Happy Tuesday! Time to answer some questions. Surely, you know the drill. As always, hit me with your best questions below. As always, everything and anything goes. I’ll answer ‘em on Wednesday’s show. Again, try to keep them short and sweet, if possible. That increases your chances of having the question answered.
Good day, a couple for you Ariel, and hopefully Ric is around to give his thoughts on the first one:
1.) I watched a video on Anderson Silva where it said he wanted to retire after the bonnar fight but the UFC kinda reeled him back in. Is this true? lf he would have retired that would mean the loss and then the positive results wouldn't have happened, and thus the arguments used against him for GOAT would be gone. Which I don't think should be held against him as he was only positive after his injury.. would he undoubtedly be the GOAT if he actually wanted and stayed retired after 153?
2.) Any idea what the ppv buys for UFC 279: Nate v. Tony was or where to get this number?? I'm curious to see if the wild events helped it sell... but can't find these numbers anywhere.
Two quick questions. First, after Kayla made that anxiety inducing phone call to Ali on the show last week, how would you rate your relationship with him now a week removed? Has any progress been made, or is it more of the same?
Secondly, what was more annoying on Monday's show, having lint on your head for 2 hours, or spilling your water bottle all over your pants making it look like you had an accident?
Also, please allow Frank to participate in today's parlay pals, it made me sad when you said you're kicking him out and I think it's really unfair. Frank deserves better than this.
Exciting times as Nathan Diaz is now officially a free agent! Any more word on that situation since you initially reported on Twitter?
And speaking of the Diaz's... Stephen Wonderboy Thompson said to the Submission Radio guys that if he wins against Kevin this weekend, he wants Nick Diaz next in 2023... What do you think about this potential matchup?!
Wonderboy also said that Jack Black is going to be walking him out this weekend!!
I've got a hybrid MMA/World Cup question for you. Why do you think that most Brazilian soccer players go by one name but almost no Brazilian MMA fighters do? I realize that those are nicknames, but it seems like many Brazilian fighters could do something similar, yet don't. Why do you think this is?
You guys rock! QUESTION: How is Conor McGregor still ranked in the UFC Lightweight division when he has not been tested by USADA for over 12 months? Is this just the UFC wanting to keep his name relevant? Thanks. HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Shout out to the MMA Hour Crew (MHC), I appreciate what you do. QUESTION: Do you ever see the UFC hosting a Card in Alaska or Hawaii? Also...maybe you guys should start referring to Frank as Flippin' Frank(ie) , due to his commitment issues with plans. Thanks everyone!
In Kayla Harrison’s post-fight interview, she stated “I’m not curing cancer, I’m not changing the world. What I do is very selfish, and I do it because I love it.”
That quote hit me hard. Do you believe that chasing greatness or striving to be the best is always an inherently selfish endeavor?
In your journey to be the GOAT of mma journalism, did you ever have a particular moment where you questioned your ambition and felt selfish about your career? If so, tell us about that internal battle and how you dealt with it.
I've heard a theory going around that Jiri is not actually hurt, and that the UFC and Dana are covering up a USADA suspension by pretending he has an injury. Some of the basis of this theory is that the timeline Jiri gave was different from the timeline UFC gave (6 months which is a standard USADA suspension vs 1 year), also Jiri has filmed himself on instagram and used both shoulders seemingly fine. If it was really the worst injury the UFC doctors had ever seen wouldn't he at least have it in a sling or something? I'm not saying this is my opinion, but I was wondering what you make of all this.
From one member of the tribe to another, Thanks for everything you do!
I'm a 21 year old currently studying engineering at university. Recently, I've been feeling down as many of my close friends around me have all been able to get internships at top companies. I love my friends and am so happy for them, but part of me feels sorry for myself that I haven't been able to get to that top level of internship. While my future internship isn't necessarily bad, do you have any advice on how to deal with this? Thanks!
I’m looking forward to the fun, deep card this weekend. If Kevin Holland beats #6 Wonderboy, who would you like to see him fight next? I think a matchup with Geoff Neal would be good stylistically.
With the recent back and forth between Anthony Smith and Conor McGregor, what are your thoughts on who’s right and who’s wrong? Anthony’s point is he didn’t realize he could bounce in and out of the pool. While Conor is adamant he’s doing whatever is needed to recover from his horrific injury. I don’t have an issue with guys doing what Conor is. Most don’t because they’re not in the financial position to do so and wait afterward. Is Anthony just bitter?
Do we have any more insight on the following: 1) Francis's status with the UFC? 2) Any potential details or "leanings" for locations in 2023, specifically SoCal?
Also, after your interview with Vanessa last week I was wondering: Have you ever been to a strip club? Don't worry, what stays in a strip club, happens in a strip club. Thanks for all you do.
Good day, a couple for you Ariel, and hopefully Ric is around to give his thoughts on the first one:
1.) I watched a video on Anderson Silva where it said he wanted to retire after the bonnar fight but the UFC kinda reeled him back in. Is this true? lf he would have retired that would mean the loss and then the positive results wouldn't have happened, and thus the arguments used against him for GOAT would be gone. Which I don't think should be held against him as he was only positive after his injury.. would he undoubtedly be the GOAT if he actually wanted and stayed retired after 153?
