The Craic with Petesy Carroll

The first Irish person to both fight and coach at a UFC level, Irish MMA legend Paddy Holohan joins The Craic to give insights on Shauna Bannon, who makes her debut at UFC Dublin. “The Hooligan” recalls how he became Bannon’s coach on the back of her decorated career as a kickboxer. He also explains what makes “Mama B” special and forecasts how far she can go in the UFC’s straw weight division. Also on the show, Petesy looks back on his time at the Kingpyn boxing event at the 3 Arena on Saturday where he sat beside, in a shocking turn of events, Shauna Bannon!

The most dominant champion in the history of KSW, Phil De Fries, will attempt to make his ninth heavyweight title defence this weekend at KSW 84 when he faces Szymon Bajor. The champ discusses training alongside Tom Aspinall and Mick Parkin ahead of UFC London, gives his take on Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury and underlines why he thinks his eleven fight win streak - an undefeated run that dates back to 2017 - makes him a good candidate to play spoiler for Ngannou’s MMA endeavour with PFL.

Ahead of his debut at UFC London, Mick Parkin joins The Craic to discuss the difficulties of getting fights as a heavyweight and training alongside the likes of Phil De Fries and Tom Aspinall ahead of his UFC bow. Parkin reveals how he attended recent UFC London events as a fan and gives his take on what he can expect from Jamal Pogues when they clash at the O2. Also on the show, Petesy gives his take on the second PFL Europe event from Berlin and looks back on a great weekend for Irish MMA.

U.K. MMA media O.G. Chisanga Malata of Sun Sport joins The Craic to discuss the disdain among U.K. MMA fans over the pricing of UFC London. Chisanga and Petesy compare the live gate revenue UFC have taken from London events before and after the pandemic and Chisanga gives his two cents on the potential of headliner Tom Aspinall. Also on the show, Petesy looks back at Lee Hammond’s TUF loss and forecasts what he sees in the Dubliner’s future.

Undefeated Manchester knockout artist Lewis McGrillen is one of the most electrifying prospects in the sport and makes his second walk for PFL this Saturday in Berlin. McGrillen joins The Craic to discuss winning over the elder statesmen in Manchester’s MMA scene (04:20), his links to Ireland and his life-changing PFL debut. The 22-year-old underlines his mission to become the poster boy of PFL Europe, describes how MMA may have saved him from a dark path and gives MMA fans a taste of what to expect this Saturday in Berlin.

When I asked Tom Aspinall if he would be okay with me interviewing his head coach and father, Andy Aspinall, he doubted I would be able to get him do it. But lo and behold, I managed to convince the U.K. martial arts O.G. to join me on the latest episode of The Craic. On today's episode, Andy describes how he packed in a successful I.T. career at 40 to pursue jiu-jitsu and to spend more time with his kids, how Tom became enamoured with combat sports at a young age, and how his links with Peter Fury saw Tom become a training partner to Tyson Fury, and later, Rico Verhoeven. Now Tom’s head coach, he talks about the unprecedented number of big men he brought in to share the mats with Tom ahead of his return to action on July 22nd, when he faces Marcin Tybura in the main event of UFC London.BREAKING NEWS: The Craic is moving! Next Tuesday, the show will have its own home. Go follow The Craic NOW on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so that you can keep hearing from all of the biggest names in European MMA and beyond.

Oprah Winfrey teeing off at the US Open, Jeff Bezos in the starting five of an NBA Finals team, Richard Branson taking centre court at Wimbledon … none of these things could happen.However, in the wild world of MMA, the sport’s most powerful man, Dana White, is on a promotional tour for a potential UFC clash between 51-year-old engineer, Elon Musk, and celebrated data miner and jiu jitsu white belt, Mark Zuckerberg. The legend, Philip O’Connor, returns to set the audio feed on fire again on the back of his epic appearance in April.BREAKING NEWS: The Craic is moving! Next Tuesday, the show will have its own home. Go follow The Craic NOW on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so that you can keep hearing from all of the biggest names in European MMA and beyond.

Host Petesy Carroll tells you what YOU can expect every week on The Craic.

Following his viral post-fight address in Paris last year, UFC London star Nathaniel Wood discusses his battle with anxiety and OCD.“The Prospect” gives his take on his back and forth with Lerone Murphy and looks forward to his main card meeting with Andre Fili. A proud Londoner, Wood also shares his dream of one day fighting in the main event of UFC London, on the back of his stellar run with Cage Warriors which saw him headline a host of events in the English capital.

