Update: Ariel Helwani and MMA Fighting reinstated, Zuffa still salty

Nathan Quarry
28 mins ·
Ariel Helwani.
What's surprising to me is that people are surprised how he was treated.
I've talked to MANY legitimate news organizations about the lawsuit and over the years. Every single one HATES Zuffa.
We're talking about REAL news organizations. Not guys that know how to put together a website and now are newsmen. We're talking guys that have cut their teeth over the past few decades breaking stories, in the trenches, on and on.
Because when they wrote the REAL story of the fights, they had their credentials pulled. Zuffa wouldn't give any interviews. Because these reporters had the audacity to tell the WHOLE story.
Compare that to the bought and sold "reporters" that only report what Zuffa tells them to. Doubt me? How about being told by MMA "reporters" that they won't talk about the lawsuit because they will get their credentials pulled for an upcoming show? Or back probably about 10 years ago when Dana pulled credentials for EVERY reporter for a PPV because they were reporting honestly and not just pushing his propaganda.

I hate to trivialize a quote from WW2, but it's so fitting. Basically it says, when they came for those guys, I wasn't one of those guys so I didn't worry about it. Then they came for someone else, but it's cool because I wasn't in that group either. Then they came for ME and there was no one left to help me fight. (My apologies but I just love this quote.)

Every fighter being treated well seems to not care about the "have nots." The reporters reporting what they're told to are taken care of. But should you have integrity, should you actually want to report the truth, then you get kicked to the curb. And sooner or later, every fighter leaves the limelight. Sad that only then do they realize what I've been saying all along, that we need to work together for our futures and yes, even our present times.

We've discovered that Zuffa keeps 70% of the GROSS income while paying the crew and the fighters 15% each. Mitrione said that when he was in contract negotiations he said to them, "Without us, you have nothing! WE are the product!" And he was met with a quizzical look. A look from someone who just couldn't comprehend that other people had value and deserved to be treated with respect.

It's sad but completely expected. At least from my perspective.
Until all the fighters stand together, nothing will change. Until all the reporters covering MMA stand together, nothing will change. But all too often people put their own desires about their integrity. As I've had to say all too often in my life, "Well, you're the own that has to look in the mirror every day. I hope you can live with your decision."

 

It was tough to listen to. I Feel for the guy.

 

Well, this is fantastic news. I am so pleased.

The UFC still managed to be cunty in their press release, though.

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.

 

Awesome news. Very happy for Ariel.