The MMA Hour: Francis Ngannou, Eddie Hearn, Dan Hardy, Donn Davis, and more | Oct 30, 2023

The Mixed Martial Arts Hour is back in your life! Below is a rundown of Wednesday’s show, which begins at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. UK time.
00:00:00 Standby
00:00:52 Intro
00:02:13 We recap the crazy weekend in combat sports.
01:00:12 Surprise visit from Turki Alalshikh
01:08:25 Francis Ngannou returns after his incredible performance against Tyson Fury.
01:45:06 Eddie Hearn reflects on Fury vs. Ngannou and the wild weekend in boxing.
02:19:43 Dan Hardy weighs in on the Fury vs. Ngannou debate.
02:41:42 PFL founder Donn Davis talks the big fight and what’s next for Ngannou in PFL.
03:04:09 The parlay boys continue their look back at the weekend.
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[@MMAFightingonSBN]

00:00:52 Intro 00:02:13 Ngannou-Fury recap 01:00:12 Turki Alalshikh 01:08:25 Francis Ngannou 01:45:06 Eddie Hearn 02:19:43 Dan Hardy 02:41:42 Donn Davis 03:04:09 Rest

[@eljay2224]

Ariel is in with the saudis now? Brilliant! Dont think people realise now big this is

[@stevemeyer9866]

It’s great for him. PFL loses as big as the UFC.

[@mrstarbuck9212]

I've never seen Ariel that happy in my entire short life!!! " Conor made us rich. Break out the red panties, we're rich baby "

[@arianduran1725]

Tyson fury was the Clincher + he was pushing his body against Francis Ngannou for a reason ! all to rest & make Francis push away & getting him tired .

[@D12Min]

I´m impressed by Fury. First fight against Ngannou and he didn´t leave the ring on a stretcher.

[@Blackhaze3000]

😂😂😂😂

[@GoodStuff1992]

fury got lucky that ngannou didnt throw his signature death hammer after he gets a knockdown

[@danielwatson1521]

@@GoodStuff1992 that death hammer is ruthless

[@realityosei3689]

ohh he would've if this was mma trust me

[@ernestclayboniii656]

I like Tyson but he is lucky Francis let the elbow go.

[@ayo1959]

Bro already framed the picture 😂😂😂 way to go Ariel

[@camdenwong1574]

I’m just so happy for Francis Ngannou

[@bfonk2355]

Yes for Francis, Ariel happy for himself lol

[@epyon7773]

I Can’t help but root for the guy.

[@fireblade2681]

from a sand mine to being bankrolled by a Saudi Prince lol.

[@asfxsbmhjk2133]

He’s a legend now nobody in mma will forget his name

[@lyc0h]

@@asfxsbmhjk2133 May i correct you ? Nobody in the whole fighting sport industry will forget his name.

[@OGMacGee]

Dana "Power Slap" White: "we don't do gimmicky fights here"

[@lawranceprasad2059]

Normally I don't enjoy Ariel's victory laps, but this one was nice. He pointed out all these dorks that try and bury these great fighters after any small perceived mistake. It's nice to see these losers get held somewhat accountable. Nice work Ariel, love the outfit GC and as always love your take on things Rick.

[@jt7468]

Under 70k PPV buys, Saudis bank rolled this, he'll maybe make more per fight but with less opportunity to fight.

[@ericwoodson717]

Agreed!

[@charliec2966]

IT WAS A LOTTERY TICKET ENDING. ARIEL HAD CRUEL BAD INTENTIONS FOR THIS TO MAKE DANA LOOK BAD. DIDN'T HAVE FRANCIS'S CAREEE IN MIND AT ALL. DANA WAS RIGHT ABOUT ARIEL.

[@karlanal1]

ariel was the first who thought francis doesn't have a clue or a plan or anything. his interview was all the twofaced and false, and now like this......sleazy guy And Francis clearly won, no need to score....just like dana TEDDY ATLAS SCORED IT FAIR AND SQUAIR., and if anyone then he knows whats up.

