UFC 296 Reaction, Alexandre Pantoja, Michael ‘Venom’ Page, Geoff Neal, Andre Fili, and more

The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani

Ariel Helwani around (8:49) wraps up UFC 296 and discusses Leon Edwards’ title defense, Colby Covington’s controversial comments, the brawl between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis, what should be next for Edwards, and more. The panel then gives their takes on the memorable final pay-per-view for the UFC, including the futures of Paddy Pimblett and Tony Ferguson.

Alexandre Pantoja around (1:04:02) discusses his UFC 296 title defense against Brandon Royval, the UFC 296 pre-fight press conference, why he feels bad for Royval, how Royval improved from the last fight, celebrating the win iwith Leon Edwards, how Gilbert Burns’ kids ended up in Octagon, Brandon Moreno’s next fight, and more.

Andre Fili around (1:33:04) discusses his UFC 296 win over Lucas Almeida, pro wrestling, his recent dog’s death, the tough decision he had to make, his performance, why he didn’t jump on the cage, how his UFC career at times has been a “nightmare,” what he’s been chasing in the Octagon, and more.

Michael ‘Venom’ Page around (2:00:44) talks about how his deal with the UFC came together, who he wanted to sign with when he became a free agent, his first formal meeting with Dana White, the financial aspects of his deal, how long he expects to fight in the UFC, taking cues from Michael Chandler's move to the UFC, White's announcement of his signing, his matchup with Kevin Holland, his hatred for the recent trash talk in the sport, his assessment of Leon Edwards' performance against Colby Covington, his dislike for Covington, his desire to ultimately fight Edwards in a UK stadium, his thoughts on KSI vs. Tommy Fury, and more.

Geoff Neal around (2:28:49) discusses how his rebooking with Ian Machado Garry came together, his reaction when the fight was confirmed, the health issues that forced him to withdraw from the first fight, his reaction to the T-shirt Garry created of his mugshot, starts his car with a breathalyzer, what happened the night of his DUI, how he feels about trash talk in the UFC, reaction to Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington at UFC 296, and more.

The panel then around (2:42:42) discusses Tony Ferguson’s future after this UFC 296 loss, Conor McGregor vs. Paddy Pimblett, Bryce Mitchell’s knockout, Strickland vs. DDP brawl, MVP vs. Kevin Holland, Jake Paul vs. Andre August, and more.

The parlay boys around (3:48:56) look back at their latest selection, and GC recaps his picks for UFC 296.

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