I’m going to try something new(ish) on today’s episode of “The MMA Hour.” I’m going to devote a segment answering questions from y’all. I did this in the past but on Twitter, and, well, that place is a cesspool. I feel like I’d get much more interesting and thoughtful questions here.
So, fire away below. I’ll answer a few today live on air. Thanks in advance, and see you at 1 pm et / 10 am pt / 6 pm gmt.
Given everything you have put out there regarding the relationship with the UFC/Dana White and yourself, are you able to go to report on site for live events or is that not possible?
Ariel! First off, very excited to have you back on the air. I’ve got a very simple question. I’d love to support you in any way possible. Is there official merch for you or your show? I’d love to rock the gear while putting some money straight into your pocket. I know I’m not the only one.
Do you think that too many MMA journalists/reporters “kiss up” to the UFC to avoid getting the Helwani-treatment? Guys like Okamoto, Schmo, and Morgan never seem to discuss ANY negative aspects about the promotion.
You, Luke Thomas, and on a far lesser note, Raimondi are the only 3 who seem to have the balls to actually provide unbiased reporting about the UFC itself, but maybe you feel differently.
How often at ESPN was there a story, or even just a statement, that you wanted to put out but you were vetoed or told that it had to be watered down? (What I'm trying to get at is how much say does the UFC have in ESPN's coverage of the UFC?)
It seemed obvious that this was happening and it seemed like something that was really bugging you, if I had to guess.
Is there realistically a way for you and Ali abdelaziz to make up? It would be really nice to have Khabib on your show again and the entire roster of dominance mma fighters formally on. The Gilbert burns Edwards beef is so minor compared to how fruitful the relationship had been prior to that
How often at ESPN was there a story, or even just a statement, that you wanted to put out but you were vetoed or told that it had to be watered down? (What I'm trying to get at is how much say does the UFC have in ESPN's coverage of the UFC?)
Do you have any idea what percentage of fighters in the UFC are vaccinated? Is the UFC doing anything to incentivize fighters in getting one? Is there any difference for the fighters during fight week if they have a vaccine compared to if they don't?
Hey, Ariel. Loved mondays show. I said it on Instagram and I’ll say it here. Nobody in the business is doing what you’re doing. You’re a brand name and many folks at the UFC HQ don’t like that. In any case congrats.
My question is, is there any scenario where we see Conor possibly move back down to 145? I think he sees Aldo at 135 and is inspired. Thoughts?
Now that you are beginning a new phase of your life and we can already see the "Old Helwani" return, were you able to get some time in between to meet your parents and loved ones cause I remember last few years, especially that sudden transition to ESPN was a bit hectic for you and knowing the support of your family through the difficult moments must have helped you in reducing anxiety and keeping your head straight. -- By Parth (Host of Bravuras show/podcast)
What is your take on the Conor vs. DC beef? Also the UFC’s phenomenal financial success and Dana’s insisting fighters are fairly paid when that seems to be all but true. Since they’re doing so well, you would think things like the fotn/potn bonuses would at the very least would go up.
I wanted to get your perspective on why the UFC hasn't given Leon Edwards a title shot? How much more of a win streak does he have to wrack up?! Yes the last fight with nate was touch and go at the end but he won.
Thanks Ariel for giving MMA fans this platform; My Names Dana W.(not quite white lol but close)I'm a bit older 33 years of age spent time in the united states marine corps; been to iraq & afghanistan on deployment. While on active duty - I was fortunate enough to participate in some amateur MMA fights w/ head gear 16oz gloves and leg pads. As of late I've decided to TRY and bring myself back into fighting shape and roll the dice in the fight game. ANY advice for an aspiring fighter would be amazing.. I've suffered from drug addiction, while on the road to sobriety I decided no more "what ifs" in the future. If fail, ill be realistic, but I have to at least fail first - and until then I will NEVER give-in nor give-up; my greatest weapon is my will to carry-on in tough situations. I will continue to train hard and take any fight I can, in an attempt at getting my name out there to the broader audience of MMA. Thank you for being you..
Love what you do and think you are very important to the MMA world Ariel! Literally the first card I ever watched was Conor vs Khabib, I’ve followed you ever since!
My Q is:
How long before you are back ringside reporting on a UFC card?
During the pandemic almost every major organization said they had to make paycuts or COVID related moves. Why didn’t the UFC have to make any cuts? Makes me curious if they’re just sitting on a ton of cash that could go to fighters.
I remember Dana bragging about it during a presser the company didn’t have to make any COVID moves which I found interesting.
I get the UFC was active during pandemic but didn’t have a live gate similar to the NBA when they returned in the bubble later that year.
Just something I’ve noticed nobody bring up and I’ve always found it weird.
