UFC bans reporter for breaking news first
Ariel Helwani has been one of the most trusted and accurate reporters in the world of MMA, but after he lost his job at UFC 199 on Saturday, he has been banned from covering the sport's most popular promotion.
Helwani broke the news of Brock Lesnar's return to the UFC and the Conor McGregor-Nate Diaz rematch hours before they were officially announced.
Once the UFC realized the MMAFighting.com reporter beat them to their own announcement, he was escorted from the building and 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
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 developed a reputation for banning and threatening to ban reporters who don't cooperate with their wants, regardless of journalistic integrity, but Helwani is certainly the most high profile to date.
Helwani mysteriously left FOX Sports 1, who work in partnership to broadcast UFC, earlier this year.