A fellow northside Dubliner, Kiefer Crosbie, joins Petesy following his career-best win over UFC veteran Alex “Cowboy” Oliveira and also on the back of the announcement of his boxing debut against reality TV star and former MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers at the 3 Arena on July 15.“BDK” discusses keeping his finances in order while awaiting a UFC call-up, the dilemma of leaving himself available for a UFC call-up, how the boxing bout with Chalmers came to fruition, getting ducked by Anthony “Pretty Boy” Taylor,and how his time with Bellator may have delayed his call-up to the UFC.

UFC featherweight Jack Shore joins Petesy to discuss how an injury to his hand means he will not fight on July’s UFC London card. Shore also gives his take on all-British bouts, his teammate Oban Elliott, and why Cage Warriors fighters are now getting sent to the Contender Series as opposed to signing with the UFC directly. “Tank” also gives an update on his legendary father, Shaky Shore, and considers a future where his favourite band, Oasis, gets back together. #TheCraic #ArielHelwaniIf you want to support this podcast, the best thing you can do right now is to FOLLOW "The Ariel Helwani Show" on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.

Petesy talks to Ireland’s latest UFC signee, Shauna Bannon. “Mama B” discusses overcoming setbacks during the pandemic and giving birth before earning a UFC contract a little over a year into her pro career. Bannon is currently 5-0, has previously represented Ireland as a kickboxer, and also in amateur MMA. Her UFC debut is scheduled for UFC London next month, where she'll take on Bruna Brasil. #TheCraic #ArielHelwaniIf you want to support this podcast, the best thing you can do right now is to FOLLOW "The Ariel Helwani Show" on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.

Ahead of his meeting with Jesus Pinedo, PFL featherweight Brendan Loughnane joins Petesy to give his take on the PFL's testing protocol after 10 fighters tested positive for banned substances. Loughnane discusses why he feels he is very much a part of the U.K.'s golden era despite not being in the UFC. He also calls for a Dublin finale in December should he make it to the finals to defend his title. #TheCraic #ArielHelwaniIf you want to support this podcast, the best thing you can do right now is to FOLLOW "The Ariel Helwani Show" on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.

The great Chuck Mindenhall joins Petesy to discuss another outlandish press conference from Dana White where the UFC president attempted to goad heavyweight boxing king Tyson Fury into fighting in the UFC. Was it to slight former champion Francis Ngannou or to distract the masses from Conor McGregor’s ongoing saga with USADA? The lads give their two cents.#TheCraic #ArielHelwaniIf you want to support this podcast, the best thing you can do right now is to FOLLOW "The Ariel Helwani Show" on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.

Ahead of KSW’s second stadium show, “Colosseum 2,” Petesy Carroll talks to founder and president Martin Lewandowski about battling back to a massive event after the pandemic, what to expect at Warsaw’s national stadium on Saturday night, and whether the star-studded card can be considered one of the biggest events on the MMA calendar in 2023 (6:20). Plus, Petesy is joined by Severe MMA’s Sean Denny, who is set to travel to the gargantuan event. Denny has attended 30 KSW events to date.#TheCraic #ArielHelwani #KSWIf you want to support this podcast, the best thing you can do right now is to FOLLOW "The Ariel Helwani Show" on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.

After his cup of coffee as a boxing reporter, Petesy returns home to the wild world of MMA with fellow Ringer MMA Show stalwart Chuck Mindenhall. On today's show, Petesy and Chuck give their thoughts on all-time classic Dana White press conference in the aftermath of Mackenzie Dean vs. Angela Hill where he took at aim at Francis Ngannou, PFL and many others.#TheCraic #ArielHelwaniIf you want to support this podcast, the best thing you can do right now is to FOLLOW "The Ariel Helwani Show" on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.

After attending Katie Taylor vs. Chantelle Cameron on Saturday night, Petesy spoke to Eddie Hearn (5:25), boxing journalist Gavan Casey (12:40), and adopted Irishman Ariel Helwani alongside DAZN’s Ade Oladipo and former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew (19:36).#TheCraicIf you want to support this podcast, the best thing you can do right now is FOLLOW "The Ariel Helwani Show" on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.

