Dana White isn’t backing down.
Ariel Helwani, arguably the most recognisable journalist MMA journalist in the sport, has received a ‘life ban’ from the UFC.
The Canadian reporter, and his colleagues Esther Lin and E. Casey Leydon, were escorted from UFC 199 last weekend in California, and told they would never receive accreditation for an event again.
My long-time colleagues @ekc and @allelbows were also escorted out of the building w/ me. Sorry to report no post-fight coverage tonight.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 5, 2016
I love this sport & this job with all my heart. Did nothing unethical. I reported fight news. That's it. & then told we're banned for life.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 5, 2016
Helwani, who has gained respect amongst his peers and MMA fighters for his reporting, broke the news that Brock Lesnar was returning to the sport, and that Conor McGregor’s rematch with Nate Diaz is set for UFC 202.
COMMENT: UFC sets dangerous precedent as journalist Ariel Helwani reportedly receives life ban https://t.co/6O2ypLPghj
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 5, 2016
The reporter spoke about the life ban incident in depth on Monday evening, on his MMA Hour show, giving his side of the story. However, it appears there is little hope of a resolution between Helwani and the UFC.
According to TMZ, the organisation aren’t happy with Helwani for not contacting them before publishing the news about Lesnar’s return, and the McGregor v Diaz rematch.
Dana White reportedly said:
“He can cover all the events he wants, he just can’t have a credential.”
The UFC president also said the only way Helwani can attend UFC 200 is if he buys a ticket, and offered little hope the situation between the parties will be resolved, saying the ban will stand “As long as I’m here.”
