Let’s end all the UFC 300 speculation now for Ariel’s benefit. I know Dana’s secret SUPERFIGHT matchup!! For a fact with indemnity and no uncertainty that it is…. HASBULLA VS that other little weiner guy. Who else could it be? Why on earth sign this goofball?
As always, thanks for all your awesome work. UFC 296 is turning out to be card of the year, Bryce at the buzzer for the win. Him and Colby and Trump. Hoo boy.
Lastly, I have decided 2023 is the last year we no longer do not know how to ride a bike. NY resolution >>> learn to ride a bike. Maybe my daughter Olivia and your daughter Claire can teach us. Payce!! ✌🏽
I know you are a big Leon guy but I think going after Colby for the long layoff is a bit unfair. Shouldn't you cut him some slack on account of the Masvidal assault? Seems like Colby is such a polarizing figure he didn't get much sympathy in that situation. I like Jorge but you can't just jump a guy in the street after you lose the fight.
As an MMA purist, Belal is getting screwed. But as a fight fan, I'm glad Colby is getting the shot here.
Much love to you and the crew! Look forward to the show every week!
Do you think Colby Covington would ever be able to pivot his image from “bad guy American heel” to “good guy American hero”… or has he gone too far? I think it would be amazing to witness that shift and have him walkout to “I am a Real American,” Hogan’s theme.
Hola Ariel! Do you have any thoughts on the inevitable Carmelo Hayes vs Trick Williams feud in NXT? I am loving the slow burn of figuring out who attacked Trick and loved that he got his moment at Deadline last weekend. I think this has the potential to be the best thing heading into WrestleMania weekend that doesn’t involve Roman Reigns or CM Punk. Would also be great to see some NXT guys on the show!
Ola Ariel, what are your thoughts on the regular “back up fighter” scenarios that play out now with the UFC supposedly trying to save title fights on PPV cards. Is it fair for the champion to decline the back up fighter if the card changes last minute, ie challenger misses weight?? Does this put the champion between a rock and a hard place as they cannot say no to a last minute change….. a 12 week training camp preparing for a wrestler and then the day out, they are now to fight a kickboxer/striker etc….. or if they do so no they lose kudos with the brass at the UFC……. Interested to know your thoughts.
Question for GC. Are there any updates to the James Krause gambling scandal? It's been over a year now and I haven't heard anything in many moons. Any news as to when Jeff Molina will be able to fight again?
I'd love to hear your take on less-than-deserved title shots in the UFC and the legitimacy of said titleholder. Fast tracking guys like Alex Pereira and even Sean O' Malley without testing them against tough stylistic matchups on-route to their titles leaves me questioning if they're the rightful #1 in that division. Rick made a great point regarding Khalil Rountree Jr. having tougher matchups at 205 than Pereira and perhaps that wouldn't be the case had Poatan beaten guys like Ankalaev or Rakic on his way to gold. I know Alex in particular got the former champ treatment but it doesn't help in the case of validating the post-Jones Light Heavyweight era.
Also, to touch on Mondays conversation regarding inactivity amongst non-champions prior to a title opportunity, we must not forget Tyron Woodley's 18-month layoff between defeating Kelvin Gastelum and taking on Robbie Lawler.
Hello Ariel and the crew. Great interview with Shavkat Rakhmonov on Monday. The demeanor on that guy is amazing. No Nonsense you just gotta love it. Probably my favorite fighter after Jiri Prochazka.
Since we're in the holiday spirit, I wanted to know what is everyone's favorite Christmas Movie? Let's start with GC.
Hello Ariel and the crew on this loveeeeeeeeeeely week of UFC 296! What a card!
With many great cards there is always an upset where an underdog shuts down the betting odds and shocks the world. My question to you is which upset would shock you the most?
