What are your thoughts on fans prematurely anointing fighters as divisional GOAT?
Izzy, Tyron Woodley, Usman, Charles Oliveira, Aljo are a few recent examples. And the same is happening with Volk, but we are yet to witness how his career will play out.
Can we wait till either a fighter surpasses a certain level of achievements in a division, or until they retire, before opening up GOAT conversations?
I tried to find the balance between the authentic performance and a little bit of polish. I know you can't play it on the show, but perhaps one of the guys in the back to take a listen and let us know what they think?
Back in May, you mentioned that you were offered to interview Donald Trump. You seemed reluctant to take the offer since it is a very risky interview. Your idol Howard Stern never turned down the chance to have interesting and controversial guests. Would you reconsider your stance and take a chance on interviewing Donald Trump?
Curious if you caught Max Holloways appearance on flagrant, hosted by self-styled current goat mma journalist Andrew Schultz? On this show Max unloaded on DC, calling him a sell-out and a bad friend. Sell out was repeated a lot. This was because DC had reached out to Max about doing a show on ESPN together, Max agreed, then the next he heard was the announcement of DC & RC (which he plugs relentlessly every card he’s on).
Given that we are hearing more stories confirming it really isn’t you, it’s him, i was wondering how your relationship is doing these days? DC and Helwani was the first mma show i listened to and while im willing to take your side it seems a loss to us all.
Ariel, with ufc295 tickets already going on sale, do you think Jones Stipe will be the only title fight? Or is Colby Leon, Jiri Alex still possible as chief support? The ticket prices are crazy and they still have an entire main card to build.
Am I correct in assuming that Sean Strickland and Dillon Danis are your two favorite people to interview?
Jokes aside -- I used to get really annoyed by Sean Strickland's antics but feel genuinely proud of him after Saturday night. While he's still got a few screws loose, Sean's performance is inspiring to those of us that have had to overcome significant demons to find peace and balance in life.
While it's no secret that you've had your frustrations while trying to conduct an interview with Sean, I'm curious if this performance has changed the way you feel about him? We know your job is to be impartial, but do you feel like you better understand, sympathize with, or draw inspiration from Sean after Saturday?
How much does Israel not having a belt hurt the possibility of an Africa event? I would argue having a numbered event in Africa when Israel or Usman don’t have belts is near impossible. However, it does open the possibility for a fight night between Israel and DDP. Where in Africa this event would be held would be a large debate if it was headlined by Israel vs DDP.
It has been mysteriously quiet regarding who will fight for the vacant Women’s Bantamweight title. Mayra is out because if the recent test failure. Evidently they don’t believe they can sell Peña vs Rocky or it would’ve been announced I’m sure. Ketlen makes no sense with her being 1-1 in her last 2 (loss to Raquel). Holly will be coming off a NC and a win over Yana before but an L to Ketlen. Irene looked terrified of success against Amanda… So who really makes sense? I don’t believe the Ronda return at 300 rumor... And none seem like the UFC is in a rush to announce them. Could it be mid year 2024 before a fight is made?
1. You mentioned that Erick Nicksicks coaching performance at 293 ranks as one of the best you have seen. What are some of the other great coaching performances you have witnessed in MMA?
2. Have you any insight into what will happen with CM Punk? Do you think he will resign with WWE or has he proved to be too troublesome to risk upsetting the locker room like he has in AEW?
Last week, you theorized that Dana White is harshly criticizing Merab because the UFC likes to have control over the athletes. However, I have another theory. What if Dana is using Merab's refusal to fight Sterling as an excuse to give Sean O'Malley the Chito fight that he wants? A fight that is also more stylistically favorable for O'Malley. As it stands, Dana's comments seemed to have already worked in shifting the attention away from the rankings and onto Merab and Sterling's friendship. Thoughts?
P.S. Regarding my question last week about the media asking Dana White about Ngannou vs. Fury, no, no one has asked. No article or clip exists on the entire internet with his reaction.
You talk with so many fighters daily but I always wondered what would your walkout song be and where would be your dream stadium to fight in if you were apart of the UFC.
Ariel - Is Sean Strickland MMA's Stone Cold? He says what he wants to, he does what he wants to (Dana has said he won't tell any fighter what to say). This guy is wild and seems to live by his own set of rules, and thus far is backing it up....are we in the Sean 3:16 era? Also...should Izzy turn heal?.... Love the show, Thanks to GC, The Mysterious one, and Mike Heck for the Watch Party! Love it, thanks again
Ariel,
In honor of Mysterious Frank's debut as moderator, I'd like to ask a more "inside baseball" question.
How often does Mysterious Frank and/or other production staff talk in your ear (that the audience can’t hear) throughout the show?
In all your years of broadcasting, how long did it take for you to get used to talking to an audience while you're being talked to in your ear?
Ayu-bo-wan Ariel!
What are your thoughts on fans prematurely anointing fighters as divisional GOAT?
Izzy, Tyron Woodley, Usman, Charles Oliveira, Aljo are a few recent examples. And the same is happening with Volk, but we are yet to witness how his career will play out.
Can we wait till either a fighter surpasses a certain level of achievements in a division, or until they retire, before opening up GOAT conversations?
