Helwani Nose is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Happy Wednesday! You know the drill by now. Hit me with your best questions below. Everything and anything goes. Questions only available to paid subscribers. Sorry, them’s the rules.
Greetings once again from London, Ontario, Canada. I have a bit of a dilemma that I was hoping you might be able to help with. For many years, I have been going to the same coffee shop and almost always order the same beverage (tea, one milk and one sugar). I am such a regular customer that the barista now makes my tea as soon as she sees me walk through the door. My dilemma is that about 5% of the time, I would like to have a beverage other than tea (for example, I occasionally enjoy hot chocolate). However, because the barista has already made my tea by the time I arrive at the counter, I can’t bring myself to tell her that I would prefer to drink something else. In this instance, I simply take my already-made tea and tell the barista I would like a second beverage “for a friend”, which I will then pay for and drink myself. Although I am paying for two beverages instead of one about 5% of the time, I believe this cost is worth it because it avoids a potentially awkward conversation with the barista, which could jeopardize the exceptionally fast service I receive the other 95% of the time. Would you approach this situation any differently? As always, appreciate your valuable insights.
On June 18th the UFC will be headed to Austin, Texas for Calvin Kattar vs Josh Emmett, and I must compel you to attend. You have said you are not actually banned from UFC events, so this would be the perfect one to test the waters. Not only will Kattar/Emmett likely be fight of the year, but you could make it a trip to Texas with the whole family, and maybe even drop into the JRE MMA Show finally while you're in town.
In my opinion it's a tragedy that the #1 journalist in combat sports has never been invited onto the JRE show. I feel this would be a great opportunity to finally squash you and Joe's past beef face to face, and it would be a tremendous platform to discuss things you stand for like fighter pay, open scoring, HOF etc. Get DC or a mutual friend to hook it up. The fans and fighters would appreciate this long overdue union. This is what the sport needs right now. Pack your bags you're going to Texas.
Hi Ariel, long time listener and first time poster. Quick question, what is the nature of the contract extension clause that the UFC 'exploits'? Can the UFC continuously offer the Khamzat fight to Nathan knowing he'll decline and in turn repeatedly extend his contract, or does the "3 fights offered per year" that Dana states (whether true or not) have to include different fighters that have not been previously declined?
With the recent announcement of DC entering the UFC hall of Fame, I have a question that relates. We are familiar with a few names of deserving fighters that are likely never going to see the hallowed staircase in the PI (Frank Shamrock comes to mind.)
My question is this: Which current UFC fighters do you think will be FUTURE snubs of the UFC hall of Fame? In other words, not just current fighters who you think would eventually deserve a spot, but ones who also might end up being snubbed for rubbing the brass the wrong way, etc.
Thanks for everything you do, and don't forget to name the waddurs, bapa.
Good day all, Ariel, can you list all the UFC fighters you believe can headline a ppv simply off of name value alone and actually do good buys? I feel like Diaz & Mcgregor are the only sure ones, probably Jones, Izzy & Francis, Oliveira may be creeping up to this??
Also as a casual boxing watcher- can you explain what this loss does to Canelo if anything?? And will his next fight be a bivol rematch?
Greetings again from Ottawa, Ontario. Loved the conversation with Shaheen Al-Shaati on Monday. You should bring on the guys from MMAFighting.com more often. Speaking of which, shout-out to Jed Meshew. Pound-for-pound, best takes on the whole website.
Quick one for you this week: If you could bring on one other person from the MMAFighting writing staff to join the MMAHour, who would be your first choice to work with?
A few months ago I told you about Clinch, the martial arts literary magazine I founded that you served as encouragement for. At that point the website was empty, so I just wanted to let you know that our inaugural issue came out earlier this month! The issue is available on our site (ClinchLit.com) if you wanted to check it out. There’s some wonderful work that I’m sure you’ll enjoy.
Thanks again for your wisdom and encouragement, and tell Frank Mysterio that I want him to submit his poetry when submissions for our second issue open!
Ariel, we often talk about how the UFC has lost some incentive to try to put on good cards because they are receiving guaranteed money from ESPN for the events. However, wouldn't this give ESPN some bargaining power the next time they go to re-negotiate the deal? They could show the UFC poor viewership on most fight nights because nobody wants to watch boring fights in the APEX anymore. Speaking of which, when is the UFC-ESPN deal up anyways? Thanks!
I watched the interview that Dana had on the Pivot podcast, and when he continued on about fighter pay and nobody said anything but agree with him, my blood literally boiled. I'm constantly baffled simply by the fact that the fighters don't have health insurance & here we are trying to get entry level ufc fighters enough to not have to work a second job. How is it that he constantly gets away with extremely piss poor reasons to not up fighter pay to what we all are aware it should be near? people like Tony Ferguson who have put EVERYTHING into this sport and given us the best moments should be getting paid at least a million a fight.
