The Ariel Helwani Show

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).