Full reaction to Netflix’s MVP MMA debut; plus, Mike Perry, Herb Dean, Arnold Allen, Jason Jackson, weekend news & notes episode artwork

EPISODE · May 18, 2026 · 5H 7M

Full reaction to Netflix’s MVP MMA debut; plus, Mike Perry, Herb Dean, Arnold Allen, Jason Jackson, weekend news & notes

from The Ariel Helwani Show · host Ariel Helwani

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping his time in Los Angeles, before the Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join to give their own perspective on Netflix’s first MMA offering, including the card, the crowd, UFC announcing Conor McGregor’s return during the event, and more (06:50). Mike Perry is back to break down his massive win against Nate Diaz, then pivot to future plans, including talks of a Diaz rematch, potentially fighting Jorge Masvidal, and even a meeting down the line with Conor McGregor (1:01:54). Referee Herb Dean joins the show to discuss the controversial ending to Adriano Moraes win over Phumi Nkuta, Francis Ngannou’s vicious knockout of Philipe Lins, procedures followed by combat sports officials, new language proposed for assessing fouls, open scoring, and more (1:32:57). Arnold Allen returns on the heels of his hard-earned victory against Melky Costa to talk about the fight, traveling with his cat during fight week, some of his recent funny social media posts, and more (2:04:14). Jason Jackson makes his show debut, looking back at his lightning-fast knockout on the MVP MMA card, then discussing not getting a performance bonus, his early life in Jamaica, being open to fighting Cedric Doumbe, his truck he named “Clifford,” training with his son Jelani, and more (2:37:11). The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll rejoin Ariel to cover news and notes, including Conor McGregor’s return and the announcement timing, who Francis Ngannou should fight, Nate Diaz’s next move, Jon Jones wanting out of his UFC contract, and more (3:10:43). The show ends with your Super Chats (4:28:00).

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Ariel Helwani and crew give their reactions to Netflix’s MVP MMA debut. Plus, Ariel speaks to Mike Perry, Herb Dean, Arnold Allen, and Jason Jackson, more news and notes from the weekend, and Super Chats.

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Full reaction to Netflix’s MVP MMA debut; plus, Mike Perry, Herb Dean, Arnold Allen, Jason Jackson, weekend news & notes

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