# Wild weekend recap, Andy Ruiz in studio, Katie Taylor, Joe Lauzon, news & notes

An episode of [The Ariel Helwani Show](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1724284031), 31 Aug 2026, 3 h 54 min.

Audio: https://injector.simplecastaudio.com/af6dbd20-2c90-47ff-9c0c-29246648c94b/episodes/7b8c2186-a181-41cb-ae9a-743023f78246/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=af6dbd20-2c90-47ff-9c0c-29246648c94b&awEpisodeId=7b8c2186-a181-41cb-ae9a-743023f78246&feed=_VN3RDrT

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping a wild weekend of combat sports, starting with Song Yadong’s stunning knockout of Umar Nurmagomedov, as well as brother Usman Nurmagomedov’s viral moment (01:30). Katie Taylor joins ahead of her highly-anticipated retirement fight at Croke Park to talk about headlining the historic venue, her plans post-retirement, the various tributes being paid to her career, and more (32:22). Ariel and crew react to Moses Itauma’s stunning loss at the hands of Filip Hrgovic, including foreshadowing comments by Itauma in now-unearthed interviews and Oleksandr Usyk’s thoughts on the fight, before discussing the embarrassing Duel Arena event (53:41). UFC veteran Joe Lauzon discusses his BKFC debut, including what it was like to fight at Fenway Park, preparing for his first boxing bout, the damage sustained from bare-knuckle punches, his UFC contract status, and more (1:41:03). Heavyweight boxer Andy Ruiz joins Ariel in-studio to talk about his comeback, his desire to be champion again, signing with Matchroom Boxing, his thoughts on Zuffa Boxing, his reaction to Moses Itauma’s loss, his son wanting to pursue boxing as well, releasing a diss track, and more (2:03:40). Ariel covers other news and notes, including Zabit Magomedsharipov’s successful return to competition, Muhammad Mokaev grabbing grappling gold, Justin Gaethje getting into motivational speaking, Dana White being asked about the secret location he’s teasing, and more (2:51:47). The show closes with your Super Chats (3:39:54).

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