[@alpyigit2867]

I like Turki Alalshikh tbh I respect that he gives these fighters the respect they deserve and the opportunity, you can tell he is a true boxing fan

[@Brandnewshoes]

I love that he just popped in 🤣

[@bukarabdullahi127]

What people should understand is *Francis* left Cameron with *ZERO* guarantees. Left everything behind at home and went out there.. and you still think he'll be scared of what could happen after leaving the UFC? This is a moral victory for everyone who believes in Him/Herself. *ALWAYS FOOKIN BELIEVE IN YOURSELF*

[@luthovellem865]

People don't understand this guy was the poorest in a poor neighbourhood. Reminds me of a certain Mr Siya Kolisi

[@xaphan8581]

Your like the 19th comment in stow saying the exact same thing. We know

[@luthovellem865]

@@xaphan8581 Please say what you are saying in English.

[@bukarabdullahi127]

@@xaphan8581 I commend your observational skills.. now ride the short bus home junior...

[@Whatthefckkk]

Ngannou inspiring the nation to follow your heart and chase your dreams no matter what the doubters say. Living legend!

[@EveryoneDiesAnyway]

The craziest shyt I learned was when the Saturday broadcast said that when he left camaroon he didn’t say goodbye to anybody bcus he knew they’d talk him out of it . Crazy crazy amount of determination

[@Ahrbok]

News flash: most people aren’t in the genetic 0.1%. This isn’t some Rocky story, he has the hardest recorded punch in history

[@TheOriginalArchie]

@@Ahrbok But yet he never landed the right hand and still did well. He would not have been in the position in the first place if he never got himself there. Sure, some people are dealt better hands in regards to attributes, but how many people do you know that bet against themselves and went to jail JUST to get away from their current situation. I feel like you are a glass half empty type of person, and you are exactly the type of person that can learn.

[@csortitoutseul]

​@@Ahrbokimagine he had the opportunity to start a 100% boxing focused career at the same age as Fury, with a boxing father, in a country where his talent would be nurtured; not everyone is blessed to be born in that 0.1% privileged upbringing 😢

[@Ahrbok]

@@csortitoutseul what’s your point? That person wouldn’t be a Rocky story either. Point is just because Ngannou did it that doesnt mean the average guy, or even a guy with a ton of heart can do it. It still hinges on those top 0.1% genetics. Why else would he be able to win fights where he looks technically terrible?

[@FonyTergusonMMA]

The MMA hour is by far the best MMA show on the internet i will stand by that. One of the great minds in this sport

[@jesuschristcunt8469]

Ariel is a worm

[@TheRealLesGutches]

From a Ten your old working in a sand quarry in Batié, Cameroon to beating the brakes off of the Boxing (Arguably) GOAT in his first boxing match! What a story. Francis deserves every spotlight, every parade, and every bank account. Hats off to a true champion in life!

[@jamesyoung5610]

Well said 🎉🎉🎉 Francis, a true World Champion in Life

[@TheRealAbraxas]

They’ve gotta make a movie about his life. Child laborer -> escapes Africa on a raft -> homeless in France -> fights for UFC heavyweight title, loses -> becomes much better fighter, destroys the champ he originally lost to -> wants to box but Dana White won’t let him -> leaves UFC -> no one believes he will succeed in boxing -> pretty much beats the best heavyweight boxer of this era.

[@surreybasements7722]

Fury is nowhere near to being the goat, he's fought an aging Klitscho and a technically deficient Wilder and thats it

[@dark32224]

Fury isn't the GOAT compared to any of the boxers in former generations. But he's up there and definitely the best in this era.

[@surreybasements7722]

@@dark32224 In this era yes but goat means 'greatest of all time' which he's not even top 10

[@javier_rivera_torres]

Anyone else notice how quiet Dana has been? The repercussions from this are massive for the UFC. The PFL will benefit enormously from this if they do things right.

