193 Comments

Hey Ariel,

If the roles were reversed and Chandler was the one who had sustained an injury, how do you think this saga would have played out? Despite his patience, I feel like the UFC would have simply replaced him.

Thanks

Expand full comment

Undoubtedly ‼️‼️‼️

Expand full comment

Ariel HIMwani,

Mr. 14 time does it again. Curious if you can pull back the curtain ever so slightly on your conversations with your source regarding the Conor injury. When your source said the injury part of the news was off the record, what does the rest of that conversation look like? Did you run your plan by the source to “dance around” (your words not mine) the injury news to see if they were ok with that or was it a “better to ask forgiveness than permission” situation?

When you get news like this are your family and coworkers privy to the info or are they finding out when we all do?

Don’t let the bootlickers grind you down, bromigo.

LEEEEEEEROOOOY JEEEEEEENKIIIIINS

Expand full comment

Hello Mr. 10-7 and the crew,

First time writer here and was wondering about the decision to not move Conor vs Chandler to the Sphere. It seemed like a layup for the UFC to make the once in a lifetime card even bigger by adding the most anticipated fight of the year. Could the reason for this be that tickets for 306 are already on sale which means that the brass won’t be able to adjust the price to Conor numbers making the cards gate one for the history books. Appreciate the time and work put into the show as it is something we all look forward to every week.

P.S. thoughts on the Wyatt 6 debut on Monday’s Raw?

Expand full comment

Is the #shadowban officially over? I ask because I was on a show presented by puppets the other day.

Expand full comment

Ariel,

if someone who works at BYM ask you to come on that show to settle the beef with Bisping, would you say yes?

Expand full comment

Could we also settle the sidekick beef between producers Mike Harrington and New York Ric? Ant Evans can moderate?

Expand full comment

Ant Evans don't work cheap.

Expand full comment

Any news on the new conor chandler card date? Do you think it will be pushed back to December (only available realistic ppv for them on the current schedule)

Expand full comment

What up Heelwani and gang!

Long time listener, 1st time questioner.

I'm currently on vacay here in the states, travelling from the land down under and my last stop is in Vegas for the UFC IFW.

Thank you for the work that you've done reporting on the Mcgregor situation otherwise much like the rest of the world we would be kept in the dark until the tenth hour.

My question is, will you and the team be hosting a live show in Vegas during IFW as I'll love to attend and meet the gang as I've followed your content for a very long time. (Even had a chance to take a picture with you and the open workouts in Melbourne during Rousey V Holm).

Much love, keep up the great work that you do and don't let the bootlickers being you down!

PowerfulJDU

Expand full comment

Ciao Ariel, please tell me you've seen the Mix-Molly-Whoppery analysis of the whole Bisping situation?! It is so on point. I'm still waiting for the genius behind the channel to get a shout-out on the MMA Hour. As an avid listener of the show, he's currently the number 1 guy I would love to see/hear being interviewed on here. Grazie mille!

Expand full comment

Shalom Ariel,

I love how, after each PPV event, you bring on someone who excels at breaking down the action and discussing future directions (like Chael and DJ).

How about inviting the champion of BTL and partner to the stars on No Bets Barred, Jed Meshew, for that very purpose?

Jed has mentioned on various shows that "you would not put up with his shtick." To me, that sounds like a callout.

If inviting him isn't possible, would you consider appearing on BTL yourself?

Expand full comment

I get it. He is not a fighter, so the numbers might not be as high. But it would be the easiest booking ever. That guy is on everything.

Expand full comment

Bonjour Ariel!

Kinda non MMA, but what do you think of Chris Jericho sleeping with former AEW Legal Officer Megha Parekh to lock down his contract? Apparently he wanted to leverage his tenure with AEW for better pay when returned to WWE, but once leadership changed, his plans pivoted. This made him sleep with Megha, giving him leverage to lock down 10 Year, $1M guarantee from AEW, and it’s ironclad. Could this be the straw that broke Cody’s back in AEW?

Expand full comment

DAMN, if this is actually true. Then that’s completely f*cked.

Expand full comment

Hi Ariel,

First things first, thank you and the team for consistently providing the best, most reliable, and entertaining content, especially during these challenging times here in Israel.

After another easy 10-7, this time over Bisping, it’s clear that those who dislike you fall into two categories: Dana White's cheerleaders and antisemites. I don't want to put you in a tough spot, but since you often discuss this, I’m curious if you agree with my assessment.

On a different note, GC, what’s the status with the merch? I can’t wait to rock a "Who Me?" T-shirt in the coolest city, Tel Aviv.

Cheers, Eran.

Expand full comment

Hi Ariel, have you seen ever seen the classic kino Bubble Boy starring Jake Gyllenhaal doing his best impression of Adam Sandler? It's absolute cinema. Anyway I think Conor McGregor should take inspiration from his old rival Elwood Dalton and encase himself within a protective suit like Bubble Boy to prevent injuries or temptations until his fight. Love you love the boys love the show.

Expand full comment

Dear Ariel

I’ve always considered you to be the best in the game but am I being naive? I thought that other journalists had connections and sources too albeit maybe not as many. When the biggest UFC fighter of all time says he’s returning and then gets injured why did no one else report on it? All I’ve seen on socials are reports coming out saying ‘per Ariel Helwani’. My question is are you in fact the only journalist that sources trusted with the information or was there something in place that stopped other people reporting the information such as not wanting to upset the UFC brass? I’m not much of a conspiracy theorist but something just doesn’t add up!

Shout out to the crew in the back, keep those 14 trophies shining, Viva Helwani!

Expand full comment

Hellooo Ariel and Crew,

What's the update on Sean O'Malley vs Merab for the Undisputed Batamweight strap ?

Much love 🫶

Expand full comment

The Sphere in September

Expand full comment

Hi Ariel, not to get political but did you see some of the people Jake Shields was hanging out with last week? It's much worse than any crazy Sean Strickland type stuff. Is it a poor reflection on the MMA community to have a UFC vet doing events with turkeys like Sneako and legit low-IQ anti-semites? Not sure what's going on in his whole funky career but it's pretty sad to see.

P.S. since last week you didn't want to say my username can you ask the guys if I should change it to the initials JJBH?

Expand full comment

Hi Ariel,

What are your thoughts on the number one pound for pound wrestler in the world (Zaurbek Sidakov) considering joining the UFC? He is the greatest active technician alive.

Expand full comment