Ariel Helwani Didn’t Tell ESPN That UFC Banned Him From Events

Tony Khan, the President of AEW, has gained notoriety for various actions, one of which is his tendency to engage in heated exchanges on Twitter. Recently, he directed his ire towards MMA sports journalist Ariel Helwani, whom he accused of being a fraud. Helwani is now in the news due to his recent spat with Khan. However, it seems Helwani didn’t tell ESPN that UFC banned him from events before he was hired.

Tony Khan was quite irate after Helwani’s appearance on Smackdown last week, which led to Khan calling Helwani “a fraud” and then grouping him in the same category as Tony Schiavone as a legitimate reporter.

Tony Khan’s comments did not go unnoticed by Ariel Helwani, who fired back at the AEW President by mocking him for his affinity towards white powder. In fact, this helped him get brownie points from WWE.

Former WWE personality Jonathan Coachman, who worked for ESPN from 2008–2017, made it clear he is not a fan of Ariel Helwani at all. In fact, he took to Twitter and claimed that Helwani didn’t tell ESPN that UFC banned him from events before he was hired.

“It’s really cool to see an event that Ariel can actually get in the building for. I would be excited also. If you don’t know NOW YOU KNOW!!!!”

1. Ariel is not allowed in the building for ufc events. And espn clearly didn’t know ‘when they hired him. Which is why he only lasted one contract. Also the mockery he makes of pro wrestling like he could EVER do it not only upsets me but alot of people actually IN the business.”

Michael Cole referred to Ariel Helwani as a “non-biased world-class reporter” during WWE Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event. Regardless, we’ll have to see what’s next in store for Ariel Helwani.

What’s your take on this story? Sound off in the comments!