My question why does it seem like the rest of the heavyweight division is being overlooked or disrespected after Tom and Jon? I often hear comments like "who else is there" or "there is no one else for Tom to fight after Jon". Obviously there is the Gane fight and the drama there, but also Volkov is having a resurgence in his career and I think that rematch could be very different, and then you still have other great contenders like Almeida who had just one setback that would be an intriguing matchup for Tom.
Separate question but have you heard anything on why Alexander Romanov was released by the UFC despite being only 33, being 7-3 in the UFC, and coming off of a ranked win?
Hard to say overlooked pavlovich and curtis just loss and jalton is barely making a Comeback after that can’t make a argument about who is there left division feels dead
I think Jailton is still an exciting contender, everyone can get caught with a punch at heavyweight but he seems to have a diverse toolbag. I specifically did not mention those guys because they are on losing streaks currently, but I believe an argument could be made for the winner of Gane-Volkov being an intriguing fight for Tom!
My question this week is for GC. Which Uncrowned alter-ego team member would you rather go on a 7-hour road trip with? Funk Harbor Ariel, high-pitched voice Frank (when he’s giving interesting facts or knowledge), or gout-ridden, sleep apnea NY Ric?
AH and team! Bryan Battle on the show when? The promo he cut in France was Helwani On the Nose Award worthy and then some!* Plus, it's timely as he has a December 7th fight w/ Randy Brown on the near horizon.
I’m writing to you for the first time in the years I’ve listened to your show because, after UFC 309, I think a more in-depth conversation needs to be had about a subject I know you’ve shied away from speaking on too extensively in the past.
I want to clarify upfront that I’m not asking for anyone’s personal political opinion. But I think it’s impossible not to talk about the relationship between the UFC and Trump/the current conservative movement in America after Saturday night, and the impact that relationship has had on the product and viewing experience.
I can’t remember when the Trump walkouts started (I’m guessing roughly 18 months - 2 years ago), but UFC 309 was a completely different animal compared to their usual parading of him. This was also Trump’s first major public appearance since his victory, and clearly a moment he chose with intent. The walkout was an over-the-top version of the usual routine, including a video package and a slate of the most prominent and controversial Republican figures, which I expected after the election win.
But this time, that was really only the beginning of what felt like 3 hours of nonstop adoration for the soon to be president and his crew. It was the most political sporting event I’ve ever watched. I can’t begin to count the amount of times he was shown on screen and referenced by the broadcast team, but it was forced down the throat of the viewer for the entire pay per view.
I’ve never personally been happy about the Trump walkouts, but I recognize the politics of Dana and have been fine with seeing it for a few minutes before moving on to watching the sport that I love minus a few moments and shots of him.
But this PPV felt like the first time my enjoyment of watching the fights was seriously impacted by the amount Trump was forced on me as a viewer. For myself, and I have to assume many others, Trump isn’t simply someone I disagree with, but a figure that stands for a number of ideas that are deeply divisive and harmful.
As Dana has said on politics in sports in the past (copying in some article quotes): “They don't want to hear that," White said on Fox's "Hannity. They don't want to hear what your opinions are or who you're voting for, what you're doing, they want to get away from everything in their life and they want to focus on two, three, four hours, however long the sport is when you turned it on.”
"If you want to listen to that stuff, turn on any other station, you will hear all of that stuff you want to hear. When you tune in to UFC, you are there to see fights”
I include these not to highlight his hypocrisy but emphasize that I agree with this general sentiment. I’m very frustrated that my love for this sport and the fighters has become an experience that is so political and so tied to an American conservative movement that makes me very uncomfortable. With a PPV like 309, I felt like I was never able to fully enjoy the fights before being forced back into Trump world and the environment the UFC has built to welcome it in its show and viewing experience.
Clearly this is a decision Dana and much of the fanbase (particularly those who attend events in the US) seem to be increasingly comfortable with and excited about. My general questions / points for discussion are: Do you see the prevalence of these appearances and the trump worlds role in the UFC product expanding? Is it fair for viewers like me or anyone who isn’t pro-Trump around the world to have the product so intertwined with American conservative politics?
