Anyone who thinks that in MMA rivalries are exclusive to fighters is mistaken. And UFC Shanghai rekindled an old animosity between businessman Ali Abdelaziz and renowned journalist Ariel Helwani. All because, at the event held last Saturday (29), in China, Umar Nurmagomedov was surprised by Song Yadong and, subsequently, Usman Nurmagomedov entered the octagon to protect him and almost assaulted the victor.
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As usual, the professional reacted to the controversial episode on his official YouTube channel and criticized the PFL star. At the time, Song , euphoric after achieving the biggest victory of his career in front of his family, friends, and fans, ran around the octagon and ended up confronting a desperate Usman, who even prepared an elbow strike. Luckily, the Russian stopped the movement and avoided a worse outcome.
However, Ariel did not forgive the athlete's reaction. Upon learning of the journalist's statement, Ali, on his official 'X' account, lashed out at him. According to the executive, Helwani has something personal against Khabib's team, largely because it is entirely managed by him, and he used the episode to vent the hatred he harbors. It is worth noting that, in the past, Abdelaziz and Helwani had a disagreement during an interview.
“Ariel Helwani, your constant negativity towards Khabib and his team is getting tiresome. Usman Nurmagomedov was emotional and heartbroken by what happened to his brother. When it comes to family, emotions can take over and any of us can react in the heat of the moment,” said the manager.
"I spoke with Urijah Faber and he told me that the team behaved in an extremely respectful and classy manner throughout the entire situation."
“Ariel, you’re a clickbaiter. You look for drama when people are going through tough times and turn that into content. That’s exactly why none of us want to give interviews to you. You can keep chasing controversy. We’ll continue taking care of our people,” she concluded.
Ariel Helwani in an interview. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook
Watch the controversial incident between Usman and Song.
Slow motion video of what appears to look like Usman Nurmagomedov trying to shove Song Yadong after the fight. pic.twitter.com/5LHINfM6TF
— MMA History Today (@MMAHistoryToday) August 29, 2026
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