Adam Copeland, Carlos Prates, Glover Teixeira, Paul Hughes, Hamzah Sheeraz, Chad Bronstein | 8/18/26

What happened in this episode?

Ariel Helwani opens with UFC news and then returns to backlash over analyst-coach Dean Thomas announcing on-air he was “retiring” from cornering after Gillian Robertson’s title-fight loss. Helwani reads a text he says came from Robertson, claiming she was not warned beforehand and has not replied to Thomas’s later apology due to remarks she says he made privately to her team.

In boxing, WBO super-middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz reveals he broke his hand during his most recent fight and then condemns the WBO for ordering Janibek as his mandatory challenger after a shortened anti-doping suspension. Sheeraz calls the decision “a joke” and alleges corruption, saying he learned of the order online.

PFL lightweight Paul Hughes, recovering from knee and hip surgery, argues PFL anti-doping is insufficient, saying he has only experienced day-before-fight urine testing. He cites EPO-related cases and contends short suspensions endanger fighter safety.

Arman Tsarukyan discusses a changed booking from Charles Oliveira to Mauricio Ruffy, questioning Oliveira’s stated reasons for withdrawing and speculating about a Diego Lopes matchup. Glover Teixeira previews his boxing bout with Shogun Rua, says Alex Pereira plans to remain at heavyweight, and criticises referee Herb Dean’s recent mistakes as possible “burn out”.

The episode also features RAF co-founder Chad Bronstein on the league’s Fox deal through 2028 and expansion plans, and AEW star Adam Copeland confirming he plans to retire in AEW while keeping strict work–life boundaries around wrestling.

What are the key points?

• Helwani reads a message he attributes to Gillian Robertson saying she had no warning of Dean Thomas’s on-air ‘retirement’ remarks and has not accepted his apology.
• Hamzah Sheeraz says the WBO did not consult him before ordering Janibek as his mandatory challenger and calls the move ‘corrupt’.
• Sheeraz discloses he broke his hand mid-fight but continued to 12 rounds, addressing criticism of his recent performance.
• Paul Hughes says his only PFL drug tests have been urine tests the day before fights and urges robust out-of-competition testing.
• Arman Tsarukyan alleges Charles Oliveira used a friend’s death as an excuse to withdraw, and speculates Oliveira may fight Diego Lopes next.
• Glover Teixeira says Alex Pereira intends to stay at heavyweight and suggests Herb Dean may be making errors due to workload ‘burn out’.
• RAF’s Chad Bronstein says the promotion’s Fox partnership runs to 2028 and the league is targeting 24 events in year two.

Which topics are covered?

How is this page sourced?

Programme

The Ariel Helwani Show

Published

18 August 2026

Duration

4h 30m

Original episode

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