With three UFC fight cards postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the UFC finds itself in flux. NewYorkRic and Marc Raimondi join Ariel to discuss the UFC's commitment to holding on when every other sport decided to shut down. Plus, they wonder if Leon Edwards will get the Tyron Woodley fight taken away (23:20), if the UFC could then justify a Colby Covington/Woodley fight, if UFC 249 will happen (36:34) and if all of this craziness could lead to a Conor McGregor/Khabib Nurmagomedov fight faster than we expected. And, everyone shares their own experiences with social distancing and TST gives his "Minimalist Tip of the Week."

Ariel Helwani's MMA Show

Where Does MMA Go From Here?

"Filthy Tom" Lawlor announces his return to MMA and explains why, even after a rocky ending with the UFC, he feels now is the right time to get back into fighting (41:36). Before that, Chael Sonnen on the time Ariel supposedly stabbed him in the back, why "good things happen to bad people," if he misses fighting, his beef with Valentina Shevchenko and affinity for Kevin Lee. Plus, the debut of "Legitimate Questions" with Marc Raimondi (53:34) and "TST's Minimalist Tip of the Week" (1:01:52).

Chael Sonnen In Studio, Filthy Tom's New Home

After a bizarre main event at UFC 248, Ariel defends Israel Adesanya against the criticism he's received since Saturday night. Plus, he explains why he's in awe of Zhang Weili and Joanna Jedrzejczyk following a fight some are calling the greatest female fight in MMA history. Then, --UFC lightweight Sean O'Malley on a stressful fight week, the special bond he shares with his coach and how long he plans to wait before fighting next (23:16). --UFC welterweight Neil Magny discusses his first win since May 2018, his storied UFC career and how fatherhood affected the lead-up to Saturday's fight (39:31). --Korean hip-hop artist Jay Park gives his side of the story on what happened at UFC 248, where UFC featherweight Brian Ortega slapped him for what his friend, The Korean Zombie, said on Ariel's show last month (53:46). --UFC women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko explains why she believes Joanna won on Saturday and why Zhang didn't impress her. She also discusses Yoel Romero's odd strategy against Adesanya (1:19:01). --UFC strawweight champion Zhang (and her translator) discuss how she's feeling physically after a grueling five-round fight, a challenging fight week, if she regrets taking the fight given the tumultuous lead-up to it and if/when she anticipates a rematch against Joanna (1:39:47). --Bob Arum, Founder/CEO of Top Rank, on why the UFC is "trash", his fictional feud with Dana White, Wilder/Fury III and what makes a great promoter (2:12:20). --UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya explains why the Romero fight was the "weirdest" one he's ever been a part of and why he wasn't fooled by his strategy. He also talks about his private conversation with Dana White following the fight, what he makes of Paulo Costa's comments and much more (2:36:20).

Zhang, Adesanya, Shevchenko, Arum, Jay Park, O'Malley, More

In the very first edition of "DC & Helwani" on ESPN Radio, Daniel Cormier and Ariel discuss DC's future, Israel Adesanya's stardom, memories of Yoel Romero's early days, Joanna Jedrzejczyk's chances against Zhang Weili, DC's relationships with Deron Winn and Khabib Nurmagomedov all while taking phone calls from fans. Plus, DC makes his case for James Harden as NBA MVP and we find out the guys stink at math and changing oil in cars.

DC & Helwani: The Inaugural Episode

With Israel Adesanya's star on the rise ahead of UFC 248, ESPN's Phil Murphy joins Ariel to discuss Adesanya's growing popularity around the globe (35:32). But before that, Zhang Weili's manager Brian Butler talks about Zhang's wild journey to Las Vegas and the possibility of a Rose Namajunas fight (18:46) while ESPN's Marc Raimondi puts a bow on UFC Norfolk and discusses whether this is Yoel Romero's last chance at a title fight. UFC veteran Olivier Aubin-Mercier also joins to break news about his fighting future (51:46), Ariel plays some UFC 248 trivia (1:04:40) and TST returns from his short-lived retirement (1:16:13).

