Ariel Helwani's MMA Show

Ariel Helwani's MMA Show starts off with a rant about well-done steak and the latest on the battery charge against Jon Jones. The first guest, veteran UFC referee Marc Goddard, tells a story about the first time he met Leon Edwards, the big winner from this weekend's event in San Antonio (19:09). Then, Edwards himself discusses his win over Rafael dos Anjos and why he deserves a Jorge Masvidal fight or a title shot (37:15). Next, Myles Jury announces some big news and explains why Bellator suits him more than the UFC (50:40). Chad "Money" Mendez then tells Ariel why he's decided to retire before reflecting on his career, including the moment that could have changed everything for him (1:05:20). Next, UFC strawweight Joanna Jedrzejczyk discusses the October fight against Michele Waterson and the upcoming documentary about her meteoric rise (1:30:32). Reality TV star Steve-O then makes his debut on the show to discuss how Ronda Rousey sparked his MMA fandom and his message for Justin Bieber (1:46:40). And after finally finding some time in his busy schedule, UFC legend Michael Bisping dives into his thrilling life story, which he chronicles in his new book, "Quitters Never Win" (2:06:47). Next, Felicia Spencer describes her preparations for Cris Cyborg at UFC 240 this upcoming weekend and if she believes she'll get a shot at Amanda Nunes if she can take down Cyborg (2:30:00). Lightweight Dan Hooker then details why the rise in popularity for Australian fighters like himself and Israel Adesanya shouldn't surprise anyone (2:43:15). Lastly, UFC heavyweight Walt Harris educates Ariel about "ghetto karate" and his transition from college basketball player to MMA (2:59:30).

Ariel reconnects with ESPN UFC Insider Brett Okamoto to discuss Dana White's Contender Series and if Urijah Faber deserves a title fight (3:02). Plus, did Henry Cejudo save the flyweight division? Then, Ariel and ESPN's Marc Raimondi delve into the dangers of weight cutting, a conversation spurred by the controversial Aspen Ladd knockout this past weekend in Sacramento (27:24). Ariel then explains why Ladd should move up to the 145-pound division. Lastly, NewYorkRic weighs in on the big Bellator featherweight tournament announcement and Jorge Masvidal's next matchup after answering the question: can Germaine de Randamie earn back the trust of the fans and of the UFC (47:51)?

Ariel Helwani's MMA Show starts off with a recap of a jam-packed weekend in MMA. Ariel's old friend, Andre "Touchy" Fili, first joins the show to discuss what he calls "the best weekend of his life" (8:40). Next, UFC featherweight Ryan Hall talks about his weekend win in Sacramento before passionately explaining why he deleted his Twitter account (31:30). Then, just days before his Saturday fight in San Antonio, Alexander "The Great" Hernandez looks ahead to his matchup with lightweight Francisco Trinaldo (52:50). Next, Bellator President Scott Coker announces some big news about the male featherweight division (1:08:00). UFC legend Tito Ortiz then explains why he is ending his retirement to face Alberto del Rio in Combate America later this year (1:27:25). After that, just days after tying the record for the second-fastest KO in the history of her division, Germaine de Randamie explains how she's moved on from her rocky past and why she's adopted a positive mindset (1:47:30). Plus, she discusses a potential fight with UFC featherweight champion Amanda Nunes. The man of the hour, bantamweight Urijah Faber, then discusses his return to the Octagon and what it's like now fighting as a father (2:27:12). Julianna Pena then talks about her win this weekend, her first fight since giving birth in January 2017 (2:48:10). Pena's opponent in that 2017 fight, Valentina Shevchenko, then discusses a possible trilogy fight with Nunes and what life feels like as a champion (2:56:40). Lastly, UFC heavyweight Greg Hardy talks about his boxing workouts at Floyd Mayweather's gym, if he still has the itch to play football and if he feels accepted by the MMA community (3:14:10).

Ariel welcomes back ESPN's Marc Raimondi to discuss Jorge Masvidal's UFC 239 win and if he deserves a shot at the welterweight belt (2:45). Plus, the guys also talk about Tito Ortiz's decision to fight former WWE champ Alberto del Rio at Combate Americas. Then, NewYorkRic discusses Jon Jones' fight this past weekend, the beef between he and Israel Adesanya and who the light heavyweight champion should fight next (27:00). Lastly, Sacramento radio legend Carmichael Dave tells Ariel about his close relationship with UFC bantamweight Urijah Faber, who will return to the Octagon this weekend at UFC Sacramento after a two-year hiatus (47:33).

Ariel Helwani's MMA Show starts off with Ariel's reaction to this past weekend's UFC 239 event in Las Vegas. Next, featherweight Arnold Allen discusses the 6-0 start to his UFC career (8:11). Mike Brown, coach of Jorge Masvidal, then explains how he prepared Masvidal for the Ben Askren fight...and the flying knee that led to a UFC record (26:44). And, after beating Diego Sanchez on Saturday, UFC welterweight Michael Chiesa describes the "weird" fight week that led up to his tough win (49:26). Another UFC welterweight, the always-confident and entertaining Colby Covington, tells Ariel the real reason he agreed to fight Robbie Lawler instead of Kamaru Usman (1:06:35). Next, Dominick Reyes says he'll present a difficult challenge to light heavyweight champion Jon Jones if given the opportunity to fight him, a man he idolizes (1:26:05). The recently-retired Jimi Manuwa also explains why he made the decision to step away from the octagon (1:51:12). Then, in his first interview since getting knocked out cold Saturday night, Ben Askren discusses how he's handled the public ridicule he's received, how he feels physically and emotionally and if/when he'll fight again (2:06:45). Next, UFC heavyweight Francis Ngannou discusses who he may fight next (2:33:39) and Israel Adesanya then reveals where he will fight Robert Whittaker before predicting when he'll fight Jones (2:49:46). Last but not least, Masvidal talks about his stunning knockout of Askren and where he must go from here in order to get paid the way he feels he deserves (3:05:15).