[@zyquan2322]

He just did a press conference last week?

[@195anouar]

​@@zyquan2322when?

[@ernestclayboniii656]

Big John Fury has been silent also. I like John but Tyson let him down the man looked like he was in shock.

[@TastyFarts5]

I just realised pfl is not one championship and even my eyes are open.

[@irvinflores6284]

Why would Dana make a press conference or anything about it when he usually never does until the press conference.

[@arizonacolour8793]

Ive been a huge fan of Francis for some time now, I'm always happy for him succeeding. From hearing his backstory, first time i saw that interview w J.Rogan i dropped what i was doing and carefully listened. He's shown resiliency, intellect, and an ability to learn and adapt with the following 1. His backstory 2. Only reason we know his backstory is because he LEARNED English... in his mid 30s and was able to describe and explain his tough childhood to us. And he's so articulate w his words....in a second language. 3. His nonchalant and stoic pov on a lot of things. 4. He learned from his first fight with Stipe and look at the second time around.... Perfect sprawl and reversal ....to the eventual brutal KO 5. He uses said wrestling against Gane with a TORN KNEE LIGAMENT (not only winning and using said techniques, but ACCEPTING the fight in the first place w that condition at the time) 6. Sticking to what he believes in and what he thinks is right, standing up to the UFC/Dana 7. Not taking the easy route like we all would by re-signing w UFC, but rather going elsewhere 8. Seeking a boxing bout with the CHAMPION (Fury) 9. Seek out proper and effective boxing training (as we saw Sat night) 10. Carrying himself with class and as a stoic, again throughout the buildup 11. Performing like he did Saturday night and basically winning the fight. Francis shocked the world, he shocked the elitist, pompous boxing community, but he did not shock himself. He knew what he was doing this whole time. Francis needs a movie made of him asap, and ive been saying it since i saw his interview w Rogan

[@haloguyfgd4]

I’m showing anyone who says they don’t like Francis this comment. This PERFECTLY explains how someone should feel and think when it comes to him!

[@arizonacolour8793]

​@@haloguyfgd4yeah man I'm surprised no one else pointed these things out. Even Ariel

[@chrisdavidson2013]

This is my favorite episode of the year and the entire podcast was about Le Predateur, Francis Ngannou. What a mensch.

[@AdAstraStakePool]

On first viewing I thought Fury edged it - but I was tipsy and wasn't scoring it. Upon second viewing, sober as a nun, I scored it 96-95 Ngannou: I scored Rounds 4 and 10 as dead even 10-10. Gave Fury rounds 1, 2, 5, 6. Francis: 3, 7, 8, and 9. The 10-8 in Round Three was enough to clinch it for Ngannou for me.

[@lucawatt1225]

I agree bud

[@joblakelisbon]

I can't see how Fury won more than five rounds. If it was 5-5 Ngannou takes it due to the 10-8.

[@ODJames1]

I was exactly the same

[@DailyNoise365]

This is the FRANCIS SHOW! Let's go champ!!! 👑

[@EAsp100]

I came here to see Ariel gloat for 3hrs. Was not disappointed 😂

[@Thebasedconservative]

Best part of this show, was hearing that a man in 2023 turned down a massive pay day and clout at what might be the biggest cross ever MMA V Boxing to be with his daughter on her bday. I respect the hell outta that.

[@devadasn]

Dan needs to sell “stop the fight!” T shirts. I’d be his first customer 😂

[@nicowins]

Same 😂

[@shamansupreme9165]

same lol

[@Brandnewshoes]

And me ha!

[@StreamlinedGaming_]

Ariel seems happier that he was right than that Francis won 😂

[@chrisriley7613]

He loves the fact Francis stuck it to the UFC

[@xavicastorena4739]

I cannot tell a lie and I love it when Ariel gets petty towards Dana 😂

[@mohamedismaciil9239]

they have hated each other formlast 10 years and both are petyy agains each otjer any chance they get against one another they always take it it always makes me.laugh 😂😂😂

[@wb9604]

Ngannou is the man. Such a level headed man. So impressive. True inspiration.