2.) Any idea what the ppv buys for UFC 279: Nate v. Tony was or where to get this number?? I'm curious to see if the wild events helped it sell... but can't find these numbers anywhere.
Bonjour Lord Ariel,
Two quick questions. First, after Kayla made that anxiety inducing phone call to Ali on the show last week, how would you rate your relationship with him now a week removed? Has any progress been made, or is it more of the same?
Secondly, what was more annoying on Monday's show, having lint on your head for 2 hours, or spilling your water bottle all over your pants making it look like you had an accident?
Also, please allow Frank to participate in today's parlay pals, it made me sad when you said you're kicking him out and I think it's really unfair. Frank deserves better than this.
Hi Ariel! Any chance you'll bring back two cents Tuesday? Loved reading that.
I also see you've been giving out a couple of hints about Jones v Ngannou in March? Anything you can tell us??
Afternoon Ariel!
Exciting times as Nathan Diaz is now officially a free agent! Any more word on that situation since you initially reported on Twitter?
And speaking of the Diaz's... Stephen Wonderboy Thompson said to the Submission Radio guys that if he wins against Kevin this weekend, he wants Nick Diaz next in 2023... What do you think about this potential matchup?!
Wonderboy also said that Jack Black is going to be walking him out this weekend!!
Trying to keep it short & sweet,
'til next time!
Hi Ariel!
I've got a hybrid MMA/World Cup question for you. Why do you think that most Brazilian soccer players go by one name but almost no Brazilian MMA fighters do? I realize that those are nicknames, but it seems like many Brazilian fighters could do something similar, yet don't. Why do you think this is?
You guys rock! QUESTION: How is Conor McGregor still ranked in the UFC Lightweight division when he has not been tested by USADA for over 12 months? Is this just the UFC wanting to keep his name relevant? Thanks. HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Shout out to the MMA Hour Crew (MHC), I appreciate what you do. QUESTION: Do you ever see the UFC hosting a Card in Alaska or Hawaii? Also...maybe you guys should start referring to Frank as Flippin' Frank(ie) , due to his commitment issues with plans. Thanks everyone!
Hi Ariel,
In Kayla Harrison’s post-fight interview, she stated “I’m not curing cancer, I’m not changing the world. What I do is very selfish, and I do it because I love it.”
That quote hit me hard. Do you believe that chasing greatness or striving to be the best is always an inherently selfish endeavor?
In your journey to be the GOAT of mma journalism, did you ever have a particular moment where you questioned your ambition and felt selfish about your career? If so, tell us about that internal battle and how you dealt with it.
❤️
Favorite segment of the week!!
2 quick questions:
Ariel, what transpired after wednesdays show with the Ali call?
GC!! How many pictures did you take with fans at the PFL event?
Ps. Any merch update??
Greetings Ariel....what are your thoughts on Artem suing myself and my son for a truck load of coinage?
Don Money is none too plussed!
A shame to see Irish & Russian MMA relations deteriorate even further
Hi Ariel,
I've heard a theory going around that Jiri is not actually hurt, and that the UFC and Dana are covering up a USADA suspension by pretending he has an injury. Some of the basis of this theory is that the timeline Jiri gave was different from the timeline UFC gave (6 months which is a standard USADA suspension vs 1 year), also Jiri has filmed himself on instagram and used both shoulders seemingly fine. If it was really the worst injury the UFC doctors had ever seen wouldn't he at least have it in a sling or something? I'm not saying this is my opinion, but I was wondering what you make of all this.
From one member of the tribe to another, Thanks for everything you do!
Ian
Hi Ariel,
I'm a 21 year old currently studying engineering at university. Recently, I've been feeling down as many of my close friends around me have all been able to get internships at top companies. I love my friends and am so happy for them, but part of me feels sorry for myself that I haven't been able to get to that top level of internship. While my future internship isn't necessarily bad, do you have any advice on how to deal with this? Thanks!
Good day Ariel -
I’m looking forward to the fun, deep card this weekend. If Kevin Holland beats #6 Wonderboy, who would you like to see him fight next? I think a matchup with Geoff Neal would be good stylistically.
Thanks,
Logan
Mr Heelwani,
With the recent back and forth between Anthony Smith and Conor McGregor, what are your thoughts on who’s right and who’s wrong? Anthony’s point is he didn’t realize he could bounce in and out of the pool. While Conor is adamant he’s doing whatever is needed to recover from his horrific injury. I don’t have an issue with guys doing what Conor is. Most don’t because they’re not in the financial position to do so and wait afterward. Is Anthony just bitter?
‘Ello Ariel,
Quickfire Qs
Is Brendan Loughnane the first fighter to star on TUF and DWTNCS?
Does Helwani relate to Helwan, Cairo?
Bad luck but good showing to the mighty maple leaves. Will you be supporting the three lions from here on in?
Three lions on the shirt
Dan
Yo Ariel,
Do we have any more insight on the following: 1) Francis's status with the UFC? 2) Any potential details or "leanings" for locations in 2023, specifically SoCal?
Also, after your interview with Vanessa last week I was wondering: Have you ever been to a strip club? Don't worry, what stays in a strip club, happens in a strip club. Thanks for all you do.
Your homie,
Sunny Chung