My 24th birthday was Friday, but my celebration was overshadowed by the mishegoss surrounding 282 (10-7 Helwani). My perception is that the UFC is trying to inorganically create stars for the impending post-Conor era. Before social media, UFC stars made themselves with electric performances or cutting promos to make it onto YouTube compilations. The UFC is now inverting this formula: building fighters’ online fame and backing them into success. How do you think putting unproven fighters over, largely based on personality versus verifiable fight ability, will affect the UFC in the long run as it tries to build its next generation of PPV stars? I understand cultivating hype between fights, but continuous exposure without earning it creates artificially inflated expectations for fighters who may not be ready for it.
Thank you to the whole crew for always bringing some levity to my lonely cubicle.
I work in wind and constantly climb ladders, and I’ve noticed some specific muscle groups that are just naturally becoming stronger than when I typically was working out without working in this industry.
My question is do you think there is an untapped group of people who would make great fighters? Something like rock climbers for their incredible strength, grip and flexibility for BJJ for example. You can clearly see farmer strength in certain fighters, and specifically Ngannou being a prime example from his past life.
Long time listener, second time asking a question.
After saturdays main even going to a split draw would it make sense to do a "sudden victory" or "sudden death" sixth round? I know when mike perry fought MVP in bare knuckle they did a sixth round because it was a draw after five rounds. I am not sure what the logistics of this would be but I think that if you had something like this in place it would eliminate the madness of having a draw for a title fight. I feel like having something like this would give resolution to actually know who the better fighter was that night.
I’d support this but only in main events and title fights. Kinda like five round fight rule. It’d have to be like on the Ultimate Fighter though where they announce the sixth round while the fighter is still in the corner after the fifth.
Is Ali homies with Kadyrov? Does he think it’s good pr for his fighters to go shoot guns with him and go to his kid’s birthday party? I just don’t get it - what’s the rationale or benefit of sending three American fighters to Chechnya to shoot guns with a dictator? It’s one thing for Chechen or Russian fighters to be associated with him, but who on earth said “wow, cool opportunity. Justin, Kamaru, Henry, wanna go to Chechnya and shoot cans with this guy?”
The whole situation becomes more bothersome by the week. Hunter, Dana, and Mick need to grow some huevos.
You should stop putting Ariel in trouble with all these Kadyrov questions. Fedor mildly criticized Kadyrov, and his daughter was randomly attacked on the street.
He is a very dangerous person, and Dana White would never dare talking about him.
The answer is they are MAGA republicans who have no allegiance to America. They support Donald Trump who constantly kisses Putin’s ass, so they are on the side of Putin/Kadyrov against Ukraine because Joe Biden and America supports Ukraine. Real Americans support Democracy. MAGA supports authoritarians.
I’ve been watching almost MMA every week for 6+ years despite all of the right wing BS that Dana and several fighters promote, so no I won’t stop watching. I’ll just root for them to get their ass beat like Bryce on Saturday.
If your “political views” have you openly associating with established enemies of America, such as Kadyrov, then you have turned your back on your country and everything it stands for. MAGA republicans openly cheer for Russia which is why they felt so comfortable going to Chechnya to hang with Putin’s puppet Kadyrov.
Bryce Mitchell trying to say the US government is involved with school shootings is more anti-American bullshit. People who really love their country don’t accuse it of such horrific atrocities against its own children.
Bryce Mitchell Needs help…You can tell from watching his interview on The MMA Hour that he suffers from anxiety, paranoia and he is deep in to conspiracies.
I hope that Ariel interviews him again on the condition that they talk only about MMA and no crazy conspiracies.
Out of ten, how would you score this year for the UFC?
For what it’s worth despite Dana boasting about breaking records (which he says every year) I think this has been their worst in quite some time. Outside of the MSG card and Jiri vs Glover, there have been far less memorable nights than usual. What do you think?
