Five Rounds With Brett Okamoto

YouTube star Jake Paul speaks to Ariel for the first time in a wide-ranging conversation about Paul's decision to fight Ben Askren in a boxing match on April 17, why he's no longer interested in fighting Conor McGregor and his plans to "disrupt" boxing. But first, Askren, a former ONE Championship and Bellator champion, tells Ariel why he accepted the fight.

After watching a wild UFC 257 unfold on Saturday night, DC & Helwani discuss Dustin Poirier's confidence gained during the fight, if Conor McGregor's nice guy persona is harming him in the cage, as well as Michael Chandler's statement win. Then, SBG Ireland's John Kavanagh tells Ariel whether he regrets anything from McGregor's fight camp and who he feels McGregor should fight next (1:07:25).

Conor McGregor’s coach at SBG Ireland, John Kavanagh, joins Ariel for their usual pre-fight chat to discuss McGregor’s maturation in and out of the Octagon, the team’s ambitious plans for 2021 and why McGregor’s motivations are different than they once were (1:01:17). Mike Brown, Dustin Poirier’s coach at American Top Team, then talks about Poirier’s evolution since 2014 and why they feel they’re prepared to beat McGregor this time around at UFC 257 (1:26:25). But before all that, another edition of Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show LIVE featuring Action Bronson, the return of the (controversial) Helwani Nose Trivia Challenge with NewYorkRic and TST, as well as a fan Q&A session.

Conor McGregor joins Ariel in a sit-down interview to discuss his frustrations with not fighting more in 2020, his relationship with Dana White, why he feels he’s in the best shape of his life, how he envisions Saturday’s Dustin Poirier rematch going, if he’ll ever fight Khabib Nurmagomedov again and much more (1:05:58). But before that, DC & Helwani react to a record-breaking performance by Max Holloway and the results of White’s meeting with Khabib. Plus, a full UFC 257 preview.

Former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway joins Ariel to discuss Saturday’s historic matchup with Calvin Kattar and also his UFC 251 loss to Alexander Volkanovski. Kattar then talks about his preparation for the fight and the state of the featherweight division. Lightweight Dan Hooker, set to face Michael Chandler in the UFC 257 co-main event, next discusses the booking of the fight, potentially fighting Nate Diaz one day, lessons from losing to Dustin Poirier and more (33:13). And lastly, Conor McGregor’s boxing coach, Phil Sutcliffe, reflects on his relationship with MMA’s biggest star (49:17).

A history-making UFC fight card this Saturday leads DC & Helwani to discuss the rapid growth of MMA and also the stakes for Max Holloway vs. Calvin Kattar. Then, the guys dive into the stalled Khamzat Chimaev and Leon Edwards fight, the booking of Michael Chandler and Dan Hooker for UFC 257 (30:20), Israel Adesanya’s light heavyweight title fight in March (41:40), Dana White’s upcoming meeting with Khabib Nurmagomedov and more.

In the most prestigious awards show in MMA, Ariel and a special guest look back on an incredible year by handing out 20 awards, including Male and Female Fighters of the Year, Breakout Fighter of the Year, Fight of the Year, and many more. Plus, a look ahead to the exciting year to come in 2021.

The final 2020 edition of ESPN’s fastest-growing podcast starts off with DC & Helwani reacting to this past Saturday night, including Stephen Thompson’s impressive five-round win over Geoff Neal, Jose Aldo’s bounce-back and Anthony Pettis’ strong showing in what could be the final UFC fight of his career. Then, the guys look back on a wild 2020 in combat sports, discussing DC’s UFC 252 loss to Stipe Miocic (33:30), Jorge Masvidal’s Fight Island moment (41:01) and capping it off with “Daniel Cormier’s Awards of the Year" (53:00).

In the final Wednesday show of 2020, Ariel speaks to new Bellator light heavyweight Yoel Romero about the abrupt end to his UFC tenure. Then, flyweight Brandon Moreno discusses his epic UFC 256 bout with Deiveson Figueiredo and his frustrations with the outcome, as well as his hopes to run it back next year (13:10). Next, middleweight Kevin Holland talks about his ambitious plans for 2021 (27:58) and then, in a very honest and open conversation, former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis offers younger fighters some advice he wished somebody had told him during his rise (45:48). And lastly, Ariel thanks the fans for sticking by his side during a wild 2020 (1:00:50).

After watching Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno slug it out at UFC 256 on Saturday night, DC & Helwani react to what many are calling the greatest UFC flyweight title fight in history. Then the guys discuss the rise of Charles Oliveira and his place in the UFC’s lightweight division, as well as Tony Ferguson’s next steps after losing twice this year (20:00). Plus, Kevin Holland’s insane year continues, Yoel Romero unexpectedly signs with Bellator (38:31), Khabib Nurmagomedov’s quest to make MMA an Olympic sport (55:18) and more.

After Ariel provides the day’s breaking news, fan favorite Kevin Lee, who has fought both Tony Ferguson and Charles Oliveira, joins Ariel to look back on his experience against each guy and also to give the latest on his injury recovery and plans for fighting the UFC’s biggest names, like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. Then, ahead of his UFC 256 flyweight title defense, Deiveson Figueiredo (and translator Wallid Ismail!) tells Ariel about how this fight came together immediately after UFC 255, his desire to fight Henry Cejudo for a BMF belt, his beef with Saturday’s opponent, Brandon Moreno, and more (24:15). Lastly, legendary flyweight Demetrious Johnson breaks down Figueiredo vs. Moreno and his future at ONE Championship (41:27).

