Massive UFC 323 reaction, Champ Joshua Van, Payton Talbott, John Wood, Dr. Brian Sutterer on Alexandre Pantoja’s freak injury, weekend news & notes
Massive UFC 323 reaction, Champ Joshua Van, Payton Talbott, John Wood, Dr. Brian Sutterer on Alexandre Pantoja’s freak injury, weekend news & notes  
Podcast: The Ariel Helwani Show
Published On: Tue Dec 09 2025
Description: Ariel Helwani kicks off the show with his reaction to UFC 323, including the excellence of Petr Yan in his upset win over Merab Dvalishvili, Joshua Van becoming the second-youngest champion in UFC history, Henry Cejudo’s retirement, and more (02:38).Dr. Brian Sutterer MD joins to discuss Alexandre Pantoja’s elbow injury, UFC initially suggesting it was a shoulder injury, the timetable for Pantoja’s return, MMA’s overall injury risks, Tom Aspinall’s eye injury and continued complications, and more (45:08).Ariel reacts to Dana White’s recent comments about Aspinall, and the latest updates about the White House card (59:35).Joshua Van joins on the heels of his UFC 323 victory over Pantoja to talk about becoming the second-youngest champion in promotional history, his view of Pantoja’s injury, wanting to rematch Pantoja, bringing the belt to his father’s grave, potentially fighting Tatsuro Taira, his response to those criticizing his celebration, and more (1:16:43).Coach John Wood returns to break down Merab’s performance at UFC 323, including Merab’s preparation, whether Merab relied too much on his striking, telling Merab he was ahead in the fight between rounds, plus, a check-in on Gina Carano as she returns to training, and more (1:34:57).Payton Tablott is back after the biggest win of his career to discuss Henry Cejudo’s game plan for UFC 323, their past training sessions and respect, who he wants to fight next, Merab’s performance, his wild interaction with Adin Ross, Winged C’s tattoo claims, and more (2:02:12).The Boys in the Back and Petesy Carroll join Ariel to cover some news and notes, including Dana White weighing in on Terence Crawford being stripped of his WBC belt and Arman Tsarukyan’s path back to the title, UFC announcing some new fights including Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira, Conor McGregor’s linkup with Mike Tyson, and more (2:31:42).Ariel answers your Super Chats to wrap up the show (3:50:27).