Hot take for 2023 have moderator Louis to keep this on record. We saw the rise of African champs in the ufc, 2023 will be the rise of Latin America champions. Moreno, chito vera, yair rodriguez, aldana, grasso will be champs. VIVA LA RAZA 🐸💧🔥
Hey Ariel, with Doug Crosby being talked about so much recently. Have you heard of Chael's "get in the hole" story (Doug is Steve in that story), and if so, what are your thoughts on it? Happy holidays!
Since you had mentioned that most of the regular MMA fans wouldn't have any idea about Douglas Crosby and/or his connections and questionable refereeing, can you think of any other similar issues that should be talked about but aren't common knowledge? Thanks for all you do and happy holidays to you and the crew.
What happened to Eagle FC? The website doesn’t show any upcoming US shows. The last one was May 20th. Where does Kevin Lee fit into this?
Warmest greetings to my favorite Content Creator,
My 24th birthday was Friday, but my celebration was overshadowed by the mishegoss surrounding 282 (10-7 Helwani). My perception is that the UFC is trying to inorganically create stars for the impending post-Conor era. Before social media, UFC stars made themselves with electric performances or cutting promos to make it onto YouTube compilations. The UFC is now inverting this formula: building fighters’ online fame and backing them into success. How do you think putting unproven fighters over, largely based on personality versus verifiable fight ability, will affect the UFC in the long run as it tries to build its next generation of PPV stars? I understand cultivating hype between fights, but continuous exposure without earning it creates artificially inflated expectations for fighters who may not be ready for it.
Thank you to the whole crew for always bringing some levity to my lonely cubicle.
--
King Tyler
Greeting Sir Ariel...
just wondering what you made of Brendan Schaubs comments that he will never understand why you bring him up on your shows & how he never mentions you?
He must forget that #10/7gate started from him bringing you up several times on his shows!
Also, Brendan the reason Ariel brings you up is because people like me ask!
His really sad upset face while telling it was cute though ;(
All the best
Don Money
Good afternoon Lord Ariel,
I work in wind and constantly climb ladders, and I’ve noticed some specific muscle groups that are just naturally becoming stronger than when I typically was working out without working in this industry.
My question is do you think there is an untapped group of people who would make great fighters? Something like rock climbers for their incredible strength, grip and flexibility for BJJ for example. You can clearly see farmer strength in certain fighters, and specifically Ngannou being a prime example from his past life.
Long live Canada,
Bruce
Former brick layer here. For both our sakes, I hope this gets answered.
I moved furniture for 13 years in Canadian winters those guys are monsters .
Great question! Hope it gets answered
Hi Ariel,
2 questions for you...& don’t worry I don’t expect to get paid ha:
1) how often do fighters/managers request you to avoid asking certain questions during an upcoming interview? Have you turned down guests bc of this?
2) if you were in charge of Bellator, PFL, ONE, etc. what would you do differently to increase market share and be more competitive with the UFC?
10-6 Heelwani.
Thanks,
Amin
Open field, no rules, who you got? Mike Tyson, Jon Jones, GSP, or Khabib Nurmagomedov.
There can only be one winner. You decide, tell us why
No rules? So Jon will just get hammered and hit them with his car right?
jon jones lol
In his prime Tyson, guys just built different
I want to see Ariel answer this just for his reaction 😂
Jon Jones this is a ridiculous question.
No rules you know jons gonna gouge all the eyes out
Dear Mr. Helwani,
Long time listener, second time asking a question.
After saturdays main even going to a split draw would it make sense to do a "sudden victory" or "sudden death" sixth round? I know when mike perry fought MVP in bare knuckle they did a sixth round because it was a draw after five rounds. I am not sure what the logistics of this would be but I think that if you had something like this in place it would eliminate the madness of having a draw for a title fight. I feel like having something like this would give resolution to actually know who the better fighter was that night.
Chris,
I’d support this but only in main events and title fights. Kinda like five round fight rule. It’d have to be like on the Ultimate Fighter though where they announce the sixth round while the fighter is still in the corner after the fifth.
thats exactly what i was thinking. main event/ title fights and announce a sudden victory round after they calculate the scores.
