The UFC has rowed back on its decision to give reporter Ariel Helwani a lifetime ban from its events.
At UFC 199 on Saturday night, the MMAFighting.com journalist, along with two colleagues, was escorted from The Forum in California prior to the main event between Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold.
The reason was his reporting of Brock Lesnar's return to the UFC. His breaking of the news came prior to the UFC's official announcement. It was something which pulled against the UFC's desire to have a vice-like grip on its PR.
Last night, the UFC issued a statement saying that employees of MMAFighting.com - which is owned by SB Nation - will not be prevented from covering UFC events.
The statement also includes reference to Helwani - though not in name, only as the website's 'lead reporter'. The promotion expresses a belief that Helwani's 'tactics go beyond the purpose of journalism'. It does not elaborate on what these tactics are.
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.
One view is that the UFC came to its senses and realised the overreaction of its decision. Another view is that it the weight of bad press forced its hand and the recinding of the ban.
