Sup to Ariel and crew, hope the day is going well. Another quick WWE one for you guys, last week on Friday we saw Paul Heyman at age 58 get put through a f'ing table!!!Monday we saw another damn near perfect promo from Bo Dallas/Taylor Rotunda. What directions do you think the WWE will go in regard to Roman's return, and when do you think he should come back if you could book it however you wanted to? Also what do you think about the way they've been able to balance the entertainment for both Raw and Smackdown with the talent and storylines? Thanks for the time
(ps. would definitely recommend watching Swerve Strickland vs Will Osprey, AEW has many lows but that match was an absolute HIGH!)
What are your thoughts on the sport of Kabaddi? It’s wrestling mixed with tag, with the elimination rules of dodgeball. Disney Star is actually selling its controlling stake of the Pro Kabaddi League, and there are big talks about it expanding into the US. DO you think it could be a true alternative in the combat sports market
I've heard you say a couple of times now that Alex Pereira is the frontrunner for male fighter of the year. Since the annual MMA hour awards show is by far my favorite show of the year, I want to ask you, GC, and Ric who your current leaders are for some other key categories:
Monday’s opening soliloquy about Alex and his reign of late was spectacular. I am very curious about your process when delivering these post PPV speeches. Is that just you off the rip? Do you have a few notes to guide your thoughts? Any and all insight you can provide on this is greatly appreciated. 🙏
PS: Care package coming soon! 📦 Hope to have GC back in the studio though. Any update on his return? Hope all is well.
I know all of you and the guys over at MMA Fighting SBNation have been talking about the decline in KOs since the new gloves were introduced at UFC 302, So I thought I would do some number crunching Thanks to Tapology, I have reviewed the past 12 months of UFC events. In the 5 UFC events since the new gloves, there have been 61 fights, 13 KO/TKOs = a ratio of 4.7 fights/KO. In the 40 UFC events prior to the new gloves the metric is 502 fights 158 KO/TKOs = a ratio 3.17 fights/KO. Significant ??? Too early to tell as there have only been 5 events. I will keep count for you if you guys are keen.
PS: Another interesting find is the highest KO ratio was UFC Blanchfield v Fiorot (13 fights 8 KOs ratio = 1.62) and then UFC Ankalaev v Walker 2 and UFC Rozenstruik and Gaziev both having 11 fights 6 KOs (ratio = 1.83).
Nice. I think the stats are more to do with who is fighting on the card rather than the gloves. Since the cards are more diluted it tends to be the less exciting fighters who are on these apex cards which leads to less finishes. The lack of a crowd leads to some fights being more of a sparring match. You’ll find the majority of the fighters on these last 5 cards are either people who regularly win by decision or people who don’t get finished.
Just a suggestion if you have time keep track of the same stat but only do it for pay per view events that way you know those 2 things l are less likely to be a factor
With Andre Arlovski retiring on Saturday, Stipe Miocic now has ZERO wins over active UFC fighters.
What are your thoughts on one of the heavyweight goats being rewarded with this title shot despite all the potential Jones matchups available? (Aspinall, Alex, Francis?)
How do you see the heavyweight division playing out over the next few years post-Jones/Stipe?
I just wanted to share my frustration with the discourse around Alex moving up to HW. I think it is ridiculous to suggest that Alex moves up to HW to fight Jones when not only is there an interim champ at HW but Ankalaev is on a 12 fight unbeaten streak and is arguably his biggest challenge at LHW given the style match up. I know Rick said on the MMAFighting post-fight show that no one wants to see that fight, even though LHW is probably the 2nd worst division in the UFC, I'm here to say that I WANT TO SEE IT.
I think this has to happen before he moves up to HW to solidify his legacy at LHW and if he does get past Ankalaev it only makes the Jones fight more intriguing. If he were to move up now I believe we all think he would get beat the same way Gane did, but if he were to beat Ankalaev who has a wrestling heavy style it would make more people believe that he could defend Jones's takedowns. In my opinion, this is akin to Sean vs Aljo, where we see Sean beat someone who most people believe had the style and skills to stop him. Sean solidified that he was the best BW with that win and I believe that Alex could do the same. Then I would think it's fair for Alex to move up since there really wouldn't be anyone else at LHW to challenge him.
