113 Comments
Feb 9, 2022·edited Feb 9, 2022

Hello Ariel!

I know July is still a long time away, but there has already been speculation about 3 major fights for the International Fight Week PPV:

McGregor-Diaz 3

Usman-Edwards

Jones-Stipe

What do you think the chances are of these fights happening and taking place at UFC 276?

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Namaste Ariel! I'm a regular watcher of your show on YouTube and have honest feedback to provide. The camera angle switching during your intro on last week's 'On the Nose' segment was an eyesore and I'm not a fan of it. Not sure if anyone else felt the same but just thought I'd let you know.

Question - Have you felt the quality of contestants and especially winners in TUF decline over the years? Granted, there are outliers and also the fact that the talent pool may be getting thinner to pick from. However, do you think UFC has pivoted in their strategy from picking the 'best fighters and personalities' to 'geographical diversification'?

PS: You totally did have 'top first' and not 'chronological' last week and yet El Cubano reigned supreme!

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Is it fair to assume that the Birmingham Screwjob is in the works for poor Leon Edwards? I know you told Leon fans to “breathe” yesterday, but with the announcement of Usman’s hand surgery and targeted summer return, the writing is on the wall. If Khamzat obliterates Burns on April 9th, the whole world will be calling for a Khamzat title shot. Not only would it line up perfectly with an Usman summer return, but is also a more attractive headliner for International Fight Week.

Leon’s best chance was if Usman returned in June. But July or August? UFC will most certainly wait to see how April 9th plays out first. If Khamzat wins, should Leon Edwards prepare to shift his focus to the winner of Covington/Masvidal?

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My man! Afternoon Lord Helwani 👃🏻

Continuing my probe into the Helwani mind 🧠 - you’ve shared how reflective you are of performances in shows, even critical of your work. The continuing quest to be the best Helwani possible.

In these moments where you’re reflecting, how impactful are the opinions of others and can they influence your thoughts? Does viewer feedback or the thoughts of someone you respect change your viewpoint?

With so much of your work being broadcast live, are you able to take in live feedback?

Much love my man,

Louis

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Hey Ariel,

Continuing on with the theme of doppelgängers after last week with Hermannson, I have a good one for you. GC and Christian Eriksen. Uncanny.

Is TJ led to believe he has the #1 contender spot locked up and sitting out to fight the winner of Yan/Sterling 2 or is he still just not healthy yet? What are the chances we get to see Aldo/Cruz if TJ passes on Aldo? That’s a fight I’m dying to see.

Thanks!

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Hey Ariel. We’ve all grown a fondness for the Helwani-isms you’ve developed over the years as a media personality. Definitely a full send. So given you don’t like to give yourself the ol Barry Horowitz this is a question for the back (if they haven’t left already). GC, mr Monday afternoon, mysterious frank and CA what is your favourite Helwani-ism (list below).

(Ive IG DM’ed my favourite one. Didn’t want to tweet it irresponsibly!)

1. I would be remiss

2. Apropos

3. Theeeeeee MMA hour is Back in your life on this (enter date)

4. Giving yourself the ol’ Barry Horowitz

5. Sheeeeeeeeeet

6. Cmoooon (ode to DC)

7. The peoples main event

8. Jabron

9. Getting a little dicey dicey

10. Thug nose

11. Heelwani

12. El Nariz

13. Break the fourth wall

14. What a mensch

15. This gives me nachas

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Ariel,

This is my first time sending in a question here, I love the show, but let me get straight to it.

Do you have any info on UFC 275? Location/Date?

Keep up the great work man, it’s really appreciated by us all!

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Hi Ariel, cold weather as usual at the big apple. Was wondering if you're as curious and anticipatory about Izzy's entrance like me. Do you know if it'll be a more rock lee kind of entrance since it's Rob the nice guy or more of an Akatsuki kind of dark theme? I'm a big akatsuki fan so excited for this.

Btw, will you be at elimination chamber? It's shaping up to be big with brock involved again. Happy Read in the Bathtub Day. Looking forward to sharing a seat with GC at msg.

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Ariel, which MMA fighter do you secretly wish would talk more trash on the mic?

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Hey Ariel

If someone was to gift you ONE NFT of any MMA moment, what would you pick?

Also, I think bam bam needs to be immortalised after name dropping Heelwani on DC & RC!

Viva lord heelwani

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Good morning Ariel, I was curious if you had a chance to check out Eagle FCs first US event a few weeks ago? I remember you were doing something with wrestling on the same night. The app was easy to download there was not a single commercial all night and there was very little time in between each fight so it was nonstop action. I see them being very successful in the states.

This weeks handicapped hot take for you Whittaker KO’s Izzy by the 3rd round.

Much love - Zack

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👋 Hola Ariel!!!

Fill in the blanks.

If Robert Whittaker loses on Saturday, his next opponent will be _______ in the _________ division.

Viva Heelwani 🦹🏻‍♂️

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👋 Hola Ariel!!!

BACK AGAIN! Couldn’t possibly let you end the week/episode without giving a huge shoutout to “The Happy Warrior” Roxanne Modaferri! If you can please give us a few words on her career now that it is finally coming to an end.

Viva Heelwani 🦹🏻‍♂️

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Serious note--Thank you and your team for the way you are creating a legacy of incredible interviews for the archives so that these fighters and their unique personalities (and yours too) are preserved for the future. You truly are an artist using your unique voice to bring out the voices of extraordinary people. You didn't have to do it this way, and I think it was probably very hard sometimes to stand up to various authorities, but your work will be cherished years after you and I are no longer around.

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Shalom! Not a regular question, but can you cut the extra string on the top of you laptop sticker? I always find myself just staring at that during your shows 😂

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Hey Ariel,

Did you drink water today? Stay hydrated big homie

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