Show notes
Ariel Helwani starts the show with The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll, covering news and notes that include the real owner of Ilia Topuria’s Freedom 250 stool refuting Paddy Pimblett’s post, Navajo Stirling stepping into his first UFC main event, Dan Hooker’s reaction to Israel Adesanya leaving City Kickboxing, and more (01:32).
Brandon Royval is back following a huge win over Lone'er Kavanagh, talking about getting back in the win column, listening in to Kavanagh’s corner during the fight, expecting his first child, the viral post about his girlfriend, winning Fight of the Year at the World MMA Awards, and more (31:25).
Bruce Buffer, the voice of the UFC, joins to discuss his World Cup opportunity, teaming with his brother, Conor McGregor’s return at UFC 329, his experience at The White House, his mentality after making an error, his other projects, and more (58:08).
Dustin Poirier returns for an emotional conversation, addressing his struggles with mental health, swearing off alcohol after his airport incident, the support he received from the MMA community, his conversation with Sean Strickland in the aftermath, wanting to get in touch with the officer, how he prepared for retirement, his family history with alcoholism, severing ties with sponsors, and more (1:44:02).
Ariel and The Boys cover more news and notes, focusing in on a wacky upcoming weekend for combat sports and ESPN layoffs (2:30:27), before answering Super Chats (2:59:21).
Ryan Garcia is our final guest of the day, previewing his blockbuster bout against Conor Benn, talking about the responsibility of being WBC champion, Golden Boy and Oscar De La Hoya’s role in promoting the fight, Zuffa Boxing’s product so far, his explosive press conference with Benn, his continued rivalry with Devin Haney, plans to sue Haney’s team, trash talk between himself and UFC fighters Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan, and more (3:02:05).