[@JasperOFlanigan-fb5lv]

Been waiting for the victory lap since Saturday! So happy for Francis!

[@Allegedly_Angel]

“Why would I pay $80-$100 for a fight when I already know who’s gonna win?” Oh, boy 😅 Think he was trying to warn us? Lol

[@xanderfixion7034]

Love this episode, Ariel!!! The Halloween vibes on point 🎃🎃🎃🎃🧡

[@AllBlackAirpods]

Ariel “I always knew and I tried to tell them, now maybe it didn’t seem like that at the time, but I DID” Helwani

[@reecejones1336]

It’s all about Ariel…

[@sigmachad5331]

Turki Alalshikh seems like a pretty good dude tbh. I don't know anything about him but you can tell from the interview that he's intelligent, caring and actually invested into the sport. Glad we have people like him in the game.

[@CookieMonstah531]

He'd be thrilled to hear the sportswashing is working

[@jdan35]

@@CookieMonstah531 lol

[@adacPROKYON]

The guy is pretty much a slave owner

[@TheMMAVOICE]

Lol Ariel vs UFC is for life. Sure right about all of the doubters though. Sheesh they really unleashed an onslaught against Francis and he just kept it classy and did what he wanted to do.

[@sir.kalo.]

What an amazing show. One of the best shows ever. All the receipts on everyone not believing in Francis was comical. Journalism at its finest. 😂

[@richardcrawford1859]

Watched every single second of it start to finish 👌👍

[@obama_yo_mama4653]

I been supporting Ngannou the whole way, GOAT been saying it since he beat Stipe in the 2nd fight, he ALWAYS finds a way to compete, that is what I see, he works hard and rises to the occasion every time.

[@28daveslater-cj9oh]

hbo should make a mini series, Francis' life is just too much content for a single movie.

[@laurapardoe5347]

I respect you made this all about Francis . Ive heard others using it to rip apart Tyson . That is just taking away from the great job Francis did...im so happy for him. He has inspired millions 🎉🎉🎉

[@jamesojuoke]

Francis is an inspiration. From being doubted to being revered

[@SoChoLot.]

Much respect to Turki Alalshikh 🙏

[@MedlifeCrisis]

So many of the world’s greatest fighters through history have been absolute knobs. And we got that sometimes you need to be like that to be a champion in the fight game. I just love that Francis, the baddest man on the planet, is such a chill dude. What a calm, likeable guy. So happy for him.

[@let_ben_beat7725]

I re watched all of ariels victorylap videos just to get hyped up for today’s victory lap and he didn’t disappoint

[@195anouar]

?When did he a victorylap aswell

[@irvinflores6284]

I just don’t get why he does a victory lap when it’s not his victory. I get talking about the story but a victory lap?

[@boxingstraighttalk6599]

Class act, fair play fràncis. He should keep boxing . Hes proved a lot of people wrong including me .

[@jasonsmithy8472]

listening to Donn is so refreshing after 20 years of Dana and bland Scott

[@emmanuelyarbrough9821]

Ariel didn’t show those tweets because Francis was right.. it was all about Ariel and only about Ariel as usual lmao

[@f4llenstarr]

The Ariel x Eddie Hearn link ups are always humorous to me. GG Ngannou, what an absolute legend.

[@drmo108]

Bro!!!! Love the new intro!!! Great job

[@kieran941]

Ariel SNAPPED on this one😂 never heard him cuss so much aha This the Ariel I WANT! Talk that shii and hold to your word as you are. Stand tall Helwani!

[@thomasmunnich9575]

Didn't like it at all

[@sawyerolaf]

​@@thomasmunnich9575good thing your opinion is trivial 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@walterkaiyuenpang3556]

Potty Mouth Heelwani ROASTING ' Haters ' is just pure 🍿🍿🍿

[@TheQuantumGemini]

Best combat sports show on KZbin.

