Why does Dana White hate MMA journalist Ariel Helwani?

Dana White and Ariel Helwani probably have the longest standing and most fierce rivalry in all of MMA. However, can it really be called a rivalry if the henchman is calling all the shots?

Ariel Helwani is arguably the most well-known MMA journalist that there is out there. Almost every prominent fighter, including the likes of Conor McGregor, has appeared on his show, as it not only gives the fighters good exposure to the MMA audience but the platform is also used by many to amplify the concerns that they might have, which they might feel will go under the radar.

However, before Helwani had a dedicated show, he was just another journalist who used to turn up at press conferences and other promotional endeavours put on by the UFC. While his breaking point with Dana White came in 2016, there were moments leading up to it that foreshadowed his eventual ban from all company events. One only needs to take one look at the plethora of compilations readily available on YouTube wherein Helwani can be seen asking the tough questions of fighters and White, being labelled an instigator in the process.

In 2016, however, Dana White announced that he was banning Helwani from any and all events held by the UFC, pronto, for an action by the journalist he labelled, ‘a weasel move’. Brock Lesnar had already enjoyed a stint in the UFC starting from 2008, before he returned to the WWE. In 2016, White had tried his best to keep the news of his blockbuster return a wrap, before Ariel Helwani leaked it, leading to his departure from any association with the UFC.

The two have continually traded barbs since – in 2017, in the build-up to the Conor McGregor vs Floyd Mayweather boxing bout, Ariel Helwani was removed from the event in its entirety. Additionally, Helwani also relayed his feeling of discomfort while he was working for ESPN, due to Dana White’s interference.

Related- “His record speaks for itself,” – ESPN issues a statement backing Ariel Helwani against Dana White

Ariel Helwani and Dana White get embroiled in yet another spat, this time at the behest of Paddy Pimblett

To say that Paddy Pimblett is having a rough week would be an understatement – on top of all the controversy that has come his way due to the Jared Gordon fight being awarded in his favour, Pimblett also faced the music when his appeasing actions towards Dana White drew the fans’ ire.

Sharing a podcast to talk about his fight and other things, Paddy Pimblett delved deep into Ariel Helwani – he alleged that Helwani had refused to pay him to come on and interview and that the journalist makes money through the fighters’ name. In the process, Dana White chimed in a few times and agreed, and said that it was ‘the best podcast’ he had been on.

Also Read- “Loves earning money off fighters,” Paddy Pimblett and Dana White embark on an UNHINGED RANT in a bid to expose ‘rodent’ MMA journo Ariel Helwani

Having trashed of all these claims, Helwani went on to prove why the monetary allegations were all a redirection from Pimblett’s own flagrant behaviour; additionally, he also had a few heated words for Dana White himself. Having not faced off against each other in a while, it seemed that Dana White and Ariel Helwani getting embroiled in some kind of tiff was impending, and this specific one doesn’t seem to be dying down just yet.

Also Read- “How much you’re paying me,” Paddy Pimblett taunts Ariel Helwani in his octagon interview after winning at UFC 282

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