I recognize this is something I and the other people who are unhappy about it are likely going to have to deal with if we want to keep watching, but it’s very challenging to love this sport and organization the way I do when I feel conservative politics so forced on me while viewing the fights. I completely respect all the fighters, other fans, and Dana’s right to their political views, but producing a product that is so directly political is impacting the enjoyment of watching and the escape from the hard issues of the world that sports provide for so many.
I'm with you, and wish we could enjoy the sport we love without the political propaganda. I didn't mind Masvidal or Colby expressing their eternal love for Trump. But, Trump's usage of the UFC for self-promotion, eerily reminds me of Mussolini's usage of the World Cups and Olympics in the 1930s to promote his agenda. And you're spot on regarding Dana's hypocrisy, along with others who demanded Kaepernick keep politics out of the NFL and who told Lebron James to "shut up and dribble," but are now loving the Trump and UFC brand fusion.
Fantastic question, I’d add I wonder if this will have a negative impact at all when the broadcast deal is being negotiated or if their new broadcast partner will have any say on how much Trump is shoved down our throats. Probably not?
Thanks so much, completely agreed that it will be very interesting to see if that becomes a factor. I have to assume Disney and ESPN aren’t thrilled about the role Trump has in the product right now, but the UFC is such a value to them it feels like Dana is daring them to try to stop him from doing what he wants with this
I don't think it'll be like how it was on Saturday all the time.. He literally just won the Presidency of course they're gonna celebrate him. Having the President of your country at your sporting event is a huge deal whether you agree with him or not. If you're gonna let your hatred of Trump effect how you view the fights that's not the UFC's problem that's you and the viewers problem.
Ariel - Trump appointed Linda Mcmahon as Education Secretary, which is mind blowing...Dana White has said he would leave the UFC to fill a cabinet role for Trump...question 1 - Do you see Dana leaving the UFC within the next few years for a Trump position? Question 2 - What the fuck is going on in this country? Thanks, love the show
Question for Ariel and the crew - in a world where you are UFC fighters getting your own custom shorts, what would be on your shorts? Love the new show, keep up the great work!
When you spoke to Bo last week you told him you were surprised at how big of a betting favorite he was. He then asked you what you think the odds should be, and you responded -750. Bo then said "So you think I would only win 75 out of 100 times? Cuz that is what that means." You then agreed with him that he should be an even bigger favorite.
GC might be the man to ask here, but isn't Bo completely wrong with how he interpreted what -750 means? -750 is 7.5 wins for every 1 loss, It's not winning 75 out of 100 times. A 75% win rate would translate more to a -300 or -400 no? This really confused me as I was shocked Bo who is such a staple of college sports wouldn't know how betting works. Please correct me if I'm wrong but I wanted to defend your honor Ariel as you had it right in the interview
Ngannou v Jake in boxing? Jake is now a heavyweight, both PFL associated, Jake and Ngannou beefed over twitter last weekend, Jake beat Ngannous former trainer in Iron Mike, Jake beat the former baddest man now how about the current baddest man, Francis looking to avenge other MMA guys' defeats to Jake, and importantly Francis gets some big bag. Seems to make at least some sense?
I think I am one of the few that would rather see Jones vs. Pereira, I would still like to see Jones vs. Aspinall, but maybe after Jones vs. Pereria. Pereira wanted to go up to HW, if he does beat Jones he will be first 3 different weight class champ, the numbers I feel will go through the roof with JvP, and think of the revenge fight Pereira can get for Glover's loss, this has a WWE storyline written all over it. Also if Jones wins, he might have more motivation to fully fight Aspinall. And again Aspinall fighting Pereira if Pereira won, they both got what they wanted before Jon came back. Thoughts? Or is it Aspinall or nothing?
With some extreme difficult negotiations coming up with the UFC and Jon Jones, i was wondering who would represent Jon in this case ? Is Richard Schafer still his “advisor” and if so what exactly is his role ?
Ariel - Michael Chandler.....is he in the space, same as Conor, where his Win Loss record doesn't matter as long as he stays in fun fights? I like Mike but I just dont see him beating any of the Top 5 and unfortunately I would say he cant be in BMF talks without the wins. I do want to see a Hangman Hooker rematch! Thoughts? Love the show, shout out to the crew. Glad Frank hasn't been fired yet.