[@Ruminator]

The Macho Man costume is on point

[@abomargiani6240]

Ngannou is a living legend! 👏

[@DailyNoise365]

I've been a massive fan of Francis since the Gane fight.. the perseverance wow! He's a huge inspiration, thank you Francis! You did it! 👑

[@winged_detective]

"Fumbled The Bag" love it! Hook me up! Definitely buying it. Love everything about this mans story and work ethic. Let's go champ.

[@gregspencer7287]

This is Ariel’s crowning moment. When the inevitable Francis documentary/ movie is made, Ariel will feature heavily.

[@ednicolle2456]

this was Ariel's best monologue IMO. pure vibes only

[@Gaza365]

😂 Eddie is trying to sneak Bloody AJ in the mix 😂lmfaol. Weldon King 🤴 Nghanou 💙👊🏽

[@epyon7773]

His stamina really impressed me.

[@tdunde]

I love this intro!!!

[@Mostly_bad]

Man I’ve been waiting for this presentation of receipts…

[@cheshirecatsquirrel-master5842]

Shoutout to PFL.

[@healthwithmarcus]

There are indeed so many lessons in observing Francis' story.

[@haloguyfgd4]

Ariel already has the photo framed. That’s awesome. 😂😂😂😂

[@Trippseay]

This is…how do I say… GLORIOUS

[@jessebear366]

This is the greatest episode of all time . I have been waiting for this one for over a year!

[@khalinm]

This is the greatest episode of anything ever 😂

[@AjCxOfficial]

Why is no one giving props to Mike Tyson? He’s literally the reason behind Francis’s success in Boxing!

[@JGAbstract]

GC is the greatest thing to happen to this show.

[@joshreilly4698]

Watching Francis drop Fury and seeing fury's face and Francis pouncing in front of him in Round 3 was by far top tear highlight in history of boxing

[@rowforlsu]

Great interviews wow

[@koma2000music]

I said it before (and I have receipts lol) - This is the best show on Earth!!

[@martinparrott9264]

Can't wait for the movie, his life story amazing 😂 such a HUMBLE MAN.

[@000l4]

I think ive seen that "petrified" look in AJs eyes too 🧐😂 Dont be so confident Francis won't make him have that look again 😉

[@rspct9654]

Ariel already openly biased for Eddie Hearn smh

[@bigben42]

He does have a bit of a crush on Eddie

[@wrasslin4552]

How so? He clearly went back at him.

[@mathewbryant31]

Think people are really underestimating professional boxers, after seeing a unfit and unserious fury fight Ngannou

[@jahmusicmansionwhererealre3920]

No that is why most are shocked now. This hasn’t changed anything. This is heavyweight division and this is Francis. Anything could’ve happened. The lower weight classes get their respect from fighters because that’s their wheelhouse but people like testing themselves. Why is it a defect to aspire to be great?

[@thegreenjedi1792]

Eddie's face when Ariel told him what Turki said ,😂

[@corspencer]

Basically the whole MMA community turned their back and sided with dana. Now everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon, except for Ariel!! This dude and a few other's actually stood up for francis!! Hold this goddamnn W bro.. your the real mvp 💯!!!

[@paulclarke5420]

I am writing this after the AJ Ngannou fight. (I am also a boxing fan). Ngannou shocked the world with this fight! I scored the fight I favour of Fury (only just.. and I am biased). On the night I thought the decision might end up a draw. Ngannou made so much money from the Fury and AJ fights that I have to say I think he made the right move. Yes AJ cleaned his clock.. but this does not take anything away from Ngannou and the Fury fight. Simply amazing and hitherto unheard of. Well done Ngannou!!!!