Given that there has been an increasing level of visibility for Trump in the UFC and it's kind of rightwing sphere, would you consider interviewing Reece Peck on the MMA Hour -- an associate professor at City University of New York -- who recently wrote the article in "the Hill" titled, "Trump, UFC and the new conservative culture war". He's a lifelong UFC fan and has absolutely fascinating takes on how politicians, such as Trump in this case, can use sports markets as their constituencies. It's seems like a very untold story with interesting implications. Please, bang us over the head with that goo-good! I think it would be very interesting to hear from him on your show.
Ariel - I assume you are familiar with the series Hot Ones. I often hear the compliments from the guests on Sean Evans interview questions and style. Just curious your thoughts on him as an interviewer, and Who in the Crew, including yourself, would be able to make it to the last wing? Who would quit first? Thanks, love the show.
Ariel - DDP and Izzy had a pretty intense face off at the Press Conference yesterday. They were both 'Frozen Like Elsa' just staring each other down. What do you take away from the face off? Press conference didn't give us much. Love the show, respect your rizz, great crew. CHI-WEE-WEE!
Hey Ariel and crew, love the show keep up the great work. Been watching since the beginning.
Just wondering do you guys think the UFC would be reluctant to book Conor for a BMF title fight?. My logic behind this is kinda like the same reason they tend to not stack McGregor cards because he sells the card on his own. If Conor were to win the BMF belt it wouldn't add any value because he sells without it and would be taken away from someone that it adds value.
Same reason I don't think they want the BMF belt on the line in a title fight like Topuria Vs Holloway because then the BMF belt would be held by a champion essentially removing it from using it for what they want it for which is adding vault to exciting non title fights.
Hey Ariel and crew love the show keep up the great work. Been watching from the beginning
questions for the whole crew. why do you guys think Dana is so against 165 pound division? I saw someone ask him about 165 division the other day become of the Comain Catchweigh and his answer was "that wont happen while I'm around". Iv heard his reasons why not to make the division but non of them really seem valid to me. World wide there is the most talent for these weigh classes that would be affected and MMA is still growing. Seems like there's only plus sides to me. It wouldn't be like building a whole new division because you'd be building it from your current roster. Their would be another belt, more potential for super fights and BMF fights. The down sides only seem temporary, if any. Do you guys agree? And can you guys think of any less obvious downsides to MMA as whole to creating this new division ?
Also if 165 was made, assuming 170 would then become 175, what would these division be called?
Would 165 become super lightweight?
Or maybe 165 would become welterweight and 175 would be super welterweight?
Hello to the mma hour crew. I was listening to Mondays show and heard Ian Gary dropping a few stats about him being the most active fighter since his debut after Pereira. Straight away I thought to myself that stat can’t be true when there are so many guys who seem to fight all the time(Holland, Green and Buckley were the first few I thought of).
Either way to the question. During an interview when someone tells you stats that you know are wrong do you ever think about it or feel the urge to correct them or does it depend on the fighters personality and your relationship with the fighter that your interviewing.
Also with Ortega going to 155 who would you choose as his first opponent at lightweight? I can’t think of a better matchup than Oliveira vs Ortega
Sup to Ariel and crew, hope the day is going well. Another quick WWE one for you guys, last week on Friday we saw Paul Heyman at age 58 get put through a f'ing table!!!Monday we saw another damn near perfect promo from Bo Dallas/Taylor Rotunda. What directions do you think the WWE will go in regard to Roman's return, and when do you think he should come back if you could book it however you wanted to? Also what do you think about the way they've been able to balance the entertainment for both Raw and Smackdown with the talent and storylines? Thanks for the time
(ps. would definitely recommend watching Swerve Strickland vs Will Osprey, AEW has many lows but that match was an absolute HIGH!)
