Happy Tuesday! It’s that time of the week again. Hit me with your best questions below. 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.
You’ve dealt with a lot of weird criticism and hatred this week. Wanna hopefully strike a more positive part of your brain here man.
Firstly, I love your show and greatly appreciate your content, you genuinely make my week better. I’m sure all of us in here feel that way.
Now for the question, what are the best interactions with fighters/managers you’ve had this year? Enough of the negativity, what makes you love what you do?
I was wondering if you would care to discuss just how good journalism is for sports. What are the benefits to athletes? What are the benefits to the sports themselves?
I find it mind boggling that any fighter in MMA would ever have a problem with you discussing them whether it's positive which it almost always is or if it's a little heat. Obviously I find it crazy that Dana White doesn't understand that you specifically but MMA media as a whole is the only reason he's a billionaire instead of what he was before the UFC which has been well documented. Just please educate us on why journalism and especially hard questions about a sport or an athlete within that sport is good for that sport, especially one that doesn't have as much mainstream coverage as others like MMA.
Given that Bellator 301 is almost certainly going to be their last event, I think it would be really cool if they brought back say 10 of their most important historical fighters, almost like they did with Fedor’s retirement. Who would you say those fighters are? And is there anything else Bellator could do to celebrate its history at its final event instead of fading out unceremoniously.
Hello Ariel and the mma hour crew. I was wondering if you watched the wwe crown jewel event on the weekend and if so what your take was on it. Most of the reactions I’ve seen are negative. I personally felt like I could predict every result but I’m usually a pessimistic person so maybe that’s just me.
Did you feel the same about it? Is it harder to enjoy these events when you know all of the champions are going to defend their or is the storytelling what’s more important ?
Is it true you don’t get credentials to UFC events, as your friend Ali teeeted? I recall you said, you’re allowed to go, but just don’t feel right? Wouldn’t this MSG card be a perfect card to visit? Could be fun and give the fans some nice interactions:)
Heelwani! I know you Briefly spoke about some of WWE’s Crown Jewel event but I wanted to hear some more thoughts on it and Logan Paul winning a championship and what you think should be next for him. Maybe have the new US champ on the show? Love when you have wwe superstar’s on or even legends of the wrestling world! Hope to see some more “Ariel meets” videos in the future!
You are unrivaled in what you do in the realm of combat sports. You have all the accolades and all the legendary interviews............ But....... There is one interview that you need to truly go down in history as the greatest MMA journalist.
Iron Turtle.
The people want, nay, the people need, NAY, the people REQUIRE a Park Jun-yong interview.
Hola Ariel! Do you or anyone on the team have thoughts on Craig Counsell leaving the Brewers to manage the Cubs? I know everyone is shocked and the organization says that he lost the Milwaukee community. However, his contact was up and how can anyone blame him for taking a potential better opportunity?
Ariel,
You’ve dealt with a lot of weird criticism and hatred this week. Wanna hopefully strike a more positive part of your brain here man.
Firstly, I love your show and greatly appreciate your content, you genuinely make my week better. I’m sure all of us in here feel that way.
Now for the question, what are the best interactions with fighters/managers you’ve had this year? Enough of the negativity, what makes you love what you do?
Thanks, Gilbert Hill
Hello Ariel.
When Tommy Aspinall was on the show after Ufc London in March 2022 you told him, "when you fight for the belt.. I will be there." That time has come.
Will you or the team be in attendance on Saturday (despite being unable to get ufc credentials..)
Rory
I believe he has said he can get credentials, he just has never asked for them since the incident
Hey GREATBRIMbino - my sarcasm not clear enough
😁 was referencing Ali Abdelaziz's recent tweet about Ariel!
https://twitter.com/AliAbdelaziz00/status/1721028147582534127?t=fI6mnA-ifNL856qykbB9pg&s=19
Gotcha, my bad, wasnt coming at you at all. But noted. I dont follow abdweebs
All good! Definitely didn't think you were 👍
Hallo Ariel
Not a question but the friendly request to get Don Frye on the show
Greetings from Germany my man
Hi Ariel,
I was wondering if you would care to discuss just how good journalism is for sports. What are the benefits to athletes? What are the benefits to the sports themselves?
I find it mind boggling that any fighter in MMA would ever have a problem with you discussing them whether it's positive which it almost always is or if it's a little heat. Obviously I find it crazy that Dana White doesn't understand that you specifically but MMA media as a whole is the only reason he's a billionaire instead of what he was before the UFC which has been well documented. Just please educate us on why journalism and especially hard questions about a sport or an athlete within that sport is good for that sport, especially one that doesn't have as much mainstream coverage as others like MMA.
Hi Ariel,
Given that Bellator 301 is almost certainly going to be their last event, I think it would be really cool if they brought back say 10 of their most important historical fighters, almost like they did with Fedor’s retirement. Who would you say those fighters are? And is there anything else Bellator could do to celebrate its history at its final event instead of fading out unceremoniously.
Given that it is the last one - can you please call the promotion by its correct name just once?
BELL-AT-TARD!
Aloha Ariel,
Why no darts with O'Malley or Jiri? :(
Are you ever going to play darts again?
Hi Ariel,
If the MMA Journalist of The Year award was voted for by the Journalists themselves, who would you vote for and why?
Himself! Independent Helwani gives no f***s!!!
Hello Ariel and the mma hour crew. I was wondering if you watched the wwe crown jewel event on the weekend and if so what your take was on it. Most of the reactions I’ve seen are negative. I personally felt like I could predict every result but I’m usually a pessimistic person so maybe that’s just me.
Did you feel the same about it? Is it harder to enjoy these events when you know all of the champions are going to defend their or is the storytelling what’s more important ?
Is it true you don’t get credentials to UFC events, as your friend Ali teeeted? I recall you said, you’re allowed to go, but just don’t feel right? Wouldn’t this MSG card be a perfect card to visit? Could be fun and give the fans some nice interactions:)
Heelwani! I know you Briefly spoke about some of WWE’s Crown Jewel event but I wanted to hear some more thoughts on it and Logan Paul winning a championship and what you think should be next for him. Maybe have the new US champ on the show? Love when you have wwe superstar’s on or even legends of the wrestling world! Hope to see some more “Ariel meets” videos in the future!
Howdy Ariel,
You are unrivaled in what you do in the realm of combat sports. You have all the accolades and all the legendary interviews............ But....... There is one interview that you need to truly go down in history as the greatest MMA journalist.
Iron Turtle.
The people want, nay, the people need, NAY, the people REQUIRE a Park Jun-yong interview.
We want to hear from the people's champion.
IRON TURTLE.
Thank you
Hola Ariel! Do you or anyone on the team have thoughts on Craig Counsell leaving the Brewers to manage the Cubs? I know everyone is shocked and the organization says that he lost the Milwaukee community. However, his contact was up and how can anyone blame him for taking a potential better opportunity?
Ariel,
Is there a beef with Brett Okomotto?
Hola Ariel, Frank, and Team
Can't wait to see you guys at the live show on Friday! Any good recommendations for a place to eat on your first trip to NYC?
Thanks in advance!
Hey Ariel,
As we continue to witness this insane ufc hot streak, im curious what your thoughts on what the product will look like when they finally plateaus.