MMAFighting.com announced late yesterday the the UFC had restored the media credentials of it’s editorial team, including lead reporter Ariel Helwani, photographer Esther Lin and video director E. Casey Leydon.
The lifetime ban from covering UFC events was also lifted.
The reversal comes after a public rebuke from the combat sports community, who disagreed with the UFC’s actions of escorting Helwani and his colleagues out of the arena at UFC 199.
MMA Crossfire Vault: MMA journalist Ariel Helwani escorted out of UFC 199, UFC declines to comment
The UFC released the following statement:
Following a conversation with the editorial team at SB Nation, UFC will not prevent MMAFighting.com from receiving media credentials to cover live UFC events. We respect the role the media plays in our sport and beyond, including MMAFighting’s ability to report news. However, in our opinion, we believe the recurring tactics used by its lead reporter extended beyond the purpose of journalism. We feel confident our position has now been adequately communicated to the SB Nation editorial team.
UFC’s goal as the world’s leading mixed martial arts promotion is to cultivate interest in its world-class athletes and events, and deliver for the fans. We will continue to introduce this sport and its athletes to new fans across the world, and we will do so by working alongside media across all platforms.
Helwani told his side of the story on a somewhat emotional episode of his “MMA Hour” show.
Helwani in particular thanked the MMA community for supporting him, and more specifically Kevin Iole, and the MMA media.
Social media reaction was swift:
Happy to report the UFC has lifted the ban on me and my colleagues. Cooler heads indeed prevailed. Now back to normal. Thank you again.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 7, 2016
And because of that, I'll continue to report for you the same way as before: fair and accurately. That will never change. Thank you, all.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 7, 2016
Again, the outpouring of support has been mind-blowing. I will never forget what so many of you did for me over the past few days.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 7, 2016
I am humbled by everyone's support. It's surreal, really. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'll never forget what you've done for me.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 6, 2016
Again, thank you. That wasn't very fun, but I promised long ago to always tell it like it is, and I'm happy I was finally able to do so.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 6, 2016
https://twitter.com/allelbows/status/739936512549081088?lang=en
Before I go off the grid 4 a few days, just wanted to share a post my dad has been posting on UFC's Facebook page pic.twitter.com/KK268zG868
— E. Casey Leydon (@ekc) June 6, 2016
Minutes after his lifetime ban was lifted, @arielhelwani joined SVP to explain what happened https://t.co/kyBAhPQvkW
— Stanford Steve (@StanfordSteve82) June 7, 2016
Got on a plane disappointed and sad about @arielhelwani & co's ban from the UFC. Woke up today and it's been uplifted. Common sense prevails
— Simon Head (@simonhead) June 7, 2016
https://twitter.com/SandhuMMA/status/739939880269189120
Didn't see them. Regardless @arielhelwani is my friend, enjoy working w/ him. Hope this gets resolved https://t.co/gVdqlPpAB5
— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) June 6, 2016
https://twitter.com/JESnowden/status/739895415621980161
https://twitter.com/jeremybotter/status/739894307704823809
BTW, @arielhelwani isn't joking about going out of his way to help people in MMA media. He has done things for me that he didn't need to.
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) June 6, 2016
Watching @arielhelwani trying to restrain his emotions right now has hit me right in the feels. Chin up, bro, you have a legion behind you.
— Stephie Haynes aka Democratic Terrorist (@CrooklynMMA) June 6, 2016
That dude @arielhelwani is laying the cards on the table on the MMA Fortnight right now. Stop what you're doing. https://t.co/gseaGBimR4
— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) June 6, 2016
Hey @arielhelwani you will now always be the first person I call with news. #UFC199
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) June 6, 2016
The reaction the @arielhelwani story is getting from media far beyond those who cover MMA should tell you how important/outragous this is.
— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohnMMA) June 5, 2016
very disappointed in @danawhite for banning @arielhelwani … you cannot be a credible sports league and ban people who report news.. sorry
— Peter Rosenberg (@Rosenbergradio) June 6, 2016