[@norvalcarnevale3534]

Love Ur show Ariel .,.....from Edinburgh brilliant how u have Francis back.....keep it going my pal.....👍

[@xHULLxDADDYx]

I love that the entire episode was devoted to Francis. He absolutely deserves it and more. Congrats to Francis, the baddest man on the planet. Great work to the team, as always. Hope all is well heading into the Holiday Season.

[@brooklynweaver1]

great podcast

[@seanellis5696]

thank god for GC!!!!!!!!!!!

[@adeolaanjorin4999]

the way he speak gives you a hint of his thought process, this man is a dangerous man, he is motivated by his flaws and he works hard to mitigate for them. the mindset is a dangerous thing. very dangerous.

[@1983mikechan]

I appreciated the Warning at the top.

[@A-DUBCLUB]

I was the one who said fumbled the bag.. but i took it back. I am all for ngannous to have his success. Congrats to him

[@iorilamia]

Fumbled life worrying about a grown man’s bag

[@rjstone2168]

Definitely is the baddest man on the planet

[@enriqued8220]

please do Deontay vs Francis! We need to see whos the best power puncher of this era.

[@TheCheco692001]

Dc bro thank you for what you did in the sport I remember watching you and screaming like a pig. You are a true champion

[@kobidraper]

Why didn’t you ask Turki Alalshikh how he scored the fight? It would have been interesting to get his opinion on the scorecards.

[@thomasmunnich9575]

Could have been such a good show. But Ariel can't help himself

[@jahmusicmansionwhererealre3920]

To you cuz you’re a hater. It was a great show. If his show wasn’t any good none of these people would get on it yet alone request to be on it. You’re all just a bunch of haters. Which amazes and amuses me because in as much as you hate him, you’re here….watching and commenting. Certainly you have more to do with your life than spend it on someone you have such things to say about? That says a tremendous amount about you.

[@lyndsayjones14]

I love how Ariel switches depending on his bias... gives credit to Strickland but has to keep mentioning some "excuses" for Israel. But no "excuses" allowed for Tyson lol.

[@calzirongaming1332]

Ngannou’s story is just inspirational

[@danielaryee9024]

😢😂😂😂😂am having a great time here on your show,,am crying and laughing at the same time boss,,you are just a genius and Francis need to droo you some cheque from his pay🎉

[@jermainecotton4406]

Is anybody listening to this guy?? Man I just gained so much more respect for pfl

[@tufflink8598]

that sounds like beatsbythepound a beat then switch to a mannie fresh beat at the end

[@pedaluppedalup9321]

the Montrealer is alot like ngannou, started on his own, proved himself and got a good corp on-screen situation, got demonised for his weather reports, placed on the sidelines, started back from scratch amidst what seemed like coordinated, unrelenting professional and personal attacks on all aspects of his being, still climbed to the top. all kinds of crap said about him, stood by his ethics, and still shines radiant truthful soul. MF'in Ariel Helwani

[@slutslayer3295]

Francis lost the boxing competition. But he won the fight ( schoolyard rules ) Who did the most damage is what matters

[@jimmyfrance150]

I see PFL growing massively...

[@martysmith2851]

Ngannou is 37 and is probably the most talked about combat sportsman in the world right now. I say he just needs to focus ONLY on big super fights and try to get any done IMO - Fury Vs Ngannou 2 (boxing) - Ngannou Vs Wilder (in boxing or mixed rules) - Ngannou vs Joshua (boxing) - Ngannou vs Jones (mma) - this has to be finale and pinnacle fight, (they both want it) the only issue is convincing the UFC to co-promote

[@zephyrleapold6796]

They were writing him off, now they wanna write him a check.

[@TheMatrixgod]

question does pfl have like a usada

[@PPFComics]

Well deserved victory lap

[@nicolaseckett2724]

I finished the build :)

[@TuggSpeedman-eh9ls]

Guru

[@pauldark3044]

Hearn to say Joshua will walk over Francis when AJ is the heavyweight that's most scared of getting punched 😂

[@306hdipug]

I’m a fury fan I think it was a draw 👍