Ariel Helwani On His MMA Career, The UFC & What’s Wrong With Dana White | Open Invitation

1:24 - Ariel’s background before the MMA scene
2:45 - Getting into broadcasting at Syracuse University
4:00 - Wanting to be the Howard Cosell of MMA
4:53 - Early career covering MMA
10:06 - The dominance of UFC
13:00 - Early relationship with Dana White
14:35 - Where things went wrong with Dana
18:12 - Working with ESPN and their relationship with UFC
20:45 - “Why can’t I be the best?”
All of Ariel Helwani’s MMA battles have occurred outside the Octagon. He’s been threatened, banned and fired, but he keeps on fighting. He’s self-made. He’s humble. He’s Canadian. He’s next up on Open Invitation with Stephen Brunt.
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[@kentuckyblugrass]

Ariel kept saying "Why can't i be the greatest?" I've been watching MMA since 2002 and as far as I'm concerned his name is synonymous with the UFC. Ariel is to UFC Journalism as Joe Rogan is to UFC Commentating.

[@hrdlxs]

Facts

[@TheRubberMatch]

Kentucky Blugrass I want to see Ariel on JRE

[@jhamelin119]

you mean Joe "he hurt him bad" Rogan? or Joe "Have you ever done DMT" Rogan?

[@samuelayala5963]

Member when he got banned

[@oobydoobytooby4430]

If dana banned him joe banned him

[@SportsUniqueFootage]

This is a really good interview. A rarity nowadays. Interviewer clearly did his deep research and Ariel came prepared. Really good journalism when the field is dying

[@schneider0942]

Sam Kweon agree totally. Both are amazing interviewers . And ariel played the guest perfect

[@douggonzalez6785]

Nailed it

[@415d-w8x]

@Memesupreme he already is

[@mooseknuckle8334]

A "good journalist" is like a Unicorn.

[@daixer3156]

What's Ariel's fight record 🤔

[@neil338]

He took leap of faith, followed his passion & carved out a successful career. Respect Ariel 👊🏻

[@rotatingcats]

@Fake Account that's typically how all success goes

[@JJbones88]

When UFC partnered with ESPN, Ariel was like: You could not live with your own failure. Where did that bring you? Back to me

[@ezradaiquiri11311]

Lol damn, so true

[@Wuisini]

Joey E Ariel was like keep your friends close but your enemies closer 🤔🤫🤫🤫

[@bryanricco2916]

This is amazing, kudos brother

[@wolfprime]

💀💀💀💀💀

[@wolfprime]

@broootal Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

[@kanegarvey3188]

I feel he always gets a bad rap to be honest. It shows more character to ask Dana White an honest question than it does for Dana to shut him down and avoid the questions with name calling.

[@timoteojuans1964]

You can't say Ariel isn't a bit annoying though.

[@F4M05D4V35]

Definitely on the spectrum. That's what makes him so great.

[@bulianbrubillo7854]

Kane Garvey the Donald trump treatment

[@ismaluna9177]

He constantly gets a bad rap because he is an instigator for click bait

[@timoteojuans1964]

@@F4M05D4V35 he's a puke. Def not great. There are almost countless sports reporters that are better but he seems to have the UFC market cornered.

[@MrJay-ud9gk]

Ariel deserves this interview and many more. He needs to start getting the respect and credit he deserves. Best in the business!

[@samueljohnson9915]

Lol sure bud

[@ttb2356]

@@samueljohnson9915 if Ariel isn't the best ufc journalist, who is then?

[@stefansteffens8089]

Ufc journalist looooooooooool😂😂😂

[@ttb2356]

@@stefansteffens8089 wtf would you call it then?

