Jonathan Di Bella describes appearance on Ariel Helwani's The MMA Hour as a 'cool experience'
Jonathan Di Bella voiced his respect for Ariel Helwani after making an appearance on the latter's podcast, The MMA Hour.
In December 2023, Di Bella traveled to Helwani's podcast studio in Manhattan for an interview. The two-time ONE strawweight kickboxing world champion discussed various topics with the Canadian-American journalist, including his ONE Championship tenure, potential super-fights, and his plans for 2024.
Earlier this month, Di Bella did a different interview with Calf Kick Sports where he was asked about his experience with Helwani. The undefeated kickboxing superstar responded by saying:
"It was a cool experience. It was in New York, it's like my second home. I'm always between Montreal and New York. But yeah, to go on Ariel's show, in downtown Manhattan, it was huge. It was a different experience. Different atmosphere. Great experience. Great guy."
Jonathan Di Bella made his ONE Championship debut in October 2022, defeating Zhang Peimian to become the inaugural strawweight kickboxing world champion.
Since then, the Canadian-Italian defended his throne for the first time with a unanimous decision win against Danial Williams in October 2023.
Watch Di Bella's interview with Calf Kick Sports below:
What's next for Jonathan Di Bella under the ONE Championship banner?
Jonathan Di Bella was scheduled to defend his ONE strawweight kickboxing throne against Prajanchai PK Saenchai, the ONE strawweight Muay Thai world champion, on April 5 at ONE Friday Fights 58. Unfortunately, Di Bella pulled out after a failed weight cut, leading to him being stripped of his world title.
On June 28, Prajanchai vs Di Bella will fight for the division's vacant kickboxing strap inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand for the ONE Friday Fights 68 main event.
The upcoming event also features Superlek Kiatmoo9, the ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion, competing in a non-title flyweight Muay Thai bout against Kongthoranee.
ONE Friday Fights 68 can be seen live and for free via the promotion's official YouTube channel and the ONE Super App.