Ariel Helwani: UFC APEX Events 'Killing My Soul' | The MMA Hour

Ariel Helwani wraps up a busy weekend, talks about the infamous bite at UFC APEX 89, his disdain for UFC events held at the APEX, GC reveals his new haircut, and more.
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[@jonjones2]

38:00 skip the yap yap button

[@loctown7775]

I owe you a beer

[@AdamJovic]

Doing Gods work mate

[@subscrieber2692]

God bless you soul brother

[@estebancuatro5679]

Bless your heart

[@jefftaylor8644]

Thanks bro. It's all I clicked it for

[@aidenc1998]

It’s the first time in years I’ve started skipping events, no crowd and the lack of any ranked fighters in these apex cards is a joke

[@johnnyalvarez6792]

I think that’s what the apex cards should be, rising names, contender series guys building up their name. Vets in the main or cousin trying to fight off a losing skid or building a streak. Keep the travel shows and PPVS as the big show

[@Andi88T]

@@johnnyalvarez6792 exactly. If you're a casual, these cards aren't for you. But if you love fights, it's great

[@woahblackbetty7691]

​@@Andi88TIts always the new fans without standards that throw around the 'casual' label.

[@Andi88T]

@@woahblackbetty7691 hehe. go watch a best of Conor McGregor and let the real fans watch new fights

[@ramonbriones4487]

Might as well watch the contender series if we wanted to watch no namers lol

[@PinkFK2R]

Ariel saying driving 3 hours one way and 3 hours back sounds dangerous is the most Ariel thing I’ve heard recently.

[@jonnypearson3088]

Given that he's gonna drive without sleeping for a full day it is dangerous though let's be real

[@PinkFK2R]

@@jonnypearson3088 it isn’t dangerous if you’re well rested and make enough breaks in between. I often drive from England to Austria with my family and that’s just shy of a thousand miles. That can be done in one go without falling asleep, either way. My point is, 6 hours of driving isn’t that dangerous as long as you’re well rested

[@jonnypearson3088]

@@PinkFK2R I agree that if you are well rested you should be okay. But it's hard to imagine that will be the case given he'll be in at the event for 6+ hours, making content (working) and then spending the early hours in the casino. But I can certainly understand having some concern over a friend/colleague driving 3 hours after spending the night in the casino. I'm sure he will be fine but that doesn't mean it isn't dangerous. I've not done a drive as long as you so can't speak from my own experience, so maybe I'm waffling lol

[@PinkFK2R]

@@jonnypearson3088 I get your point of view, and thanks for actually having a normal discussion. You’re not waffling, I get too defensive lol

[@jonnypearson3088]

@@PinkFK2RNo worries, nice chatting 🤝🤝

[@mchammer1982]

Tai Tuivasa MAIN EVENT at the apex was the last straw for me.

[@JohnJohn-yp7ex]

Just for him to get taken down and subbed easily lol

[@Evl.28239]

@@JohnJohn-yp7exI like tai personally but he admits he doesn’t train or like training and pretty much only does it for money . I can’t care for him if he gets out of the rankings or cut he kind of did it to himself because he has elite natural talent

[@iceKOId]

Love watching Stevewilldoit lose money on him

[@cinderellahtx1604]

@@Evl.28239lol imagine if he trained and actually got to shape

[@jacobwaddell6075]

They could hold the Apex UFC events at a retirement home and it would be more of a live atmosphere

[@IceMastaChristopher]

Glad you finally shaved it GC, looks so much better. Welcome to the club!

[@razmus9708]

What sucks about the Apex events is that UFC will never go to smaller regional arenas in the US again. It makes it really hard for average people not living in big cities to go see it live. Now its only Vegas, Miami, LA, etc.

[@1000dollarHotdog]

If you don’t like Apex fights, you don’t like pure raw fighting. Shits awesome for true fight fans

[@RealMattKiefer]

$339 million in net profits in 2023 is the reason UFC is still & will continue doing apex events That & the ratings continue to increase.

[@delbomb3131]

And they have an insanely large roster and hold like 48 events a year. It makes sense that a lot of the lesser events are gonna be held in such capacity. Kinda wish there was like an annoyance factor to be able to watch em, like how wwe doesn't really use footage from house shows.

