Podcast

The Craic with Petesy Carroll

News, Sports, Wrestling

Irish MMA journalist Petesy Carroll talks to the biggest names in UFC, PFL, Bellator, Cage Warriors, boxing, and more. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday morning.

Wrestling chart
#141
Episodes
247
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
1 hr 21 min
On air since
2023
Latest episode
4 days ago

Episodes

247 episodes, newest first

  1. Canelo Fight continues despite turmoil, Sean Strickland settles pay dispute?

    Episode 246

    Show notes

    The Craic is back! This week, Ben Fowlkes and Chuck Mindenhall take the reins.

    First up, the duo unpack the controversy surrounding Canelo Alvarez’s return to boxing in Saudi Arabia amid ongoing safety concerns. There’s UFC action this weekend too, with Ben and Chuck looking ahead to Saturday’s Apex card (03:35).

    Jake Paul has also announced his return to the ring, only there’s one problem: he doesn’t have an opponent. The latest developments get the Craic treatment (22:46).

    Elsewhere, Sean Strickland is reportedly intended to defend his title against Nassourdine Imavov, despite recently speaking out about his pay (32:58).

    Then, the lads weigh in on the UFC’s plans for an interim welterwright title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales (41:15).

    To round out the show, Ben highlights his most recent Uncrowned piece on Joe Louis (55:52), the duo talk Halloween plans, then answer your Super Chats (01:10:57).

    1 hr 14 min
  2. Alexander Volkanovski's last dance, Alexander Volkov surprises Dana White

    Episode 245

    Show notes

    On a special guest edition of The Craic, Ben Fowlkes helms the ship alongside Eric Jackman and Craic debutant Dudey.

    After reacting to some of the standout moments from the UFC 333 press conference (05:09), the trio turn their focus to the main event between Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev (16:38).

    The co-main event is next on the agenda, with Petr Yan set to face Merab Dvalishvili in their trilogy fight (28:32).

    Next, Arman Tsarukyan and Dillon Danis’ brawl at the RAF 14 press conference gives the crew plenty to unpack (50:15).

    Then, the unfolding situation in Saudi Arabia and what it could mean for Canelo Alvarez’s next fight comes under the microscope (01:02:07).

    Last up, the trio answer your Super Chats (01:16:36).

    1 hr 21 min
  3. The value of being UFC champion, UFC lets Farid Basharat go, weekend preview

    Episode 244

    Show notes

    Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes are back together for another edition of The Craic.

    First, the trio debate the true value of a UFC title in an era where meritocracy feels increasingly absent (04:50).

    On a similar note, the lads react to Farid Basharat not being re-signed by the UFC despite going 7-0 (28:30).

    Next, the uncertainty around upcoming fight cards in Saudi Arabia comes into focus (46:47).

    To close the show, the boys preview this weekend’s combat sports action (53:04), and answer your Super Chats (01:18:13).

    1 hr 25 min
  4. Sean Strickland wants out, Fury-Joshua Tickets sold out, weekend preview, more

    Episode 243

    Show notes

    It’s a two-man show this week, with Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall holding down The Craic.

    Up first, the pair break down the fallout from Sean Strickland’s statement about UFC fighter pay (03:41).

    Then, the lads react to the Tyson Fury ticket vs. Anthony Joshua sellout and the latest in the Dana White-Eddie Hearn beef (25:01).

    The duo then touch on how attacks in Saudi Arabia could affect Canelo Alvarez’s upcoming Riyadh Season fight (45:50).

    Last up, Petesy and Chuck preview this weekend’s combat sports action (01:03:39).

    1 hr 11 min
  5. Dana White left out of Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua promotion, UFC 322 talk, more | The Craic

    Episode 242

    Show notes

    Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes return for another edition of The Craic.

    Up first, the trio react to the latest back-and-forth between Dana White and Eddie Hearn over the promotion of the upcoming Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury fight (07:29).

    UFC 322 is this weekend, but the buzz feels noticeably flat. The boys assess the lack of excitement surrounding the card (39:51).