[@stefansteffens8089]

@@ttb2356 Ufc rainbowpress commentator

[@silvertroutsongs121]

Ariel Helwani will be on the non fighting mount rushmore of MMA, his greatest flaws are also his greatest strengths. Such a barbaric sport is lucky to have someone so civilised and articulate with such a passion for it, platforming it to the masses 💪 props from Dublin

[@JungleScene]

well said and I couldnt agree more. To me Ariel is for sure on the mt rushmore of non fighter mma personalities. During the meteoric rise of the sport, for the better part of a decade the MMA Hour was the single most important show after a weekend of fights. He is partly responsible for the overall success of the sport.

[@Tbone1492]

Legend...The Bravery after getting banned he went right up to the studio and started Crying to the World with No Fear

[@silvertroutsongs121]

@@JungleScene haha no one called him brave, like no one said you could read 😎

[@alvaromartinmartinez5786]

MMA is not a barbaric sport. It may have some barbaric consequences sometimes on the fighters, but martial arts in general are based on respect, dedication and discipline. Anyway, I get your point, I only wanted to make this small appreciation. Greetings from Spain 💪

[@MrKobedagreat24]

Him and joe rogan for suree! Not sure about anyone else tho

[@edemdjokotoe6288]

Been a journalist for almost 40 years and a boxing fan forever, covering a few fights. I will be 61 in June and I must say I have awesome respect for Ariel. He's such a pro. I have learnt so much watching this interview.

[@seven_7173]

Ariel Helwani was never my friend- Dana White

[@F4M05D4V35]

"Conor McGregor was never my friend"

[@puntsize]

Blackjack is my only friend -Dana White

[@Tbone1492]

Nosy Fu****

[@thebrowhodoesntlift9613]

@@F4M05D4V35 "Sam was never my friend." -Dana White

[@hori83]

Dana White seems to be a cool 😎 guy. He helped a lot of people, but when you f with him, stepping on his toes, you can be real quick on his death list!... Dana 👨🏻‍🦲 gave Ariel 🧜‍♀️ (both girl names by the way🤪) an access to the UFC, years later Ariel stabbed him in his back. They wanted to get the word out on their terms. Ariel played the grinch to f up Christmas... and he knew he was wrong! He tried to bridle even cried, like back in the days he parried the istigator allegations. He did a good job in covering the sport, but he got a big ratty side too I don't like at all.

[@miless544]

You have to wonder how Helwani feels about the fact that, the guy who gave him all kinds of breaks and supports when he was a struggling journalist now hates his guts.

[@knightofnights1693]

Mixed emotions

[@juliusschmidt6304]

Pretty crazy to think about tbh

[@lachlanhenderson6311]

Who is the guy?

[@lachlanhenderson6311]

@@HydrateYoSelf oh right, I've literally never heard of dana supporting him lol

[@michaelestrada8262]

What breaks did Dana give him?

[@Readytogo11111]

2016: UFC put lifetime ban on ariel helwani and later requesting SHOWTIME to remove him from mayweather-mcgregor press conference 2018: UFC deal with ESPN 2018: ESPN recruited helwani to be their reporter Dana White: FML! Ariel Helwani: you can't stay away from me!

[@thefloridamanofytcomments5264]

He asked ESPN to release him but he was on contract.

[@notoriousosc1669]

He was banned for leaking the news of Brock Lesnar right?

[@KingGam123]

Yeah

[@MrBoDiggety]

The Dream... Dana: “Who has the first question? ... Arial: “So....”

[@dogman5028]

@@MrBoDiggety Nah, you know who has the first question, and it's not Ariel.

[@ghuck100]

Ariel is the best UFC interviewer, always on the mark and ask the questions no one else does.

[@marshan1226]

Yeah you’ve lost your mind

[@kevinpereira381]

He tries to piss off people for a story

[@FPScanadaPC]

he lies to peoples faces while interviewing them.. making people think other people hate tthem. he is a snake

[@steveharris7189]

And is always respectful

[@MinoritiesRlazy]

@@FPScanadaPC he’s a sneaky sneak snake ssssslithering silent sneaky sneaky snake 🐍

[@puntsize]

I met Ariel @ Penn vs Hughes 3, he was extremely friendly with everyone.

