Yesterday evening Ariel Helwani announced on Twitter that he had been removed from Saturday’s UFC 199 event in Los Angeles by Zuffa staff members prior to the fight cards conclusion and was told that he and his friends were now “banned for life”.
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
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
Here's hoping cooler heads prevail. I sincerely love every fighter & fan of this sport. You have helped me realize a dream. Thank you.
advertisement – continue reading below— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 5, 2016
While the UFC has yet to make an official announcement on the matter, it is believed that the promotion was angry with Helwani for reporting that Brock Lesnar was close to signing a contract to fight UFC 200, this prior to their official announcement which was made Saturday night.
On Sunday, some UFC fighters and one coach took to twitter showing their support for the host of “The MMA Hour”:
Hey @arielhelwani you will now always be the first person I call with news. #UFC199
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) June 6, 2016
That's unfortunate. I'll always answer his phone call, he's always been fair to me. https://t.co/sxer1PvuQa
— BONY (@JonnyBones) June 5, 2016
I just found this out. It's very sad. He's been the standard bearer in mma for a long time. I hope something changes https://t.co/PYwLq9Gtv4
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) June 5, 2016
.@postfightpress @arielhelwani don't know what happened but no way that can really go down.This sport needs the GOAT of MMA reporting
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) June 5, 2016
Hope @arielhelwani situation gets resolved. One of the few mma journalists I enjoy speaking to #FreeHelwani
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) June 5, 2016
How do you feel about Zuffa officials giving Ariel Helwani a lifetime ban? Sound off PENN Nation!