Hi. It’s that time of the week again. Questions have been great as of late. Seriously, I am reading them all, and I really appreciate them. So, as always, everything and anything goes. I’ll answer ‘em on Wednesday’s show. Again, try to keep them short and sweet, if possible. That increases your chances of having the question answered on air.
I can't help but sympathize with Jon Anik's comments. As a diehard sports fan, my love for football, basketball, MMA, and soccer has always been rooted in the 'fan experience'. Whether it's the roaring fans at Craven's Cottage, an SEC Football game where everybody is hammered and you can't hear yourself think, or a shirtless NFL tailgate in the freezing cold - being a fan is supposed to be uniting and fun.
I still watch the fights and love the sport, but being an MMA fan feels, different (?) than in year's past. Controversy, character development, story, brashness, and overcoming the impossible - tenets that have always bound me to MMA - feel diminished. Do you also feel like there's been a shift?
Maybe I'm just old-school and turned off by the Nelk Boys, Power Slap promos, underwhelming social media fight announcements, political propaganda, and exorbitant ticket prices - but damn. Is this just the result of our grungy, counter-culture, outlaw sport going too mainstream? Feel free to validate me or 10-7 my take. lol
Now that the UFC and WWE are in 1 in the same might we start seeing 3 way MMA matches? Sometimes I can't help but think that some of the divisional logjams could be solved if we got 3 or more people in the ring at the same time? Might we also soon see Dana defecating on someone's head?
Hola Ariel! As I was watching the Royal Rumble, I thought it would have been cool to see someone from the UFC be an entrant. Even if not an active fighter, someone like Daniel Cormier would have been fun.
1. Do you think Dana White would sign off on something like that?
2. Do you see anyone making an appearance at WrestleMania? The first person that comes to mind, with thoughts he’s the next big star, is Sean O’Malley. Could be something where he’s ringside and knocks out Austin Theory or Grayson Waller.
For UFC 300, how will Bruce Buffer announce Justin Gaethje for his BMF title defense. Will he call him the “reigning, defending, undisputed BMF champion of the world” or will there be a spin on it as it is not the UFC championship? Will they just ignore it and introduce him as normal?
Also, would you be opposed to a BMF champion for every division as long as the champions would get PPV points? Thank you for reading!
Hello hello! At the current rate of 13 PPVs per year, we would see UFC 1,000 in the year 2,078. At what point would it make sense to stop numbering the events? UFC 1,000 has a nice ring to it. UFC 1,001, not so much.
Followup question... If Elon's Neuralink extends the average lifespan as we know it, and there's no more USADA, is there a possibility of a Colby vs Leon rematch at UFC 1776?
Please expand on Aljo's recent interview where he said there is no need for managers for most fighters. Suga has been saying this for a while. However I look at the likes of Marquel Martin or a Jason House and think potentially otherwise. You are one of the few that talks to both sides of the aisle, how do you feel about this?
I feel times are changing, UFC is losing substantial star power in the next few years and fighters are becoming more educated on the business, it should make for some exciting theater!
I need your critical, evenhanded brain to find a hole in this one for me...
Change scoring to a round score majority. As an example, if the three judges score a round 10-9, 10-9, 9-10, it ends as 10-9 on a single final scorecard. If it’s 10-8, 10-8, 10-9, it ends 10-8 and so on...
This removes significant impact for any single judge, gets rid of split decisions and gets GC more air time with added delicious round and fight winner parlays.
Some recent decisions it would have flipped: Shevchenko vs Grasso II, Kara-France vs Albazi, Sidey vs Tavares.
Ariel, solid on the mod. A man of many talents. Can’t wait to see you crush it on CBC. Oh Canada, Go Canada 🇨🇦
Ariel what’s up my brotha this is my favourite show with no close second I love you and the boys. My question is what do you think of this nina drama character in the mma space and her different styles of interviews
P.S. I have an MMA FIGHT THIS WEEK on FEB 8th in Vancouver Canada for BFL it would mean the world to me if you and the boys would wish me luck I hope to be representing the MMA HOUR crew in there! 👊🏽👊🏽
I have more of a discussion than a question, but I hope to spark a conversation among your crew.
I listened to your “The Ringer MMA Show” this week. The segment covering UFC fans vs the media was thought-provoking for me. The three of you (Chuck, Petsy, and yourself) discussed how the game is changing rapidly. There being coinciding coercion and media layoffs. The UFC is playing to this hostile/illegitimate crowd and has an underlying political agenda now. How these crowds, in a way, think they belong more than the three of you and the UFC represents them.
During your discussion, I could not help but feel like a fool for watching UFC. I have grown to enjoy learning about the fighters and their stories and watching your shows/content grow. I want to support them, but the messages and people surrounding the sport are toxic now. By watching UFC, I feel I am indirectly supporting these bizarre bully tactics (by the UFC) that everyone seems to idolize now. It makes it challenging. It almost makes me want to avoid supporting them. All they do is follow the money, making me wonder to what point I support that. Does your crew share this same sentiment? Again, we want to support the athletes as much as possible, but the vehicle driving them makes it extremely challenging.