[@jq7323]

@Raging Ebola yeah he did actually. I was there

[@mpuchar5003]

@@jq7323 I was there. He met him.

[@daixer3156]

​​I was there also! Both commentator's above me knew he was there. Not too sure if they both met him. Nice guy from what I've heard.

[@martinpeck7812]

"Roger Goodell won't throw you you of the arena" I think dave portnoy would have something to say about this

[@matthewdoolan2257]

To be fair, David Portnoy is an idiot

[@corya1584]

Matthew Doolan lol an idiot worth 40 million dollars. How much are you worth, oh enlightened one? 😂😂

[@xdmobb17x17]

@@corya1584 money don't make u smart dude

[@mosaid1114]

I truly enjoy the way Ariel Helwani reports UFC. He's so good and professional. He always show equal respect to all the fighters. I am so glad he showed integrity under so much pressure. Respect to you sir. I hope you can read my comment.

[@charlesreeves7004]

Mohamed Said is this a joke?

[@athenazoey5093]

he is an examplr of a Journalist without an inspiration...

[@cheezytacos]

Great interview. Ariel is by far the GOAT MMA reporter/journalist. His work for the NBA has been super impressive as well. Keep going Ariel!

[@MusicHead480]

"On his mma career"? Makes it sound like he's a fighter lol

[@plasma9839]

A R C A N E lmao I was like there’s no way he was a fighter at one point

[@MrPrincewill]

Only reason I was watching this 😂

[@pixuull]

“Why can’t i be the greatest”

[@kycoolin24]

Legit what I thought lmao

[@bes03c]

The clickbait worked on me too.

[@OzunaDelivers]

Real MMA fans will always respect Helwani for what he has done for us, true GOAT

[@daixer3156]

What's his fight record?

[@thomasmarshall6035]

I’m really excited for Ariel’s book he has mentioned. I find his down-to-earth personality so endearing. Always asking the tough questions while eating the crust second.

[@klaiken989]

I know right. Always pealing the orange before throwing the peels away. Empties the litterbox before Mr. Scratchers comes back. What A Journalist.

[@mikeschafer4440]

Lol @ the metaphors

[@wolfprime]

Ariel very quickly became the face I associated with MMA reporting. His ‘from fan to the man’ story is genuinely inspirational and can be applied to nearly any industry. He had a dream and is making it happen. He seems like a good dude and has a handsome family.

[@daixer3156]

I don't think many know he was a fighter himself. I think he forgot to mention that in this interview 😮

[@professorchaosX94]

The best interview in the business. Would like to see him go on a walk with Mazvidal or GSP like he did with Jones or McGregor.

[@fluffyfanman]

Agreed. Hes very underestimated and hushed cause Dana dont like him but hes the best interviewer w the most longevity he deserves more credit. The real mma fans know hes been a crucial part of knowing who the fighters are outside of the cage. I used to fight in Thailand so I know the deal

[@najahbrah]

I wasn't expecting to sit through this entire interview. Was gonna quickly 'check in' and see what it was about. Watched the whole thing. Incredible interview!

[@howiwatchvideos]

Please tell us more about your incredibly interesting life.

[@elmysteriousman9908]

Why wouldn't you watch the whole thing? Stupid. Shut up!

[@FRESHKIDEVAN9]

Dude same lol it pulled me in I swear

[@daixer3156]

​@@howiwatchvideosSo a GOAT and a MMA commentator walk into a bar...

[@Tmark3324]

I love Ariel. Deserves everything he gets, he’s the man

[@stefansteffens8089]

he is a fu weasel and you guys are fanboys😂😂😂

[@Anonymous-rz6vq]

@@stefansteffens8089 no, you're just a bandwagon. You don't even know why you don't like him, you're a sheep. Ariel's very good at his job. Better than every other combat sports journalist.