UFC 248 Preview & The Canadian Gangster's New Home

The UFC flyweights should stick around, Ariel says, despite the controversial weekend for the division in Norfolk. The show's first guest, UFC featherweight Felicia Spencer -- a winner in Norfolk -- explains how she was able to bounce back from her first pro loss before stating her case for a title shot against Amanda Nunes (22:12). Yoel Romero, the challenger in this upcoming weekend's UFC 248 headliner, talks about his emotions heading into the fight, his hectic fight week schedule, his weight cut and what it would mean for the 42-year-old to finally hold the UFC middleweight belt (40:10). Next, another winner from Norfolk, featherweight Megan Anderson, tells Ariel why she should be the one to face Nunes and also discusses her upcoming color commentary opportunity for Friday's Invicta FC event, which will feature open scoring (57:55). Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson then talks about the state of the division he once ruled, what he would do about the flyweight division if he were the one running the UFC, as well as Henry Cejudo's recent behavior (1:13:13). Next, almost two weeks after his tough loss at UFC Auckland, lightweight Paul Felder talks about how he's feeling, if the judges should have awarded him the victory over Dan Hooker, his future and how he's drowned his sorrows in gluttony since the loss (1:32:17). Deron Winn, who also fights at UFC 248, previews his fight before talking about his relationship with Daniel Cormier (1:52:24). After that, Luis Pena, who recently reunited with his biological brother and father via Ancestry, talks about his win in Norfolk and how it felt even better to do it in front of his long-lost family members (2:09:50). Lastly, the UFC middleweight champion himself Israel Adesanya discusses his winning of a very special award in New Zealand, the positives and negatives of stardom, his preparation for UFC 248, walkout plans, recent controversial comments he's made, the latest between he and Jon Jones and much more (2:27:40).

Adesanya, Romero, Mighty Mouse, Felder, Spencer, M. Anderson, More

NewYorkRic talks about the state of the flyweight division heading into this weekend's UFC Norfolk card (8:00). Then, they discuss the Henry Cejudo vs. Jose Aldo title fight in May and NewYorkRic's experience at Wilder/Fury II. Afterwards, Fury's co-promoter Frank Warren joins to talk about the next step for Fury, the likelihood of the Anthony Joshua fight happening soon and his feud with Eddie Hearn (32:00). Finally, TST joins from Denmark to tell us about his trip to Scandinavia and also to offer his "Minimalist Tip of the Week," which concludes with a potentially shocking twist (1:02:00).

Cejudo vs. Aldo, State of the Flyweights, What's Next for Tyson Fury?

Coming off a historical weekend in the boxing world, Ariel reacts to the Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder rematch and what could be next for Fury. Then, he welcomes famed combat sports nutritionist George Lockhart, who worked with Fury leading up to the big fight (22:46). Then, Eddie Hearn, Sports Promoter and Managing Director of Matchroom Sport, joins the show to talk about the possibility of a fight between Fury and Anthony Joshua and the beef between he and Fury (44:16). After that, Oklahoma City Thunder center and MMA fan Steven Adams talks about his MMA fandom and favorite fighters (1:12:00). Next, UFC women's strawweight contender Joanna Jedrzejczyk calls in to preview her upcoming bout on March 7 vs. Zhang Weili and discuss how she can potentially make history with a big win (1:18:20). Speaking of making history, UFC flyweight contender Joanne Calderwood previews her UFC 251 title fight vs. Valentina Shevchenko, as well as her upcoming wedding (1:35:18). What's next for UFC featherweight Ryan Hall, you ask? Hall joins the show to talk about what the future holds and whether or not he feels like he is being frozen out (1:50:16). Next, Conor McGregor's teammate, Bellator bantamweight James Gallagher talks about his progress in returning from a small muscle tear in his back (2:09:11). UFC light heavyweight Jimmy Crute next discusses his bounce-back win vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk and also says he "has never felt more nervous" before a fight (2:22:37). Another fighter coming off a great win, UFC lightweight Dan Hooker calls into the show to discuss his somewhat controversial victory over Paul Felder in Auckland. Hooker breaks down what was going through his head throughout the fight, saying Felder is "one heck of a poker player," (2:31:46). Lastly, Hooker's teammate, UFC lightweight Brad Riddell joins Ariel to recap his victory over Magomed Mustafaev. He says the experience fighting in New Zealand in front of his home crowd was unreal (2:46:07).

