As lifetime bans go, this one was pretty short.
On Saturday night, MMA Fighting’s lead reporter Ariel Helwani was escorted out of the Forum in Inglewood, California moments before the main event of UFC 199.
UFC president Dana White pulled Helwani from the media room and, at the request of CEO Lorenzo Fertitta, the journalist was told that he was banned for life.
COMMENT: UFC sets dangerous precedent as journalist Ariel Helwani reportedly receives life ban https://t.co/rlQOjM08y3
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 5, 2016
The promotion could not have expected the outrage that followed the decision and, on Monday evening, Helwani spoke at length about the growing tension between the UFC brass and himself – hinting at one scenario in the past when “it got physical.”
Hours after the live broadcast of The MMA Hour, the UFC released a statement explaining how they had decided to overturn the ban on MMA Fighting.
And although the statement does become a little petty in the second paragraph, it’s just a relief to see that a ridiculous situation has been resolved.
“Following a conversation with the editorial team at SB Nation, UFC will not prevent MMAFighting.com from receiving media credentials to cover live UFC events. We respect the role the media plays in our sport and beyond, including MMAFighting’s ability to report news.
“However, in our opinion, we believe the recurring tactics used by its lead reporter extended beyond the purpose of journalism. We feel confident our position has now been adequately communicated to the SB Nation editorial team.
“UFC’s goal as the world’s leading mixed martial arts promotion is to cultivate interest in its world-class athletes and events, and deliver for the fans. We will continue to introduce this sport and its athletes to new fans across the world, and we will do so by working alongside media across all platforms.”