Hi Ariel,
I added the backing music to your accapella The MMA Hour's On Fire 2023: https://soundcloud.com/mma-hour-fan/the-mma-hours-on-fire-2023!
I tried to find the balance between the authentic performance and a little bit of polish. I know you can't play it on the show, but perhaps one of the guys in the back to take a listen and let us know what they think?
World class
Shalom Ariel!
Back in May, you mentioned that you were offered to interview Donald Trump. You seemed reluctant to take the offer since it is a very risky interview. Your idol Howard Stern never turned down the chance to have interesting and controversial guests. Would you reconsider your stance and take a chance on interviewing Donald Trump?
Ariel Le Roi,
Curious if you caught Max Holloways appearance on flagrant, hosted by self-styled current goat mma journalist Andrew Schultz? On this show Max unloaded on DC, calling him a sell-out and a bad friend. Sell out was repeated a lot. This was because DC had reached out to Max about doing a show on ESPN together, Max agreed, then the next he heard was the announcement of DC & RC (which he plugs relentlessly every card he’s on).
Given that we are hearing more stories confirming it really isn’t you, it’s him, i was wondering how your relationship is doing these days? DC and Helwani was the first mma show i listened to and while im willing to take your side it seems a loss to us all.
Ariel and the Bad Guy still nr. 1.
With love,
Your biggest fan in Norway :)
Aloha, Ariel.
With Sean Strickland becoming the new UFC champion, do you think the UFC brass will ask him to turn down his gimmick?
Ariel, with ufc295 tickets already going on sale, do you think Jones Stipe will be the only title fight? Or is Colby Leon, Jiri Alex still possible as chief support? The ticket prices are crazy and they still have an entire main card to build.
Hi Ariel,
I was wondering if there was a moment early in your life/career where you realized that this was what you wanted to do with your life.
Thanks!
Hi Ariel,
Am I correct in assuming that Sean Strickland and Dillon Danis are your two favorite people to interview?
Jokes aside -- I used to get really annoyed by Sean Strickland's antics but feel genuinely proud of him after Saturday night. While he's still got a few screws loose, Sean's performance is inspiring to those of us that have had to overcome significant demons to find peace and balance in life.
While it's no secret that you've had your frustrations while trying to conduct an interview with Sean, I'm curious if this performance has changed the way you feel about him? We know your job is to be impartial, but do you feel like you better understand, sympathize with, or draw inspiration from Sean after Saturday?
Happy Mexican Independence Day, órale güey!
Hi Ariel,
How much does Israel not having a belt hurt the possibility of an Africa event? I would argue having a numbered event in Africa when Israel or Usman don’t have belts is near impossible. However, it does open the possibility for a fight night between Israel and DDP. Where in Africa this event would be held would be a large debate if it was headlined by Israel vs DDP.
Thanks for all you do,
Andrew
Ariel and Crew,
It has been mysteriously quiet regarding who will fight for the vacant Women’s Bantamweight title. Mayra is out because if the recent test failure. Evidently they don’t believe they can sell Peña vs Rocky or it would’ve been announced I’m sure. Ketlen makes no sense with her being 1-1 in her last 2 (loss to Raquel). Holly will be coming off a NC and a win over Yana before but an L to Ketlen. Irene looked terrified of success against Amanda… So who really makes sense? I don’t believe the Ronda return at 300 rumor... And none seem like the UFC is in a rush to announce them. Could it be mid year 2024 before a fight is made?
Hey Ariel
1. You mentioned that Erick Nicksicks coaching performance at 293 ranks as one of the best you have seen. What are some of the other great coaching performances you have witnessed in MMA?
2. Have you any insight into what will happen with CM Punk? Do you think he will resign with WWE or has he proved to be too troublesome to risk upsetting the locker room like he has in AEW?
Thanks for the content
Eamon
Ariel,
first off, shout out to moderator louis for his nonstop contribution to this segment. I wish him all the best. Now on to my question:
who do you think will headline the 1st UFC PPV of 2024?
Hi Ariel,
Last week, you theorized that Dana White is harshly criticizing Merab because the UFC likes to have control over the athletes. However, I have another theory. What if Dana is using Merab's refusal to fight Sterling as an excuse to give Sean O'Malley the Chito fight that he wants? A fight that is also more stylistically favorable for O'Malley. As it stands, Dana's comments seemed to have already worked in shifting the attention away from the rankings and onto Merab and Sterling's friendship. Thoughts?
P.S. Regarding my question last week about the media asking Dana White about Ngannou vs. Fury, no, no one has asked. No article or clip exists on the entire internet with his reaction.
Hi Ariel,
You talk with so many fighters daily but I always wondered what would your walkout song be and where would be your dream stadium to fight in if you were apart of the UFC.
Thanks!
Ariel - Is Sean Strickland MMA's Stone Cold? He says what he wants to, he does what he wants to (Dana has said he won't tell any fighter what to say). This guy is wild and seems to live by his own set of rules, and thus far is backing it up....are we in the Sean 3:16 era? Also...should Izzy turn heal?.... Love the show, Thanks to GC, The Mysterious one, and Mike Heck for the Watch Party! Love it, thanks again