[@craZduck19]

I’m never staying up past midnight eastern for an apex card again. Even with all the finishes early in the main card they stalled for so long only for the last few fights to be lackluster. I love this sport but Apex cards are not worth a damn

[@andreasviken2949]

Im european and ive watched maybe two apex card. None in full though.

[@craZduck19]

@@andreasviken2949 yeah not worth ruining your whole Sunday for. Out here it isn’t as bad if it’s a 7pm main card start

[@cumshotchimaev]

I used to be a huge fan of Ariel’s takes and thought Rick’s were kind of a drag, however as the years have passed the script has completely flipped and Rick is now the voice of reason where 99% Ariel’s monologue is whining about the UFC’s decisions with Rick try to put out the fire. W Rick

[@spruceleaf9447]

ariel cant stand that the ufc and dana are winning some fake war inside his head.

[@Makarislethal]

MMA guru owns Ariel on every level

[@Samvanderburg]

Ahahah shoutout GC with the shave. I did the same thing about a month ago. I have a full head of hair and it’s not thinning or anything (I’m 22 lol) I just felt it was time for a change. Dad was super hyped, mom was sad, girlfriend was upset 😂 but ultimately it grows back, no biggie. Really have enjoyed my time in the bald club though, it will return eventually 🫡

[@Tvyoutubeacc]

The UFC offering APEX is akin to a company closing their office and offering remote work to employees. Pros and cons. More convenient, cost saving but occasionally you want to get out and meet people (i.e see fans).

[@mikeystapleton9323]

They could even do smaller venues like Sandhagen vs Yan, 100000% better

[@ricardobjj24]

UFC Apex cards are holding me hostage in my house on Saturday nights. I love UFC and I'll watch no matter what but at least make the cards worth watching.

[@DynastyIcon]

we get cards like we got on Saturday so that we can have stacked cards like UFC 300.. if every fight night was stacked, ppvs would be mid

[@bobbydeazy]

Apex has been the worst invention to maintain since covid. It's not needed and kills atmosphere and the fights momentum

[@HARwinsOUTagain]

Apex events more opportunity to hold smaller events. I don’t need the crowd to be entertained. You know how crazy the logistics must be to try and travel for every event?

[@trashtalk9244]

​@@DynastyIconi mean most of the ppvs are mid recently as well they need the return of the mac

[@iamactuallyjakehill]

i know right lmao. i watch every single card but lately i’ve been bored out of my mind at some of these events

[@wonkeydonkeyTV]

Its a terrible sport to watch without the crowd & atmosphere

[@kennyemm5982]

Its much better watching the fights with out the crowd. You can hear the fight more brutal

[@RealMattKiefer]

“You bite someone, it’s gonna leave a mark…” Wise words BC…. Profound

[@ciaagent8419]

I like them. Would like to see more live fight nights in general, but I enjoy the dynamic of the silence during a lot of the fight, hearing the different corner's coaching and the sounds of the fight. Also for up and comer fights, it's nice that it moves along with a bit less down time between fights and quicker walkouts. Of course bigger name live fight nights are good, but imo when fight nights were always live, the half dead crowds for no-name cards, was a worse atmosphere than the Apex.

[@EDA47_]

Couldn’t of said it better

[@terrellewilliams2188]

Absolutely it gives us content not all fight nights need a audience because it won’t sell out if the big names aren’t there

[@mystic7934]

Half-dead is not worse than dead.

[@terrellewilliams2188]

@@mystic7934 what about revenue I get what your saying from a fan point of view I went to UFC Noche Crowd was live that’s because it was a title fight but not all fight nights are like that

[@jjjfffppp]

Connor looks better post shave . The wispy hair made him look frail. Own it dude

[@BigClassroomTv]

Like Volk with a beard

[@paulbruce4177]

Cool story bro 😎

[@nickoutandabout2162]

For a venue to watch a live event the Apex is awesome! I went to the Fight Pass Invitational 5. It’s was 60$ and was such a cool experience. I highly recommend going there for any event. I definitely want to try to see a UFC apex event live someday.

