UFC 296 Preview, Anthony Pettis and Benson Henderson face-to-face, Merab Dvalishvili, Khalil Rountree Jr., Brandon Royval, Dave Lovell

The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani

In the latest On the Nose around (8:56), Ariel Helwani discusses what makes a "Fight of the Year" candidate, who is next for Leon Edwards if he wins, Tom Brady’s Expos Topps ad, his favorite post-loss interview, favorite EPL stars, the California State Athletic Commission’s ruling on Power Slap, and more.

Merab Dvalishvili around (42:53) discusses his upcoming fight against Henry Cejudo at UFC 298, if he’s bummed he didn’t get a title shot, if a title shot is up for grabs at UFC 298, why he wants a five-round fight, if Aljamain Sterling will move to featherweight, Sean O’Malley’s recent comments, O’Malley vs. Chito Vera, and more.

Khalil Rountree Jr. around (1:01:10) discusses his memorable win at UFC Vegas 83, how he performed in the fight, facing Anthony Smith, why he stopped from throwing extra punch after knocking out Smith, the words he shared with Smith, his social media struggles, why he called out Alex Pereira after the fight, why he manages himself, and more.

Brandon Royval around (1:33:33) discusses his upcoming title fight at UFC 296, how he found out about his title shot, his first fight against Alexandre Pantoja, the UFC 296 press conference, and more.

Dave Lovell, the head coach of UFC champion Leon Edwards, around (2:32:14) discusses Edwards’ upcoming title defense at UFC 296 against Colby Covington, if the powers that be want Edwards to lose, Edwards’ motivation heading into the fight, what concerns him most about Colby Covington, how Edwards is “different” heading into this fight, Ian Machado Garry’s split with Team Renegade, Covington’s previous comments about Edwards, and more.

Anthony Pettis and Benson Henderson around (2:59:24) discuss their upcoming Karate Combat main event, why Henderson is competing again against Pettis, the Pettis losses that haunt Henderson, how the training has gone for Pettis, if Pettis is done with MMA for boxing, if Pettis will go back to the PFL, and more.

The parlay pals (3:18:21) make their latest selection, and GC makes his picks for the upcoming weekend.

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