Long time listener, first time commenter. I just wanted to share an interesting fact about UFC 300s main event. By defeating Jamahal Hill, Alex Pereira has become the first light heavyweight champion to successfully defend the title in 1,133 days (UFC 259: Blachowicz vs Adesanya), and the first to successfully defend against a ranked light heavyweight contender in 1,526 days (UFC 247: Jones vs Reyes). This is made even more impressive when you consider that he’s only been in the UFC for 888 days. With this in mind I pose this question to yourself, GC and Ric; is Alex Pereira the guy to bring stability to the crazy 205 title picture?
Amazing work as always, loved the shows from Vegas last week. Keep it up guys 👍
Dana White announced the comeback of the biggest star in UFC history after getting passed a crumpled up piece of paper.
My question to Ariel and the boys is - "What is the best news you've ever gotten scribbled on a ripped up legal pad page?"
For me, it was when I got a note passed to me in Psychology 101 from Jane Samways that she wanted me to take her to lunch.
Alas, Jane actually didn't go out with me because she caught me doing nWo 2 Sweet signs with my mates outside the classroom and pointing my thumbs to myself like Razor Ramon in celebration.
What's up fellas...Great coverage for 300. Felt like the MMA Hour team really came into their own last week!!!
I'm sure you have had this asked before but given your growing success and platform, would there ever be a circumstance where you and Dana could have a sit down interview and have an honest conversation? I know both parties would have to agree, but I feel like Dana has really leaned into doing media this past year. Call me crazy, but I feel like it would actually benefit the both of you and be great for the sport. I'm sure there's a lot of other factors that play into the situation but would be quite the scene. Maybe for UFC 500???
During your interview with kayla on Monday I kept thinking to myself that the last pound is always the hardest to lose. With that in mind do you have any worries about her making championship weight when she does get her title shot since she only made 136 and looked awful on the scale? She does seem like a true professional but I wonder what difference that last pound would make.
In this current run of the show, it feels like we keep reaching new peaks and milestones. This last week has been so much fun to watch, listen and enjoy. The show, yourself and the crew are truly operating at all timer levels.
Something I wondered.
How did presenting and interviewing on the sofa compare to the in studio, desk setup?
You're without your laptop, desk, trinkets and tchotchkes. Just yourself and the subject. Do you find this added openess and opportunity to read body language makes the interviews feel different? Do you find different reads and avenues to explore when conversating and interviewing this way?
Thanks again for the week that was, is and will be. Love to the entire crew,
Quick NBA question, as I'm curious about your take on Carmelo Anthony. Considering you were at Syracuse when he carried them to the '03 national title and then became an icon with the Knicks, I'd assume you'd be a big Melo fan. But I can't recall ever hearing you speak about him. Why is that?
Do you feel pretty confident that they're saving Leon Edwards for the Manchester card at this point? With UFC 301, 302, and 303 set with main events, and UFC 305 taking place in Perth, it has to be him v. Belal or somebody at 304 - right?
There's not a chance that a title fight co-mains the Mcgregor v. Chandler UFC 303 card, or is there?
Cheers,
btw - your interview with Mark Coleman was incredible. The space, time, and respect you gave him to open up was beautiful to watch. What a story, what a man.
I know you're not at ESPN anymore and you're never at the fights themselves, and I also know you get a ton of shit from people - but that interview exemplified why the UFC needs you in the sport. Yes, needs you - even if you're not in the building.
A question on the potential Nunes vs Kayla matchup.
Why is Dana so positive about the idea of Nunes coming back and doesn’t seem to hold any grudge because of her retirement ? He clearly hates early retirements (GSP, Cejudo), why is he so open to the idea and does not hold any grudge towards her ?
Greetings Ariel, GC, NY Rick, and faceless Francois. Thank you all for what you do. I love your show and have listened to every minute of every episode for years, and am SO upset that even though I will be in NYC on Friday, that I can't make the live show. I hope you do another in the northeast soon, maybe even here in Boston where I live (don't worry, Ariel, I promise I won't wear a Celtics jersey).