The GOAT of combat sports media, Ariel Helwani, joins Petesy Carroll to discuss Helwani-mania in the Irish capital. Helwani explains his experiences being back on the Emerald Isle for the first time in nine years, what Katie Taylor’s return means to Irish boxing, how dangerous an opponent Chantelle Cameron is for Taylor, food at The Black Forge, the rebirth of Irish boxing, and much more.#TheCraic #ArielHelwani #KatieTaylorIf you want to support this podcast, the best thing you can do right now is to FOLLOW "The Ariel Helwani Show" on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.

On this episode of "The Craic," Petesy is joined by legendary Irish journalist Philip O’Connor (6:02) to discuss why boxer Katie Taylor is Ireland’s greatest ever athlete, how much she means to the people of Ireland, why she is appreciated in a different way than UFC superstar Conor McGregor, and whether we are likely to see her compete at Croke Park before her unmatched career comes to an end.And on "Beneath The Sheet," a new segment to the podcast, Petesy discusses Ian Garry’s incredible performance against Daniel Rodriguez, Fabian Edwards booking a date with destiny after a win in Paris, Will Fleury and eight others failing drug tests for PFL, and a very exciting week ahead (35:20).#TheCraic #ArielHelwani #KatieTaylorTo support the show, please FOLLOW "The Ariel Helwani Show" on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds. And if you're feeling really adventurous, please consider submitting a rating/review too!

Ahead of the No. 1 contender clash between the legend Gegard Mousasi and surging U.K. contender Fabian Edwards at Bellator 296 in Paris, Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen joins Petesy to give his take on the pivotal main event meeting. Eblen also discusses the growing conversation labelling him as the greatest middleweight on planet earth before talking to Petesy about how he would "destroy" UFC champion Israel Adesanya, the differing dynamics he has with Mousasi and Edwards, his bromance with Bellator welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov, training with Bo Nickal, and of course ... eating escargot.#ArielHelwani #TheCraic #Bellator296To support the show, please FOLLOW "The Ariel Helwani Show" on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds. And if you're feeling really adventurous, please consider submitting a rating/review too!

Petesy is joined by 10th-ranked UFC heavyweight Marcin Tybura (5:07) to get an update on his rumoured clash with Tom Aspinall, which was said to be in the works for the UFC London main event in July. The Polish UFC veteran explains what’s happening from his point of view before disclosing that there are two prominent options on the table for him - one of which is Aspinall in London - and he also gives his pick for this weekend’s meeting between fellow UFC heavyweights Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Jailton Almeida in Charlotte.Also on the show, Petesy reacts to Roberto Soldic’s loss to Zebaztian Kadestam on ONE Championship’s US debut event and Caolan Loughran securing Ireland’s third Cage Warriors title in Rome. Petesy also looks ahead to Ian Garry’s pivotal clash with Daniel Rodriguez on Saturday.#ArielHelwani #TheCraicTo support the show, please FOLLOW "The Ariel Helwani Show" on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds. And if you're feeling really adventurous, please consider submitting a rating/review too!

Petesy is joined by former KSW double champion Roberto Soldic ahead of his second ONE Championship bout this weekend. Soldic discusses his disappointment with a low strike ending his promotional debut, a potential ONE event in Zagreb, Croatia and why he thinks a lot of people are underestimating his old rival Dricus Du Plessis.#ArielHelwani #TheCraicTo support the show, please FOLLOW "The Ariel Helwani Show" on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds. And if you're feeling really adventurous, please consider submitting a rating/review too!

Severe MMA’s Andy Stevenson joins Petesy Carroll to discuss Cage Warriors 153. The lads discuss Rhys McKee’s possible second bid for a UFC roster spot, the event’s top performers, and the reemergence of tensions between promotions Cage Warriors and Bellator. To support the show, please FOLLOW "The Ariel Helwani Show" on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds. And if you're feeling really adventurous, please consider submitting a rating/review too!

Ahead of one of the biggest cards of the year for Irish MMA, Severe MMA’s surging reporter Andy Stevenson joins "The Craic with Petesy Carroll" to preview Cage Warriors 153 and to contemplate whether we are on the verge of a new era of Irish fighters in the UFC. Also on the show, Cage Warriors 153 headliner Rhys McKee discusses his title unification bout with U.K. legend Jimmy Wallhead this weekend, his storied history at 3 Arena, showing the world he is much more than his loss to Khamzat Chimaev, and his proximity to a second stint in the UFC. To support the show, please FOLLOW "The Ariel Helwani Show" on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds. And if you're feeling really adventurous, please consider submitting a rating/review too!

