01:23). Next, Dillon Danis reflects on his Bellator 222 performance after providing an update on his injured knee (1:16:10). Justin Willis then explains his beef with UFC's Tai Tuivasa and the UFC's decision to release him (1:32:00). An emotional Macy Chiasson joins the show next to open up about the June 9 construction accident that destroyed her Dallas apartment and left one person dead (1:44:25). Then, after discussing her gruesome arm injury, Paige VanZant talks about her modeling career and the dominance of Valentina Shevchenko (2:06:10). Next, former UFC fighter Elias Theodorou speculates about his plans for his post-fighting career (2:21:37). Brendan Loughnane, who fights tomorrow night on ESPN +, makes his debut on the show to discuss his road back to the UFC (2:35:30). After that, rising middleweight contender Jared Cannonier talks about his love for fighting before calling out one of the UFC's best (2:49:20). Lastly, Ariel speaks from the heart about the retirement of his friend and colleague, Chael Sonnen (3:04:50).

Ariel speaks with The Athletic's Josh Gross about Friday's Bellator 222 card, co-promotion, the uncertainty surrounding Rory MacDonald's future, Dillon Danis' potential and Aaron Pick (4:12). Then, Ariel welcomes NewYorkRic to talk about the potential end of the money fight era, Zhang Weili getting the next strawweight title fight and Cris Cyborg's future (28:50). ESPN's Jeff Wagenheim also stops by the studio to talk about Chris Weidman's move to 205, Henry Cejudo's next fight, Tony Ferguson's option and a potential Valentina Shevchenko vs. Liz Carmouche title fight (47:46).

Ariel Helwani's MMA Show starts off with a recap of a wild weekend in Chicago at UFC 238. First, Chael Sonnen arrives at the studio to discuss Henry Cejudo's legacy and Sonnen's own Bellator fight this Friday night (6:06). Then, contrary to Dana White's words, UFC featherweight champion Cris Cyborg says she's up for a rematch with Amanda Nunes, although she does admit her future with the UFC is up in the air (50:32). "The Karate Hottie" Michelle Waterson then states her case for a title fight against Jessica Andrade in a top-heavy strawweight division (1:12:02). Next,"King" Muhammed Lawal explains his decision to retire and also talks about the latest in the MMA world (1:29:30). And, before opening up about the recent death of his best friend, "The Boston Finisher" Calvin Kattar tells Ariel he's developed a chip on his shoulder because he was never asked to appear on the show (1:50:10). After that, Mark Henry, coach of Marlon Moraes, discusses the disappointment he and his client feel following this weekend's loss to Henry Cejudo (2:05:40). Next, bantamweight Aljamain Sterling claims he fought "the perfect fight" this weekend (2:29:30). Flyweight Katlyn Chookagian then says she's hoping for a November fight against Valentine Shevchenko (2:42:20) and to cap it off, Cejudo, the champion of UFC 238's main event, gives a health update and explains why he deserves to get paid (2:55:13).