My question is for Ariel. Many times you ask fighters when they'll hang it up and how far they are from retirement. Will there ever come a day where The Great and Powerful Helwani himself "hangs it up" and moves on from the weekly podcasting that's so near and dear to our hearts?
If so, I hope it's well into the "Bruce Buffer" years of your life, and not a tragic, Rhonda Rousey style early retirement. Cheers and much love.
Much love to you guys for the amazing interviews and multiple shows last week.
For Ariel, I’m wondering if you were always as articulate and inquisitive as you are now going back to when you saw that Journalism program ad at Syracuse.
How have you developed such a great style to make all your guests feel like they’re just having a chat with an old friend?
Do you have suggestions any good reads that helped you develop your skills? The old classic How to Win Friends and Influence People comes to mind.
During the lead up to the Pereira KO, as Alex told Herb to kick rocks and get out of his way, he seemed to subtly close the distance on Hill. Hill preparing for a timeout to be called, didn’t adjust to this. Now this has minimal impact on the KO and no credit should be taken away from Alex, but should there have been a more formal reset to the action once Herb has gestured for the timeout.
Hope you and the crew are well mate. These are my fights to make now that the dust has settled on a spectacular UFC 300.
Let’s do it rapid fire style with you and the lads. Simply answer Yes/No/Interesting.
Chuck v Gamrot
Justin v BSD
Arman v Islam/Dustin winner
Lopes v Evloev
Jim FKN Miller v Dariush
King Green v Paddy
Moicano v Hooker
Max v Illia
Jiri v Ankalaev
Poatan v Rountree
Nickal v Hermansen
Aljo v Ortega
Fig v Yan
Also congratulations on your new monicker ‘MYSTIC MENSCH’ after foreshadowing in your Mighty Mouse interview last week, people getting their black belts after scoring knockouts.
Thanks for everything you all do and the amazing week of content last week. Legends.
Hi Ariel, I'm sure you already about this but I googled up every media outlet that is listed on the UFC rankings panel from their website and most of them are expired websites, websites who haven't posted in years, some boxing websites, a few local news stations, and a rock radio station in San Diego. There were literally only 2-3 outlets from their rankings panel who actually cover MMA and are still active
So who is REALLY determining these rankings Ariel?? There is no way these are the actual media outlets on the UFC's rankings panel right?? Or is that just another Dana LIE so he can just deflect at the pressers saying "I don't make the rankings. YOU guys make the rankings. The media votes on the rankings". Max at 9 at LW while Justin is still at 3 makes no sense
Hi Ariel I'd like to take exception to your dismissal of people's criticism to Jamahal Hill's conduct leading up to his fight at 300 as simply being "internet bullshit." First, if we accept that this is just good promotion on Hill's part and nothing else, isn't the resultant uproar the intended result? Isn't the reactive anger and schaudenfreude after Hill's loss the pay off for such promotion? Why can't we just allow fans to feel what they feel? Also, I think the real issue fans have with Hill is not his braggadocio or confidence but it's that he is an overly sensitive jerk who can dish it out but can't take it. Confidence and bragging is dime a dozen and often it pays dividends after a victory but having to push back on everything and attacking people because they have the audacity to ask a tough question is not. I think the more intelligent fans are annoyed by such frailty in men who claim to be the toughest among us. .
Let's say that Jamahal Hill's wish is granted and him and Jiri come together later this year. Is this really the fight that Jamahl should take if he wants to remain in title contention? If Jiri shows up fights with the same resolve, pace, and intensity he did against Rackic I feel the outcome may be poor for Hill. Just curious what you think!
Hi Ariel and crew,
Long time listener, first time commenter. I just wanted to share an interesting fact about UFC 300s main event. By defeating Jamahal Hill, Alex Pereira has become the first light heavyweight champion to successfully defend the title in 1,133 days (UFC 259: Blachowicz vs Adesanya), and the first to successfully defend against a ranked light heavyweight contender in 1,526 days (UFC 247: Jones vs Reyes). This is made even more impressive when you consider that he’s only been in the UFC for 888 days. With this in mind I pose this question to yourself, GC and Ric; is Alex Pereira the guy to bring stability to the crazy 205 title picture?