Bonjour Ariel!
What are your thoughts on the sport of Kabaddi? It’s wrestling mixed with tag, with the elimination rules of dodgeball. Disney Star is actually selling its controlling stake of the Pro Kabaddi League, and there are big talks about it expanding into the US. DO you think it could be a true alternative in the combat sports market
Hi Ariel!
I've heard you say a couple of times now that Alex Pereira is the frontrunner for male fighter of the year. Since the annual MMA hour awards show is by far my favorite show of the year, I want to ask you, GC, and Ric who your current leaders are for some other key categories:
• Knockout of the year
• Submission of the year
• Round of the year
• Fight of the year
• Female fighter of the year
Ariel,
Monday’s opening soliloquy about Alex and his reign of late was spectacular. I am very curious about your process when delivering these post PPV speeches. Is that just you off the rip? Do you have a few notes to guide your thoughts? Any and all insight you can provide on this is greatly appreciated. 🙏
PS: Care package coming soon! 📦 Hope to have GC back in the studio though. Any update on his return? Hope all is well.
Happy 4th to Ariel and the Crew,
Simply and straight to the point. What's your go to BBQ food? Hot Dog, Burger, Pasta Salad. You roll up whats on the plate first?
Chris in Boston
Hello from Idaho!
Any truth to the rumor that the UFC has offered Michael Chandler a title shot in October against Islam?
Thank you as always!
- Israel D
Hi Ariel and the Booth Boys.
I know all of you and the guys over at MMA Fighting SBNation have been talking about the decline in KOs since the new gloves were introduced at UFC 302, So I thought I would do some number crunching Thanks to Tapology, I have reviewed the past 12 months of UFC events. In the 5 UFC events since the new gloves, there have been 61 fights, 13 KO/TKOs = a ratio of 4.7 fights/KO. In the 40 UFC events prior to the new gloves the metric is 502 fights 158 KO/TKOs = a ratio 3.17 fights/KO. Significant ??? Too early to tell as there have only been 5 events. I will keep count for you if you guys are keen.
PS: Another interesting find is the highest KO ratio was UFC Blanchfield v Fiorot (13 fights 8 KOs ratio = 1.62) and then UFC Ankalaev v Walker 2 and UFC Rozenstruik and Gaziev both having 11 fights 6 KOs (ratio = 1.83).
Keep keeping track bro, this is valuable info!
Nice. I think the stats are more to do with who is fighting on the card rather than the gloves. Since the cards are more diluted it tends to be the less exciting fighters who are on these apex cards which leads to less finishes. The lack of a crowd leads to some fights being more of a sparring match. You’ll find the majority of the fighters on these last 5 cards are either people who regularly win by decision or people who don’t get finished.
Just a suggestion if you have time keep track of the same stat but only do it for pay per view events that way you know those 2 things l are less likely to be a factor
Shalom Ariel!
Long time listener, first time questioner.
With Andre Arlovski retiring on Saturday, Stipe Miocic now has ZERO wins over active UFC fighters.
What are your thoughts on one of the heavyweight goats being rewarded with this title shot despite all the potential Jones matchups available? (Aspinall, Alex, Francis?)
How do you see the heavyweight division playing out over the next few years post-Jones/Stipe?
Thanks!
Joe
Hola Amigos,
I just wanted to share my frustration with the discourse around Alex moving up to HW. I think it is ridiculous to suggest that Alex moves up to HW to fight Jones when not only is there an interim champ at HW but Ankalaev is on a 12 fight unbeaten streak and is arguably his biggest challenge at LHW given the style match up. I know Rick said on the MMAFighting post-fight show that no one wants to see that fight, even though LHW is probably the 2nd worst division in the UFC, I'm here to say that I WANT TO SEE IT.
