Show notes
Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping massive MMA news, starting with Francis Ngannou being added to the Rousey vs. Carano Netflix event (06:26), then touching on the UFC White House card announcement (11:52), negotiations with Jon Jones and Ilia Topuria for the card (27:38), Conor McGregor’s upcoming negotiations (46:31), the BMF title losing meaning (53:01), fan sentiment that Ngannou “fumbled” (59:25), and Tom Aspinall teaming with Eddie Hearn (1:12:40).
Sean O’Malley joins to discuss his bout against Aiemann Zahabi at the White House, explaining how the fight came together, Petr Yan being his top choice, not being offered Cory Sandhagen, and then discusses his recent fighter pay comments (1:30:21).
Bo Nickal is next, breaking down his own White House fight, touching on the fan reaction, surprise about Kyle Daukaus being the opponent, Colby Covington turning down the opportunity, criticism of the card overall, whether President Trump requested his inclusion on the card, and more (2:00:24).
Eddie Hearn is back to discuss the launch of Matchroom Talent Agency and Tom Aspinall being its first signing. Hearn talks about Aspinall’s UFC contract status, potential for negotiating opposite Dana White, other MMA fighters reaching out for representation, White’s recent comments about Hearn, including challenging him to a fight, Conor Benn’s deal with Zuffa Boxing and Jai Opetaia’s debut, needing to book a fight for Katie Taylor at Croke Park, and more (2:29:38).
Tom Aspinall is the final guest of the day, discussing his partnership with Hearn, his UFC contract compared to his earning potential, whether he plans to box, the state of his relationship with Dana White, the latest on his eye and a timeline to return, his reaction to Jon Jones asking for his release, and more (3:40:40).