Ariel Helwani's MMA Show

Ariel starts off the show by giving his thoughts on Khabib Nurmagomedov's performance against Dustin Poirier and also by explaining how the Jorge Masvidal/Nate Diaz fight came together. Then, Irish MMA journalist Peter Carroll talks about the parallels between Conor McGregor's rise to fame in Ireland and Khabib's own ascension in the Middle East (8:03). He also sheds light on how rapidly McGregor's fame has diminished in Ireland due to his recent antics, but also explains how he can get back in to the good graces of the Irish people. Then, ahead of this upcoming weekend's card in Vancouver, Ariel welcomes Mike Bohn of MMAJunkie to look ahead to the Cowboy Cerrone/Justin Gaethje fight and some of the other notable matchups on this card (29:48). Lastly, ESPN's Marc Raimondi tells Ariel if Masvidal and Diaz fighting for the "BMF" title is the right decision for UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden (45:21). Plus, Ariel tells Marc why he hates the concept of the BMF belt before talking about a certain fear he has about Colby Covington.

Ariel Helwani's MMA Show starts off with a full recap of UFC 242. The show's first guest, Joanne Calderwood, discusses her weekend win over Andrea Lee, the difficult fighting conditions in the Abu Dhabi arena and if/when she may fight Valentina Shevchenko for the UFC flyweight belt (13:20). Next, Javier Mendez, head coach of Khabib Nurmagomedov, breaks down his pupil's win over Dustin Poirier (28:27). After that, UFC welterweight Colby Covington explain why he won't be fighting Kamaru Usman at Madison Square Garden in November (46:25). Plus, he gives his honest opinions of some of the UFC's other top fighters before telling Ariel why he'd rather fight in Washington, D.C. in December. Next, Cris Cyborg discusses her new deal with Bellator, the deterioration of her relationship with the UFC and why she's in a much happier place now (1:09:50). Then, a passionate Cain Velasquez joins Ariel in studio to preview his wrestling match at MSG this weekend as well as to discuss his uncertain MMA future (1:24:20). Next, Tony Ferguson claims Khabib fought a "lazy fight" and says he plans to expose him should the UFC grant him a shot at the undefeated lightweight champion (2:11:05). Plus, he gives Ariel a sneak peek at how he plans to do so. Todd Duffee, away from the Octagon for the last four years, then discusses his upcoming UFC Vancouver bout against Jeff Hughes and why fans haven't seen him fight in so long (2:30:20). Bellator's Ryan Bader joins (2:48:58) before Jorge Masvidal takes Ariel behind the scenes of the making of his UFC 244 bout with Nate Diaz (3:16:55). He also takes some shots at Covington.

Ariel hits the radio waves two days before the highly-anticipated UFC 242 fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier. He takes calls on the fight and updates the listeners on the latest with the UFC 244 Madison Square Garden card. Plus, appearances from Chael Sonen and NewYorkRic.

Ariel begins the show by previewing the huge weekend in MMA ahead. Then, after describing the scene in China last weekend, English UFC broadcaster John Gooden discusses Zhang Weili's importance to the future of MMA in China and to the UFC itself, and if she actually has what it takes to become an MMA superstar (5:07). Next, Arabic MMA broadcaster Mohammed Al Hosani reconnects with Ariel to talk about the making of the UFC 242 card and the overwhelming popularity of Khabib Nurmagomedov in the Middle East, and if the international fame has changed him (26:05). Lastly, almost 10 years after directing a documentary about a young Dustin Poirier, filmmaker Michael Tucker talks about his initial fascination with Poirier and the transformation of "The Diamond" since then (47:12).

Ariel Helwani's MMA Show starts off with an appearance from new UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili. She talks about what it's like to be the first Chinese UFC champion, who she could fight next and her hatred for Henry Cejudo. Then, Ariel explains why Zhang's win is vital to the future of the UFC. Next, lightweight Paul Felder joins from Adu Dhabi just days before his UFC 242 fight against Edson Barboza (38:50). Scotland's Joanne Calderwood, also on the Abu Dhabi card, then previews her own flyweight bout with Andrea Lee (54:15). After that, "The Natural Born Killer" Carlos Condit tells Ariel how he plans to reverse his career path when he squares off against Mickey Gall on Dec. 7 (1:06:50). Dominick Cruz, who will help broadcast UFC 242, then lays in to Cejudo and repeatedly explains why "Cejudo doesn't know who he is" (1:24:40). And, the "king without a crown," UFC lightweight Tony Ferguson makes a rare appearance to discuss how he's feeling, why he's stayed out of the limelight and what he thinks will happen in his division following this weekend's Khabib fight (1:53:30). Then, just weeks after the announcement that he'll fight Kelvin Gastelum at Madison Square Garden in November, "The Gorilla" Darren Till explains why it's better for him that MMA fans are doubting him (2:16:05). Next, Ariel blasts NewYorkRic and UFC welterweight Kevin Lee talks about the state of MMA after describing his emotions since his May loss to Rafael dos Anjos (2:35:52). Lastly, Ariel welcomes Bellator MMA President Scott Coker to discuss the breaking news in Bellator (2:51:40).