The UFC’s habit of bullying reporters and controlling the news took a new twist on Saturday night when MMA reporter Ariel Helwani says he was kicked out of UFC 199 and banned for life.
Helwani tweeted the news of his removal from the show in Inglewood, Calif. at a little after 10 p.m. PT Saturday night just before the main event at UFC 199. The veteran MMA reporter had broken news hours earlier that the UFC was close to a deal with Brock Lesnar to fight at UFC 200. He beat the UFC on the news, as the organization made it public when they included Lesnar in their UFC 200 promo they aired later in the evening. He also tweeted about potential opponents for Lesnar, which may be a sensitive topic because the organization reportedly is not planning to release until Monday.
Here’s what Helwani tweeted about being removed and having his credential taken away:
I was escorted out of the building by Zuffa staff before the main event. Credential taken away, too. Didn't see Bisping realize his dream.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 5, 2016
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
My teammates and friends @Ekc and @allelbows are the very best at what they do. I wish they didn't have to leave with me. They did nothing.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 5, 2016
Here's hoping cooler heads prevail. I sincerely love every fighter & fan of this sport. You have helped me realize a dream. Thank you.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 5, 2016
The UFC has a long, concerning history of banning/kicking out reporters who report things they do not like. If you write negatively about Dana White or his personal life or talk about scandals within the organization, they will ban you. They rule with an iron fist, so to speak.
A UFC spokesperson confirmed that the organization took issue with Helwani’s reporting.
“I’m not saying you don’t have a job to report, but in this case [with Helwani], the professional standards are to reach out [to the UFC] for comment on a story you’re about to report, even if you get a no-comment,” Sholler said.
Helwani was fired by FOX in March supposedly again because the UFC was unhappy/uncomfortable with some of his reporting, such as encouraging fighters to explore free agency.
Helwani is not in their pocket nor should he be; he’s a reporter with a job to report. The UFC needs to become more professional and stop essentially violating the first amendment by silencing/punishing anyone who does not act like a perfect cheerleader for them.
