Ariel Helwani's MMA Show

This week, Ariel is first joined by ESPN's Brett Okamoto to first talk about the buzz heading into UFC 241, as well as his recent sit-down with Nate Diaz (4:30). Then, ESPN's Marc Raimondi stops by to discuss Cat Zingano's release from the UFC and recently spending time with Stipe Miocic at his firehouse outside of Cleveland (26:00). Finally, Daniel Cormier's personal photographer Brian Vega talks about what it's like working for DC and whether he thinks this will be Cormier's last fight (47:11).

Ariel Helwani's MMA Show starts off with a recap of UFC Fight Night and Ariel expressing his excitement for the upcoming UFC 241. First, chats with UFC's Maycee "The Future" Barber about her hand injury and the upcoming Gillian Robertson fight. (10:00) Then, Bellator women's flyweight champion Ilima-Lei MacFarlane comes aboard to talk about Liz Carmouche's performance in UFC FN and what's next for her (27:00). Paulo Costa's head coach Eric Albarracin joins to preview the bout vs Yoel Romero at UFC 241 and what is next for Henry "Triple C" Cejudo (51:00). Then, head coach Duke Roufus looks ahead to Anthony Petits' fight at UFC 241 and shares why he calls this training the "best of his career" (1:09:00). Next, UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier weighs in on his rematch this coming weekend vs Stipe Miocic and if this fight will be his last (1:25:00). After that, UFC's Michelle "The Karate Hottie" Waterson shares why she is locked in and focused on her October 12 bout vs Joanna Jedrzejczy (1:52:00) and former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson looks back on his recent win in ONE Championship (2:07:00). Then, Darren "The Gorilla" Till tells Ariel that he does not have a fight lined up right now and has not made a decision yet about whether his next fight is at welterweight or middleweight (2:28:00). After that, Nicolas Dalby talks about his resigning to UFC and being back on the Copenhagen card (2:52:00). Lastly, UFC women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko discusses her win against Carmouche and her warning to Triple C for the intergender championship (3:12:00).

Ariel opens the show by talking to legendary MMA journalist Dave Meltzer about the public perception of Colby Covington, if he will ever be a big draw and his possible professional wrestling future. Then, Ariel welcomes back ESPN's Marc Raimondi to discuss his incredible access with Cain Velasquez last week as he prepared for his lucha libre debut (27:05). Lastly, Ariel chats with former UFC PR head Ant Evans about Michael Bisping's new book, which he co-wrote, "Quitters Never Win," and his fondest memories of working with the UFC in its early years (46:20).

Ariel Helwani's MMA Show starts off with a weekend recap and Ariel's take on the Cyborg/UFC break-up. Then, flyweight Matt Schnell dishes on his beef with Ariel before explaining why he feels he deserves higher-profile fights (6:25). The star of the weekend, Colby Covington, then discusses his preparation for the Robbie Lawler fight and if/when he may fight Kamaru Usman for the UFC welterweight title (23:40). Next, former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman talks about his decision to fight in the light heavyweight division for his October 18 bout against Dominick Reyes (47:07). Plus, he talks about his celebration of "Chris Weidman's Day." Next, former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley gives his take on the Covington/Lawler fight and how Covington would fare against Usman (1:04:32). After that, "The Black Beast" Derrick Lewis updates Ariel on his knee surgery and explains how this time away from the Octagon has allowed him to re-discover his love for fighting (1:26:05). Then, another celebrity MMA fan joins the show! Action Bronson talks about the origins of his love for the sport and his close relationship with Israel Adesanya (1:43:35). Next, UFC welterweight Ben Askren reveals some of the details surrounding his next fight following last month's knockout via the knees of Jorge Masvidal (2:04:52). Then, PFL's Sarah Kaufman joins Ariel in studio to discuss the PFL semifinals and why she believes the league wants her and Kayla Harrison to meet in the finals (2:23:47). Lastly, Alexander Volkanovski talks about where things stand in the featherweight division following UFC 240 (3:09:30).

Ariel opens the show by speaking to ESPN UFC Insider Brett Okamoto about Cris Cyborg's cloudy future and her strained relationship with Dana White and the UFC (3:24). Plus, they recap Max Holloway's UFC 240 win. Then, The Athletic's Chuck Mindenhall talks about the polarizing nature of Colby Covington, his true potential and what makes him one of the top villains in MMA (20:50). Lastly, NewYorkRic joins Ariel to discuss the tension between BJ Penn and Nik Lentz, if the UFC should be looking out for Penn, Felicia Spencer's rising profile and more (39:51).