[@toadb]

For the low price of $2000

[@jamestrost8412]

Glad GC joined the shaved head club 🔥🔥

[@sporeGAnerd]

This really is one of the best shows on the internet

[@happywednesday6741]

@14:50 Ariel really is that annoying guy that says "didn't you do x" and completely just making something up

[@ED9896]

The apex is better to watch on TV because you can hear how hard every hit is

[@chutcentral]

I love the apex fights WHEN THEY ARE GOOD. Problem is they often suck ass. But I love hearing the sounds of the strikes, shits wild sometimes.

[@jefftaylor8644]

Ariel and everyone else need to keeo hammering the ufc about this topic. Its got to go. Stop watching them in mass

[@sefrzan]

*en mass .....but A+ for effort

[@luckyspurs]

As a Spurs fan from London, when you mentioned Christian Eriksen I was like "why on earth would you need to get rid of Eriksen's shirt, he's been balding for nearly a decade, not long after he joined us at 21 years old".

[@DontReadMyUserName_]

GC - I was wondering when you were going to come home brother.

[@JuiceyJayce]

A great band man

[@GasSoakedRag]

Looking good GC, 100% better.

[@abdelouahhabjallouli2916]

Apex cards are great. For us Europeans they end at like 2 am (which is perfectly fine in weekends) instead of 5-7 am for ppvs. You hear coaching aswell and it gives a podium to prospects. Work you way up.

[@BK-ek1pz]

Too many PFL/Bellator level cards lately. In fact the UFC cards have been so bad I would consider watching the other mama leagues all of the sudden.

[@jimex4shizzle]

Agreed. Apex events every now and then sure but make them earlier such that the main event is happening at about 10pm. And please limit the apex shows now, gives me COVID PTSD. Live shows, this is a real sport!

[@depthsofhell]

His constant rants about apex francis tom aspinall the useless feuds with strickland and hill eddie hearn appears more than any fighter and ariel is talking about killing this dude is hilarious

[@ItsMookieTv]

Time stamp please 😅

[@wtfdawkins]

Bro never being to ac or vegas kinda crazy to me, enjoy bro

[@andelepirate3497]

Looks good GC!!

[@rocker1jul2010]

@MMAJoey has an excellent analysis about this. Basically UFC has a contractual obligation with ESPN to put on X events per quarter. So, to save money on production costs, UFC sells these these low quality events at the Apex to ESPN. It is obvious that ESPN executives are not familiar with MMA and are unaware of this low quality. UFC is basically fleecing ESPN with dishonest events

[@northtrue145]

Monday's are seriously a week of walking/ work etc lol. It's so hard to keep up. 300 week is gonna be overwhelming in the best way. And ya I'm 35 married with children so I think it's fine commenting on a dudes hair. It was time a year ago bro. Guarantee your woman will get used to it faster than you think. Beard doesn't hurt. Welcome to the team GC 🎉🎉 And if I have any advice about going to lv your first time, ( your working,so that'll help) get as much sleep as you can the first two days,nights. Don't look out the window too much those nights. Then have fun and enjoy. I went when I was 27 first time, though not on the clock, I recommend oxygen bar, real food, and have a blast. Definitely don't need to drink to have fun. Recommend mob useum if you have time. And spend a night on Fairmont. I'm pumped for you to go.

[@ramonbriones4487]

GC looks a million times better! Those slivers he was hanging on to really made me uncomfortable. Congrats man. Definitely not an easy decision, but u look great

[@manx1569]

Ariel has a good set of hair, he should grow it out

[@thegreenhenryshow8809]

Apex is actually making UFC boring.

[@mikeystapleton9323]

Even cards like Atlantic City are lackluster for the price, a $300 night including food and all that and u barely get to watch a title contender….

[@ryankyle91]

GC looks like Swizz Beatz😂

[@fxandrei]

Its good that Jake Paul and his "boxing" fights are not killing his soul.

[@nilshultkvist1534]

UFC should create more seats in the Apex just to create a better atmosphere around the matches.

[@chadwick634]

Nice set-up, delivery and post head shave story amigo and I would have read into the no FT by girlfriend same but just an fyi they often play those Jedi mind games to test a mans self esteem. Own it brother, looks good!

