The Ringer MMA Show

In one of the darker weeks in recent memory for MMA, shining stars Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall offer immediate analysis of the final UFC pay-per-view event of the year and all of the other wackiness that’s happened this week. In this UFC 296 reaction episode, the guys get into: Why Leon Edwards’s win over Colby Covington is great for MMA (00:00) Covington’s pitiful performance in a fight he didn’t deserve (20:28) Who 3PAC thinks Edwards should face in his next title defense (26:47) A slew of great fights announced for UFC 299, including the UFC debut of Michael Venom Page (32:44) How “The Conor McGregor Effect” is poisoning MMA fighters (43:46) Why Paddy Pimblett had the perfect week (48:27) Whether now is the time for legend Tony Ferguson to retire (54:14) Shavkat Rakhmonov’s suffocation of Stephen Thompson (59:25) Alexandre Pantoja’s inspiring performance against Brandon Royval (01:04:29) The UFC 296 brawl in the stands between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis (01:08:46) A NASTY knockout of Bryce Mitchell by Josh Emmett (01:13:44) An update on Ian Garry’s health (01:18:16) Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To celebrate a LOADED UFC 296 card, Chuck, Petesy, and TST give you a full preview of what could turn out to be the best card of 2023. The guys discuss: Whether Leon Edwards can end Colby Covington’s career on Saturday night (00:00) Why no one cares about the flyweight title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval (20:10) A logjam atop the welterweight division and who deserves the next title shot (26:04) How star prospect Ian Garry can win back the public (29:26) Shavkat Rakhmonov’s sky-high potential (45:05) Whether Tony Ferguson will call it quits after his fight with Paddy Pimblett (55:05) UFC 296 main card predictions (59:37) Discord questions (01:05:12) We’ll talk to you during the fights Saturday night in our official Discord. Click here to join. Hosts: Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the first day of Hanukkah, Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall gift you with another entertaining episode of the program. Today, each member of 3PAC leads a discussion on their favorite story from the past week. Then, the guys take Discord questions, one of which leads to a trip down Spotify Live memory lane. To support the show, please follow us on our exclusive Spotify feed. TOPICS: Intro (00:00) How Ian Garry messed up his reputation overnight (05:27) How Garry should conduct himself during the buildup to UFC 296 (18:03) What we’ve learned about the UFC's sketchy business practices this week (23:00) Amazon’s entry into the combat sports world (35:39) Mike Perry’s emergence in BKFC and what should happen next for him (38:00) How the guys feel about watching BKFC (44:57) Discord questions (53:08) Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As UFC Austin approaches, what are the stakes of the main event between Beneil Dariush and Arman Tsarukyan? Ariel, Chuck, and Petesy discuss that sneaky-good card, plus a banger BKFC main event between Mike Perry and Eddie Alvarez. The guys also talk about rumors of Kevin Holland taking on Michael Venom Page in MVP’s UFC debut, contenders and prospects to watch out for next year, Conor McGregor getting himself into very hot water in Ireland, some poor word choices by Tom Aspinall, and more. TOPICS: Intro (00:00) The stakes at UFC Austin (02:39) Saturday’s BKFC event in Salt Lake City (14:06) If Kevin Holland is the proper first UFC opponent for MVP (23:05) Which non-champions we’re buying stock in for 2024 (34:33) Petesy’s take on Conor McGregor’s latest controversy (50:05) Tom Aspinall’s comments on the state of boxing (01:03:30) Discord questions on PFL's format, double champs, and MMA journalism (01:11:10) Big thank you to everyone who has shared their Spotify Wrapped with us! Keep ‘em coming on Instagram and X. Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For years now, the greatest minds in MMA have put their heads together to try and figure out how to topple the UFC. Yesterday, Donn Davis became the latest in a long line of innovators when he announced that PFL, which he founded in 2018, has acquired Bellator and its deep roster of 210 fighters so PFL can position itself as the clear no. 2 promotion and pave the way for PFL to eventually become a “co-leader” in MMA. To react to this massive news, MMA business experts Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall are here to lay out the terms of the deal, clear up the gray area, ask more questions, contemplate the positives and negatives of this move, and so much more. TOPICS: Intro (00:00) The terms of the Bellator acquisition (04:08) Instant reactions to the news (08:03) Potential shortcomings of the deal (15:24) Whether we should believe in Donn Davis and his mission (24:12) Why UFC is likely happy about this deal (42:50) Discord questions on the deal (47:52) How each member of 3PAC discovered MMA (01:04:00) What we’re grateful for this Thanksgiving (01:10:26) Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Still buzzing from last weekend’s UFC 295, Ariel, Chuck, and Petesy have a lot to get into on today’s show. First, the guys discuss this weekend’s final Bellator card and why the energy (or lack thereof) surrounding Bellator 301 is symbolic of the promotion’s entire existence. Then, the guys break down their latest pound-for-pound rankings before taking Discord questions about Alex Pereira’s legendary run, Ian Garry’s beef with Team Renegade, how the Saudis could convince Dana White to make the fight of the century, and more. Plus, a classic game of Buy or Sell. To enter into our lovely Discord community, click this link. TOPICS: Intro (00:00) The end of Bellator (03:07) Why Bellator doesn’t invoke the same nostalgia Strikeforce does (08:49) Saturday’s Paul Craig vs. Brendan Allen card at The Apex (21:02) Ariel’s conundrum with getting Tom Aspinall into his November pound-for-pound rankings (24:19) UFC fighters we feel most emotionally connected to (37:38) How the Saudis could get Dana White to make Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou (57:30) Buy or Sell (01:05:09) Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After watching titans clash in New York City at UFC 295, Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and TST break down another spectacular Madison Square Garden card. On this episode, the guys discuss Alex Pereira’s perfect game plan for Jiří Procházka, some controversy surrounding the end of the fight, Pereira’s incredible MMA success in such a short time, and who should line up against Pereira in his first light heavyweight title defense. Then, the guys gush over Tom Aspinall’s knockout of Sergei Pavlovich and the strange heavyweight title picture