[@Burt_Sampson]

Stefan Steffens sheep

[@Burt_Sampson]

Stefan Steffens simp too

[@stefansteffens8089]

don't be mad fanboys😉👍

[@thelonesomewanderer8359]

great chat, I still feel ariel doesn't get enough respect he's great, always go to view ariels news and takes on things before anyone else.

[@steveb9713]

Both these guys get the best interviews out of superstar athletes, great work

[@fat12boy52]

He deserves way more respect than he gets

[@daixer3156]

Respect is earned. Not given. And he's earned it despite all the drama he's gone thru lol

[@mustafakhan940]

0:48 It's honestly unfair that Uncle Chael made money by fighting in a cage and looks better than most movie stars

[@William971]

u can show up hungover for a movie production set, not fighting.

[@nickdiazarmymfers8582]

Hahaha true

[@kirktaggart6491]

@Ken H. Ngl He do be lookin kinda handsome doe😳😳

[@lisetteeliseparis7070]

I'm so crazy about Uncle Chael that I can't even see straight, but Mrs. Brittany understands, thank God. El Cucuy is my favorite active fighter, and Chael is my favorite retired. He's Hall of Fame of me heart.

[@leezhukov9119]

8,10 years ago chael was super handsome, lean and mean

[@edvinroman7933]

Ariel is the best MMA journalist and asks things all the fans want to know, this makes fighters uncomfortable so as Dana but he does his job like no other.

[@Nvbeatz]

Solid interview. Hope Ariel and Dana make up, I think what happened happens when you have two very ambitious and ballsy men go up against each other.

[@joer8854]

Dana obviously didn't understand the job the man has. It's ok to admire and respect the guy but to do that he should have understood that in the end he's a reporter and his job is to report.

[@Cutlass_Rudd]

Doubt it, did you miss the part of the interview where he said ESPN had to stand up for him "right away". That means Dana tried to get him fired just like he did at Fox but ESPN didn't let it happen.

[@arthurcurry2003]

MrNvbeatz why do you want them to make up? It makes no sense. They can each succeed I. Their own thing and actually are. “ oh but I want them to be friends again” 😒. Please.

[@Cutlass_Rudd]

@MrBrenman21 He was hired before the UFC deal was done

[@Cutlass_Rudd]

@MrBrenman21 Its what he said in the interview, was he lying?

[@HaroonKhan-jk3fh]

Honestly very inspiring hearing his story, sacrifices and hard work. After every ufc fight I always look forward to his post fight interview on his show

[@jerminator0688]

Worth watching every minute. Ariel deserves everything that comes his way. Best in the business.

[@tonyferguson8751]

Jerm Inator 💯

[@MegDalton904]

You can always count on Ariel to have all of the facts and any breaking news out there. He is a huge part of my love of MMA and the ufc! He is my go-to broadcaster/news outlet/podcast for all my mma news! Ufc and mma and sports in general wouldn’t be the same without him!! I look forward to his content and shows every week! He is a great TV personality and a great journalist! I really enjoyed this interview!

[@theDavidChannel1]

I really dig Ariel's passion and love for the craft.

[@ramae86]

Great interview! Ariel is a great journalist and should get all the credit he deserves! I love listening to all his podcasts and interviews keep them up x

[@ImVeris]

“Ariel Helwani on his MMA career” Who the hell titled this?

[@TheAVBPodcast]

Really fantastic conversation. Nothing but respect for both of these professionals.

[@TraplordBeats]

20:05 The way he held his kids up like dogs 🤣🤣🤣 and then the dog itself hahaha

[@thedreamsoldiers]

For some of you newer fans, back in the day Ariel was one of the only guys getting the good interviews...like AT ALL. It was before social media had really taken over & we really didn’t hear from the fighters if it weren’t for helwani. He just seemed to ask the questions all the fans wanted to hear

[@martingroulx9679]

Excellent interview. Ariel’s integrity is unquestionable.

