God damn the UFC is ruthless right now…
Since being taken over by WME-IMG, a lot has changed for the UFC. Dramatic antics and trash talk have reached a whole new level, as the talent agency bosses shamelessly seek revenue.
Jobs have been lost, departments liquidated, but one thing remains a constant; the UFC holds a grudge. Whether it’s against fighters, other promotions or journalists, the UFC is ruthless in their approach.
The latest to taste the wrath of the UFC is MMAFighting journalist Ariel Helwani. It’s not his first time at the rodeo either, but it’s getting very personal now.
Ariel Canned From HBO Spot
Having been banned from UFC events before, as recently as UFC 199, Helwani is no stranger to the rough end of the UFC’s stick. This time, though, the promotion has reportedly got Helwani sacked from his HBO job covering Mayweather vs. McGregor:
Not working for @SHOsports anymore on the May/Mac tour. Just learned UFC specifically asked to have me removed. Incredibly disappointed.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) 11 July 2017
Took red eye from NY to LA only to get this news moments ago. Still credentialed for the tour and will also be in Toronto and NY. All good.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) 11 July 2017
This was a dream opportunity. I’m obviously very bummed but will keep on keeping on. Thank you, as always, for the support. Much love.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) 11 July 2017
Why did this happen, you ask? Essentially because Helwani is one of very few journalists who refuses to sugar coat. Without playing the UFC’s propaganda fiddle, Helwani is finding less freedom to perform.
What does a sugar coated UFC leaflet look like? A little something like this:
Dana White Selling Hard
According to a report onm MMAFighting.com, Dana White strongly believes Conor McGregor has a chance against Floyd Mayweather:
“I always respected Floyd. Floyd and I have had our moments in the public here and there but I’ve always respected Floyd and Al Haymon is a very smart guy. Very smart guy. It was actually a pleasure doing business with him.
“But Conor is a madman. Conor is a madman. He’s gonna let Floyd know what he’s gonna do and how he’s gonna do it and everybody’s been saying to me this whole time, “‘Do you think that Conor can really beat Floyd Mayweather?’ Pacquiao just got beat by a school teacher, okay.”
“I stopped doubting Conor McGregor a long time ago.
“Last night I landed at LAX and Conor landed at the same time from Ireland. We both landed at the same time and I was waiting for him to get out of the plane. He gets off a flight from Ireland, looks like he was just fitted at Armani, walks off the plan and says, ‘I will knock this man out within four rounds.”’