1. Colby manhandles Leon after 2 years out
2. Royval dismantles Pantoja
3. Wonderboy proves he is still that guy but wiping the 0 from Shavkat's record
4. El Cucuy brings that David Goggins energy and mops the floor with Paddy only to yell out
"STAY HARD" in the post fight interview
or...
5. Luque catches Ian Garry after a one-sided press conference and shuts him up
Thanks for your time and au revoir from almost Canada (Northern Michigan)
In all honesty I am getting annoyed about the questions surrounding Kayla making weight. Of all the athletes in MMA she has to be one of the most professional of them all. Sure, years ago she said she would have to cut off both her legs to make 35 but SHE signed the contract agreeing to make it. I feel it insults her character to question if she will make weight especially since she has never tried and failed. Is it fair for me to think this?
I was wondering if you could shed some more light on the enigma that is Caposa. You've often mentioned that his assistance in the end of year awards show is pivotal, and his seeming omnipotence in all things combat sports makes him a must follow account for all MMA fans. I'm assuming anonymity is important to him, and I'd not want you to reveal anything personal, but I'm curious as to the nature of your relationship outside of the award shows, and how far back it goes. Thanks guys, keep up the great work,
Hi Ariel, I’m working out of Shanghai for a couple of months and was bummed that UFC Shanghai got moved to the Mecca of sports at the Apex. So, since I don’t have questions from what would have been my first UFC event, could you ask Caposa what his thoughts were on Wu Lin Feng’s 1000th fight program that went down in Hunan province last Saturday?
Hi ariel. What are your thoughts on haim gozali writing the name of fighters on israeli misslies that will be fired in gaza to kill innocent children?
lol, another Hamas sympathizer
Where in my question did i sympathise with Hamas?
Hallo Ariel
A quick one, what did DP show you on his phone in the somewhat viral meme ? 😂
Greetings from Germany my man
Shoutout to Ariel and Crew!
Let’s end all the UFC 300 speculation now for Ariel’s benefit. I know Dana’s secret SUPERFIGHT matchup!! For a fact with indemnity and no uncertainty that it is…. HASBULLA VS that other little weiner guy. Who else could it be? Why on earth sign this goofball?
As always, thanks for all your awesome work. UFC 296 is turning out to be card of the year, Bryce at the buzzer for the win. Him and Colby and Trump. Hoo boy.
Lastly, I have decided 2023 is the last year we no longer do not know how to ride a bike. NY resolution >>> learn to ride a bike. Maybe my daughter Olivia and your daughter Claire can teach us. Payce!! ✌🏽
Ariel
I know you are a big Leon guy but I think going after Colby for the long layoff is a bit unfair. Shouldn't you cut him some slack on account of the Masvidal assault? Seems like Colby is such a polarizing figure he didn't get much sympathy in that situation. I like Jorge but you can't just jump a guy in the street after you lose the fight.
As an MMA purist, Belal is getting screwed. But as a fight fan, I'm glad Colby is getting the shot here.
Much love to you and the crew! Look forward to the show every week!
Do you think Colby Covington would ever be able to pivot his image from “bad guy American heel” to “good guy American hero”… or has he gone too far? I think it would be amazing to witness that shift and have him walkout to “I am a Real American,” Hogan’s theme.
Hola Ariel! Do you have any thoughts on the inevitable Carmelo Hayes vs Trick Williams feud in NXT? I am loving the slow burn of figuring out who attacked Trick and loved that he got his moment at Deadline last weekend. I think this has the potential to be the best thing heading into WrestleMania weekend that doesn’t involve Roman Reigns or CM Punk. Would also be great to see some NXT guys on the show!
Ola Ariel, what are your thoughts on the regular “back up fighter” scenarios that play out now with the UFC supposedly trying to save title fights on PPV cards. Is it fair for the champion to decline the back up fighter if the card changes last minute, ie challenger misses weight?? Does this put the champion between a rock and a hard place as they cannot say no to a last minute change….. a 12 week training camp preparing for a wrestler and then the day out, they are now to fight a kickboxer/striker etc….. or if they do so no they lose kudos with the brass at the UFC……. Interested to know your thoughts.