[@caseyglassfield83]

Except when it comes to Ali.....never probes with the tough questions, just skims over them out of fear he'll lose access to the fighters he manages

[@darrenjpeters]

Get off the drugs, you fool. Ariel has no integrity.

[@VinceG18]

Martin Groulx integrity? Lmao. Really? Ariel?

[@folodarolo]

@@caseyglassfield83 didn't he lose all access to Ali's fighters ages ago? They had a falling out...

[@stefansteffens8089]

and only to push his own fame. No honor just a weasel

[@chasethesunshine]

This was such a great interview! Ariel is known as an instigator but there's no love lost. Watch interviews with people that don't get annoyed at it, if they don't like it he backs off, there's no bad intentions with his ways, he just wants to tell the story. His values and integrity are what makes him shine! Looking forward to what the future holds for him!

[@connorstanton1202]

I met Ariel once at a UFC show before, such a nice guy.

[@tonytorres1624]

One of the best journalist,highly educated,smart,incisive,respectful,we could learn a lot from them.

[@laurajanecaporusso]

Great interview. Wish Ariel all the best. He really does deserve it.

[@michaelyoung1070]

There are so many key figures that have helped build MMA that have never strapped the gloves on or stepped in the cage. Ariel Helwani, Brett Yokomoto, Luke Thomas and Big John McCarthy are a few that come to mind. When we look back in another 20 years, I hope people think about the impact they have had on the sport we love.

[@ziigzagg42o63]

Love Ariel helwani such a good spirited guy 👊🏻

[@phillip23x]

Ariel will be the GOAT journalist for MMA when it’s all said and done, if he’s not already. We appreciate your work brother keep up the good work.

[@Ready4Rebirth]

This is a really good job interview!

[@jpfigue]

Say what you want about this guy but you gotta respect him. He's been doing it for so long and asks questions most people are afraid of asking. Respect

[@kayakfishin966]

Jeanpaul Figueroa like what?

[@jpfigue]

@@kayakfishin966 really? do your homework man.

[@deezy9622]

Ariel playing the “Jewish” card like its a suppressed unsuccessful minority

[@W..949]

Deezy a lot of Jews do this, I think to think of yourself as oppressed is a great motivator, but I’m sure in his own mind he also realised Jews are a ruling class in some ways and he will use that ethnic nepotism Jews have to his advantage.

[@bozolito108]

You weren’t listening. His point was the cultural pressure to be something else was the obstacle. He never mentioned oppression.

[@ShoneDaddy]

What else do you expect from these people

[@diegoreviewexpert2598]

Can we all just give a big thanks to mr. Helwani for always supporting the fighters and being as honest as he can be in the position he is in about the sport and how it truly works(business-salary/dirty good sides of the sport)

[@christianm2725]

Lmao "why can't I be the greatest" 😂😂 fkn ariel

[@jesstube112781]

He's asks questions that constantly piss Dana off, those exact same questions are the ones we wanted to know. Whether Dana realizes it or not Ariel was also one of the reasons the UFC took off over the years. Ariel always asked questions we all wanted to know, not the superficial questions, he asked actual questions that made Dana and fighters uncomfortable at times, but it's those questions that we want answered.

[@33greenleaf]

Ariel deserves zero credit for the UFC’s success. You’re delusional

[@JDillaRobot]

Yes Ariel Helwani has had a great mma career. Undefeated!

[@stefansteffens8089]

Dana beat him

[@blindbrad11]

mmajunkie and mmafighting were my favorites.. always listened to the mma hour and mmajunkie radio for my mma coverage.. wouldnt trade it for the world.. ariel keep ur head up homie..

[@JohnWicksPencil14]

I’ve watched the rise of Ariels career being an MMA fan for the best 15 years. He is the best journalist out there, and it’s a shame he and Dana had a falling out. They’re both pioneers of the sport

[@jwagner2578]

A genuine, hard-working, self driven guy who pursued his dream and overcame every obstacle in front of him...much respect to Ariel. Love the way he managed through adversity, and his attitude is fantastic. HE has every reason to play the victim, but has chosen not to.