Amazing work as always, loved the shows from Vegas last week. Keep it up guys 👍
Cool Stat. I think Mogomed might have something to say about that. That was a notoriously unstable division before Jones showed up too.
Gonna get his Ankles broken
Dana White announced the comeback of the biggest star in UFC history after getting passed a crumpled up piece of paper.
My question to Ariel and the boys is - "What is the best news you've ever gotten scribbled on a ripped up legal pad page?"
For me, it was when I got a note passed to me in Psychology 101 from Jane Samways that she wanted me to take her to lunch.
Alas, Jane actually didn't go out with me because she caught me doing nWo 2 Sweet signs with my mates outside the classroom and pointing my thumbs to myself like Razor Ramon in celebration.
An employees resignation
What's up fellas...Great coverage for 300. Felt like the MMA Hour team really came into their own last week!!!
I'm sure you have had this asked before but given your growing success and platform, would there ever be a circumstance where you and Dana could have a sit down interview and have an honest conversation? I know both parties would have to agree, but I feel like Dana has really leaned into doing media this past year. Call me crazy, but I feel like it would actually benefit the both of you and be great for the sport. I'm sure there's a lot of other factors that play into the situation but would be quite the scene. Maybe for UFC 500???
- Thanks for all you guys do. love from the 305
Dana would never do it
During your interview with kayla on Monday I kept thinking to myself that the last pound is always the hardest to lose. With that in mind do you have any worries about her making championship weight when she does get her title shot since she only made 136 and looked awful on the scale? She does seem like a true professional but I wonder what difference that last pound would make.
Ariel,
In this current run of the show, it feels like we keep reaching new peaks and milestones. This last week has been so much fun to watch, listen and enjoy. The show, yourself and the crew are truly operating at all timer levels.
Something I wondered.
How did presenting and interviewing on the sofa compare to the in studio, desk setup?
You're without your laptop, desk, trinkets and tchotchkes. Just yourself and the subject. Do you find this added openess and opportunity to read body language makes the interviews feel different? Do you find different reads and avenues to explore when conversating and interviewing this way?
Thanks again for the week that was, is and will be. Love to the entire crew,
Louis
Ariel shouldve had a wireless lav mic too. He looked so comfortable leaning forward into the mic the whole time and his back was hurting by the end :(
Hi Ariel!
Quick NBA question, as I'm curious about your take on Carmelo Anthony. Considering you were at Syracuse when he carried them to the '03 national title and then became an icon with the Knicks, I'd assume you'd be a big Melo fan. But I can't recall ever hearing you speak about him. Why is that?
Hi Ariel,
Do you feel pretty confident that they're saving Leon Edwards for the Manchester card at this point? With UFC 301, 302, and 303 set with main events, and UFC 305 taking place in Perth, it has to be him v. Belal or somebody at 304 - right?
There's not a chance that a title fight co-mains the Mcgregor v. Chandler UFC 303 card, or is there?
Cheers,
btw - your interview with Mark Coleman was incredible. The space, time, and respect you gave him to open up was beautiful to watch. What a story, what a man.
I know you're not at ESPN anymore and you're never at the fights themselves, and I also know you get a ton of shit from people - but that interview exemplified why the UFC needs you in the sport. Yes, needs you - even if you're not in the building.
Hallo Ariel
A question on the potential Nunes vs Kayla matchup.
Why is Dana so positive about the idea of Nunes coming back and doesn’t seem to hold any grudge because of her retirement ? He clearly hates early retirements (GSP, Cejudo), why is he so open to the idea and does not hold any grudge towards her ?
Greetings from Germany my man
Greetings Ariel, GC, NY Rick, and faceless Francois. Thank you all for what you do. I love your show and have listened to every minute of every episode for years, and am SO upset that even though I will be in NYC on Friday, that I can't make the live show. I hope you do another in the northeast soon, maybe even here in Boston where I live (don't worry, Ariel, I promise I won't wear a Celtics jersey).