Hello, I hope that you’re doing well! Two quick ones:
Is there any truth that Kamaru may not be ready for a title fight against Leon in March?
Also, when will you and Pat make amends and get back to the fun conversations that we miss?
Peace, I’m out of here.
Logan
If you could Bring back the Expos but it meant the bills had to trade josh Allen .. do you do it ??
Happy Holidays!! Wondering what your favorite tradition is to do with your family that you did as a kid!!
Much love
Hi Ariel,
Is Ali homies with Kadyrov? Does he think it’s good pr for his fighters to go shoot guns with him and go to his kid’s birthday party? I just don’t get it - what’s the rationale or benefit of sending three American fighters to Chechnya to shoot guns with a dictator? It’s one thing for Chechen or Russian fighters to be associated with him, but who on earth said “wow, cool opportunity. Justin, Kamaru, Henry, wanna go to Chechnya and shoot cans with this guy?”
The whole situation becomes more bothersome by the week. Hunter, Dana, and Mick need to grow some huevos.
10-5 Ariel
You should stop putting Ariel in trouble with all these Kadyrov questions. Fedor mildly criticized Kadyrov, and his daughter was randomly attacked on the street.
He is a very dangerous person, and Dana White would never dare talking about him.
Fair enough and valid point. I Won't ask again and Louis - don't recommend the question.
I know the man in plaid is all in for the tough questions so don't be disheartened, Taco.
I know - it's what makes him the GOAT. The man in plaid must be protected at all costs.
The answer is they are MAGA republicans who have no allegiance to America. They support Donald Trump who constantly kisses Putin’s ass, so they are on the side of Putin/Kadyrov against Ukraine because Joe Biden and America supports Ukraine. Real Americans support Democracy. MAGA supports authoritarians.
I think that it is wrong to label people real Americans and not real Americans based on their political views.
Most MMA fighters are republican or conservatives, so you will stop watching MMA because of this?
I’ve been watching almost MMA every week for 6+ years despite all of the right wing BS that Dana and several fighters promote, so no I won’t stop watching. I’ll just root for them to get their ass beat like Bryce on Saturday.
If your “political views” have you openly associating with established enemies of America, such as Kadyrov, then you have turned your back on your country and everything it stands for. MAGA republicans openly cheer for Russia which is why they felt so comfortable going to Chechnya to hang with Putin’s puppet Kadyrov.
Bryce Mitchell trying to say the US government is involved with school shootings is more anti-American bullshit. People who really love their country don’t accuse it of such horrific atrocities against its own children.
Bryce Mitchell Needs help…You can tell from watching his interview on The MMA Hour that he suffers from anxiety, paranoia and he is deep in to conspiracies.
I hope that Ariel interviews him again on the condition that they talk only about MMA and no crazy conspiracies.
Greetings from Down Under,
Out of ten, how would you score this year for the UFC?
For what it’s worth despite Dana boasting about breaking records (which he says every year) I think this has been their worst in quite some time. Outside of the MSG card and Jiri vs Glover, there have been far less memorable nights than usual. What do you think?
If you were in control of MLS, what would you do to elevate it to the top league given that you are knowledgeable about and a lover of football?
Hot take for 2023 have moderator Louis to keep this on record. We saw the rise of African champs in the ufc, 2023 will be the rise of Latin America champions. Moreno, chito vera, yair rodriguez, aldana, grasso will be champs. VIVA LA RAZA 🐸💧🔥
Hey Ariel, with Doug Crosby being talked about so much recently. Have you heard of Chael's "get in the hole" story (Doug is Steve in that story), and if so, what are your thoughts on it? Happy holidays!
Yo Ariel,
Since you had mentioned that most of the regular MMA fans wouldn't have any idea about Douglas Crosby and/or his connections and questionable refereeing, can you think of any other similar issues that should be talked about but aren't common knowledge? Thanks for all you do and happy holidays to you and the crew.
Your homie,
Sunny Chung
Hope this is answered