[@ayo30s]

Very Nice interview although Mr Brunt didn’t get a chance to conduct the interview, Ariel just took of answering questions b4 they were asked, lol. 👍🏾👊🏾✌🏾🇳🇬🇺🇸

[@EricCKeys]

Such a good dude. Followed him for years and glad to see him where he is now from his humble beginnings.

[@physcadlickhan2676]

Nice one helwani !..iv always loved ur interviews with rampage....hahaha....good times man

[@Jmp153]

Physcadlic Khan right Ariel could’ve filed a me too against rampage lmao

[@ImHim6Fifty]

I’m glad I get to see the seats change and someone interview Ariel. I’ve seen him grow with the sport. He’s the Goat of what he does. Hands down! I haven’t noticed any of the fighters trash talk him.

[@matthewm3930]

It’s tough to be a Howard Cosell when you’re dealing with a huge corporate machine sometimes insecure about their image.

[@rhbx1752]

Ariel Helwani is the best MMA journalist by far. I have enjoyed his work for years now, keep it up Ariel!!

[@lxvlx]

Best at asking all the click bait questions, yes. As for actual journalism, Luke Thomas would be my pick.

[@stefansteffens8089]

so you guys love journalists?😂🥴😂

[@chrisaguilar1410]

Alex Luke Thomas is a shill. Very knowledgeable about fighting but a shill nonetheless. Almost as bad as Brett.

[@colesteeleA]

I remember when Bob Ayrum gave him his first big break of an interview, right out of Syracuse. Ayrum gave him his first salacious quote , something to the effect of MMA fighters look like “homosexual activity.” The guy has been prodding everyone in MMA for a salacious quote since. More of a TMZ type than journalist.

[@leecro83]

That's how hes portrayed by fox and now espn but hes had great stories and hes basically the woj of MMA. he knows it before anyone else

[@johnathonkelly5117]

He's more than just a guy prodding for a salacious quote. He's literally the best MMA reporter out there. He gets as big an ovation at press conferences as the fighters. Ariel is the man

[@colesteeleA]

@Johnathon Kelly See Eddie Goldman, Josh Gross etc. There are a multitude of far superior MMA journalists. Ariel just catches the light just right now. Also, many of the better journalists have been blacklisted by Dana.

[@benwebster4746]

I think Ariel IS THE GOAT journalist of MMA. He never gets thrown off his game no matter what is thrown at him. He stands his ground when it's time to do so. And most importantly, he always shows empathy no matter what attitude his interview exhibits. Rock on Ariel and you are most deserving of the ESPN contract you own sir...

[@JoseGarcia-vi3pu]

Ariel took over this interview lol, he answered the questions before they are asked. True veteran.

[@tomgoffnett5624]

WOW! What a wonderful interview. And what a beautiful family Ariel has. Liked, subscribed and hit the notification bell.

[@simomonster]

Dana white" Ariel has never been my friend, that guy is disgusting"

[@AMartin311]

I love the comment about how Roger Goodell wouldn't go to the point of kicking you out of the stadium just for pissing him off, he obviously has never heard of Dave Portnoy

[@RowdyChocolateOfficial]

05:58 Gordon Ramsay passes by casually

[@yogic_law]

You joker ... 😆

[@Ramms23]

Well deserved. One of the best MMA Journalist by far.

[@protatoclips8703]

He’s made the sport so accessible and really helped it grow tremendously

[@MoroccanInJapan]

Ariel is one of the best MMA reporters. His knowledge about the history of the sport is really so profound. You would know if you have been watching long term.

[@Mana_Bandana]

Ariel is a great interviewer and maybe even more of a psychiatrist to some athletes than the registered ones.. but don't shake hands, don't visit bars and keep distance!