What is up MMA Hour crew!
Question for GC. Are there any updates to the James Krause gambling scandal? It's been over a year now and I haven't heard anything in many moons. Any news as to when Jeff Molina will be able to fight again?
Hello AJ and crew,
I'd love to hear your take on less-than-deserved title shots in the UFC and the legitimacy of said titleholder. Fast tracking guys like Alex Pereira and even Sean O' Malley without testing them against tough stylistic matchups on-route to their titles leaves me questioning if they're the rightful #1 in that division. Rick made a great point regarding Khalil Rountree Jr. having tougher matchups at 205 than Pereira and perhaps that wouldn't be the case had Poatan beaten guys like Ankalaev or Rakic on his way to gold. I know Alex in particular got the former champ treatment but it doesn't help in the case of validating the post-Jones Light Heavyweight era.
Also, to touch on Mondays conversation regarding inactivity amongst non-champions prior to a title opportunity, we must not forget Tyron Woodley's 18-month layoff between defeating Kelvin Gastelum and taking on Robbie Lawler.
Keep up the great work!
Hello Ariel and the crew. Great interview with Shavkat Rakhmonov on Monday. The demeanor on that guy is amazing. No Nonsense you just gotta love it. Probably my favorite fighter after Jiri Prochazka.
Since we're in the holiday spirit, I wanted to know what is everyone's favorite Christmas Movie? Let's start with GC.
Hello Ariel and the crew on this loveeeeeeeeeeely week of UFC 296! What a card!
With many great cards there is always an upset where an underdog shuts down the betting odds and shocks the world. My question to you is which upset would shock you the most?
1. Colby manhandles Leon after 2 years out
2. Royval dismantles Pantoja
3. Wonderboy proves he is still that guy but wiping the 0 from Shavkat's record
4. El Cucuy brings that David Goggins energy and mops the floor with Paddy only to yell out
"STAY HARD" in the post fight interview
or...
5. Luque catches Ian Garry after a one-sided press conference and shuts him up
Thanks for your time and au revoir from almost Canada (Northern Michigan)
Good day, Ariel,
Just wondering if you guys could do some sort of “fans choice“ awards for the annual MMA hour award.
Thanks with love, Gilbert
The Substack’s Choice for each award would be good if we can vote
Hello sir!
In all honesty I am getting annoyed about the questions surrounding Kayla making weight. Of all the athletes in MMA she has to be one of the most professional of them all. Sure, years ago she said she would have to cut off both her legs to make 35 but SHE signed the contract agreeing to make it. I feel it insults her character to question if she will make weight especially since she has never tried and failed. Is it fair for me to think this?
Peace, I'm outta here.
What's good Helw-army!
I was wondering if you could shed some more light on the enigma that is Caposa. You've often mentioned that his assistance in the end of year awards show is pivotal, and his seeming omnipotence in all things combat sports makes him a must follow account for all MMA fans. I'm assuming anonymity is important to him, and I'd not want you to reveal anything personal, but I'm curious as to the nature of your relationship outside of the award shows, and how far back it goes. Thanks guys, keep up the great work,
Danny from Donny
Ariel,
The massive Ohtani-to-Blue Jays reporting snafu got me curious:
- Do you think there was any "sneaky" business (i.e., leaking the story from within) by Ohtani's agents to drive up his price?
- What was the "proper" way the reporters should have handled the story?
- How many sources do you personally confirm with before breaking a story?
Hi Ariel, I’m working out of Shanghai for a couple of months and was bummed that UFC Shanghai got moved to the Mecca of sports at the Apex. So, since I don’t have questions from what would have been my first UFC event, could you ask Caposa what his thoughts were on Wu Lin Feng’s 1000th fight program that went down in Hunan province last Saturday?