Ariel!! Give the fans what they want! We’d love to see some behind the scenes footage. How does the show get made? What does the set look like? Where do in studio guests hang before the show? What goes on after the show? Give us the details!
On last weeks show Ariel asked Frank if he had ever played Fortnite, to which Frank responded that he has played it with his kid before. I must admit that every previous time you guys had mentioned Frank being a father, it always seemed like you were joking. But the confidence that Frank had in his statement last week made me believe that he really is in fact a father. Lastly, if this is actually the case, I wonder why Frank has never used his child as an excuse for all the times that he has flaked. Something tells me it will remain a mystery!
How do you feel about organised criminal gangs being involved with combat sports? Should we, as fans, hold fighters accountable for their association with these groups/people? Or should we sympathise them for being put in such a difficult position?
The most recent notable example I can think of is the Kinahan Cartel, who founded MTK Global, which was originally led by Daniel Kinahan. Daniel was vouched for by many, Till, Bob Arum, Fury and even credited as the man who brokered the AJ Fury deal several years ago.
I find it insane that this was allowed to happen, especially given the widespread knowledge of the dark truth behind MTK and the shooting at the Regency in Dublin.
Are there no checks or barriers in place to stop these gangs infiltrating are sports?
Ariel, break the 4th wall. On Monday's show when Holly Holm asked who Amanda Nunes' hadn't fought yet and you said Ronda Rousey, did one of the guys in the back chime in your ear that she did in fact fight her? Or did you catch yourself?
GC, what does your girlfriend think about your gambling habit?
Ric, how's the time restricted eating going?
Franky, why do you spend hundreds of dollars a month on haircuts only to hide from the camera? It's 2024 bro, the novelty of Mysterious Frank has expired, it's time you show your face.
Howdy Bros and Brodettes,
My question is simple:
If you were going to a small potluck dinner with friends, what dish would you make and bring, and what dish would you hope someone else brings?
Please everyone, I need ideas.
Dishes must be homemade and unfortunately cannot contain beef.
Also, isn't it a little gross eating someone else's home cooked food? Like, you don't know how clean these people are.
Anyway, much love from Dallas. Thanks for the great shows.
Shout out to the chat!
Hi Ariel,
I can't help but sympathize with Jon Anik's comments. As a diehard sports fan, my love for football, basketball, MMA, and soccer has always been rooted in the 'fan experience'. Whether it's the roaring fans at Craven's Cottage, an SEC Football game where everybody is hammered and you can't hear yourself think, or a shirtless NFL tailgate in the freezing cold - being a fan is supposed to be uniting and fun.
I still watch the fights and love the sport, but being an MMA fan feels, different (?) than in year's past. Controversy, character development, story, brashness, and overcoming the impossible - tenets that have always bound me to MMA - feel diminished. Do you also feel like there's been a shift?
Maybe I'm just old-school and turned off by the Nelk Boys, Power Slap promos, underwhelming social media fight announcements, political propaganda, and exorbitant ticket prices - but damn. Is this just the result of our grungy, counter-culture, outlaw sport going too mainstream? Feel free to validate me or 10-7 my take. lol
Gracias,
- The Taco Enthusiast
Now that the UFC and WWE are in 1 in the same might we start seeing 3 way MMA matches? Sometimes I can't help but think that some of the divisional logjams could be solved if we got 3 or more people in the ring at the same time? Might we also soon see Dana defecating on someone's head?
Hola Ariel! As I was watching the Royal Rumble, I thought it would have been cool to see someone from the UFC be an entrant. Even if not an active fighter, someone like Daniel Cormier would have been fun.
1. Do you think Dana White would sign off on something like that?
2. Do you see anyone making an appearance at WrestleMania? The first person that comes to mind, with thoughts he’s the next big star, is Sean O’Malley. Could be something where he’s ringside and knocks out Austin Theory or Grayson Waller.
Hello Ariel and crew.
For UFC 300, how will Bruce Buffer announce Justin Gaethje for his BMF title defense. Will he call him the “reigning, defending, undisputed BMF champion of the world” or will there be a spin on it as it is not the UFC championship? Will they just ignore it and introduce him as normal?
Also, would you be opposed to a BMF champion for every division as long as the champions would get PPV points? Thank you for reading!
Hello hello! At the current rate of 13 PPVs per year, we would see UFC 1,000 in the year 2,078. At what point would it make sense to stop numbering the events? UFC 1,000 has a nice ring to it. UFC 1,001, not so much.
Followup question... If Elon's Neuralink extends the average lifespan as we know it, and there's no more USADA, is there a possibility of a Colby vs Leon rematch at UFC 1776?