    Attention then turns to Conor McGregor, with new developments emerging from the aftermath of his civil case and failed appeal (58:48).

    Before calling it a day, the boys answer your Super Chats (01:05:51).

    1 hr 10 min
  6. Dana White and Eddie Hearn wage war over Fury-Joshua, UFC 331 fallout, more

    Episode 241

    Show notes

    Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall and Ben Fowlkes are back together for another episode of The Craic.

    Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury is finally official and it’s happening in the UK. The lads discuss the long-awaited matchup (05:19).

    Next on the agenda is UFC 331, as the dust settles on Saturday night’s card (30:43).

    Elsewhere, the lads weigh in on Nikita Hand’s recent media appearances and the contrasting reaction to the Gable Steveson situation (49:02).

    The group then weighs in on the calls to ban oblique kicks from MMA, and whether the case against them really holds up (55:42).

    Looking ahead, this weekend’s action includes Darren Till taking on Yoel Romero at BKFC (01:04:02), as well as UFC Vegas 121 (01:09:36).

    To wrap things up, the boys answer your Super Chats. (01:23:39).

    1 hr 26 min
  7. Joshua Van's confidence, Arman Tsarukyan's chances, Tom Aspinall vacates, more

    Episode 240

    Show notes

    The Craic is back, with the trio of Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes returning.

    UFC 331 takes centre stage this weekend, with Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja clashing for the flyweight belt. Petesy, Chuck and Ben break down the main event and look ahead to the rest of the card (06:01).

    All eyes are on Arman Tsarukyan and his chances of earning a title shot. Is a win enough to put him next in line, or could other factors stand in his way (32:20)?

    Gable Steveson made headlines after taking some flak from opponent Sean Saraf at the UFC 331 press conference, giving the boys plenty to unpack (41:39).

    Then, the trio react to news of Tom Aspinall vacating the UFC heavyweight belt (50:01).

    Before calling it a day, Petesy and Ben discuss Scott Coker’s new MMA promotion, Ki MMA (57:11), before answering your Super Chats (1:14:00).

    1 hr 20 min
  8. Immediate rematch fever, vintage Dana White, Noche UFC preview, more

    Episode 239

    Show notes

    Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes are back for this week’s Craic.

    First on the docket, the lads discuss the moving parts in the UFC lightweight division, including who Ilia Topuria should face next (10:51).

    Dana White was in vintage promotional form this week. Petesy, Chuck and Ben weigh in on his latest media appearance (34:29).

    This weekend brings plenty of action, with Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn in the ring (49:28) and Noche UFC inside the Octagon (55:47). The trio preview both events.

    After some fantasy football debate, the boys answer your Super Chats (01:14:38).

    1 hr 19 min
  9. Instant reaction to Katie Taylor’s win and retirement at Croke Park

    Episode 238

    Show notes

    In a special post-fight reaction show, Petesy Carroll reacts to Katie Taylor's retirement fight win over Flora Pili at Croke Park.

    23 min
  10. UFC 332 main event mystery, Nassourdine Imavov next for Sean Strickland?

    Episode 237

    Show notes

    Our usual trio of Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes are back for this week’s edition of The Craic.

    UFC 332 is just a month away and still without a main event. The lads debate what could headline the Salt Lake City card (07:52).

    With the lightweight division also in need of some clarity, the boys turn their attention to Justin Gaethje, who has yet to return to the Octagon. What could be next for the UFC lightweight champion? (22:12).

    Then, They discuss the rumours that Sean Strickland could defend his belt against Nassourdine Imavov this December (30:29).

    This weekend sees UFC returning to Paris with Saladine Parnasse vs Dan Hooker (43:43), while Katie Taylor prepares for her retirement party at the esteemed Croke Park (57:49). The lads get into it all.

    To finish up, the trio answer your Super Chats (01:15:55).

    1 hr 25 min
  11. Dillon Danis pulls out again, Usman Nurmagomedov talks money, more

    Episode 236

    Show notes

    Petesy Carroll and Ben Fowlkes are back for a duo edition of The Craic.

    Dillon Danis has pulled out of his MMA fight with Mike Perry. The boys react to the news (02:11).