Petesy talks to Pat Kondelis, the director of Showtime’s "Catching Lightning" - a four-part series documenting the life and crimes of British former UFC fighter Lee Murray. Kondelis underlines how much misinformation there was surrounding Murray’s involvement in the biggest heist in United Kingdom history. He also lets British fight fans know when the documentary will debut in the U.K.To support the show, please FOLLOW "The Ariel Helwani Show" on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds. And if you're feeling really adventurous, please consider submitting a rating/review too!

Petesy speaks to ninth-ranked UFC light heavyweight Paul Craig about potential matchups for the next UFC London event in July, breaking workout records at the UFC PI, and his new show, "Leather'd Podcast." Craig also discusses rebounding from a recent nose surgery, breaking a man’s jaw in his first stint as a professional wrestler, and how he inadvertently stole UFC president Dana White’s Modelos at UFC London!To support the show, please FOLLOW "The Ariel Helwani Show" on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds. And if you're feeling really adventurous, please consider submitting a rating/review too!#ArielHelwani #TheCraic

One of the most prolific reporters covering Jake Paul’s venture into boxing, Donagh Corby of the Irish Mirror, joins Petesy to talk about Paul vs. Nate Diaz. Corby explains why he thinks Paul is taking a step down in level of competition on the back of his loss to Tommy Fury. He also underlines how a Diaz win could see Paul’s boxing days come to an end before explaining why he thinks Jake Paul will stop the iconic Stockton, Calif. native on Aug. 5.Also on the show, Petesy shares his thoughts on Cage Warriors 152, Oktagon 41, and Arnold Allen’s decision loss to Max Holloway last weekend in Kansas City.#TheCraic #ArielHelwaniTo support the show, please FOLLOW "The Ariel Helwani Show" on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.

On today's two-part episode, former UFC and KSW champion Jan Blachowicz (2:00) doubles down on his intention to make 185 lbs. so he can challenge middleweight champion Israel Adesanya to a rematch. Blachowicz also declares interest in facing Alex Pereira at 205 lbs. following Dana White’s comments in the aftermath of UFC 287.Also featured today, former Cage Warriors champion and current UFC lightweight Jai Herbert (19:26) gives insight into teammate Arnold Allen's preparation two days ahead of the toughest test of Allen's career, the former champ Max Holloway. Herbert also describes the buzz in Team Renegade after Leon Edwards’ successful title defense and Herbert casts his eye toward the proposed July London card.#TheCraic #ArielHelwaniTo support the show, please FOLLOW "The Ariel Helwani Show" on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.

On this episode, Petesy speaks to former UFC PR guru and MMA historian Ant Evans (4:25) about one-time U.K. standout, Lee Murray, who is the subject of a new four-part documentary, “Catching Lightning”, which is streaming now on Showtime. Murray is infamous, not only for his fighting ability that would see him go from the regional scene to the UFC, but also for being one of the key players in the Securitas heist - one of the largest bank heists of all time.Evans discusses the fighting ability of Murray, his character, and gives an eyewitness account of what happened the night the powerful middleweight was rumoured to knock out then-UFC champion, Tito Ortiz, outside a famous London nightclub.Also on the episode, Petesy looks forward to another big weekend of action with Cage Warriors 152 taking place in Manchester, as well as big continental representation on the PFL and UFC cards.#TheCraic #ArielHelwaniTo support the show, please leave "The Ariel Helwani Show" a rating/review on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.

Ahead of a blockbuster UFC 287 card, City Kickboxing founder and head coach Eugene Bareman discusses Israel Adesanya’s preparation for his MMA rematch with Alex Pereira (1:25). The celebrated coach highlights what he’s learned about Adesanya in the camp, why wrestling has been a key fixture in the preparation, how Pereira might be the most devastating striker to have stepped foot in the Octagon, and how he is itching to claim victory after suffering three consecutive defeats to the Brazilian.To support the show, please leave "The Ariel Helwani Show" a rating/review on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.#UFC287 #ArielHelwani #TheCraic

Legendary MMA journalist and fellow host of 'The Ringer MMA Show,' Chuck Mindenhall, joins Petesy to discuss the biggest grudge match of 2023: Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 2, which takes centerstage at UFC 287 in Miami on Saturday night (5:55).The lads consider the ramifications of another loss for Adesanya and how it could potentially change the overall view on his legacy. They also speculate as to whether the loss to Pereira at UFC 281 has given ace coach Eugene Bareman more room to work with his celebrated student. Also on the show, Petesy recaps big European performances at PFL’s season opener and Bellator 293. He also ponders whether a win for SBG’s Kiefer Crosbie over UFC veteran Alex Oliveira could catapult him into the UFC.To support the show, please leave "The Ariel Helwani Show" a rating/review on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.#TheCraic #ArielHelwani #UFC287