[@achillezz1699]

Look great homie

[@fryguy7111]

Definitely an unpopular opinion but I actually like the apex fights once in a while, I like the fact you can hear everything which imo makes the knockouts and strikes more devastating. The room going silent after a brutal KO just brings a sorta vibe that’s different and more raw. I also like the fact we can hear the fighters if they decide to talk to each other in the fight. Definitely agree they should only happen once in a while tho.

[@toadb]

Boooo

[@jimbrozini]

Just get the implants GC don’t let Ariel get to you 😂

[@bback4072]

GC looking like hes from Dagestan

[@CincySupercar]

Every fighter pay ufc bootlicker always says just come up with a better organization. 70% of the ufc events now are trash and most fans don’t watch, even ones who I would consider hardcores. The amount of people these guys are fighting in front of on espn is less than their last regional fight. It’s a high school gym that keeps the ufc from spending anymore profit on renting and traveling to arenas around the globe.

[@kodywalkerunfiltered]

I LOVE when Big fights happen in the APEX & small cage. Poirier vs Hooker is incredible n one of my favorite fights ever to rewatch because there is no crowd noise. Id prefer title fights n big fights at the Apex & the junky contenders fight in some unknown town.

[@Twelve6hellbow]

That’s when Apex had no fans. Now they allow 1,000 people

[@antdoge29]

this is like nfl in a middle school stadium

[@rexxor4219]

The prelims on the apex cards are the only good fights, the main events have absolutely SUCKED this year.

[@jhonnyinojosa6625]

People acting like rent an arena Is just like that, the important things 1. Fighters get pay 2. The ranking movement 3. Bonus And by the way, the cut weight is much easier for them at the APEX, If you don't like it go and watch PFL or Bellator.

[@MrWolfchamp-xi3cu]

How's the weight cut easier?

[@TheFireStarter1215]

​@MrWolfchamp-xi3cu Probably close to the UFC PI in Vegas where Apex are held. I agree, Apex is good for up and coming fighters. We are now talking about Talbot and he was just on Apex.

[@jabrondestoroyah]

Unpaid UFC interns hard at work today bombing Helwani's content

[@jm12green31]

I think Dana said because ESPN demands a certain amount of events every year and you know the UFC is really struggling financially so they have to do it there

[@laserlightshow5]

His hair looks good

[@middlefinger456]

I’m finally on his side

[@user-qb9fv3bf2d]

300 should be in the Apex...cool hearing the sound effects.

[@antdoge29]

lmao

[@callumvandijk2150]

Killing my soul ahahah

[@iLeanonsyrup]

It only makes sense there's a lot more UFC fighters then most people think and they have to stay a active and also rank up so apex makes sense, you can't book tmobile arena or crypto arena with fighters that are just coming up it just isn't going to sell it's not rocket science.

[@DavidH1]

Yes. Make the Apex events stop.

[@Quintonnova17]

GC looks way better bald. Good job!!!!

[@iizregret]

Ariel is so dramatic it’s crazy he’s not gay

[@steadfastedge]

The ufc apex is like a PFL PPV crowd

[@paleo704]

Lame

[@mprsv1]

I think Dana White schedules events & fighters like Tai at the Apex just to infuriate Ariel 😂

[@splyce5111]

I love the Apex it gives us fights every weekend and it gives no name up and coming fighters a chance to shine in the spot light and become stars

[@buzzedlightbeers]

well im not paying for a thug rose main event in a venue that cost 300 a seat

[@sehraadahmeds1977]

Maybe they'd have incentive to make better fight night cards if they actually had to sell seats.

[@lionseatfirstsportsent5971]

Bingo!!! The cards even on the apex are lack luster!! The apex works no overhead!!

[@HARwinsOUTagain]

They have a lot of fighters on the roster that most people don’t even know, let alone would fill up a non PPV arena. This is their way of keeping costs down and fighters active. What are a lot of you missing? They can’t pack arenas with Fight Nights.

