Hi Ariel - if you did get to interview Dana White again what would be the top 3 topics you would ask him about? Do your questions change if he wasn’t part of the UFC anymore?
I hope this is a safe place to defend last week’s question:
1. Louisville is pronounced Loo-Uh-Vul by people who live in Kentucky.
2. I couldn’t attend UFC Louisville in 2011 because I was a broke junior in high school.
3. My former youth pastor was who introduced me to MMA in 2009 during a watch party for Shogun vs. Machida
4. While on the way to UFC Columbus, my company car broke down in Cincinnati.
I’ll keep this week’s question shorter:
As Chael continues to remind us, Red-Panty night is still real. Do fighters who fight Conor McGregor receive a bigger paycheck than their contract says or is it all about the exposure?
Hi Ariel greetings from Palau. Do you think we will get both champs at the UK card? And if so, who do you think would headline? Also just wanted to let you know the UFC 286 the O2 card last year was done at a normal time because the O2 arena has a strict curfew policy that every event has to end by 11pm. Otherwise they would do what they are doing now. Thanks :)
Just had a question on whether you think fighters should be allowed to bet on themselves to win in a fight? Obviously one of the most recent examples is Ryan Garcia winning ‘$10 million’ on himself, however, he did miss weight by 3 pounds and failed drug tests. Not saying this was intentional from him but other fighters could look at this going forward and give themselves every possible advantage to try and win big money wise. What are your thoughts?
I want to get your opinions on this HOT TAKE: I believe we are in the tale end of the UFC lightweight golden age, with Porier’s last title shot, Conor’s last fights and Khabib retired. Do you all agree? if not, what are the golden ages for every weight class in your opinion?
Congrats on the upcoming Live Show (gutted that I won't be able to make it though..)
Just wanted to take a moment of appreciation for Chase Hooper's quote from Monday's episode, which perfectly captures the Apex dilemma:
"getting the win.. yeah, it felt like a real win. Felt like a win in one of the premiere sports in the world" vs "I won a sparring match in a gym and my teammates are happy"
Hope Dana / UFC heard that one and continue traveling! Just wish ticket prices weren't insane..
Lastly, any truth to the rumor that although the Conor x BKFC deal is a good partnership opportunity for both involved, it's also a brilliant negotiation tactic by Conor heading into contract discussions?
Also might be part of the reason for UFC's downplay / lackluster promotion for McGregor's return announcement, so that they aren't as invested in him as a top star in case they part ways.
Hey guys thanks for the great show as always. Just a few short questions.
Not to act like captain hindsight but do you think the ufc should have made Charles vs arman a 5 round co main event at ufc 301 instead?
Is it possible for Jose Aldo to get a title shot if he fights Cruz or/and cejudo and gets a win over both?
With all the talk about inoue moving up the weight classes for a big fight isn’t Lomachenko the most realistic big name since he has fought at 126 and 130
I was wondering if you seen the video of therapist Dana Whote giving his opinion on mental health and if you seen the tweet grey Maynard put out in response?
And for GC do weekends like last week ever make you want to call 1800 gambler.
One for the whole crew but GC in particular, with the ufc coming back to Perth in august would you guys ever consider coming down to Australia for an event? Is august too soon to start planning a trip down under? 🤔
Hola Ariel! With WrestleMania being in Las Vegas next year, do you think there’s a chance UFC will have a ppv that starts after night 1 ends? It would be cool to have a super weekend with the ppv on Friday night, but I don’t see that happening.
Now that the dust has settled (sorta), do you feel like it was a mistake for the PFL to keep the Bellator and PFL brands separate?
While the PFL vs Bellator card had its moments, it seems so odd that the PFL didn’t leverage the acquisition of Bellator to improve on their biggest weaknesses - a competitive circuit with a lackluster roster.
I’m really rooting for PFLlator’s success, but it feels like they haven’t capitalized on the momentum they had at the end of 2023 and now have way too many products (PFL tournament, PFL Europe, PFL Africa, Bellator, ppv, etc).
I wish they’d just operate under one brand/product, put on the most interesting fights, and stop overcomplicating things for fans. Thoughts?
Hey Ariel wanted to get your thoughts on Dana saying we need to get out of the Apex and back on the road after the St. Louis card. Personally all I can say to that honestly is LOL. Also I've only been following the sport since about 2016 so I wanted to know has Dana White always been super popular with the fanbase? It seems like a every sports fan can't stand their respective commissioner but when it comes to Dana the guy seems to be made of super teflon for some reason. Bob Arum, Eddie Hearn, back in the day Don King etc in boxing don't have that kind of admiration from the fans yet Dana is beloved.
As a long-time fan, I've been pondering potential rule changes in MMA. What are your thoughts on giving head cornermen the ability to extend a round by one minute, once per fight? I believe it could add excitement without compromising the integrity of the sport, especially considering past instances where fighters were saved by the bell. Curious to hear your take!
Hi Ariel - if you did get to interview Dana White again what would be the top 3 topics you would ask him about? Do your questions change if he wasn’t part of the UFC anymore?
Ariel & crew:
I hope this is a safe place to defend last week’s question:
1. Louisville is pronounced Loo-Uh-Vul by people who live in Kentucky.
2. I couldn’t attend UFC Louisville in 2011 because I was a broke junior in high school.
3. My former youth pastor was who introduced me to MMA in 2009 during a watch party for Shogun vs. Machida
4. While on the way to UFC Columbus, my company car broke down in Cincinnati.
I’ll keep this week’s question shorter:
As Chael continues to remind us, Red-Panty night is still real. Do fighters who fight Conor McGregor receive a bigger paycheck than their contract says or is it all about the exposure?