Hearn, Hooker, Jedrzejczyk, Gallagher, Calderwood, Adams, More

In a contentious episode of the show, UFC legend Diego Sanchez and his coach and life guru, Josh Fabia, defend themselves against the criticism they've each received since Saturday night's controversial ending in Rio Rancho. Plus, ESPN's Antonietta Collins is in Las Vegas to set the scene for Tyson Fury/Deontay Wilder II and also to describe what it's like being from Jorge Masvidal's hometown (56:02). And, TST brings another "Minimalist Tip of the Week" (1:11:57).

Diego Sanchez and His Guru Clear the Air

Ariel begins by delivering his thoughts on Jan Blachowicz's Saturday night win in Rio Rancho and the illegal knee that defined the Diego Sanchez/Michel Pereira fight. Then, Blachowicz himself discusses the magnitude of the win, his callout of Jon Jones, if he thinks he's ahead of Dominick Reyes for a title shot and the reception of him in Poland (25:48). UFC bantamweight Aljamain Sterling, absent since June, next talks about his recent injuries, the Petr Yan "hype train" and why Sterling feels he deserves a shot at the belt (45:35). Then, just days away from his highly-anticipated boxing heavyweight rematch with Deontay Wilder, "The Gypsy King" Tyson Fury discusses what it's like being the betting underdog, if he'll approach this fight differently than the first time around, what he may do next and when he thinks he'll call it quits (1:09:10). After that, former interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier on the possibility of fighting Nate Diaz, his campaign for a Conor McGregor matchup, if anyone can beat Khabib Nurmagomedov and his work with the Good Fight Foundation (1:27:47). Gegard Mousasi, former Bellator middleweight world champion, next talks about this upcoming weekend's bout with Douglas Lima (1:45:02) and then UFC middleweight Darren Till discusses his Twitter game, budding friendship with Israel Adesanya and the impact of his visa issues on UFC 248 (2:05:48). After that, a new-look "Platinum" Mike Perry on potentially moving weight classes, dealing with his UFC 245 loss to Geoff Neal, and his Saturday Submission Underground grappling matchup against Al Iaquinta (2:28:10). Lastly, Iaquinta talks about facing Perry, why he wants to fight Poirier and more (2:45:00).

Till, Fury, Poirier, Iaquinta, Perry, Sterling, More

In the wake of a controversial UFC 247, Ariel welcomes veteran MMA official Marc Goddard to discuss misconceptions about officiating, the scoring of close rounds, the criteria officials adhere to and the comments Colby Covington made about him. Plus, Andy Foster, Executive Director of the California State Athletic Commission, joins the show to examine how officiating can improve (31:17). Later, Marc Raimondi explains the new Kansas open scoring laws and how they will be implemented (52:48). And, false accusations against Nate Diaz (1:06:40), the latest on Conor McGregor, "TST's Minimalist Tip of the Week" and a special Valentine's Day surprise for Ariel.

Does MMA Have a Judging Problem?

