The Ariel Helwani Show

On this week’s show, Petesy Carroll is joined by The Craic alum Chuck Mindenhall and Ben Fowlkes. After a brief tangent discussing Petesy’s dream journal, the fellas dive into the biggest storylines surrounding Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus du Plessis — most notably, whether Du Plessis is being slept on yet again as an underdog (8:29). From there, the conversation shifts to the PFL, which is back in the headlines — and not in a good way. The crew unpacks the organization parting ways with one of its biggest stars, Patchy Mix, and what that might signal for the promotion’s future (29:02). That leads into a broader discussion on UFC matchmaking, sparked by the aftermath of the Ilia Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev superfight that never materialized. The guys examine what it says about how marquee fights are being made today (42:24). Staying on the topic of missed opportunities, they then turn to another major bout stuck in limbo: Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones. The trio break down the potential reasons behind the holdup and what it could take to finally make the fight happen (55:44). To wrap things up, the chaps preview this weekend’s matchup between Gilbert Burns and Michael Morales — and discuss whether Morales could be the next elite contender to emerge at welterweight (1:07:29). Join us on the bike: avironactive.com/uncrowned [http://avironactive.com/uncrowned]

The Boys in the Back begin the show by breaking down the various cases for MMA's lightweight GOAT, including where Islam Makhachev falls in that conversation after vacating his title (01:40). Then, they discuss the ongoing war of words between Makhachev and Ilia Topuria (32:31), before looking ahead to this weekend's UFC Vegas 106 (49:36). Finally, the Boys make picks (1:09:26), give their P4P lists of Chicago's best (1:22:31), listen to your voicemails (1:42:19), and answer Super Chats (2:00:42). Leave us a voicemail: +1-415-787-2482

Ariel Helwani kicks off the the show by reacting to the news that Patchy Mix has been released by the PFL (01:44). Valentina Shevchenko calls in after her UFC flyweight title defense against Manon Fiorot and talks training at Tristar gym, making a bet with Fiorot, a superfight with current strawweight champion Zhang Weili, Chael Sonnen’s problem with her, and more (03:54). A fired-up Darren Till joins to discuss his Misfits Boxing 21 fight against Darren Stewart, his future in the sport, Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev, a potential fight with KSI, Tommy Fury’s pullout, Mike Perry, the lack of mega-fights in MMA, plus teams up with Ariel against Carl Froch (18:45). Ariel and the Boys get into some big PFL news and debate the future of the promotion before diving deep into your On the Nose questions (43:29). Benoit Saint Denis comes on after his rebound victory in Montreal over Kyle Prepolec and speaks on his short-notice opponent change, major additions to his corner, his quick rise through the UFC and the pressure it put on him, Mateusz Gamrot’s message, speaking to the French rugby team, and more (1:21:51). Tim Simpson, powerhouse MMA manager and founder of Chosen Advisory Group, joins in-studio to break down Jack Della Maddalena’s title-winning victory, Paul Hughes’ Belfast homecoming, matchmaking between his clients, Belal Muhammad’s strategy at UFC 315, Islam Makhachev moving up to welterweight, Leon Edwards, Holloway-Poirier 3, Israel Adesanya, and more stories from managing the sport’s biggest stars (2:02:00). Former ONE Championship heavyweight champion Arjan Bhullar steps into the studio to discuss his relationship with Daniel Cormier and Cain Velasquez, leaving ONE Championship, his relationship with Chatri Sityodtong, receiving an ultra-rare red card in MMA, TKO’s takeover of combat sports, working with one of India’s richest families on superfights, the documentary coming out about his life, future fight news, and more (2:58:14). The Boys join Ariel to answer your Super Chats and react to breaking news of Holly Holm signing with Most Valuable Promotions (3:49:06). Join us on the bike: avironactive.com/uncrowned

On this special breaking news edition of the show, Ariel Helwani and the Boys in the Back react to Dana White's announcements (01:15), including, Islam Makhachev vacating his lightweight title in order for Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira to compete for undispiuted gold at UFC 317 (08:33). After discussing White's comments that Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall would be booked soon (26:35), the crew talk about Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus du Plessis being announced as the headliner for UFC 319, the promotion's return to Chicago (28:57). They close out with some more social media posts by Magomed Ankalaev, challenging Alex Pereira to a fight later this year (32:51), and one final look at the entire UFC 317 card (34:41).

Ariel Helwani and Ade Oladipo get things started by reacting to the announcement of 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao’s risky return against Mario Barrios and debate how he got the title shot (02:41). Then, Viddal Riley joins the show after his breakout win over Cheavon Clarke to win the British Cruiserweight title and talks being KSI’s trainer, nerves leading into the fight, earning the sport’s respect, difficult fight conditions, distancing himself from influencer boxing, and calls for a big spot next (16:01). Anthony Cacace calls in fresh off stopping Leigh Wood in enemy territory and breaks down his big win, reflects on his success late in his career, calls for a superstar fight, and teases the possibility of O'Shaquie Foster in Belfast (38:22). Next, the two talk over women’s boxing P4P powerhouses Chantelle Cameron and Savannah Marshall signing with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (55:24), and get into what should be next for Claressa Shields. They move into Johnny Fisher vs. Dave Allen 2 (1:00:49), Darren Till’s return (1:06:39), and the fall of influencer boxing.  Finally, they end things on a high note with the Parting Shot (1:09:28).