When chatting about the Trump extravaganza that occurred at UFC 309 with Chael, I think you both missed a key point… trump’s walkout at 309 included the new Director of National Intelligence, head of HHS, head of the Dept of Government Efficiency, speaker of the house, AND the president elect’s kids.
Chael’s argument that this “wasn’t about politics” is absurd. I get that Trump is Dana’s friend, but this was political gloating and sports propaganda at its finest.
If Ramzan Kadyrov got this same treatment at an event in Abu Dhabi and walked out with his allies, would we say it’s political propaganda? If Jacinda Ardern walked out like that in New Zealand with her cabinet, would it be sports propaganda?
I’m not even saying I’m anti-Trump… but when we start analyzing how every fighter interacts with him after their fight - it’s getting absurd. Thoughts?
Yo Ariel and crew! This next question is just for Ric for absolutely no reason.
Ric, would you rather be a talking *dog* that only *cats* can understand or a talking *cat* that only on-duty Uber drivers can understand? It has to be one of these. Thank you in advance for taking this seriously.
And thank you to Stipe - #AndStill my all-time favorite fighter.
Hello Ariel and crew!
My question why does it seem like the rest of the heavyweight division is being overlooked or disrespected after Tom and Jon? I often hear comments like "who else is there" or "there is no one else for Tom to fight after Jon". Obviously there is the Gane fight and the drama there, but also Volkov is having a resurgence in his career and I think that rematch could be very different, and then you still have other great contenders like Almeida who had just one setback that would be an intriguing matchup for Tom.
Separate question but have you heard anything on why Alexander Romanov was released by the UFC despite being only 33, being 7-3 in the UFC, and coming off of a ranked win?
Thanks for all the great content!
Hard to say overlooked pavlovich and curtis just loss and jalton is barely making a Comeback after that can’t make a argument about who is there left division feels dead
I think Jailton is still an exciting contender, everyone can get caught with a punch at heavyweight but he seems to have a diverse toolbag. I specifically did not mention those guys because they are on losing streaks currently, but I believe an argument could be made for the winner of Gane-Volkov being an intriguing fight for Tom!
Hello Ariel and Crew!
My question this week is for GC. Which Uncrowned alter-ego team member would you rather go on a 7-hour road trip with? Funk Harbor Ariel, high-pitched voice Frank (when he’s giving interesting facts or knowledge), or gout-ridden, sleep apnea NY Ric?
Excited to hear your thoughts.
Much love,
Juan
AH and team! Bryan Battle on the show when? The promo he cut in France was Helwani On the Nose Award worthy and then some!* Plus, it's timely as he has a December 7th fight w/ Randy Brown on the near horizon.
100% agree he needs to be on the show!
Ariel and Uncrowned Crew,
I’m writing to you for the first time in the years I’ve listened to your show because, after UFC 309, I think a more in-depth conversation needs to be had about a subject I know you’ve shied away from speaking on too extensively in the past.
I want to clarify upfront that I’m not asking for anyone’s personal political opinion. But I think it’s impossible not to talk about the relationship between the UFC and Trump/the current conservative movement in America after Saturday night, and the impact that relationship has had on the product and viewing experience.
I can’t remember when the Trump walkouts started (I’m guessing roughly 18 months - 2 years ago), but UFC 309 was a completely different animal compared to their usual parading of him. This was also Trump’s first major public appearance since his victory, and clearly a moment he chose with intent. The walkout was an over-the-top version of the usual routine, including a video package and a slate of the most prominent and controversial Republican figures, which I expected after the election win.
But this time, that was really only the beginning of what felt like 3 hours of nonstop adoration for the soon to be president and his crew. It was the most political sporting event I’ve ever watched. I can’t begin to count the amount of times he was shown on screen and referenced by the broadcast team, but it was forced down the throat of the viewer for the entire pay per view.
I’ve never personally been happy about the Trump walkouts, but I recognize the politics of Dana and have been fine with seeing it for a few minutes before moving on to watching the sport that I love minus a few moments and shots of him.