Although the fight remains unconfirmed, Tom Aspinall joins "The Craic with Petesy Carroll" to discuss how a potential meeting with Marcin Tybura in July could begin his hunt for a Jon Jones title fight. The UFC heavyweight also discusses his broadcasting role at UFC 286, how well he has recovered from the knee injury that brought his bout with Curtis Blaydes to an abrupt halt, and how a fledgling heavyweight tried to pick a fight with him at UFC 286.To support the show, please leave "The Ariel Helwani Show" a rating/review on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.#TheCraic #ArielHelwani

Undefeated Irish welterweight Ian Machado Garry joins the show to discuss his upcoming bout with striking standout Daniel Rodriguez, who he believes will be the toughest fight of his career. The Dubliner also talks about his time training with Leon Edwards and Shavkat Rahkmanov and reveals that Jorge Masvidal would be a dream opponent for a future UFC Dublin main event. “The Future” also underlines how much it would mean to him to fight on the Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler card and gives his prediction for his clash with D-Rod. Plus, Petesy looks back on a big debut showing for PFL in Europe and the crowning of a new middleweight champion at Cage Warriors 151. To support the show, please leave "The Ariel Helwani Show" a rating/review on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.#TheCraic #ArielHelwani

U.K. MMA legend and former UFC welterweight title challenger, Dan Hardy, joins "The Craic with Petesy Carroll" to discuss cornering his wife, Veronica Hardy, to a successful return at UFC 286. Hardy also discusses his vision for PFL Europe in his role as Head of Talent Operations and looks forward to PFL Europe 1 in Newcastle on Saturday night. "The Outlaw” also gives his take on Colby Covington’s threatening comment directed at former colleague Jon Anik (23:52) and explains why Power Slap has made him feel as though the UFC is rotting from the inside out. Also on the show, Petesy looks forward to another big weekend for European MMA with PFL and Cage Warriors hosting events in the U.K. ahead of the UFC’s bantamweight clash between Cory Sandhagen and Marlon Vera.To support the show, please leave "The Ariel Helwani Show" a rating/review on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.#ArielHelwani

Bellator middleweight contender Fabian Edwards joins "The Craic with Petesy Carroll" to discuss the impact of his brother, Leon Edwards, successfully defending his welterweight title at UFC 286. On today's episode, Edwards gives insight on the team’s time in London, disputes Dana White’s announcement of Colby Covington being next in line for the belt, and encourages the UFC to put on a stadium show for Leon’s next title defense in the U.K. As well as that, Fabian looks forward to his meeting with legendary middleweight Gegard Mousasi at Bellator 296 in Paris. Also on the show, Petesy looks back at a busy spell for European MMA with KSW 80 and Cage Warriors 150 also taking place over the weekend. To support the show, please leave "The Ariel Helwani Show" a rating/review on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.#ArielHelwani

U.K. MMA pioneer Richard “Shaky” Shore joins "The Craic with Petesy Carroll" to discuss why he wanted son Jack Shore to move up to 145 lbs., how far the U.K. scene has come since his humble beginnings in the sport in 2002, and what he is expecting from Makwan Amirkhani at UFC 286. Shore also clears up any doubts as to whether Jack cheated in a game of darts against “sore loser” Ariel Helwani on "The MMA Hour." To support the show, please leave "The Ariel Helwani Show" a rating/review on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.#UFC286 #ArielHelwani

For the debut episode of "The Craic with Petesy Carroll," top UFC featherweight contender Arnold Allen joins the show to preview UFC London and to give insight into his time spent training with Leon Edwards at Team Renegade. Plus, Petesy tells you what he's most looking forward to this weekend.-------------------------------------------------------Petesy Carroll is an Irish MMA journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. He is one third of "The Ringer MMA Show" alongside Ariel Helwani and Chuck Mindenhall. The creator of MMA Fighting’s "Eurobash" podcast, his work has also been published by the BBC, ESPN and RTÉ. "The Craic with Petesy Carroll" will publish every Tuesday and Thursday. To support the show, please leave "The Ariel Helwani Show" a rating/review on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts feeds.#ArielHelwani #UFCLondon #UFC286 #TheArielHelwaniShow #TheCraic