Marvin Vettori upset Jack Hermansson in a UFC middleweight clash, and then called out DC afterwards. DC & Helwani break it all down, as well as Jordan Leavitt’s controversial slam KO of Matt Wiman. Then, the guys discuss the UFC releasing Yoel Romero (19:32) before previewing UFC 256 on Saturday, which features another flyweight title fight and a co-main where all the pressure is on Tony Ferguson. Plus…Floyd Mayweather boxing Logan Paul (46:54) and the latest installment in the feud with Booker T.

Fresh off an impressive weekend win, beloved UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith joins Ariel to talk about his rebound against Devin Clark, how he convinced Dana White to make it a five-round fight, and some wild stories from earlier in his career. After that, "The Black Beast" Derrick Lewis discusses the delayed Curtis Blaydes fight, Jon Jones' place in the heavyweight division, and his beef with Ariel. UFC middleweight Jack Hermansson, who fights Marvin Vettori on Saturday's "Fight Like Hell" night, then tells Ariel about his title hopes and dreams. Lastly, the late Stuart Scott's daughter Sydni talks about her dad's MMA fandom and lasting legacy.

After winning this past weekend’s main event, is Anthony Smith again a major player in the UFC’s light heavyweight division? DC & Helwani discuss that, as well as if the UFC should pivot from Curtis Blaydes vs. Derrick Lewis and instead book Blaydes against Jon Jones (25:48). Then, the guys break down the Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones fight and if there’s an appetite for legends like Anderson Silva in all this. Plus, Dillon Danis vs. Jake Paul in the boxing ring, Israel Adesanya’s commentary Khabib Nurmagomedov enters the business world (56:20), and memories of the late ESPN broadcaster Stuart Scott, who the UFC will honor Saturday on its “Fight Like Hell” night.

Just days before his highly-anticipated exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr., boxing legend Mike Tyson joins Ariel to discuss why he chose to return now, the rules of the fight, the viral video of him that surfaced early in the pandemic, how he feels going into the fight, his future in boxing, old memories, and much more. Happy Thanksgiving!

As he continues to wait for his first UFC title shot, top bantamweight contender Aljamain Sterling joins Ariel to tell his side of the story regarding Petr Yan pulling out of their Dec. 12 title fight. After that, UFC flyweight No. 1 contender Brandon Moreno discusses the whirlwind of events that led up to the UFC booking him in a title fight against Deiveson Figueiredo in the main event of UFC 256 on Dec. 12 (21:20). Then, PFL rising star Kayla Harrison talks about her Invicta FC experience, PED accusations from fans, advice she received from Ronda Rousey and if she thinks she’ll ever fight her teammate Amanda Nunes (36:24). Lastly, Bellator star AJ McKee on the lack of attention he receives and Ariel reveals what he’s thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Deiveson Figueiredo won handily at UFC 255, and then agreed to fight Brandon Moreno next month at UFC 256. DC & Helwani discuss Figgy’s burgeoning stardom, as well as another dominant Valentina Shevchenko performance. Then, the guys talk about Tony Ferguson’s Dec. 12 lightweight fight with Charles Oliveira, Poirier vs. McGregor 2 happening on Fight Island potentially with fans in attendance, if we should take Khabib Nurmagomedov at his word about retirement, DC’s ongoing beef with Jon Jones and much, much more.

Two title defenses at UFC 255 on Saturday, and both champions join Ariel in today’s show. But first, the always entertaining UFC middleweight Darren Till stops by to discuss why he made the decision to drop out of his Dec. 12 main event against Jack Hermansson, his partnership with fellow Brit Leon Edwards, why Instagram removed his account, and much more. Then, UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko talks about Saturday’s co-main event against Jennifer Maia and why she’s even more motivated heading into another title fight. Lastly, UFC men’s flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo (alongside Wallid Ismail) tells Ariel about his old jobs as a hair stylist and sushi chef.

A convincing Rafael dos Anjos win over Paul Felder on Saturday has DC & Helwani wondering…is the former 155 lb. champ a major player at lightweight again? The guys also discuss Khaos Williams’ insane 30-second TKO, the latest on Dustin Poirier vs. Conor McGregor (25:31), Michael Chandler’s snubbing of Tony Ferguson (31:16) and Leon Edwards’ big moment on Dec. 19 (37:41). All that and getting you set for UFC 255, which features both flyweight champs: Deiveson Figueiredo and Valentina Shevchenko (44:43). Plus, DC admits he isn’t officially retired.

In an exclusive interview, top UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards tells Ariel all about his chaotic 2020, including why he passed up a title shot against Kamaru Usman, the UFC briefly removing him from the rankings and how he plans to derail the Khamzat Chimaev hype train next month. Then, UFC light heavyweight contender Glover Teixeira explains why – at age 41 – he hopes he’s chosen to fight Jan Blachowicz for the title next (25:34). And lastly, Fighter of the Year candidate Kevin Holland discusses next week’s middleweight clash with Jack Hermansson, his beef with Israel Adesanya and also his beef with Ariel! (37:10)