Aspinall now finds himself in. The lads also talk other top stories from the card and TST reports on the ground from MSG. TOPICS: Intro (00:00) Whether the referee stopped the main event too early (05:02) UFC 295 main event breakdown (10:38) Alex Pereira’s callout of Israel Adesanya (13:18) Tom Aspinall’s emotional win over Sergei Pavlovich (29:24) Petesy’s pitch for a U.K. stadium show (32:35) The chances that Aspinall will fight someone not named Jon Jones next (36:35) Mackenzie Dern’s questionable strategy against Jessica Andrade (47:55) The emergences of Benoit Saint-Denis and Diego Lopes (53:34) TST's observations from the press ledge at MSG (01:05:10) Discord questions (01:08:32) Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yesterday, UFC CEO Dana White announced three new title fights, and the news has Ariel Helwani, Chuck Mindenhall, Petesy Carroll, and TST buzzing for the first quarter of 2024. Then, the guys speculate on UFC 300 and Petesy gives the inside scoop on his best mate Conor McGregor before the lads break down Saturday’s UFC 295. Plus, the guys take some detours to talk about airport pound-for-pound rankings, nudist beaches, darkness retreats, and more. TOPICS: Dana White’s trio of title fight announcements (00:00) Whether Dricus Du Plessis, Ilia Topuria, or Marlon Vera has the best chance at pulling off an upset (12:00) Who could headline UFC 300 (18:00) What Petesy is hearing from Team Conor McGregor about his readiness to fight (20:00) UFC 295 preview (26:51) Alex Pereira’s unthinkable journey to Saturday night (31:40) A touching story Petesy shares about Tom Aspinall and what this title fight means to him and his family (44:42) The latest in the antitrust case involving the UFC (01:03:15) Discord questions (01:06:47) Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To start today’s episode, Chuck Mindenhall takes the mic to tell Ariel Helwani and Petesy Carroll about his spooky Halloween run-in with two former UFC champions. Then, the guys discuss Saturday’s main event between fan favorite Derrick Lewis and heavyweight prospect Jailton Almeida, possible opponents for Paul Felder in his UFC return, and the beef between UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards and the Irish nomad Ian Machado Garry. Plus, they outline the options for Francis Ngannou's next move. TOPICS: Intro (00:00) Chuck’s Halloween story (02:58) UFC São Paulo and why Derrick Lewis took Saturday’s fight with Jailton Almeida (10:22) Lewis’s reckless driving arrest (15:28) Who has the highest ceiling: Almeida, Sergei Pavlovich, or Tom Aspinall? (17:22) Why Paddy Pimblett is the perfect opponent for Paul Felder (25:02) Issues at Team Renegade involving Leon Edwards and Ian Machado Garry (30:29) Francis Ngannou’s next step (39:25) Discord questions (45:40) Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Francis Ngannou — the king of defying the odds, betting on himself, and doing the unthinkable — has done it again. After losing a razor-thin decision to boxing's lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia, the former UFC heavyweight champion is now holding all of the poker chips that the UFC brass wishes they could. To react to this madness, Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall discuss shocking performances from both Ngannou and Fury, how Ngannou (finally) secured a win for MMA in the boxing world, why the world is now Ngannou’s oyster, interest in a rematch, and more. TOPICS: Intro (00:00) Instant reaction (02:45) Why Ngannou is now a massive draw in boxing (13:20) How Dana White likely feels about all this (18:35) The star-studded cast of characters welcomed to Riyadh by His Excellency (18:35) What we want next for Ngannou (27:49) Fury’s immediate reaction to the fight (36:11) How this night will affect Ngannou’s PFL deal (41:52) Discord questions (47:16) Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another week, another UFC pay-per-view card reshuffled. On today’s episode, Ariel Helwani, Chuck Mindenhall, and Petesy Carroll get into the UFC 295 shake-up, the strange interim heavyweight title tag on the massive fight between fan favorite Tom Aspinall and the Russian destroyer Sergei Pavlovich, and how the short-notice nature of the fight will affect the outcome. Then, the guys get into Saturday’s massive fight between boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou before talking Dillon Danis rumors and taking a Discord question. TOPICS: Intro (00:00) How each member of 3PAC found out about the new UFC 295 card (04:00) Why Pavlovich vs. Aspinall shouldn’t be an interim title fight (09:58) Whether we’ll ever see Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic (22:02) Excitement levels for Fury vs. Ngannou (34:41) How Fury and Ngannou have handled fight week (36:18) How Ngannou’s fighting legacy will be affected by this fight (42:55) If Ngannou loses badly, will this be the end of boxing vs. MMA? (51:33) Predictions for Fury vs. Ngannou (54:18) Whether the UFC will go after free agent Dillon Danis (56:06) Discord question (01:03:10) Ariel learns that Ireland invented Halloween (01:08:22) Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a strong showing against Islam Makhachev in February, Alexander Volkanovski made the world believe he could pull off a legacy-defining upset today in Abu Dhabi. Unfortunately for him, the exact opposite scenario unfolded: Makhachev stunned Volkanovski with a first-round headkick that crashed the unflappable Volkanovski to the canvas, stealing the crown of invincibility away from Volk and instead placing it on himself. In today’s UFC 294 reaction episode, the kings of The Ringer Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall discuss the shocking main event, whether Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje should get the next crack at Makhachev, Kamaru Usman’s (unexpected) incredible performance against Khamzat Chimaev in the co-main event, whether Chimaev or Dricus Du Plessis deserves the title fight with Sean Strickland, and so much more. TOPICS: Intro (00:00) Islam Makhachev’s stunning knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski (01:00) Whether Volkanovski will regret taking this fight on short notice (09:18) Comparing Makhachev’s resume to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s (16:52) Justin Gaethje or Charles Oliveira next for the lightweight title? (21:00) Kamaru Usman’s moral victory against Khamzat Chimaev (32:37) How Dricus Du Plessis might feel about the Chimaev title shot case (40:27) The debacle between Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalaev (51:34) What’s next for Muhammad Mokaev (01:03:12) Volkanovski’s emotional words after the fight (01:10:10) Male Fighter of the Year so far in 2023? (01:16:11) Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Saturday, Alexander