Hi Ariel greetings from Palau. Do you think we will get both champs at the UK card? And if so, who do you think would headline? Also just wanted to let you know the UFC 286 the O2 card last year was done at a normal time because the O2 arena has a strict curfew policy that every event has to end by 11pm. Otherwise they would do what they are doing now. Thanks :)
Hey Ariel - what's the latest with Kamaru Usman?
Hello Ariel
Just had a question on whether you think fighters should be allowed to bet on themselves to win in a fight? Obviously one of the most recent examples is Ryan Garcia winning ‘$10 million’ on himself, however, he did miss weight by 3 pounds and failed drug tests. Not saying this was intentional from him but other fighters could look at this going forward and give themselves every possible advantage to try and win big money wise. What are your thoughts?
Thanks
Jake
Good day to you Ariel and crew!
I want to get your opinions on this HOT TAKE: I believe we are in the tale end of the UFC lightweight golden age, with Porier’s last title shot, Conor’s last fights and Khabib retired. Do you all agree? if not, what are the golden ages for every weight class in your opinion?
Hola Ariel,
With Tatiana signing with Ali, is she confirmed off limits? Does someone from Dominance inform you that she’ll no longer talk to you?
Sure hope not, you’ve gotten some great interviews out of her. ¡Gracias!
Hopefully Tatiana will do what Tatiana wants. See Kayla.
Hellooo Gang,
Congrats on the upcoming Live Show (gutted that I won't be able to make it though..)
Just wanted to take a moment of appreciation for Chase Hooper's quote from Monday's episode, which perfectly captures the Apex dilemma:
"getting the win.. yeah, it felt like a real win. Felt like a win in one of the premiere sports in the world" vs "I won a sparring match in a gym and my teammates are happy"
Hope Dana / UFC heard that one and continue traveling! Just wish ticket prices weren't insane..
Lastly, any truth to the rumor that although the Conor x BKFC deal is a good partnership opportunity for both involved, it's also a brilliant negotiation tactic by Conor heading into contract discussions?
Also might be part of the reason for UFC's downplay / lackluster promotion for McGregor's return announcement, so that they aren't as invested in him as a top star in case they part ways.
Thanks! ..Go Bills
Hey guys thanks for the great show as always. Just a few short questions.
Not to act like captain hindsight but do you think the ufc should have made Charles vs arman a 5 round co main event at ufc 301 instead?
Is it possible for Jose Aldo to get a title shot if he fights Cruz or/and cejudo and gets a win over both?
With all the talk about inoue moving up the weight classes for a big fight isn’t Lomachenko the most realistic big name since he has fought at 126 and 130
I was wondering if you seen the video of therapist Dana Whote giving his opinion on mental health and if you seen the tweet grey Maynard put out in response?
And for GC do weekends like last week ever make you want to call 1800 gambler.
One for the whole crew but GC in particular, with the ufc coming back to Perth in august would you guys ever consider coming down to Australia for an event? Is august too soon to start planning a trip down under? 🤔
Ariel and Crew! Short and sweet here.
What is your dream blunt rotation? (or as you like to say, “whack tobaccy”)
Hola Ariel! With WrestleMania being in Las Vegas next year, do you think there’s a chance UFC will have a ppv that starts after night 1 ends? It would be cool to have a super weekend with the ppv on Friday night, but I don’t see that happening.
Hey Ariel,
Yom Ha’aztmaut Sameach!
I’m wondering if you’re doing anything to celebrate 76 years of the holy land!
I have so many fond memories celebrating at my Jewish day school growing up in Toronto. This year definitely feels more significant than ever.
Do you have any cherished memories of celebrating Israel’s independence?
Cheers,
Adam
Hi Ariel,
Now that the dust has settled (sorta), do you feel like it was a mistake for the PFL to keep the Bellator and PFL brands separate?
While the PFL vs Bellator card had its moments, it seems so odd that the PFL didn’t leverage the acquisition of Bellator to improve on their biggest weaknesses - a competitive circuit with a lackluster roster.
I’m really rooting for PFLlator’s success, but it feels like they haven’t capitalized on the momentum they had at the end of 2023 and now have way too many products (PFL tournament, PFL Europe, PFL Africa, Bellator, ppv, etc).
I wish they’d just operate under one brand/product, put on the most interesting fights, and stop overcomplicating things for fans. Thoughts?
Hey Ariel wanted to get your thoughts on Dana saying we need to get out of the Apex and back on the road after the St. Louis card. Personally all I can say to that honestly is LOL. Also I've only been following the sport since about 2016 so I wanted to know has Dana White always been super popular with the fanbase? It seems like a every sports fan can't stand their respective commissioner but when it comes to Dana the guy seems to be made of super teflon for some reason. Bob Arum, Eddie Hearn, back in the day Don King etc in boxing don't have that kind of admiration from the fans yet Dana is beloved.
Thanks
Ben
Hey Ariel,
As a long-time fan, I've been pondering potential rule changes in MMA. What are your thoughts on giving head cornermen the ability to extend a round by one minute, once per fight? I believe it could add excitement without compromising the integrity of the sport, especially considering past instances where fighters were saved by the bell. Curious to hear your take!