My question is for Ariel. Many times you ask fighters when they'll hang it up and how far they are from retirement. Will there ever come a day where The Great and Powerful Helwani himself "hangs it up" and moves on from the weekly podcasting that's so near and dear to our hearts?
If so, I hope it's well into the "Bruce Buffer" years of your life, and not a tragic, Rhonda Rousey style early retirement. Cheers and much love.
Hi Ariel, GC & NY Rick,
Much love to you guys for the amazing interviews and multiple shows last week.
For Ariel, I’m wondering if you were always as articulate and inquisitive as you are now going back to when you saw that Journalism program ad at Syracuse.
How have you developed such a great style to make all your guests feel like they’re just having a chat with an old friend?
Do you have suggestions any good reads that helped you develop your skills? The old classic How to Win Friends and Influence People comes to mind.
Thank you & God Bless
A question for all of the guys. What was better ufc 300 or WrestleMania
As Salam Alaikum Ariel and team.
During the lead up to the Pereira KO, as Alex told Herb to kick rocks and get out of his way, he seemed to subtly close the distance on Hill. Hill preparing for a timeout to be called, didn’t adjust to this. Now this has minimal impact on the KO and no credit should be taken away from Alex, but should there have been a more formal reset to the action once Herb has gestured for the timeout.
G’day Ariel,
Hope you and the crew are well mate. These are my fights to make now that the dust has settled on a spectacular UFC 300.
Let’s do it rapid fire style with you and the lads. Simply answer Yes/No/Interesting.
Chuck v Gamrot
Justin v BSD
Arman v Islam/Dustin winner
Lopes v Evloev
Jim FKN Miller v Dariush
King Green v Paddy
Moicano v Hooker
Max v Illia
Jiri v Ankalaev
Poatan v Rountree
Nickal v Hermansen
Aljo v Ortega
Fig v Yan
Also congratulations on your new monicker ‘MYSTIC MENSCH’ after foreshadowing in your Mighty Mouse interview last week, people getting their black belts after scoring knockouts.
Thanks for everything you all do and the amazing week of content last week. Legends.
Jamal.
Hi Ariel, I'm sure you already about this but I googled up every media outlet that is listed on the UFC rankings panel from their website and most of them are expired websites, websites who haven't posted in years, some boxing websites, a few local news stations, and a rock radio station in San Diego. There were literally only 2-3 outlets from their rankings panel who actually cover MMA and are still active
So who is REALLY determining these rankings Ariel?? There is no way these are the actual media outlets on the UFC's rankings panel right?? Or is that just another Dana LIE so he can just deflect at the pressers saying "I don't make the rankings. YOU guys make the rankings. The media votes on the rankings". Max at 9 at LW while Justin is still at 3 makes no sense
Hi Ariel I'd like to take exception to your dismissal of people's criticism to Jamahal Hill's conduct leading up to his fight at 300 as simply being "internet bullshit." First, if we accept that this is just good promotion on Hill's part and nothing else, isn't the resultant uproar the intended result? Isn't the reactive anger and schaudenfreude after Hill's loss the pay off for such promotion? Why can't we just allow fans to feel what they feel? Also, I think the real issue fans have with Hill is not his braggadocio or confidence but it's that he is an overly sensitive jerk who can dish it out but can't take it. Confidence and bragging is dime a dozen and often it pays dividends after a victory but having to push back on everything and attacking people because they have the audacity to ask a tough question is not. I think the more intelligent fans are annoyed by such frailty in men who claim to be the toughest among us. .
Hey Ariel and Crew,
Let's say that Jamahal Hill's wish is granted and him and Jiri come together later this year. Is this really the fight that Jamahl should take if he wants to remain in title contention? If Jiri shows up fights with the same resolve, pace, and intensity he did against Rackic I feel the outcome may be poor for Hill. Just curious what you think!
I agree…Jiri smokes Jamahal