Volkanovski will look to become the fifth double champion in UFC history. To get there, he faces old foe Islam Makhachev in the house that his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov built in Abu Dhabi. To celebrate the occasion, Ariel, Chuck, Petesy, and LST discuss Volkanovski’s crazy quest, whether we’re surprised by his ballsy decision to accept this fight at the last minute, and whether Volkanovski has it in him to dethrone the Muslim world’s beloved champion. Then, the guys break down the co-main event between Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman, debating what kind of threat the former welterweight champion Usman poses to the bulldozing Chimaev. Plus, the guys talk about the stakes for Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker before taking some Discord questions and tending to the madness that was last weekend’s Misfits Boxing card in Manchester, England. Oh, and some breaking news about Showtime’s decision to leave the combat sports business and what this means for the future (or fate?) of Bellator. (00:00) - Intro (03:55) - The end of Showtime Sports (16:04) - Volkanovski’s crazy decision to accept this fight (24:27) - What makes Volk different from other fighters (35:30) - Why Islam Makhachev doesn’t connect well with the audience (40:38) - Predictions for the UFC 294 main event (44:33) - The stakes for Khamzat Chimaev vs. Kamaru Usman (54:32) - Irishman Johnny Walker’s journey to the UFC title (1:00:50) - Discord questions (1:09:22) - Embarrassing performances from Dillon Danis and Tommy Fury last Saturday Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Late last night, UFC president Dana White announced a historic shake-up of next weekend’s UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. On today’s episode, Petesy, Chuck, and TST react to the news by getting into the following: Alexander Volkanovski’s decision to step in on 10 days’ notice and what this says about the featherweight champion (2:23) Whether this fight will bring more excitement and eyeballs than the original lightweight title fight scheduled between Islam Makhachev and fan favorite Charles Oliveira (6:13) Whether the beloved Oliveira will ever receive another lightweight title shot again (15:33) If Paulo Costa is unable to fight Khamzat Chimaev, would losing Costa be a bigger loss for the card than losing Oliveira is? (21:10) Some WILD ideas about who the UFC could replace Costa with (25:33) Plus, influencer boxing journalist Donagh Corby educates the lads on Saturday’s must-see Misfits boxing event, which pits KSI against Tommy Fury and the oft-criticized Dillon Danis against the also oft-criticized Logan Paul (33:54). Then, the guys talk about Danis’s controversial fight promotion tactics and whether they think Danis will actually step into the ring across from Paul. Hosts: Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall Guest: Donagh Corby Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When an MMA fan thinks of Strikeforce, they can’t help but look back on fond memories of Luke Rockhold, Daniel Cormier, and so many more. But when you think of Bellator … does anything come to mind? As Saturday’s Bellator 300 ominously approaches (with the proposed sale to PFL looming), Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall wonder: What is Bellator’s lasting legacy? Its identity? Does it even have one? Plus, the guys get into: Ariel’s interview with Tony Ferguson and whether the new-and-improved El Cucuy has the guys feeling any differently about his UFC 296 fight with Paddy Pimblett (40:45) The booking of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, why it’s a major slap in the face to Francis Ngannou, and how it has watered down the stakes of Fury vs. Ngannou (45:00) Some Discord questions about Cédric Doumbé’s electric PFL debut, Doumbé’s potential, and Islam Makhachev’s desire to fight the UFC welterweight champion (55:25) Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reunited after Petesy’s week off spent upsetting French locals in boulangeries, Ariel, Chuck, and Petesy gather once more to discuss the following on today’s episode: Why Petesy is adamant that Tony Ferguson vs. Paddy Pimblett is the perfect fight for each guy (6:27) Whether the booking of Shavkat Rakhmonov for Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson is punishment for Thompson refusing to take the fight against Michel Pereira (24:37) If Vicente Luque is the logical next step for Ian Machado Garry, or if another matchup would have made more sense for the rising Irish star (28:29) The changing perception of Dillon Danis in the lead-up to his October 15 fight against Logan Paul, and whether Paul regrets how he’s handled all this (36:14) Drunk driving charges against former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, if the guys think this affected Adesanya’s poor UFC 293 performance, and whether this is the beginning of Izzy’s downfall (49:13) Plus, Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou is flying under the radar and the guys answer some Discord questions about Brian Ortega’s mysterious absence, the suspected PFL and Bellator merger, Bryce Mitchell’s bizarre behavior, and social media influencer courses (59:34). Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the heels of Dana White’s avalanche of fight news announced last night, Ariel, Chuck, and TST are here to react to all of the following and more: Why Jiri Prochazka vs. Alex Pereira at UFC 295 is the fight we’re looking forward to the most (7:24) Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington at UFC 296 and why, with the benefit of hindsight, this feels like the right title fight to make at welterweight (23:48) Official confirmation that Conor McGregor will not fight in 2023 (as previously predicted by our own Blanchstradamus) and the predicament this leaves Michael Chandler in (35:15) If Valentina Shevchenko deserves another crack at Alexa Grasso or if it’s time for the women’s flyweight division to move on (43:48) Plus, some Discord questions about Bellator, UFC 300, and Paul Felder’s speculated return (57:25). Also, a quick preview of the litany of fights going down this weekend. To read 3PAC’s pound-for-pound rankings for the month of September, click here. Hosts: Ariel Helwani and Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With their heads still spinning after an unpredictable UFC 293, Ariel, Chuck, and Petesy return to discuss the following on today’s episode: The creation of the TKO group, which merges the UFC and WWE under the parent company of Endeavor, and what this deal means for the front-facing product, the UFCs popularity, future broadcast deals, and whether the UFC will need to dial down some of its right-leaning politics now that it is a publicly traded company (6:22) Why we’ve failed to give Sean Strickland credit for how smart and calculated he actually is, and why he’s finding so many fans now (23:45) What should happen next for Strickland, Israel Adesanya, Dricus Du Plessis, and the winner of Paulo Costa vs. Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 (36:20) Saturday’s UFC Noche event in Las Vegas and whether another loss for Valentina Shevchenko signals the beginning of the end for the women’s flyweight GOAT (53:33) A fascinating matchup between fan favorite Kevin Holland and rising star Jack Della Maddalena in the co-main event (1:03:13) And more! To support the show: You can purchase TST’s book 'Surrender' here on Amazon Join our Discord! Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Moments after watching America’s darling Sean Strickland dethrone the heavily favored Israel Adesanya to claim the UFC middleweight championship in Sydney, Ariel, Petesy, Chuck, and TST offer instant reaction to what is undoubtedly one of the biggest upsets in UFC history. The guys discuss: Adesanya’s surprisingly lackluster performance, his strange approach to fight week, and if Izzy's activity as champion ultimately hurt him in this fight (10:42) Whether Strickland winning a UFC belt is a disaster for the promotion (15:42) Whether Adesanya should get an immediate title rematch like UFC president Dana White believes he deserves (31:40) How the outcome of this fight shakes up the stakes for next month’s middleweight showdown between Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 3PAC also weighs in on Alexander Volkov’s incredible performance in his win over Tai Tuivasa in the chief support fight (51:00). Plus, the curse of The Craic lives on. Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

3PAC is finally back! It’s only fitting that the star-studded trio of Ariel, Chuck, and Petesy reunite in the midst of what we expect to be one of the umm … more uncomfortable fight weeks in recent memory. On today’s UFC 293 preview show, the lads discuss: Excitement levels for the main event between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland, considering the fight wasn’t booked until just a few weeks ago (5:22) Sean Strickland’s psyche, his readiness for this massive moment on Adesanya’s home turf, and why Ariel believes Strickland is the “For You” page of MMA (11:13) If Adesanya gets by Strickland as expected, will Dricus Du Plessis get his title shot, or will the winner of Paulo Costa vs. Khamzat Chimaev have something to say about that? (28:42) Official predictions for the fight (40:53) Plus, with all eyes on Tai Tuivasa in the chief support fight, the guys wonder whether the beloved heavyweight is still a major player in a division teeming with young stars (46:47). The guys also take a couple questions from our Discord (1:04:09). Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thanks to an early start time, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and TST are full of energy on today’s show, albeit not as much energy as the sold-out Paris crowd had tonight. On this special reaction episode, the lads discuss: Ciryl Gane’s technical beatdown of Serghei Spivac and whether Tom Aspinall makes the most sense to be the former interim heavyweight champion's next opponent (3:14) Rose Namajunas’s less-than-stellar flyweight debut and whether she should stay up at 125 pounds (12:13) Does Manon Fiorot or Erin Blanchfield deserve the winner of this month’s flyweight title fight between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko? (18:32) Petesy’s notes from the rest of the card, including Rhys McKee’s gutsy performance and the UFC debut of Irishman Caolan Loughran (23:27) Plus, the guys answer some Discord questions about a potential UFC Dublin event and Dana White’s comments on Merab Dvalishvili from this week (34:47). Hosts: Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the first time in a long time, Petesy is feeling confident that Conor McGregor will fight again in the near future. After discussing when we could see McGregor again, Petesy and Chuck get into the following on today’s show: PFL’s new deal with Saudi Arabia and whether fight fans will come to love or hate it (8:02) Jon Jones’s “nightmares” of Stipe Miocic and whether Jones’s admission makes their UFC 295 clash feel any bigger (27:32) Petesy’s childlike excitement levels for UFC Paris on Saturday, how much pressure is on Ciryl Gane to win in front of his home crowd, and whether we’re surprised former UFC strawweight champion Rose Namajunas is an underdog in her flyweight debut against Manon Fiorot (37:30) The Korean Zombie’s incredible lasting legacy (54:35) We’ll talk to you again on Saturday with a special UFC Paris reaction podcast. Hosts: Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Ariel off on the vacation of his dreams, Petesy, Chuck, and the insulin-deprived TST take you through another stellar episode of the world’s fastest-rising influencer boxing program. On today’s show, the lads discuss: Why new UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has complete control over whom he fights in his first title defense (1:37) The aftermath of Ian Machado Garry’s fight-week antics, if Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson is the best next step for him, what it will take for Garry to clean up the mess left by Conor McGregor in Ireland, and what Petesy took away from his recent podcast conversation with Garry (14:21) The shit show of a press conference featuring Dillon Danis, Logan Paul, Mike Perry, and others (33:47) Saturday’s UFC Singapore card and the mighty stakes attached to the women’s flyweight fight between top contenders Taila Santos and Erin Blanchfield (43:33) The Ringer MMA pound-for-pound rankings for the month of August (52:55) Plus, the guys take Discord questions (1:00:44), and they also start a campaign to get TST on 'The Joe Rogan Experience' to discuss his new self-improvement book. Get #TSTonJRE trending now! Hosts: Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Boston’s TD Garden witnessed Sean O’Malley’s patented right hand usher in a new era for the bantamweight division at UFC 292, Chuck Mindenhall and Petesy Carroll couldn’t wait to get into what they had just witnessed. They discuss: What a world with O’Malley as champion looks like, his spectacular finish, Aljamain Sterling’s legacy, and why “Suga” may be able to bypass Merab Dvalishvili to attempt to get his revenge over Marlon Vera Is Tatiana Suarez next for surging strawweight champion Zhang Weili? Ian Machado Garry’s sadistic beat down of Neil Magny Whether Marlon Vera can even be in the conversation for a title fight after edging Pedro Munhoz Chris Weidman’s agonizing return Plus, they recap the thrilling TUF finals and Conor McGregor’s bizarre voice notes. Hosts: Chuck Mindenhall and Petesy Carroll Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Suga Show has landed in Boston and man, are we excited. Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and TST break down Saturday's UFC 292 in a litany of ways, getting into the following topics on today’s episode: Why this UFC bantamweight title fight between Aljamain Sterling and Sean O’Malley is so compelling (9:20) What the future with O’Malley as champion would look like (23:14) An interesting stylistic matchup between Zhang Weili and Amanda Lemos in the UFC strawweight title fight and whether the winner’s reward is the terrifying Tatiana Suarez (31:43) Whether Ian Machado Garry can come even close to capturing the hearts of Irish fans like his idol Conor McGregor did 10 years ago with a win over Neil Magny this weekend (42:21) Plus, is it possible the UFC will finally announce McGregor vs. Michael Chandler this weekend? Oh, and the guys answer some fun questions from our Discord. To purchase TST’s new book, 'Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties,' check out the paperback on Barnes & Noble or the e-book on Amazon. The Amazon paperback will be made available internationally tomorrow. Hosts: Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Top influencer boxing journalists Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall are finally back together to discuss a wide array of combat sports topics on today’s show. The guys get into: Neil Magny filling in for Geoff Neal at UFC 292 next week, and how the guys feel about the new matchup for rising star Ian Machado Garry (3:52) Dana White’s comments on Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson this week, and how ugly situations like this could be avoided in the future (9:45) The behind-the-scenes of booking Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland for next month’s main event in Sydney, and whether it’s possible Dricus Du Plessis will miss his title shot window (24:47) Derrick Lewis’s decision to re-sign with the UFC and whether it’s a mistake (38:16) Plus, the guys get into Fedor Emelianenko’s callout of Mike Tyson (gulp). They also wonder if the much-maligned Dillon Danis will actually show up to fight Logan Paul in October and whether a very lucrative boxing fight between Logan Paul and baby brother Jake looms on the horizon (49:10). Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nate Diaz beat Jake Paul in the boxing ring tonight. Not really, but he sure made it feel like it, didn’t he? To honor tonight's festivities, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and TST weigh in immediately after the spectacle that was Paul vs. Diaz to get into Diaz's moral victory plus the following: Whether Diaz lowered his stock by losing to Paul tonight (5:48) If the fight played out how we expected it to (14:25) If there’s actual interest in seeing an MMA fight between Paul and Diaz for a proposed $10M prize in PFL (16:28) Diaz's prospects for returning to the UFC for his next fight (24:32) Also, the guys react to Cory Sandhagen’s masterclass in Nashville (32:13) and whether he’s first in line for a bantamweight title shot following this month’s UFC 292 main event between Aljamain Sterling and Sean O'Malley. They also marvel at another dominant Tatiana Suarez performance over Jessica Andrade. Hosts: Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Jake Paul entered the combat sports world a few years ago, mainstream media viewed his boxing dreams as a joke. The Disney star turned YouTuber was throwing around names like Conor McGregor and Nathan Diaz, and no one took him seriously. But fast forward three years, and here we are: Paul has manifested the very fight he set his sights on years ago. And on today’s episode, Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall are here to get into one of the biggest boxing fights of the year, discussing: With Ariel in Dallas for the fight, it feels like a massive deal. But outside of the Lone Star State, do fight fans care about this event? (3:35) Whether Paul or Diaz has more on the line on Saturday night (13:12) How the legacy of each guy will be affected by the results (38:02) Official predictions (45:33) Plus, they cover Amanda Serrano going to the PFL, a UFC Nashville preview (47:12), and the fact that UFC doesn’t have a main event for the Sydney pay-per-view! The guys also take some questions from the Discord (57:55). Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new BMF champion. To react to this historic shakeup, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and TST gather immediately after UFC 291 to break down all the madness, discussing the following: Justin Gaethje’s KO win over Dustin Poirier and its stunning resemblance to Leon Edwards’s head-kick knockout last summer in Salt Lake City (4:02) If Gaethje has a legitimate chance at securing a third title shot and how fan favorite Poirier will handle this loss (10:11) Alex Pereira’s win over Jan Blachowicz in his light heavyweight debut and whether this was the kind of fight we expected from the guys (23:11) Another loss for Tony Ferguson, if he ever stood a chance against Bobby Green, and whether the beloved lightweight should call it a career (34:23) Derrick Lewis reviving his career from the dead with a crushing flying knee landed in the first five second of the fight (46:48) Kevin Holland’s stellar performance against Michael Chiesa and if Holland is ready to take on the elite of the UFCs welterweight division (50:38) After all that, Ariel walks you through all the craziness he experienced in Las Vegas tonight while covering Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. in boxing (59:17). Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The crew is back to preview a super jam-packed weekend in combat sports. First, the boys talk about UFC 291's main event between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje. They discuss whether the fighters can relive the magic of their first encounter back in 2018, who's improved more since their first battle, and whether the winner might fight for the lightweight belt next. And yes, they also talked about the BMF title and how it really adds nothing to the fight (4:10). Then, they discuss the co-main event between Jan Blachowicz and Alex Pereira and whether the winner is a shoe-in for the next light heavyweight title fight (45:08). Later, they discuss the rest of the card, including Tony Ferguson vs. Bobby Green, Stephen Thompson vs. Michel Pereira, and more. Finally, there's a little Spence vs. Crawford talk in there, and an ode to Tom Aspinall, as well (52:06). Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Chuck Mindenhall, Petesy Carroll Producer: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ariel and Petesy open the show talking about Petesy's experience at an influencer boxing event in Ireland over the weekend (2:30). Then, the boys discuss: The news that longtime Bellator fighter Michael "Venom" Page is now a free agent. Are they surprised? Where will he sign? Should the UFC try to come to terms with him this week so they can announce him at UFC London this weekend (7:04)? Later, they discuss Islam Makhachev's idea to fight Leon Edwards in Abu Dhabi in October. Do they like the idea or nah (38:38)? Of course, the boys also break down UFC London, with Petesy giving the hard sell as to why this card should not be slept on and isn't necessarily deserving of the criticism it has received (43:37). Finally, they answer a few Discord questions (52:57). Hosts: Ariel Helwani and Petesy Carroll Producer: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UFC light heavyweight championship is cursed. Late last night, Jamahal Hill took to his YouTube channel to announce that he has suffered a devastating foot injury and is vacating his belt. In another breaking news episode of the program, Ariel Helwani and Petesy Carroll are here to discuss the following: Whether the UFC 291 co-main event between Jan Blachowicz and former middleweight champion Alex Pereira could become a vacant title fight A potential light heavyweight grand prix involving Blachowicz, Pereira, Magomed Ankalaev, and Jiri Prochazka Other 205ers who find themselves on the outside looking in at the title picture Plus, the guys give their predictions for who the light heavyweight champion will be at the end of 2023 (29:34). Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Against all odds once again, Francis Ngannou has done the unthinkable. The former UFC heavyweight champion, widely criticized for departing the world’s premier MMA organization, has now inked a deal with lineal heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury for a multimillion dollar boxing fight in Saudi Arabia on October 28. Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and TST discuss the following in today’s breaking news episode: The parameters surrounding the fight and the clear lines we can draw back to Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor in 2017 (14:00) Whether the heavy hitting Ngannou stands a chance against all-time great Fury (24:50) Which heavyweight fight we are more interested in: Fury vs. Ngannou or Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic (40:16) Whether Dana White will try to overshadow today’s news with big UFC news of his own (47:09) Plus, 3PAC’s July pound-for-pound rankings are out now (52:10). There’s lots of disagreements. Feel free to join the conversation in our special Discord channel. Also, here’s the Twitter thread Ariel references in the episode. Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Chuck Mindenhall, Petesy Carroll Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A GOAT push, a Fight of the Year candidate, a massive middleweight upset, geopolitical tension, a legendary retirement, and a number of fast finishes. Wow. UFC 290 gave us everything and more. To break it all down, Ariel Helwani, Chuck Mindenhall, and Petesy Carroll get into the following in this instant reaction episode: Alexander Volkanovski’s domination of Yair Rodriguez, whether it surprised us, and what the featherweight king will look to do next (8:00) An unforgettable flyweight title fight between Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja, the strange scorecards, and Pantoja’s incredibly emotional story that we’re just discovering now (28:33) Dricus Du Plessis’s SHOCKING upset of Robert Whittaker and how it’s all but guaranteed him a date with Israel Adesanya in September in Australia (39:11) The uncomfortable nature of the post-fight confrontation between DDP and Adesanya and how this could cast a very dark cloud over the UFC for the next two months (45:10) Robbie Lawler’s knockout of Niko Price and why it was the storybook ending to a career that will never be matched (1:04:35) Plus, Bo Nickal keeps the hype train moving, Dan Hooker pulls out a gutsy win, and the guys touch on Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic. Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A massive International Fight Week card calls for a massive old-school-style preview show from Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Threads sensation Chuck Mindenhall. In this episode, the lads get into UFC 290 by discussing the following: If Yair Rodriguez actually is Alexander Volkanovski’s most dangerous opponent so far, and whether the flashy Rodriguez has a legitimate shot at dethroning the unflappable Volkanovski (14:00) If Volkanovski wins, will the Sydney native turn around in two months and fight the likes of Spanish sensation Ilia Topuria? Or will Volkanovski aim for a rematch with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev? (25:00) Brandon Moreno’s incredible improvement since his last loss to Alexandre Pantoja, and whether that even matters in Saturday’s co-main event (34:31) The unusual middleweight title picture, and why Sean Strickland just put tons of pressure on Dricus Du Plessis and Robert Whittaker (41:07) Plus, Dan Hooker takes on a big challenge in lightweight prospect Jalin Turner (50:58), historic Vegas odds on Bo Nickal (57:54), and the guys share their favorite Robbie Lawler memories before “Ruthless” steps into the UFC Octagon for the final time on Saturday (1:02:13). And of course, some questions from the Discord about Michael Chandler vs. Conor McGregor, Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury, PFL Europe, and more (1:25:16). Follow Chuck on Threads @chuck_mindenhall. Follow Petesy’s new podcast, “The Craic." Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Chuck Mindenhall, and Petesy Carroll Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Chael Sonnen broke the internet yesterday with his big announcement about UFC 300, the guys decided they couldn’t wait until Thursday. So, on this special Tuesday edition of the program, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and TST discuss: Dana White’s fervent support of a UFC matchup between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and whether this delegitimizes the sport that White worked so hard to bring to the mainstream (2:10) Ilia Topuria’s bludgeoning of Josh Emmett at UFC Jacksonville and whom we hope to see the Spaniard fight next (27:24) The serious threat that a matured Yair Rodriguez poses to reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 290 (32:35) A sneaky good card at the UFC Apex this Saturday, (surprisingly) headlined by middleweights Sean Strickland and Abus Magomedov (53:25) Plus, the guys get into the PFL scoring scandal, Stevie Ray’s retirement, and questions from the Discord (1:00:57). By the way, Petesy has a new podcast! Please give it a follow by visiting this Spotify link. Hosts: Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ariel Helwani, Chuck Mindenhall and Blanchstradamus himself gather once more to discuss the latest in the wacky world of mixed martial arts. On today’s program, the guys discuss: Rumors that PFL might purchase Bellator and whether this would be good or bad for the sport and its fighters (4:16) How a PFL-Bellator combination would stack up against the UFC The staredown between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones last week, and why Ariel believes the UFC could still make this fight happen (35:38) A plethora of fight announcements in the last week, as well as which ones the guys are most excited for (44:12) Plus, tensions boil to the surface for 3PAC, TST’s dating life, questions from the Discord (57:50), and are Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk going to fight each other? Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s episode, Ariel Helwani, a still-drunk Chuck Mindenhall, and professional news-breaker Petesy Carroll take some questions from the audience, discussing topics like: Whether UFC welterweight contender Geoff Neal is too big a step-up for rising Irish star Ian Machado Garry (9:28) Where Patrício Pitbull will rank among all-time greats if he’s able to secure a third Bellator title in a third weight class this weekend at Bellator 297 (20:57) Best crowds the guys have witnessed at UFC events they've attended (35:04) How the UFC should move forward with the women’s bantamweight decision, leading to 3PAC coming to the defense of former champ Julianna Peña (39:32) Plus, the lads talk about the complicated UFC middleweight title picture as Jared Cannonier and Marvin Vettori get ready to throw down at the illustrious UFC Apex on Saturday (51:07). Disclaimer: This episode was recorded before the news of allegations against Conor McGregor broke. Read 3PAC's pound-for-pound rankings for the month of June here. Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Immediately after the end of an emotional UFC 289, Ariel, Petesy, Chuck, and TST react to an unexpectedly wild night of cage fighting in Vancouver. The lads discuss: With Amanda Nunes now out of the women’s bantamweight division, what’s the next title fight to make? (9:38) Whether Nunes is unquestionably the GOAT of women’s MMA … and whether she'll actually stay away from fighting (13:42) How Charles Oliveira stamped his passport to Abu Dhabi for a rematch with Islam Makhachev following tonight's signature performance against Beneil Dariush (26:53) A massive success for the Vancouver crowd that saw six Canadian fighters walk away with wins (41:17) And, as the guys descend into sleepy madness, they deep-dive into Vancouver cuisine, Blanchstradamus returns, more Denver Nuggets talk, Ariel’s childhood friend reports from the ground in Vancouver (52:48), and the guys try to pinpoint the exact moment Oliveira became a global superstar. Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Unable to contain their excitement for Saturday’s UFC 289, Ariel, Chuck, and Petesy decided to give you this week’s episode earlier than expected. Today, the lads discuss: Predictions for Amanda Nunes vs. Irene Aldana, leaving TST at odds with 3PAC (9:17) Win or lose, will this be Nunes’s final UFC fight? (15:48) Whether Charles Oliveira vs. Beneil Dariush is a no. 1 contender fight (38:05) All of the possible excuses the UFC could make to avoid giving Dariush a title shot with a win Other fights to watch out for in Vancouver (54:44) Plus, the guys take questions from the listeners (1:02:10) about the Mount Rushmore of MMA robberies and how Saturday’s result will affect Nunes’s GOAT status. Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The best faction in all of MMA media is back after a lengthy layoff! On today’s episode, Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and media superstar Chuck Mindenhall gather to discuss the following: The first episode of the newest season of 'The Ultimate Fighter' and whether Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler, and the rest of the cast convinced 3PAC to watch the rest of the series (19:18) A conspiracy about the BMF belt (39:25) A massive summer for combat sports and the fights we’re most looking forward to (47:46) Why Petesy believes we’re in for one of the biggest fight cards of the year on Saturday (54:20) With UFC 300 drawing near, the guys give their predictions for who they think will headline the historic evening (1:01:30) Plus, Ariel and Petesy tell tales from their week together in Ireland, Chuck gushes over his Denver Nuggets, and TST talks about his getaway to Sweden. Plus, TST makes a massive show announcement that, if you’re a fan of this podcast, you won’t want to miss out on. Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Immediately after Ariel’s live interview with Francis Ngannou, Petesy, Chuck, and TST join together to discuss the following on what is a historic day in MMA history: The terms of Ngannou’s one-of-a-kind deal with PFL The massive risk PFL is taking and how it could sink or swim the promotion that’s vying for the coveted no. 2 spot behind the UFC Ngannou’s side of the story regarding his meeting with ONE Championship founder Chatri Sityodtong and why this could be a devastating blow to the promotion Ngannou’s demand for a guaranteed $2 million per fight for his opponent and if this could lure some top heavyweights away from the UFC to face him Plus, Petesy talks about the scene in Ireland as Irish boxing queen Katie Taylor prepares for her homecoming fight Saturday against the undefeated Chantelle Cameron (36:50). Chuck also drools over Saturday’s tasty UFC Apex showdown between Mackenzie Dern and Angela Hill (53:40). Want to get in touch with the show? Leave us a question/comment/concern here: [email protected]. Hosts: Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Still riding the high from the unforgettable event that was UFC 288, Ariel, Chuck, Petesy, and TST are here to discuss the following on today’s episode: The aftermath of UFC 288, what’s next for Henry Cejudo, and whether the UFC is trying to punish top contender Merab Dvalishvili (5:12) Tom Aspinall vs. Marcin Tybura for UFC London in July and the massive roles that Ariel and Petesy played in booking this fight (16:46) 3PAC’s latest pound-for-pound rankings and why (again) they want to banish newbie fan TST from submitting his picks (21:00) Ariel’s experience at the Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz press conference in Dallas this week and what the guys think is really at stake in this fight (37:24) Plus, the guys look ahead to Bellator Paris and UFC Charlotte this weekend, Ariel hires Petesy as his secretary, and of course … a dramatic reading of TST’s love letter to Israel Adesanya. Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After watching a bizarre fight card take place tonight in Newark, New Jersey, Ariel, Chuck, and Petesy discuss the following on this episode: Aljamain Sterling’s win over Henry Cejudo, if the judges got it right, and if Aljo's performance was enough for fans to finally start putting respect on the champ’s name (4:05) Sean O’Malley’s post-fight confrontation in the cage with Sterling (13:10) Cejudo’s cloudy future and whether he’ll call it quits if he’s no longer in title contention (21:40) Belal Muhammad’s underwhelming win over Gilbert Burns and what it means for his welterweight title hopes (30:02) If Yan Xiaonan is now the top strawweight contender (44:32) Petesy’s strong thoughts on Kron Gracie’s embarrassing return to the Octagon (48:58) Plus, TST reports on the scene from the Prudential Center and the guys recap other notable fights from the evening. Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two days before Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo makes his long-awaited return to the Octagon against UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, Ariel, Chuck, and Petesy are here to prep you for UFC 288 in Newark, New Jersey. Today, the lads discuss: Whether Sterling or Cejudo has more pressure headed into Saturday night (7:33) Who Sean O’Malley will be rooting for in the main event (15:15) Predictions for the main event (37:47) If the winner of Gilbert Burns vs. Belal Muhammad has any chance of supplanting Colby Covington as Leon Edwards’s next opponent (40:52) Chuck’s huge interest in ONE Championship’s U.S. debut this weekend (1:12:12) Plus, Cris Cyborg re-signs with Bellator and the guys get into all of the drama surrounding Francis Ngannou, OOTNGITS Chatri Sityodtong, and what this all means for Ngannou’s next move (54:16). Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s episode, the greatest trio in MMA gathers to talk about everything besides this weekend’s stunning UFC Apex card. On today’s show, Ariel, Chuck, and Petesy instead discuss: The latest news regarding Nate Diaz’s arrest and whether this ultimately helps or hurts his stardom and the promotion of his boxing fight with Jake Paul (3:58) This weekend’s BKFC main event between Mike Perry and former UFC champion Luke Rockhold and why the guys are giddy for the biggest event in the promotion’s history (15:31) Cage Warriors 153 and why Petesy feels we might be on the verge of another Irish takeover in the UFC (32:19) Rumors surrounding Francis Ngannou signing with ONE Championship and whether that’s the best next step for the former UFC heavyweight champion (36:45) What the UFC should do with Sergei Pavlovich (47:55) Why the UFC matchmakers made a mistake pairing Dricus Du Plessis with Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 (56:07) Plus, TST recounts his time at Bellator 295 last Saturday in Hawaii. Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luckily for Petesy and Chuck, Ariel has carved out some time for the lads on this week’s episode. From his hotel in Las Vegas, Ariel discusses the following with the other members of 3PAC on today’s show: Saturday’s boxing fight between two undefeated fighters: Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis, and why this fight should have massive appeal to MMA fans (2:18) An avalanche of UFC fight announcements from Dana White yesterday (18:38) Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad stepping up on two weeks’ notice for UFC 288, why this fight worries Petesy, and whether there’s any chance the winner supplants Colby Covington as Leon Edwards’s next welterweight title challenger (22:12) Excitement levels for UFC 289 now that Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush are joining the card headlined by the biggest trilogy in MMA history: Amanda Nunes vs. Julianna Peña (34:33) Plus, Petesy sells you on KSW 40 and Chuck has a brilliant idea for Sergei Pavlovich. Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Immediately following the end of UFC Kansas City, Petesy, Chuck, and TST take to Twitter (Spaces) to discuss the following: Max Holloway’s “Y’all must’ve forgot moment” against Arnold Allen and what the former champion could do next given his very peculiar place atop the UFC men's featherweight division (1:20) Allen’s strong, albeit not strong enough, performance tonight and the future prospects for the “Almighty” one (10:15) Edson Barboza's wild KO of Billy Quarantillo in the co-main event (12:30) Another win for the veteran Clay Guida and his consequent bungling of the post-fight interview (17:34) Plus, 3PAC takes some calls from some old Spotify Live friends about influencer boxing and the unforgettable career of Ed Herman (25:24). To ask a question to the guys on our next episode, please send a voice message to [email protected]. Hosts: Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With UFC 287 now in the rearview mirror, the lads are ready to look ahead to the future. On today’s episode, Petesy, Chuck, and TST band together to discuss the following: Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz, the stakes attached to the fight, and whether the old-school Diaz is too cool for something like this (4:03) Our totally unbiased picks for who we think will win Paul vs. Diaz in August (17:30) The best candidates to face Israel Adesanya in his next middleweight title defense (22:52) The Ringer’s MMA pound-for-pound rankings for the month of April (42:44) Saturday’s UFC Kansas City main event pitting top featherweights Max Holloway and Arnold Allen against each other in a massive 145 lb. showdown (50:15) Plus, the guys make a secret announcement. Hosts: Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Israel Adesanya is the middleweight champion once more! Seconds after watching “The Last Stylebender” exorcise the demons of his past, Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, and Chuck Mindenhall offer an emotional instant reaction show to another massively successful night for the UFC. Tonight, the guys discuss: Adesanya’s knockout of longtime rival Alex Pereira and why Chuck feels this is the “transcendent” moment of Adesanya’s decorated combat sports career (3:54) If any other UFC middleweight deserves the next title shot more than Pereira does (16:13) Whether Adesanya’s victory tonight was the best-case scenario for the UFC (21:02) Jorge Masvidal’s decision to call it quits in front of his home crowd after losing to Gilbert Burns in a one-sided fight (31:02) Masvidal’s legacy and if we believe this is actually the end of his fighting career (38:23) If Burns can make a case for a title fight with Leon Edwards (40:05) Plus, the guys talk about incredible knockout wins for Rob Font and Kevin Holland. And did Chuck make his way into Adesanya’s head this week? Enjoy! Hosts: Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices