The Ariel Helwani Show

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).

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).

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).

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.

Solomonster talks about CMLL continuing to break box office records in Mexico, leading into comments from AJ Styles on his podcast about wanting WWE to acquire a promotion in Japan similar to what they did with AAA (02:42).

News on Survivor Series coming to the home of the Houston Astros and why the War Games concept really needs to be put to bed for a while (09:05).

CM Punk’s first night on Smackdown as WWE champion and a major match made official for SummerSlam with Cody Rhodes. Plus, the return of Baron Corbin and an AEW star‘s pending return to WWE (13:21).

An injury update on Rhea Ripley and why the women’s title scene in WWE is a complete mess right now (23:24). 

Thoughts on the Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins contract signing and the nonsensical explanation from Oba Femi for giving up his guaranteed title match at SummerSlam (28:19).

Predictions for Saturday Night’s Main Event, with news on Jalen Brunson’s role and rumors about Bayley’s WWE contract status (39:47).

Jim Ross reveals why he’ll be having brain surgery soon, thoughts on Kenny Omega winning the AEW World championship from MJF, and possible directions for each of them at their upcoming Redemption PPV (47:32).

Thoughts on Hangman Adam Page returning on AEW Collision and making it clear he will never challenge again for the AEW World championship. Plus, footage leaks of Paul Wight stepping back in the ring for a dark segment (58:24).

Thoughts on the Dark Side of the Ring Season 7 premiere, covering Jeff Jarrett and the battle for TNA Wrestling, which includes an epic burial of Dixie Carter (1:04:33).