Hey Ariel, do you think you'll ever end up doing more coverage for other sports? I know you're doing WWE stuff with BT now, and loved your NBA bits (whenever you did them) at ESPN. Think it would be quite fun if you maybe wrote or talked about other sports every once in a while, unless of course you want your platforms to be MMA only.
Hey Ariel. Could you ever envision the UFC implementing a championship tournament bracket sometime in the near future? Obviously not in the same format as the early UFC days, but it would be awesome to see an 8-man bracket take place over the course of a calendar year.
So grateful for all that you do! Thanks for being so authentic and real and always being yourself. What has been your favorite part of covering MMA and what has been your least favorite part?
Why do you feel it was a good idea to ruin the surprise about Brock Lesnar? It's not like the UFC was doing anything evil that needed to be exposed. As a pro wrestling fan, you should know how fun surprises are. Those moments are timeless.
What is up with you and Luke? Will you ever make up?
What do you want your kids to grow up to be (in terms of their main profession or passion)?
UFC has thrived during the pandemic. If covid never happened do you think the growth would have been comparable and do you think there are any major differences as to where the sport would be right now?
Do you believe that the smaller startup promotions such as Gamebred fighting championship do anything for the sport, or whether they are are always destined to fade out?
Given everything you have put out there regarding the relationship with the UFC/Dana White and yourself, are you able to go to report on site for live events or is that not possible?
What is your genuine opinion on MMA journalists, the ESPN ones and the independent ones like Luke Thomas or the Schmo?
What happened to Kron Gracie?
Are there any plans of bringing the MMA Beat back? You, Al-Shatti. Mindenhall + X would be a great lineup
Ariel! First off, very excited to have you back on the air. I’ve got a very simple question. I’d love to support you in any way possible. Is there official merch for you or your show? I’d love to rock the gear while putting some money straight into your pocket. I know I’m not the only one.
Pretty new to mma, but why isn't PFL more popular? I find their season scoring and playoff structure to be so much more interesting than UFC.
Also, nobody ever had to ask why a fight gets made when it's part of a schedule.
Do you think that too many MMA journalists/reporters “kiss up” to the UFC to avoid getting the Helwani-treatment? Guys like Okamoto, Schmo, and Morgan never seem to discuss ANY negative aspects about the promotion.
You, Luke Thomas, and on a far lesser note, Raimondi are the only 3 who seem to have the balls to actually provide unbiased reporting about the UFC itself, but maybe you feel differently.
How often at ESPN was there a story, or even just a statement, that you wanted to put out but you were vetoed or told that it had to be watered down? (What I'm trying to get at is how much say does the UFC have in ESPN's coverage of the UFC?)
It seemed obvious that this was happening and it seemed like something that was really bugging you, if I had to guess.
Is there realistically a way for you and Ali abdelaziz to make up? It would be really nice to have Khabib on your show again and the entire roster of dominance mma fighters formally on. The Gilbert burns Edwards beef is so minor compared to how fruitful the relationship had been prior to that
A simple one, what is your dream MMA matchup?
How often at ESPN was there a story, or even just a statement, that you wanted to put out but you were vetoed or told that it had to be watered down? (What I'm trying to get at is how much say does the UFC have in ESPN's coverage of the UFC?)
If you could have one person on the mma hour that you’ve never interviewed before, who would it be?
Have you fucked your wife with that big jewish nose?
Do you have any idea what percentage of fighters in the UFC are vaccinated? Is the UFC doing anything to incentivize fighters in getting one? Is there any difference for the fighters during fight week if they have a vaccine compared to if they don't?
Keen to know your thoughts and insight into the Jon Jones situation.
Has Jones new representation made any difference to relations with the UFC?
What chance do we have of getting the Ngannou vs Jones? In your mind, realistically what needs to happen to make this fight?
When are you and Luke Thomas doing a podcast?
Hey, Ariel. Loved mondays show. I said it on Instagram and I’ll say it here. Nobody in the business is doing what you’re doing. You’re a brand name and many folks at the UFC HQ don’t like that. In any case congrats.
My question is, is there any scenario where we see Conor possibly move back down to 145? I think he sees Aldo at 135 and is inspired. Thoughts?
Realistically, how big can the sport get? The growth has been phenomenal but will MMA ever be mainstream apart from a select few fighters?
How do you manage your anxiety snd push through at the moments where it seems to want to take over?
UFC: Ones to watch. Which fighters aren't on the publics radar that will be champions in the next 2/3 years.
Now that you are beginning a new phase of your life and we can already see the "Old Helwani" return, were you able to get some time in between to meet your parents and loved ones cause I remember last few years, especially that sudden transition to ESPN was a bit hectic for you and knowing the support of your family through the difficult moments must have helped you in reducing anxiety and keeping your head straight. -- By Parth (Host of Bravuras show/podcast)
What is your take on the Conor vs. DC beef? Also the UFC’s phenomenal financial success and Dana’s insisting fighters are fairly paid when that seems to be all but true. Since they’re doing so well, you would think things like the fotn/potn bonuses would at the very least would go up.