Much Love AJ and the entire crew!
Please expand on Aljo's recent interview where he said there is no need for managers for most fighters. Suga has been saying this for a while. However I look at the likes of Marquel Martin or a Jason House and think potentially otherwise. You are one of the few that talks to both sides of the aisle, how do you feel about this?
I feel times are changing, UFC is losing substantial star power in the next few years and fighters are becoming more educated on the business, it should make for some exciting theater!
Wishing you all the best
-meow
Dear NY Ric,
I need your critical, evenhanded brain to find a hole in this one for me...
Change scoring to a round score majority. As an example, if the three judges score a round 10-9, 10-9, 9-10, it ends as 10-9 on a single final scorecard. If it’s 10-8, 10-8, 10-9, it ends 10-8 and so on...
This removes significant impact for any single judge, gets rid of split decisions and gets GC more air time with added delicious round and fight winner parlays.
Some recent decisions it would have flipped: Shevchenko vs Grasso II, Kara-France vs Albazi, Sidey vs Tavares.
Ariel, solid on the mod. A man of many talents. Can’t wait to see you crush it on CBC. Oh Canada, Go Canada 🇨🇦
Ariel what’s up my brotha this is my favourite show with no close second I love you and the boys. My question is what do you think of this nina drama character in the mma space and her different styles of interviews
P.S. I have an MMA FIGHT THIS WEEK on FEB 8th in Vancouver Canada for BFL it would mean the world to me if you and the boys would wish me luck I hope to be representing the MMA HOUR crew in there! 👊🏽👊🏽
Hey Ariel,
I have more of a discussion than a question, but I hope to spark a conversation among your crew.
I listened to your “The Ringer MMA Show” this week. The segment covering UFC fans vs the media was thought-provoking for me. The three of you (Chuck, Petsy, and yourself) discussed how the game is changing rapidly. There being coinciding coercion and media layoffs. The UFC is playing to this hostile/illegitimate crowd and has an underlying political agenda now. How these crowds, in a way, think they belong more than the three of you and the UFC represents them.
During your discussion, I could not help but feel like a fool for watching UFC. I have grown to enjoy learning about the fighters and their stories and watching your shows/content grow. I want to support them, but the messages and people surrounding the sport are toxic now. By watching UFC, I feel I am indirectly supporting these bizarre bully tactics (by the UFC) that everyone seems to idolize now. It makes it challenging. It almost makes me want to avoid supporting them. All they do is follow the money, making me wonder to what point I support that. Does your crew share this same sentiment? Again, we want to support the athletes as much as possible, but the vehicle driving them makes it extremely challenging.
Cheers!
Hey Ariel
I hope you and the crew are doing well this morning!
My question is: are you planning on coming to Saudi Arabia for the Ngannou/Joshua fight and putting on a show here?
Because if this is your plan, I would love to receive you and the rest of the crew and take you on a tour of the historical sites in Riyadh.
You mentioned wanting to write a book when you retire. What will the title be?
Ariel!! Give the fans what they want! We’d love to see some behind the scenes footage. How does the show get made? What does the set look like? Where do in studio guests hang before the show? What goes on after the show? Give us the details!
Hello Ariel & Crew
On last weeks show Ariel asked Frank if he had ever played Fortnite, to which Frank responded that he has played it with his kid before. I must admit that every previous time you guys had mentioned Frank being a father, it always seemed like you were joking. But the confidence that Frank had in his statement last week made me believe that he really is in fact a father. Lastly, if this is actually the case, I wonder why Frank has never used his child as an excuse for all the times that he has flaked. Something tells me it will remain a mystery!
Hi Ariel and guys,
How do you feel about organised criminal gangs being involved with combat sports? Should we, as fans, hold fighters accountable for their association with these groups/people? Or should we sympathise them for being put in such a difficult position?
The most recent notable example I can think of is the Kinahan Cartel, who founded MTK Global, which was originally led by Daniel Kinahan. Daniel was vouched for by many, Till, Bob Arum, Fury and even credited as the man who brokered the AJ Fury deal several years ago.
I find it insane that this was allowed to happen, especially given the widespread knowledge of the dark truth behind MTK and the shooting at the Regency in Dublin.
Are there no checks or barriers in place to stop these gangs infiltrating are sports?
4 Quick Questions
Ariel, break the 4th wall. On Monday's show when Holly Holm asked who Amanda Nunes' hadn't fought yet and you said Ronda Rousey, did one of the guys in the back chime in your ear that she did in fact fight her? Or did you catch yourself?
GC, what does your girlfriend think about your gambling habit?
Ric, how's the time restricted eating going?
Franky, why do you spend hundreds of dollars a month on haircuts only to hide from the camera? It's 2024 bro, the novelty of Mysterious Frank has expired, it's time you show your face.