But this PPV felt like the first time my enjoyment of watching the fights was seriously impacted by the amount Trump was forced on me as a viewer. For myself, and I have to assume many others, Trump isn’t simply someone I disagree with, but a figure that stands for a number of ideas that are deeply divisive and harmful.
As Dana has said on politics in sports in the past (copying in some article quotes): “They don't want to hear that," White said on Fox's "Hannity. They don't want to hear what your opinions are or who you're voting for, what you're doing, they want to get away from everything in their life and they want to focus on two, three, four hours, however long the sport is when you turned it on.”
"If you want to listen to that stuff, turn on any other station, you will hear all of that stuff you want to hear. When you tune in to UFC, you are there to see fights”
I include these not to highlight his hypocrisy but emphasize that I agree with this general sentiment. I’m very frustrated that my love for this sport and the fighters has become an experience that is so political and so tied to an American conservative movement that makes me very uncomfortable. With a PPV like 309, I felt like I was never able to fully enjoy the fights before being forced back into Trump world and the environment the UFC has built to welcome it in its show and viewing experience.
Clearly this is a decision Dana and much of the fanbase (particularly those who attend events in the US) seem to be increasingly comfortable with and excited about. My general questions / points for discussion are: Do you see the prevalence of these appearances and the trump worlds role in the UFC product expanding? Is it fair for viewers like me or anyone who isn’t pro-Trump around the world to have the product so intertwined with American conservative politics?
I recognize this is something I and the other people who are unhappy about it are likely going to have to deal with if we want to keep watching, but it’s very challenging to love this sport and organization the way I do when I feel conservative politics so forced on me while viewing the fights. I completely respect all the fighters, other fans, and Dana’s right to their political views, but producing a product that is so directly political is impacting the enjoyment of watching and the escape from the hard issues of the world that sports provide for so many.
I'm with you, and wish we could enjoy the sport we love without the political propaganda. I didn't mind Masvidal or Colby expressing their eternal love for Trump. But, Trump's usage of the UFC for self-promotion, eerily reminds me of Mussolini's usage of the World Cups and Olympics in the 1930s to promote his agenda. And you're spot on regarding Dana's hypocrisy, along with others who demanded Kaepernick keep politics out of the NFL and who told Lebron James to "shut up and dribble," but are now loving the Trump and UFC brand fusion.
As the former moderator; summarise your question in one sentence. Edit the question and put it at the top. Short and concise. This is a wall of text.
Fantastic question, I’d add I wonder if this will have a negative impact at all when the broadcast deal is being negotiated or if their new broadcast partner will have any say on how much Trump is shoved down our throats. Probably not?
Thanks so much, completely agreed that it will be very interesting to see if that becomes a factor. I have to assume Disney and ESPN aren’t thrilled about the role Trump has in the product right now, but the UFC is such a value to them it feels like Dana is daring them to try to stop him from doing what he wants with this
Condense this and post again for next week!
For sure! Definitely got carried away with all the thoughts I was having post 309 when I typed it up, I’ll get it right next week
I don't think it'll be like how it was on Saturday all the time.. He literally just won the Presidency of course they're gonna celebrate him. Having the President of your country at your sporting event is a huge deal whether you agree with him or not. If you're gonna let your hatred of Trump effect how you view the fights that's not the UFC's problem that's you and the viewers problem.
Ariel - Trump appointed Linda Mcmahon as Education Secretary, which is mind blowing...Dana White has said he would leave the UFC to fill a cabinet role for Trump...question 1 - Do you see Dana leaving the UFC within the next few years for a Trump position? Question 2 - What the fuck is going on in this country? Thanks, love the show
Ariel seems pretty content with it all
Hey ariel, any truth to the izzy vs imavov news for feb 1 in saudi?
Question for Ariel and the crew - in a world where you are UFC fighters getting your own custom shorts, what would be on your shorts? Love the new show, keep up the great work!
Ariel's would be checkered/plaid
I feel like color wise he would do orange and blue, not only for the Knicks but his alma mater Syracuse!
I think GC's would have a bulldog on it with him being a UGA fan, NY Ric having the NYC skyline on his shorts would look dope as fuck!