[@nr1NPC]

do you also go back and watch when ariel gets banned from UFC and when he cries you also cry?

[@Jmp153]

Vipra Khalnayak do you cry in the shower when you think about your life lol jk

[@nr1NPC]

@@Jmp153 Yeah I actually do, in fetus position

[@VagifKasumov]

U think this is filmed and posted in the same day?

[@stephenshnayder7781]

@@nr1NPC lmao

[@benanderson2576]

Class act on both ends. Great stuff. Ariel is such a stand up guy and great journalist and reporter.

[@p0werl0ve]

the story with Dana White and why he will never forgive him, I guess: UFC have planned a very big promo thing and Ariel had a leak info on it. They asked him to NOT communicate these news, as they have put a lot of work/resources/etc into this thing. But Ariel leaked this information anyways. He has himself to blame - 10 out of 10 scenarios would end up like that, regardless if it was gonna be Dana White or Diana Black. He played it wrong showed complete lack of regard to the UFC. Now he can't stop crying about Dana not talking to him because he knows he is guilty but he cannot admit it and get over it. No wonder they ostracized him.

[@GoLdEnSn1pEr24]

We love you Ariel, you'll always be our beloved reporter no matter if you start fights between the fighters

[@christopherwhiteside4448]

Helwani is the 🐐

[@fall-out]

He is the Goat of MMA journalism/reporting/interviewer and probably always will be

[@SMASHTIME]

Ariel was more concerned with scoups than anything else. He turned into a tabloid

[@sukisuzuki10]

SMASH TIME Scoops

[@stephaniechristy9402]

I disagree.

[@metalsalsa]

But thats literally what reporters do. They inform the public. You can say thats sleazy but thats their job.

[@MachTuck]

Ariel is great at what he loves to do, support him a 100%. You rock Ariel

[@mrzazzaable]

When ariel goes to the hairdressers "What you want fam?" "Cancer patient with 5 days remission" "Say no more"

[@judybarcenas530]

Ariel respected every fighter in the game, he sticks to the fighting game plan by reporting what is apparent inside and outside of the matches. Keep going Ariel.

[@truboss9470]

The dude is extremely selfish tries cut other journalists people off from succeeding just so he can be viewed as this legendary MMA figure. Literally tried to get the MMA Hour taken away from Luke Thomas when he left for ESPN. You are no saint Ariel.

[@unknowninfinite8081]

Nobody is a saint in this hell place called Earth.

[@claypotts2334]

Luke is intelligent and deep but he doesn't have what Ariel has

[@archiehickox6518]

@@claypotts2334 Luke isn't likable.

[@archiehickox6518]

Ariel has laughed in his life. Luke Thomas hasn't. Ariel 🐐

[@stefansteffens8089]

a legendary mma figure?you guys are a joke😂😂😂

[@jasonpatrick5660]

2 of my absolute favourites. Both of these guys are so intelligent and it comes across in their interviews.

[@MarcosConcepcionJr]

“If they don’t like you, they can choose who you are, and what you do” Buddy, so does every company that you need a press pass for. There’s allot of reporters that the NFL, NHL AND NBA doesn’t give again press passes to. I love Ariel, but the reason he’s not liked is because he can’t keep a promotional secret to him self when he says him self that he’ll keep it a secret until is time to release the news. That’s why the UFC doesn’t like him. Which is a bit understandable.

[@lisetteeliseparis7070]

Which is why I'm a fan of Dana. All the way.

[@sukisuzuki10]

Marcos Concepcion Jr. How may secrets did he expose ?

[@MarcosConcepcionJr]

sukisuzuki10 one. And one is enough to lose someone’s business and trust.

[@shaythiele1320]

You really have to tip your hat to this guy for always keeping his focus and pressing through the obstacles to achieve his goal

[@mrsingh8737]

Your the man been watching since the beginning.