What do you know is being targeted for the December PPV?
I wanted to get your perspective on why the UFC hasn't given Leon Edwards a title shot? How much more of a win streak does he have to wrack up?! Yes the last fight with nate was touch and go at the end but he won.
I started a podcast but i can’t seem to think of topic ok getting a flow what’s your advice for something like that
Thanks Ariel for giving MMA fans this platform; My Names Dana W.(not quite white lol but close)I'm a bit older 33 years of age spent time in the united states marine corps; been to iraq & afghanistan on deployment. While on active duty - I was fortunate enough to participate in some amateur MMA fights w/ head gear 16oz gloves and leg pads. As of late I've decided to TRY and bring myself back into fighting shape and roll the dice in the fight game. ANY advice for an aspiring fighter would be amazing.. I've suffered from drug addiction, while on the road to sobriety I decided no more "what ifs" in the future. If fail, ill be realistic, but I have to at least fail first - and until then I will NEVER give-in nor give-up; my greatest weapon is my will to carry-on in tough situations. I will continue to train hard and take any fight I can, in an attempt at getting my name out there to the broader audience of MMA. Thank you for being you..
- Dana W.
For Ariel Helwani merch you should make your own pencil
Love what you do and think you are very important to the MMA world Ariel! Literally the first card I ever watched was Conor vs Khabib, I’ve followed you ever since!
My Q is:
How long before you are back ringside reporting on a UFC card?
During the pandemic almost every major organization said they had to make paycuts or COVID related moves. Why didn’t the UFC have to make any cuts? Makes me curious if they’re just sitting on a ton of cash that could go to fighters.
I remember Dana bragging about it during a presser the company didn’t have to make any COVID moves which I found interesting.
I get the UFC was active during pandemic but didn’t have a live gate similar to the NBA when they returned in the bubble later that year.
Just something I’ve noticed nobody bring up and I’ve always found it weird.
Let's say Colby beats Usman, then beats him again in a trilogy, can we put him in the GOAT conversation? (after a few defenses of course)
Do you think that TUF is an experiment in open scoring? If the fights go to a third round the fighters know they are 1-1
Hey Ariel, do you think you'll ever end up doing more coverage for other sports? I know you're doing WWE stuff with BT now, and loved your NBA bits (whenever you did them) at ESPN. Think it would be quite fun if you maybe wrote or talked about other sports every once in a while, unless of course you want your platforms to be MMA only.
Hey Ariel. Could you ever envision the UFC implementing a championship tournament bracket sometime in the near future? Obviously not in the same format as the early UFC days, but it would be awesome to see an 8-man bracket take place over the course of a calendar year.
Should the BMF belt be linear? If so, who should fight masvidal for it next.
So grateful for all that you do! Thanks for being so authentic and real and always being yourself. What has been your favorite part of covering MMA and what has been your least favorite part?
Did you get the COVID vaccine and if so which one?
Who is someone you respect a lot but mostly disagree with?
Dose Colby Covington call Leon Edwards “Leon Scott” because of fellow countryman Bradley Scott who had a below winning record in ufc?
Why do you feel it was a good idea to ruin the surprise about Brock Lesnar? It's not like the UFC was doing anything evil that needed to be exposed. As a pro wrestling fan, you should know how fun surprises are. Those moments are timeless.
What is up with you and Luke? Will you ever make up?
What do you want your kids to grow up to be (in terms of their main profession or passion)?
Why did McChicken cross the road?
When will you interview the Fertitas?
What’s bigger YOUR MEAT or YOUR NOSE?
Also interview Ryan Hall on his last fight. It was the only fight I've ever been laughing from
If Dustin takes the money fight versus Stockton’s finest, how does lightweight continue, who does Olivera challenge?
How big is ur meat
Will you rank UFC 265 among the top 3 worst PPV ufc cards in history from performance to names on the card
Now that you can be uncensored, would you ever bring Joe Rogan on your show and/or go on his podcast?
Did you always want to be a journalist when you were growing up? And if you did why? If not what was the kick to make you realise you did?
UFC has thrived during the pandemic. If covid never happened do you think the growth would have been comparable and do you think there are any major differences as to where the sport would be right now?
Do you believe that the smaller startup promotions such as Gamebred fighting championship do anything for the sport, or whether they are are always destined to fade out?
Will you invite Pouya Rebek once more for impersonations? The Wallid one still cracks me up everytime.
This time next year do you see Kayla Harrison in the UFC?