Nearly 48 hours after a controversial end to UFC 247, Ariel delivers his thoughts on the main event and how officiating soured the night. One fighter affected by the officiating, lightweight James Krause, first explains why he took a fight on such short notice and also why even though he lost, he actually feels like he won (21:06). "The Black Beast" Derrick Lewis, a winner at 247, then talks about the emotions of winning in his hometown of Houston...and why he no longer trusts Ariel (42:00). Then, fresh off a dominant title defense against Katlyn Chookagian, flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko discusses why she approaches each fight differently, the early stoppage, if she'll consider fighting Amanda Nunes and her unique relationship with actress Halle Berry (1:02:56). Next, Dominick Reyes opens up about his emotions following an impressive performance against Jon Jones and explains why he feels the referees robbed him of the light heavyweight title (1:23:28). Plus, Reyes discusses how he felt in the late rounds of the fight, if he has any regrets, what Jones and Dana White told him afterward, the support he's received from the MMA community and if he wants an immediate rematch with Jones. Then, Jones' striking coach, Mike Winkeljohn of Jackson Wink, says he and Jones respect Reyes and how he battled on Saturday night, but that the judges ultimately made the correct decision in awarding Jones the victory (1:44:15). UFC welterweight Diego Sanchez, who fights this weekend in New Mexico, then issues an important warning to fighters and everyday people who take supplements to look and train better (2:08:09). Light heavyweight contender Jan Blachowicz, who also fights on Saturday, next talks about the Jones/Reyes fight and what he feels he must accomplish in order to jump ahead of Reyes in the eyes of the UFC (2:32:21). Lastly, "The Korean Zombie" Chan Sung Jung talks about the possibility of fighting Alexander Volkanovski...and why he thinks he's an easier opponent than Frankie Edgar (2:44:10).

Reyes, Shevchenko, Lewis, Krause, Zombie, Sanchez, More

Albuquerque's own Jon Jones fights this weekend, so Ariel welcomes Geoff Grammer of The Albuquerque Journal to talk about the perception of Jones in the city and a personal connection he shares with the UFC's light heavyweight champion. ESPN's Marc Raimondi also discusses the possibility of Jones losing and what his next move will be, win or loss (42:36). Plus, MMA legend Dan Henderson -- who helped train Dominick Reyes for Jones -- discusses Reyes' readiness for UFC 247 (26:54) and "TST's Minimalist Tip of the Week" (1:00:38).

All Things Jon Jones vs. Dominick Reyes

To lead off UFC 247 fight week, Ariel welcomes Eliot Marshall of Elevation Fight Team in Denver to talk about the recent success of his gym, his transition from fighting to coaching and how he deals with anxiety issues on a daily basis. Then, Bellator's Sergio Pettis discusses his Bellator debut win, the impact of his brother Anthony on his career and the "mission statement" that changed his life (33:46). After that, former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington breaks his silence to air his grievances on the officiating in his UFC 245 title shot against Kamaru Usman and the releasing of the audio tapes from his corner (46:17). Plus, he discusses fighting Usman again, his emotions since that fight and if he expects a contentious return to American Top Team. Then, Ariel's interview with UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who opens up about dealing with his shadowy past, his balance between "working and playing," his legacy, his fiery back-and forth with Israel Adesanya, why he first started fighting at age 19, how long he plans to continue fighting and much more (1:15:40). Then, Jones' UFC 247 opponent, Dominick Reyes, addresses Jones' recent comments about him, if he thinks Jones is slowing down and if he feels Jones respects him heading into Saturday night's headliner (2:02:20). UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith -- absent since June -- then discusses what it's like to fight Jones before telling a crazy story about how he nearly had a finger amputated (2:23:10). Lastly, new UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski on life as champion, his future goals and what Australia has been like as the devastating bush fires have wreaked havoc on his home country (2:46:40).

Jon Jones, Covington, Volkanovski, Reyes, Anthony Smith, More

Jorge Masvidal calls in to talk about his verbal altercation with Kamaru Usman in Miami (1:10:52). But before that, Ariel talks to Stephen A. Smith about the criticism he received from Joe Rogan and others following his post-UFC 246 analysis (4:35). Ariel and NewYorkRic also discuss the state of the heavyweight division, favorite MMA Super Bowl weekend moments, Ariel's crazy Jon Jones story and Kobe Bryant memories (35:20). Plus, "TST's Minimalist Tip of the Week" (1:25:49).

Masvidal on Usman Altercation, Stephen A. Responds to Joe Rogan

ESPN's Ariel Helwani talks to the biggest names, addresses the hottest topics and previews/reviews the most important fight cards from across the world of MMA.

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Ariel Helwani's MMA Show

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