Isn’t it so confusing that Mr. Charlie Olives has to win 4 more fights to beat Khabib’s, Frankie Edgar’s, Benson Henderson’s, and BJ Penn’s THREE record defenses? Also, I saw a report that early lines have come out for Oliveira vs Islam and Islam is a (-300) Favorite, Du Bronx was (+260). Ask GC his opinion on this also, as he is the best guy. Personally I think that’s disrespectful on Oliveira. THE CHAMPION HAS A NAME AND ITS CHARLES OLIVEIRA!
Hi Ariel - what are your thoughts about the UFC disallowing flags from fighter walkouts? It seems inconsistent with their past statement that they are more for ‘free speech’ than anybody. Why do you think the reason for the flag ban wasn’t stated outright when Dana was asked at the post fight press conference?
Am I giving myself the ol' Barry H if I moderate the questions and then ask one? Let's find out.
You pride yourself on reporting news that is accurate and true. This has been a staple of 2 decades you've been in this game. There was however a time when you were also the fastest gun in the west. It feels fair to say you've let that aspect go. We know it's not due to a lack of information, just a more timely release.
My question is, when and why did you lose interest in that aspect of breaking the news, being the first to report items? Was it gradual or was there something that triggered it?
Much love, Louis
Shout out and thank you to Ross from the Energized Show for planting the idea for me to moderate.
Canelo Alvarez vs Dmitry Bivol; Bivol looked phenomenal, he executed his game like a true ring general, showing the depth of his boxing experience. Canelo, a true great, looked frustrated. Now, it sounds like Canelo is going to act on the re-match clause. Do you think this is the right move for Canelo? Would another loss at Light Heavyweight dull Canelo’s shine as the Middleweight king? Most important, will we ever get to witness Canelo Alvarez vs Jermall Charlo!?
First and foremost: Did you celebrate cinco de mayo with the team or did you leave them hanging per usual?
Second: Why can’t sterling fight in New York?
Third: What is the beef between Justin and Chandler?
And lastly, your thoughts on the UFC banning national flags? As an American, I am proud of where I’m from. You are proud of where you’re from. And Islam is proud of where he is from. Let them represent their countries.
Dear Ariel,
Greetings once again from London, Ontario, Canada. I have a bit of a dilemma that I was hoping you might be able to help with. For many years, I have been going to the same coffee shop and almost always order the same beverage (tea, one milk and one sugar). I am such a regular customer that the barista now makes my tea as soon as she sees me walk through the door. My dilemma is that about 5% of the time, I would like to have a beverage other than tea (for example, I occasionally enjoy hot chocolate). However, because the barista has already made my tea by the time I arrive at the counter, I can’t bring myself to tell her that I would prefer to drink something else. In this instance, I simply take my already-made tea and tell the barista I would like a second beverage “for a friend”, which I will then pay for and drink myself. Although I am paying for two beverages instead of one about 5% of the time, I believe this cost is worth it because it avoids a potentially awkward conversation with the barista, which could jeopardize the exceptionally fast service I receive the other 95% of the time. Would you approach this situation any differently? As always, appreciate your valuable insights.
Sincerely,
Adrian
Bonjour Lord Ariel,
On June 18th the UFC will be headed to Austin, Texas for Calvin Kattar vs Josh Emmett, and I must compel you to attend. You have said you are not actually banned from UFC events, so this would be the perfect one to test the waters. Not only will Kattar/Emmett likely be fight of the year, but you could make it a trip to Texas with the whole family, and maybe even drop into the JRE MMA Show finally while you're in town.
In my opinion it's a tragedy that the #1 journalist in combat sports has never been invited onto the JRE show. I feel this would be a great opportunity to finally squash you and Joe's past beef face to face, and it would be a tremendous platform to discuss things you stand for like fighter pay, open scoring, HOF etc. Get DC or a mutual friend to hook it up. The fans and fighters would appreciate this long overdue union. This is what the sport needs right now. Pack your bags you're going to Texas.
Long Live The Man of Steelwani.
Hi Ariel, long time listener and first time poster. Quick question, what is the nature of the contract extension clause that the UFC 'exploits'? Can the UFC continuously offer the Khamzat fight to Nathan knowing he'll decline and in turn repeatedly extend his contract, or does the "3 fights offered per year" that Dana states (whether true or not) have to include different fighters that have not been previously declined?
Yo, Ariel!
With the recent announcement of DC entering the UFC hall of Fame, I have a question that relates. We are familiar with a few names of deserving fighters that are likely never going to see the hallowed staircase in the PI (Frank Shamrock comes to mind.)
My question is this: Which current UFC fighters do you think will be FUTURE snubs of the UFC hall of Fame? In other words, not just current fighters who you think would eventually deserve a spot, but ones who also might end up being snubbed for rubbing the brass the wrong way, etc.
Thanks for everything you do, and don't forget to name the waddurs, bapa.
-Your homie, Sunny Chung.