Sup Ariel,
When you spoke to Bo last week you told him you were surprised at how big of a betting favorite he was. He then asked you what you think the odds should be, and you responded -750. Bo then said "So you think I would only win 75 out of 100 times? Cuz that is what that means." You then agreed with him that he should be an even bigger favorite.
GC might be the man to ask here, but isn't Bo completely wrong with how he interpreted what -750 means? -750 is 7.5 wins for every 1 loss, It's not winning 75 out of 100 times. A 75% win rate would translate more to a -300 or -400 no? This really confused me as I was shocked Bo who is such a staple of college sports wouldn't know how betting works. Please correct me if I'm wrong but I wanted to defend your honor Ariel as you had it right in the interview
Thanks for all you do.
I don’t think Bo is very intelligent tbh
Ngannou v Jake in boxing? Jake is now a heavyweight, both PFL associated, Jake and Ngannou beefed over twitter last weekend, Jake beat Ngannous former trainer in Iron Mike, Jake beat the former baddest man now how about the current baddest man, Francis looking to avenge other MMA guys' defeats to Jake, and importantly Francis gets some big bag. Seems to make at least some sense?
Jake would never accept a fight with Ngannou 😂
Agree - he's probably looking at DJ now he's retired ...
What's up Ariel and team!
Any word on Zhang Weili's next fight? Why so inactive? Looks like it will be two total fights the last two years.
Appreciate y'all.
Weili x Tatiana will get announced soon
Hello Ariel,
I think I am one of the few that would rather see Jones vs. Pereira, I would still like to see Jones vs. Aspinall, but maybe after Jones vs. Pereria. Pereira wanted to go up to HW, if he does beat Jones he will be first 3 different weight class champ, the numbers I feel will go through the roof with JvP, and think of the revenge fight Pereira can get for Glover's loss, this has a WWE storyline written all over it. Also if Jones wins, he might have more motivation to fully fight Aspinall. And again Aspinall fighting Pereira if Pereira won, they both got what they wanted before Jon came back. Thoughts? Or is it Aspinall or nothing?
I think if Jone were to lose to either Tom or AP they would run an immediate rematch
Possibly. Rematches bring big #'s, or Dana could also say they shouldn't do an immediate rematch.
The way AP strikes, I don't think it would be THAT easy as people are truly saying. Jones vs AP in June. Jones vs. TA in Nov/Dec. Call it a career.
Hallo Ariel
With some extreme difficult negotiations coming up with the UFC and Jon Jones, i was wondering who would represent Jon in this case ? Is Richard Schafer still his “advisor” and if so what exactly is his role ?
Greetings from Germany my man
Ariel - Michael Chandler.....is he in the space, same as Conor, where his Win Loss record doesn't matter as long as he stays in fun fights? I like Mike but I just dont see him beating any of the Top 5 and unfortunately I would say he cant be in BMF talks without the wins. I do want to see a Hangman Hooker rematch! Thoughts? Love the show, shout out to the crew. Glad Frank hasn't been fired yet.
Hi Ariel,
When chatting about the Trump extravaganza that occurred at UFC 309 with Chael, I think you both missed a key point… trump’s walkout at 309 included the new Director of National Intelligence, head of HHS, head of the Dept of Government Efficiency, speaker of the house, AND the president elect’s kids.
Chael’s argument that this “wasn’t about politics” is absurd. I get that Trump is Dana’s friend, but this was political gloating and sports propaganda at its finest.
If Ramzan Kadyrov got this same treatment at an event in Abu Dhabi and walked out with his allies, would we say it’s political propaganda? If Jacinda Ardern walked out like that in New Zealand with her cabinet, would it be sports propaganda?
I’m not even saying I’m anti-Trump… but when we start analyzing how every fighter interacts with him after their fight - it’s getting absurd. Thoughts?
Happy Wednesday Crew!
Hot topic at our water cooler this week: Could Jake Paul beat Deontay Wilder?
Would love to see that.
Yo Ariel and crew! This next question is just for Ric for absolutely no reason.
Ric, would you rather be a talking *dog* that only *cats* can understand or a talking *cat* that only on-duty Uber drivers can understand? It has to be one of these. Thank you in advance for taking this seriously.
And thank you to Stipe - #AndStill my all-time favorite fighter.