    Following her loss on Dana White’s Contender Series, Bella Mir has taken plenty of flack online. Petesy and Ben discuss the response to her defeat (23:21).

    Then, the lads weigh in on Usman Nurmagomedov’s claim that he turned down a $2 million offer from PFL (49:19).

    Looking ahead to the weekend, Petesy and Ben preview Moses Itauma’s return to the ring (59:05) and UFC Shanghai (01:03:41).

    To finish up, the duo answer your Super Chats (01:13:35).

    1 hr 33 min
  12. Usman Nurmagomedov’s next move, Din Thomas drama, weekend preview, more

    Episode 235

    Show notes

    The Craic is back in your life! Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes return as always.

    First up, the lads react to drama surrounding Eddie Hearn’s reported demands for the upcoming superfight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury (07:23).

    Usman Nurmagomedov is making headlines amid rumors of a potential PFL exit. The boys debate what a move to the UFC could mean for the undefeated lightweight (21:53).

    The trio then weigh in on the Din Thomas situation. Did he go too far with his post-fight analysis (42:33)?

    Edson Barboza has hung up the gloves. The lads reflect on the UFC veteran’s legendary career (52:37).

    To close the show, the boys preview this weekend’s combat sports action (01:05:10), and answer your Super Chats (01:09:03).

    1 hr 13 min
  13. MVP MMA's keys to success and threatening UFC, Anthony Smith reaction, more

    Episode 234

    Show notes

    The Craic is back! This time, it’s the OG duo of Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall.

    The biggest news of the week is the surprise MVP and PFL merger. Petesy and Chuck react to the newly-formed promotion (06:30).

    Then, they discuss the unfortunately familiar MMA story of Anthony Smith’s arrest (48:59).

    UFC is heading to Belgrade, with the lads previewing the card alongside the rest of this weekend’s combat sports action (57:23).

    To close the show, the duo answer your Super Chats (01:11:05).

    1 hr 15 min
  14. UFC ‘better' than boxing? Fury-Joshua In doubt? Weekend preview, more

    Episode 233

    Show notes

    Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes are back for another edition of The Craic.

    First up, the lads dig into Canelo Alvarez’s comments on The Ariel Helwani Show about boxing’s rivalry with the UFC (14:31).

    One fight boxing fans are still waiting on is Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua. The trio discuss the uncertainty surrounding whether the long-awaited matchup will actually happen (30:01).

    UFC Fight Night: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov is this weekend, with Chuck sharing insight from his interview with Ankalaev ahead of the fight (37:54).

    Later, the boys discuss the lack of buzz surrounding this weekend’s PFL event (47:20), before diving into Ben’s latest Uncrowned article on boxing’s greatest corruption scandal (53:48).

    After discussing the hype around The Odyssey, they close out the show by answering your Super Chats (01:07:41).

    1 hr 16 min
  15. Conor McGregor vows another comeback, UFC 329 numbers, weekend preview, more

    Episode 232

    Show notes

    On a special birthday edition of The Craic, newly 39-year-old Petesy Carroll is joined by Chuck Mindenhall and Ben Fowlkes to break down the biggest stories in combat sports.

    To kick things off, they break down the aftermath of UFC 329, including Conor McGregor’s vow to “be back” (7:27).

    Next up on the calendar is UFC Oklahoma City. The lads preview the main event Dricus du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman (43:11).

    After Justin Gaejthe said he won’t fight Paddy Pimblett, the trio debate who the UFC lightweight champion will fight next (51:01).

    Then, the boys talk PFL action this weekend (58:15), and regale tales from their week in Sin City (01:05:22).

    1 hr 21 min
  16. MMA mid-year awards, ‘quitting on the stool' stigma, UFC 329 preview, more

    Episode 231

    Show notes

    Petesy Carroll and Ben Fowlkes are back on The Craic.

    This week, they dive into their picks for Uncrowned’s MMA mid-year awards (08:20).

    Following recent criticism of Herb Dean, the duo discuss the current state of MMA officiating (51:35).

    Next, they tackle the stigma around "quitting on the stool," following Ilia Topuria’s title loss to Justin Gaethje (56:01).

    With UFC 329 just two weeks away, the lads assess Conor McGregor’s energy during his pre-fight media run (01:02:21).

    To close things out, the boys discuss their World Cup plans (01:11:15) before answering your Super Chats (01:17:24).

    1 hr 30 min
  17. Eddie Hearn's UFC stable growing, White House card global viewership, Usyk vacates titles, more

    Episode 230

    Show notes

    Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes reunite for this week’s episode of The Craic.

    First up, they discuss Ian Machado Garry’s move to Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency ahead of his upcoming title fight (8:30).

    Another high-profile Hearn client is Tom Aspinall, prompting a conversation about the current state of the heavyweight champion’s career (24:02).

    Dustin Poirier’s recent arrest footage also sent shockwaves through the MMA community. The lads discuss the fallout for the retired fan-favorite (51:10).

    The boys then react to the UFC officially releasing the global viewership figures for the White House card (59:50).

    The latest UFC rankings have also stirred plenty of debate (1:02:25), then Petesy breaks the news that Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his world titles (01:10:55).

    To close, the trio answer your Super Chats (01:16:55).

    1 hr 24 min
  18. Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane stoppage: Wrong call? UFC White House numbers, covering Conor McGregor, more

    Episode 229

    Show notes

    The Craic trio of Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes delve into the controversy surrounding Ciryl Gane’s finish of Alex Pereira at the White House. Did referee Herb Dean make the right call and how does this latest situation affect Gane (06:10)?

    Next up, they give their takes on UFC White House generating 17 million viewers and whether it will be seen as a success (31:31).

    Petesy then explains the Irish reaction to Conor McGregor’s appearance on Jimmy Fallon, which appears to have sparked outrage on the Emerald Isle (47:57).

    Finally, the Craic crew give their takes on Tyson Fury promoter Frank Warren revealing more reasons why Dana White will likely end up promoting the Fury’s fight against Anthony Joshua (1:17:37).

    1 hr 36 min
  19. UFC White House: Live report, security deep dive, historical context, more

    Episode 228

    Show notes

    The Craic is back with its usual trio of Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes. This week, all roads lead to the UFC‘s White House card.

    On site in the nation’s capital, Chuck shares his observations ahead of attending the historic event in person (04:31).

    The lads then lock in their official Uncrowned picks (24:51).

    Security has also become a major talking point surrounding the event. Drawing on insight from former Secret Service agents, Ben breaks down how the operation could work behind the scenes (41:36).

    Elsewhere, Conor McGregor made headlines due to the New York Times reporting he used ”banned drugs" while recovering from his devastating leg injury. The boys give their thoughts on the revelation (01:01:36).

    Fellow Irish superstar Katie Taylor has officially sold out Croke Park in 30 minutes. Petesy shares the mood in Ireland ahead of the historic occasion (01:11:58).

    To round things out, the lads talk World Cup buzz (01:16:35) before answering your Super Chats (01:23:06).

    1 hr 26 min
  20. Will UFC White House Card Boost Paramount Subs? Katie Taylor's Croke Park Dream

    Episode 227

    Show notes

    Petesy Carroll, Chuck Mindenhall, and Ben Fowlkes return for another edition of The Craic.

    Chuck kicks off the show by sharing his plans to attend the UFC White House card in person (4:43).

    Paramount also weighed in on its partnership with the UFC, outlining what they hope to achieve through the deal (16:30).

    After years of speculation, Croke Park is officially set to host Katie Taylor’s next fight. Petesy sheds light on the mood in Ireland ahead of the historic event (43:30).

    Fellow Irishman Conor McGregor’s reported sparring partners have also come to light. Are these the right names to help prepare him for his return (54:58)?

    Michael Bisping had some harsh words for Tom Aspinall regarding his recovery from eye injury. The lads examine Bisping’s apparent change in stance (59:50).

    To close up shop, the boys look ahead to PFL action (01:10:05), before answering your Super Chats (01:32:21).

    1 hr 38 min