The Ariel Helwani Show

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algieri open the show previewing the welterweight title fight between Rolly Romero and Teofimo Lopez. Has the promotion done enough to sell this fight? What can we expect from Lopez as he enters his third weight class? Romero has not fought since his win over Ryan Garcia in May of 2025; will ring rust be a factor (3:38)?

The attention then turns to a highly dramatic interview between Teofimo and his father where their failures in the Shakur Stevenson fight come to light. What type of mindset does Teofimo have entering this fight? Does he need a new trainer (17:03)?

Hamzah Sheeraz was recently ordered by the WBO to defend his title against Janibek Alimkhanuly, which led him to join Ariel Helwani’s show and voice his displeasure with the fight due to Janibek’s positive test. Dan and Chris break down Sheeraz’s comments and why he is the wrong messenger for this (35:07).

Finally, Amanda Serrano fights this weekend on the first-ever TikTok Live boxing card, as she attempts to break Christy Martin’s all-time knockout record (41:14).

The Boys in the Back return from their break, starting the show with reaction to Yair Rodriguez pulling out of his fight against Jean Silva (02:41) and the drama surrounding Namo Fazil (05:00).

Then, they settle the debate about MMA's GOAT (14:53) and preview a packed weekend that includes UFC Sacramento (45:23), PFL Tampa (1:03:54), Teofimo Lopez vs. Rolly Romero (1:07:39), Amanda Serrano in action (1:08:32), and RAF 12 (1:10:12).

Plus, they make picks (1:14:17), deliver the long-awaited Rod Talk (1:16:03), listen to voicemails (1:34:33), and answer your Super Chats (2:08:58).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping Contender Series and previewing some upcoming sporting events (02:09).

The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel for On The Nose, answering questions about the Din Thomas drama, Ariel’s Hawaiian vacation, comparing the résumés of Khabib and Islam Makhachev, and more (28:48).

PFL CEO John Martin is back in-studio to discuss the MVP merger, whether Ronda Rousey and Francis Ngannou will be involved with the new company, the future of Usman Nurmagomedov and his free agency, Paul Hughes’ recent comments about drug testing, exploring partnerships with RIZIN and other promotions, Jake Paul wanting to do MMA, and more (1:02:25).

Teofimo Lopez joins the show during fight week, talking about his title bout against Rolly Romero, his deal with DAZN, being snubbed by Dana White and Hunter Campbell at a Brand Risk event, how he matches up against Romero and vowing to finish him, and more (1:59:51).

Mike Perry and Dillon Danis go face-to-face, previewing their Duel Arena fight and talking trash. They argue about the grappling disparity, knockout power, their respective résumés, the stakes of the fight, how negotiations played out, drug testing for the fight, and more (2:27:38).

Newly-retired Edson Barboza is our final guest of the day, discussing his decision to walk away, his impaired vision, some of his career-defining moments, his plans post-retirement, and more (3:28:54).

The crew covers news and notes, including the ongoing feud between Dana White and Eddie Hearn over Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua, Yair Rodriguez pulling out of his fight against Jean Silva, Jon Jones weighing in on the GOAT conversation, and more (3:54:02).

After answering a few more On The Nose questions (4:06:51), the show ends with your Super Chats (4:12:49).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by reacting to Din Thomas’ comments about Gillian Robertson in the aftermath of her UFC 330 loss, Thomas’ apology, and Robertson’s statement (04:17).

RAF founder Chad Bronstein joins Ariel in-studio to discuss the promotion’s future, Arman Tsarukyan and other UFC fighters’ involvement, RAF's partnership with Fox Nation, their relationship with TKO and whether he’d consider an acquisition, talking to talent like Georges St-Pierre, and more (19:58).

Glover Teixeira stops by to preview his upcoming boxing match against Shogun Rua, also touching on his new biography, the latest on Alex Pereira and the aftermath of the Ciryl Gane fight, his rivalry with Shogun over the years, and more (1:02:34).

WBO super middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz returns to discuss his recovery from a hand injury, Janibek Alimkhanuly being made his mandatory challenger, his thoughts on Alimkhanuly’s suspension for a positive drug test, whether he’s considering signing with Zuffa Boxing in the future, his frustrations with the WBO, and more (1:30:16).

Paul Hughes is back to talk the MVP and PFL merger, his recovery from knee and hip surgery, Usman Nurmagomedov’s latest victory and whether he thinks they’ll have a trilogy fight, Ian Machado Garry’s performance against Islam Makhachev, his hard-line stance on PEDs and calls for stringent testing, and more (1:57:25).

AEW star Adam Copeland, formerly known as Edge in WWE, talks about his decision to leave WWE and join AEW, the state of the locker room and being a leader, his longtime partnership with Christian Cage, what it’s like working for Tony Khan, his quest to wrestle at a few iconic venues, John Cena’s final match, wanting to retire in AEW, and more (2:28:12).

Carlos Prates is our final guest of the day, reacting to the UFC 330 main event, discussing his case for the next title shot, Islam Makhachev’s skills at welterweight, Ian Machado Garry showing respect during the fight, signing a new contract with the UFC, running into Michael Morales at UFC 330, wanting a rematch with Ian Machado Garry eventually, and more (3:28:12).

Ariel and the Boys in the Back react to the belt drama between Islam Makhachev and Max Holloway, Sean Strickland taking shots at Din Thomas and Tyron Woodley, and more (3:55:59), before answering your Super Chats (4:19:18).

Solomonster reacts to the final faceoff between CM Punk and Kevin Owens ahead of their championship match, then discusses the date of the next Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton match and why it’s going to cost you more to watch it (2:56).

The plight of Chelsea Green leads to a fantastic opening segment on Friday, including the status of her title reign, and the high praise she received from a former champion, calling it one of the greatest promos she’s ever seen (13:25).  

Gunther is directionless right now and the latest update on Ilja Dragunov is not a good one (19:15).

Thoughts on a strong episode of Raw, with Solo Sikoa spiking Roman Reigns, the latest on the tournament to find a challenger for Roman in Mexico City next month, and Rey Mysterio turning back the hands of time against Chad Gable (32:38).

An update on the AEW Continental Cup, an injury to Nigel McGuinness, the return of Swerve Strickland, and the latest card for All In London at Wembley (48:20).

Thoughts on the end of the G1 Climax tournament and the future ace of New Japan (55:02), a member of the Samoan dynasty and Power Slap star retiring from the ring at 34 years old (57:38), Zilla Fatu’s debut on NXT (1:00:36) and WOW Women of Wrestling gets a BIG upgrade for its new season (1:04:25).

Ending with your questions in our “Unread on Uncrowned” segment, talking Tatum Paxley’s Smackdown debut, what if Jake Roberts had stayed with WWE in 1992, the racial discrimination lawsuit against WCW in 1999, the 25th anniversary of the WHAT chant, and more (1:07:42).