Good day all, Ariel, can you list all the UFC fighters you believe can headline a ppv simply off of name value alone and actually do good buys? I feel like Diaz & Mcgregor are the only sure ones, probably Jones, Izzy & Francis, Oliveira may be creeping up to this??
Also as a casual boxing watcher- can you explain what this loss does to Canelo if anything?? And will his next fight be a bivol rematch?
Salut Ariel,
Greetings again from Ottawa, Ontario. Loved the conversation with Shaheen Al-Shaati on Monday. You should bring on the guys from MMAFighting.com more often. Speaking of which, shout-out to Jed Meshew. Pound-for-pound, best takes on the whole website.
Quick one for you this week: If you could bring on one other person from the MMAFighting writing staff to join the MMAHour, who would be your first choice to work with?
Hi Ariel!
A few months ago I told you about Clinch, the martial arts literary magazine I founded that you served as encouragement for. At that point the website was empty, so I just wanted to let you know that our inaugural issue came out earlier this month! The issue is available on our site (ClinchLit.com) if you wanted to check it out. There’s some wonderful work that I’m sure you’ll enjoy.
Thanks again for your wisdom and encouragement, and tell Frank Mysterio that I want him to submit his poetry when submissions for our second issue open!
Ariel, we often talk about how the UFC has lost some incentive to try to put on good cards because they are receiving guaranteed money from ESPN for the events. However, wouldn't this give ESPN some bargaining power the next time they go to re-negotiate the deal? They could show the UFC poor viewership on most fight nights because nobody wants to watch boring fights in the APEX anymore. Speaking of which, when is the UFC-ESPN deal up anyways? Thanks!
Hello Ariel!
I watched the interview that Dana had on the Pivot podcast, and when he continued on about fighter pay and nobody said anything but agree with him, my blood literally boiled. I'm constantly baffled simply by the fact that the fighters don't have health insurance & here we are trying to get entry level ufc fighters enough to not have to work a second job. How is it that he constantly gets away with extremely piss poor reasons to not up fighter pay to what we all are aware it should be near? people like Tony Ferguson who have put EVERYTHING into this sport and given us the best moments should be getting paid at least a million a fight.
This one’s for Petesy:
Rank these french breakfast items in order of preference:
1. Croque Madame
2. Pain au chocolat
3. Porridge à la banane confit
4. Croissant
Also a bit belated but I wanted to comment on how Marlons personality and brand has really grown this year. It’s great to watch.
Who has recently surprised you out of the fighters with their personality coming out more and drawing more popularity?
Hi Ariel!
Do you think there is a chance that Khabib would come back to face Charles, especially if Charles beats Islam?
Lad Ariel,
Isn’t it so confusing that Mr. Charlie Olives has to win 4 more fights to beat Khabib’s, Frankie Edgar’s, Benson Henderson’s, and BJ Penn’s THREE record defenses? Also, I saw a report that early lines have come out for Oliveira vs Islam and Islam is a (-300) Favorite, Du Bronx was (+260). Ask GC his opinion on this also, as he is the best guy. Personally I think that’s disrespectful on Oliveira. THE CHAMPION HAS A NAME AND ITS CHARLES OLIVEIRA!
Hi Ariel - what are your thoughts about the UFC disallowing flags from fighter walkouts? It seems inconsistent with their past statement that they are more for ‘free speech’ than anybody. Why do you think the reason for the flag ban wasn’t stated outright when Dana was asked at the post fight press conference?
My man, good afternoon Ariel,
Am I giving myself the ol' Barry H if I moderate the questions and then ask one? Let's find out.
You pride yourself on reporting news that is accurate and true. This has been a staple of 2 decades you've been in this game. There was however a time when you were also the fastest gun in the west. It feels fair to say you've let that aspect go. We know it's not due to a lack of information, just a more timely release.
My question is, when and why did you lose interest in that aspect of breaking the news, being the first to report items? Was it gradual or was there something that triggered it?
Much love, Louis
Shout out and thank you to Ross from the Energized Show for planting the idea for me to moderate.
Hello Ariel!
Canelo Alvarez vs Dmitry Bivol; Bivol looked phenomenal, he executed his game like a true ring general, showing the depth of his boxing experience. Canelo, a true great, looked frustrated. Now, it sounds like Canelo is going to act on the re-match clause. Do you think this is the right move for Canelo? Would another loss at Light Heavyweight dull Canelo’s shine as the Middleweight king? Most important, will we ever get to witness Canelo Alvarez vs Jermall Charlo!?
Peace Brother!
Ariel,
First and foremost: Did you celebrate cinco de mayo with the team or did you leave them hanging per usual?
Second: Why can’t sterling fight in New York?
Third: What is the beef between Justin and Chandler?
And lastly, your thoughts on the UFC banning national flags? As an American, I am proud of where I’m from. You are proud of where you’re from. And Islam is proud of where he is from. Let them represent their countries.
Best,
Tipp