[@flyinpolack6633]

Ariel does a good job. I enjoy his interviews a lot. Cool to see him interviewed

[@DB-ss6ch]

Ariel, you represent us well, it’s guys like you that give us Canadians a good name, keep up the great work, been a fan since the start. Hope we’re back to MMA can fight each other without hatred or prejudice and show respect, shake hands and honour each other in victory or defeat. (We’ll we can subtract a few characters from that statement, but on their defence it’s only the entertainment side) And back to fighting for sport and fun rather then fighting virus and wars ! I wish everyone from all over the world the best in fighting this virus and getting through it , don’t forget about your elders ! They put up with us for over 70 years , they deserve our due diligence, in reducing the reducing the spread ! Whoa That was long ! Been sick on day 11 I think the worst is done, we’ll I hope Cheers !

[@youngserg19]

Gotta give credit to Ariel Helwani for putting in the work & never giving up on his dream!! 🙌🙌🙌 hate him or love him, he made a name for himself!!!

[@RS-kt6bo]

Tony Ferguson is the type of guy to stare at Ariel's nose through his sunglasses.

[@Christopher25S]

Ariel is the greatest to doit. I know it might be hard for Dana to accept, but Ariel help build this sport from infancy. The key players in the UFC formula that make it work are; Dana White, Joe Rogan, Ariel Helwani and Bruce Buffer. As far as the broadcasting and promotional side. They are the dream team.

[@kayakfishin966]

Christopher David Suryanarayan Ariel helped.....Dana put Ariel up front. Without Dana Ariel likely wouldn’t have grown this fast. Just reality

[@SirUnaiEmery]

@@kayakfishin966 without ariel a lot of his fighters dont get air time

[@nope8737]

I respect Ariel and what he does but he is and always has been an instigator. It makes for good entertainment though so whatever.

[@lisetteeliseparis7070]

I respect Ariel but can not stand how he asks stupid, gossipy questions. Props to the fighters when that occurs.

[@zType2]

@@lisetteeliseparis7070 Lost respect when I heard the dude weeping for pity from dana white lmfao

[@michaelestrada8262]

This P.O.S was being a real journalist not Dana’s puppet. He’ll get his

[@benjaminjackson6745]

Man. You haven't been along for the ride through Ariel's whole Career as it was happening if you don't feel happy for him and what he's achieved at this point!! He's truly beginning to come into his own.

[@immigranthustlemind8655]

He is a good journalist but bias and siding with certain fighters such as Conor made him never to be one of the best. Howard cousell was legend because he was impartial and big promoter.

[@oobydoobytooby4430]

Aden Aden let me guess your a khabib fan right?? What a joke

[@rowdyrod70]

Wasn’t Howard partial to Ali...

[@countybullet8289]

Ariel the best ufc interviewer by far. FACTS

[@majedmajed6068]

The sound is really low

[@Zartimus]

Great interview. Learned a few things I did not know before.

[@jfr6so]

He plays the innocent card but he has always been the “hey did you hear what so and so said about you?” “What’s your response?” He’s done a lot of good journalism but also an equal amount of petty TMZ type gossip BS.

[@ES-pr8bt]

jfr6so he asked the questions a lot of reporters won’t because they’re scared to. That’s what makes him great. Dana hates him because he don’t own him.

[@jamesnm21]

@@ES-pr8bt Dana dislikes him because he asks irrelevant, besides-the-point questions. Things that already happened and are over and done with.

[@ichigokurosaki0007]

@@jamesnm21 Dana wouldn't be piss if they were irrelevant question.

[@jamesnm21]

@@ichigokurosaki0007 that's not the only thing he does, but that's one thing that I've seen Dana get annoyed at. Fighters also get annoyed at him for some of his nosey questions.

[@stefansteffens8089]

@@ES-pr8bt scared of what? keep dreaming boy, he is a fake and weak human being!

[@draakmanz]

Ariel asked questions nobody else wanted to ask. Respect and kudos to him