The Ariel Helwani Show

The Boys in the Back tackle major MMA stories, including Jon Jones asking for his UFC release (02:11), Ilia Topuria claiming Islam Makhachev ducked him (43:29), Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland potentially happening in May (1:07:18), and more.

Plus, watch alongside the Boys as they livestream the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano press conference and react in real time (1:10:08).

Finally, the Boys answer your Super Chats (2:21:58).

Jason Solomon has thoughts on a BIG change to the Smackdown writing team, with Road Dogg (Brian James) QUITTING his role, and what it could mean for the quality of the show moving forward (3:46). 

Then he discusses the MAJOR title change on Friday with Cody Rhodes regaining the WWE championship from Drew McIntyre, the anger online from some fans, including reviewing bombing and paid bots, the original plan for Cody and Drew at WrestleMania and more (10:59).

Next, he addresses the social media controversy involving Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill, what is being reported, why he's not buying into a lot of it, and thoughts on their first promo together on Smackdown (23:00).

Plus, thoughts on Monday Night Raw and a BIZARRE open with Seth Rollins and his Power Rangers putty people, a strong segment with CM Punk and The Usos, Finn Balor is finally kicked out of the Judgment Day, and news on AJ Styles' new role behind the scenes (30:25).

News on WWE potentially setting a record this year with more women's matches at WrestleMania than ever before (48:38), plus an AEW Revolution preview and match predictions for this Sunday's PPV (52:45).

Mance Warner and Steph De Lander GONE from TNA Wrestling, why it happened and what De Lander had to say about her now ex-boss, TNA President Carlos Silva, and the lack of a proper medical team in the company (1:07:52).

Solomonster wraps up with a sad health update on wrestling legend Konnan, plus some listener Q&A on topics including which NXT women have the brightest futures on the main roster and sports betting on pro wrestling (1:18:59).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping massive MMA news, starting with Francis Ngannou being added to the Rousey vs. Carano Netflix event (06:26), then touching on the UFC White House card announcement (11:52), negotiations with Jon Jones and Ilia Topuria for the card (27:38), Conor McGregor’s upcoming negotiations (46:31), the BMF title losing meaning (53:01), fan sentiment that Ngannou “fumbled” (59:25), and Tom Aspinall teaming with Eddie Hearn (1:12:40).

Sean O’Malley joins to discuss his bout against Aiemann Zahabi at the White House, explaining how the fight came together, Petr Yan being his top choice, not being offered Cory Sandhagen, and then discusses his recent fighter pay comments (1:30:21).

Bo Nickal is next, breaking down his own White House fight, touching on the fan reaction, surprise about Kyle Daukaus being the opponent, Colby Covington turning down the opportunity, criticism of the card overall, whether President Trump requested his inclusion on the card, and more (2:00:24).

Eddie Hearn is back to discuss the launch of Matchroom Talent Agency and Tom Aspinall being its first signing. Hearn talks about Aspinall’s UFC contract status, potential for negotiating opposite Dana White, other MMA fighters reaching out for representation, White’s recent comments about Hearn, including challenging him to a fight, Conor Benn’s deal with Zuffa Boxing and Jai Opetaia’s debut, needing to book a fight for Katie Taylor at Croke Park, and more (2:29:38).

Tom Aspinall is the final guest of the day, discussing his partnership with Hearn, his UFC contract compared to his earning potential, whether he plans to box, the state of his relationship with Dana White, the latest on his eye and a timeline to return, his reaction to Jon Jones asking for his release, and more (3:40:40).

To kick things off, Dan Canobbio and Chris Algeri break down Jai Opetaia’s dominant performance over Brandon Glanton and how he looked in his Zuffa Boxing debut (02:29).

In the 11th hour, the IBF decided to strip Opetaia of their title, which set off a frenzy. Was this the right thing to do? Why did Opetaia sign with Zuffa if he wants to be undisputed (11:01)?

We end the show with a debate on Opetaia’s chances vs. Gilberto Ramirez and David Benavidez, who fight on May 2 (30:39).

Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall, a.k.a. 3PAC, give their immediate thoughts on UFC 326, starting with Charles Oliveira's one-sided victory over Max Holloway to become BMF champion (03:57).

After debating whether Oliveira's performance was worthy of the BMF moniker (15:04), they recap the rest of the card (20:25).

Then, the trio reacts to the White House card announcement (24:45), with Ariel giving additional insights into how it all came together.

After checking in on the post-fight press conference (47:04), they close the show with Chuck's final thoughts (54:35).