After controversy, UFC lifts ban on reporter

Helwani (photo) is no longer banned by the UFC. Photo: Disclosure

One of last weekend's most controversial topics had a seemingly happy ending. The UFC lifted the ban given to journalists from the “MMA Fighting” website and will re-accredit them for its events after expelling the publication's team at UFC 199, last Saturday (4).

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Shortly before the victory of Michael Bisping about Luke Rockhold During the attraction, the website's team – made up of reporter Ariel Helwani, photographer Esther Lin and video editor Casey Leydon – was removed from the gym and banned for life by the UFC. The organization was angered by the fact that Helwani got a scoop and announced the return of Brock Lesnar to the UFC even before the official announcement.

Even though Helwani's information was correct, the UFC condemned the reporter's attitude. However, the ban had largely negative repercussions in the United States, which forced the organization to back down.

“The UFC will not prevent MMAFighting.com from receiving press credentials to cover UFC events. We respect the role of the press in our sport, but, in our opinion, we believe that the tactics used by your reporter went beyond the limits of the purpose of journalism. We are confident that our position was adequately communicated to the SB Nation editorial team [which owns MMA Fighting,” the organization said in a statement.

“MMA Fighting”, in turn, defended Helwani’s stance. “We appreciate the fact that the UFC wanted to review its position, but we respectfully disagree with the allegation that the tactics used by Helwani went beyond the bounds of journalism. We will continue to support Helwani’s work and the other contributions of our team members,” the website stated.

On his weekly program, the podcast “The MMA Hour”, Helwani stated that the UFC complained that the article was published without the organization being contacted to give its statement. However, the reporter said that, on other occasions, the UFC brought forward an official announcement precisely to avoid its scoop.