I think this has to happen before he moves up to HW to solidify his legacy at LHW and if he does get past Ankalaev it only makes the Jones fight more intriguing. If he were to move up now I believe we all think he would get beat the same way Gane did, but if he were to beat Ankalaev who has a wrestling heavy style it would make more people believe that he could defend Jones's takedowns. In my opinion, this is akin to Sean vs Aljo, where we see Sean beat someone who most people believe had the style and skills to stop him. Sean solidified that he was the best BW with that win and I believe that Alex could do the same. Then I would think it's fair for Alex to move up since there really wouldn't be anyone else at LHW to challenge him.
Thank for all the content and work you guys do.
Hello Ariel and friends!
Given that there has been an increasing level of visibility for Trump in the UFC and it's kind of rightwing sphere, would you consider interviewing Reece Peck on the MMA Hour -- an associate professor at City University of New York -- who recently wrote the article in "the Hill" titled, "Trump, UFC and the new conservative culture war". He's a lifelong UFC fan and has absolutely fascinating takes on how politicians, such as Trump in this case, can use sports markets as their constituencies. It's seems like a very untold story with interesting implications. Please, bang us over the head with that goo-good! I think it would be very interesting to hear from him on your show.
Cheers!
Ariel - Le Goat, a few quick things.
1) Shoutout Canadian soccer making it further than USA in Copa.
2) NY Ric vs Jed Meshew on the MMA fighting post show is top class and everyone should be tuning into said show.
3) The ENTIRE crew has to move with you to The Ariel Helwani Show. The fans are excited for the next move.
P.S. - Is everyone a "Long time listener, first time questioner" jabroni these days??????
Ariel - I assume you are familiar with the series Hot Ones. I often hear the compliments from the guests on Sean Evans interview questions and style. Just curious your thoughts on him as an interviewer, and Who in the Crew, including yourself, would be able to make it to the last wing? Who would quit first? Thanks, love the show.
Ariel - DDP and Izzy had a pretty intense face off at the Press Conference yesterday. They were both 'Frozen Like Elsa' just staring each other down. What do you take away from the face off? Press conference didn't give us much. Love the show, respect your rizz, great crew. CHI-WEE-WEE!
Hey Ariel and crew, love the show keep up the great work. Been watching since the beginning.
Just wondering do you guys think the UFC would be reluctant to book Conor for a BMF title fight?. My logic behind this is kinda like the same reason they tend to not stack McGregor cards because he sells the card on his own. If Conor were to win the BMF belt it wouldn't add any value because he sells without it and would be taken away from someone that it adds value.
Same reason I don't think they want the BMF belt on the line in a title fight like Topuria Vs Holloway because then the BMF belt would be held by a champion essentially removing it from using it for what they want it for which is adding vault to exciting non title fights.
Hey Ariel and crew love the show keep up the great work. Been watching from the beginning
questions for the whole crew. why do you guys think Dana is so against 165 pound division? I saw someone ask him about 165 division the other day become of the Comain Catchweigh and his answer was "that wont happen while I'm around". Iv heard his reasons why not to make the division but non of them really seem valid to me. World wide there is the most talent for these weigh classes that would be affected and MMA is still growing. Seems like there's only plus sides to me. It wouldn't be like building a whole new division because you'd be building it from your current roster. Their would be another belt, more potential for super fights and BMF fights. The down sides only seem temporary, if any. Do you guys agree? And can you guys think of any less obvious downsides to MMA as whole to creating this new division ?
Also if 165 was made, assuming 170 would then become 175, what would these division be called?
Would 165 become super lightweight?
Or maybe 165 would become welterweight and 175 would be super welterweight?
Hello to the mma hour crew. I was listening to Mondays show and heard Ian Gary dropping a few stats about him being the most active fighter since his debut after Pereira. Straight away I thought to myself that stat can’t be true when there are so many guys who seem to fight all the time(Holland, Green and Buckley were the first few I thought of).
Either way to the question. During an interview when someone tells you stats that you know are wrong do you ever think about it or feel the urge to correct them or does it depend on the fighters personality and your relationship with the fighter that your interviewing.
Also with Ortega going to 155 who would you choose as his first opponent at lightweight? I can’t think of a better matchup than Oliveira vs Ortega