Helwani (photo) is permanently banned by the UFC. Photo: Disclosure
Canadian Ariel Helwani, owner of six consecutive “Journalist of the Year” awards at the “World MMA Awards”, is today the main name in the press specializing in mixed martial arts on the planet. As of last weekend, however, Helwani will no longer be seen at UFC events. After disclosing firsthand the big “scoop” that was the return of Brock Lesnar to the octagon, Ariel was removed from the gym where he was covering UFC 199 and banned by the organization from all his cards.
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“I was escorted out of the building by Zuffa officials before the main fight. My credential was taken too. I didn't see Bisping realize his dream. My friends E. Casey Leydon and Esther Lin (from the US site 'MMA Fighting') were also withdrawn with me. I love this sport and this work from the bottom of my heart. I didn't do anything unethical. I reported a news story about fights. That's it. And then I was told I was banned for life. Let’s hope that a cool head prevails”, Helwani published on social media.
Later, the journalist gave more details about the moments that preceded his removal from “The Forum” by the UFC team. “I was taken backstage by the UFC PR team and Dana White said I had to leave the arena. Dana mentioned that, based on what I had published, the Brock Lesnar was angry about the news being published early and that it could have ruined their business. He repeatedly said, 'Go cover Bellator, we don't want you here.' I asked him what I had done wrong and he said: 'You are very negative!'”, he revealed to the “Yahoo Sports” website.
The Ultimate organization presented its version of what happened and refuted that the dissemination of the news about Lesnar itself was the main motivation for the exclusion of Helwani and the “MMA Fighting” team. “This (the version that has been circulating) is not completely accurate. I'm not saying you don't have the job of reporting the facts, but in this case, the professional principles are to come to the UFC and have them comment on the story you're about to report, even if you get a 'no comment' ”, declared Dave Sholler, spokesperson for the event.
Helwani runs a weekly program, “The MMA Hour”, and promised to give more details about the episode in the next edition of the attraction, scheduled for this Monday (06).
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