Leon Edwards, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Eddie Hearn, Dakota Ditcheva, Jonathan Di Bella in studio, and more

The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani

Ariel Helwani around (3:28) wraps up a busy combat sports weekend, including taking a closer look at PFL Europe, UFC Vegas 83, and Haney vs. Prograis. We look at what’s next for Khalil Rountree, if a title shot should be next, and the future of Anthony Smith. They also discuss Song Yadong's performance against Chris Gutierrez at UFC Vegas 83 and a potential fight with Petr Yan, Conor McGregor's staredown with Yan at a boxing event in Dubai, and more.

Dakota Ditcheva around (42:21) reflects on her title win at PFL Europe, Valentina Scatizzi's horrific eye injury and the fight's stoppage, the impact of her $100,000 winner's check, her desire to do a PFL tournament, Manchester City following her on Instagram, the possibility of fighting champ Liz Carmouche, and more.

Shavkat Rakhmonov around (1:00:02) talks about how the fight with Stephen Thompson came together, whether a title shot is on the line, his sister Sora Rakhmonova's readiness for the UFC, meeting the president of Kazakhstan, his prediction for Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington, training at Kill Cliff MMA, his prediction for his career in 2024, what he expects for the UFC 296 press conference, and more.

ONE champion Jonathan Di Bella around (1:20:06) discusses how he got into kickboxing, why the sport is illegal in Montreal, why he recently decided to box, social media, coffee plans, facing Rodtang or Takaru, his diet, when he wants to return, how active he wants to be in 2024, the face of kickboxing, the difference between kickboxing and boxing,

Eddie Hearn around (1:55:03) discusses the new Matchroom gym in Los Angeles, the upcoming fight schedule, the competition with other promoters, Regis Prograis comments, what’s next for Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia vs. Oscar De La Hoya, Garcia’s performance, why isn’t Anthony Joshua facing Francis Ngannou next, Fury vs. Usyk, why Joshua keeps changing trainers, Andy Cruz, Conner Benn vs. Chris Eubank Jr., Amanda Serrano’s recent decision, Taylor vs. Cameron 3, and more.

The panel then around (2:39:50) takes a closer look at some of the top early storylines and best bets for UFC 296 on Saturday night.

Leon Edwards around (3:19:20) talks about his appearance as a goalie at Soccer Aid, why it's taken him so long to return to the cage, Colby Covington fighting him after a two-year layoff, whether the UFC wants Covington to win at UFC 296, Belal Muhammad serving as a backup fighter, the best part about being welterweight champion, the drama surrounding Ian Machado Garry and his gym, how he'll treat Machado Garry when they see each other at UFC 296, and more.

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