Ariel Helwani, the most popular and recognisable reporter in the sport has revealed that he was escorted of the premises in Los Angeles and banned for life during UFC 199.
Helwani says he was marched out of the building after the co-main event alongside his longtime colleagues, E. Casey Leydon Esther Linn, not long after he broke a huge story that Brock Lesnar was in advanced talks to return to the promotion for a fight at UFC 200 in July.
It’s tremendously disappointing that a reporter of his caliber would be punished simply for doing his job, but it’s not the first time that Helwani has ran into trouble with the UFC brass of late, with Helwani also having been pulled from his ‘UFC insider’ role at FOX Sports recently amid tension behind the scenes.
Read Helwani’s full Twitter post about last night’s event below.
“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.
My long-time colleagues @ekc and @allelbows were also escorted out of the building w/ me. Sorry to report no post-fight coverage tonight.
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.
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.
Here’s hoping cooler heads prevail. I sincerely love every fighter & fan of this sport. You have helped me realize a dream. Thank you.”