[@johnnyalvarez6792]

@@HARwinsOUTagainI think they should stack fight nights that they travel to like they are. Like the ufc Mexico card or singapore ones. Keep the apex as the next step up for those guys coming off the contender series or TUF to build their name under maybe a vet in the main event/ co main

[@ruanoosthuysen5002]

Exactly

[@JayTee713]

The real mma story of the weekend was mysterious Frank's identity getting leaked on Poatan's KZbin channel

[@gavinspringett]

I haven't even watched any fights from this past events,

[@loganmcintyre3415]

yea...havent watched a full event at the world famous sold out APEX in awhile.. agree with Ariel here its horrible

[@drunkpaulocosta9301]

I don't watch them and I download the numbered events. I have the power. Not them. I could care less if they have them or not. When Danan steps down I'll pay for events again.

[@gabl72]

😂good head shape,bud👍🏼👍🏼

[@Kringleb3rry]

1.69 million followers Pogg

[@roidster4401]

Covid era Apex ppv's with no annoying crowd were the best. Ariel is out of his mind if he thinks main events like Rose and Taity Tuivasa deserve a huge arena in different countries around the world.

[@american1207]

They wouldn't be main events if the ufc had to sell seats. Selling seats would force Dana to put on a better card

[@churchjones1758]

I don't mind some of them and sometimes try to catch some of them. But as light as they are on star power, I wish they'd short up on some and stack some of these ppv's. It's an apex event damn near every weekend.

[@chutcentral]

Two minutes of apex discussion and thats what you title the video??

[@valeriocohen]

Ariel is right

[@detgoat]

touche.. rose being a former double champ [ & right after joanna getting into hof] & fighting in front of 4 people, is just unexcuseable

[@ramoncastro1362]

GC "A bit of a small jaw huh" ☠️☠️☠️ comment of the episode lmao

[@rhysjones1108]

Couldn’t care less about where the fights are. Apex has its own charm, must suck for the fighters tho.

[@wingerding]

Bro should have tried the Keeps

[@jd-tg1ox]

Apex = more profit = less fighter pay

[@GodannarJunkie]

I always figured the PFL kept the Bellator name and separated the promotions was because they always were able to sell out or sell a bunch of tickets in Europe. Makes sense to me. BUT I do wish they would combine them. Too many tv deals etc. The more spread out you are as in having multiple PFL and Bellator leagues as well as tv deals the more second rate you seem. You want to watch UFC events? EASY. ESPN. Not this card, MAX. That card, I’m an American so I can’t see it. Wait which channel is Bellator on now? Etc.

[@chadwick634]

One more thing… They always be pressin and testin!

[@OTMONEY]

Based Ariel

[@HD-fc4ds]

Last apex event watched less people than slap league. And nobody watches slap league

[@theBMF]

I don't watch the Apex cards anymore. I can't.

[@stmusic2164]

I though UFC Vegas 89 was a decent card overall, enjoyed it aside from the last 2 fights. The main event started ok but after 2 rounds fell flat. Don't get the hate for the Apex cards, there's a ridiculously simple solution - it you don't like them, don't watch them.

[@Nico-yr8gp]

Apex is cool. Real fight stuff.

[@jamesbotham6196]

I want to go Atlantic City, UFC and play all night poker 👍 enjoys lads.

[@hyzer_soze]

With rare exception, I don't get concerned about APEX events and watch them later on a second monitor while gaming or something like that. I don't mind the content. I also watch all kinds of the smaller and regional promotions. But, the UFC more than doubled the roster count since 2016, and it increasingly feels like they are gobbling up anyone that might be ready for the mid tier promotions. They have to put on a lot more events or many fighters would never fight, and a large percentage of those fighters can't sell tickets with no name recognition. Doesn't matter who fights or where to get that ESPN $$

[@quincup-um5pm]

People still watch apex fight cards? Sheeesh havent been the same since 2020

[@PBandy89]

Mexican folks also have that mark from the shot

[@MainCardMinute]

This weekends card was especially APEX-y you could hear a pin drop

[@toadb]

Rich weirdos who aren’t even fans

[@sealevel1919]

I agree

[@dancz6342]

you gotta razer your head, dont do that low grade, go proper bald, you look balder/older with a small amount of receding hair

[@markdavis8430]

A have to agree Apex events are getting beyond a freaking JOKE man