The lifetime ban of Ariel Helwani may have been lifted, but it doesn’t excuse the UFC’s actions.
Fellow media member and SIRIUS XM Rush 93 host and MMAMania.com writer Michael Stets (@Michael_Stets) joined Jay Kelly (@JayKellyMMA) on Rear-Naked Choke Radio to talk about the treatment of Helwani, as well as GLORY Kickboxing and other coverage Stets provides for combat sports fans.
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It’s quite publicized what happened to Helwani, and as a peer, Stets talked about the impression it leaves on other media members. He also spoke about Helwani addressing the situation on The MMA Hour, which divulged information about his past dealings with the UFC and FOX. While Helwani repeatedly said he didn’t like to talk about himself, he felt it was necessary to let the public and other media members know tings are not always as great as they seem when working closely with the UFC and even touched on having a physical altercation with a staff member. Stets explained why he believes Helwani was targeted and why such people would not attempt a stunt like this with some media members that can handle themselves.
Aside from talking about the bad news that trumped headlines in the MMA world, Stets talked about his role at SIRIUS XM Rush 93, writing for MMAMania.com, kickboxing, Bellator MMA and what’s next on his schedule.
During the recording of this show Kelly and Stets were informed of the passing of Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson. Kimbo may not have been at the top of the MMA food chain, but he was well liked by fans and media, and to find out he is gone came as a shock to everyone. Stets shared a story about Kimbo and talked about his place in the sport.
As always, feel free to comment below or send feedback about the show to @RNCRadio or @CombatPress on Twitter, or on Facebook at RNC Radio or Combat Press, as well as Talkshoe.com and on YouTube.