In the fast-paced world of combat sports journalism, few names resonate as profoundly as Ariel Helwani. His journey from being ostracized by the UFC to becoming a prominent figure in mixed martial arts (MMA), boxing, and professional wrestling is nothing short of remarkable. Now, Helwani is poised to further solidify his influence with the launch of his new platform, Uncrowned, on October 14, 2023. This ambitious endeavor promises to be a comprehensive hub for fans, merging the worlds of MMA, boxing, and wrestling under one digital roof.
Helwani likens Uncrowned to Grantland, the now-defunct cultural and sports website that was a brainchild of Bill Simmons. “We are creating one super-duper vertical,” he shared in an exclusive interview. The vision is clear: to offer high-quality features, insightful columns, and thoughtful reactions that delve deep into the narratives that shape these combat sports. Helwani has assembled a talented team—including Chuck Mindenhall, Ben Fowles, Keith Idec, and Cam Hawkins—whom he trusts to deliver compelling storytelling and analysis. This commitment to quality is underscored by a notable gap in the current landscape; Helwani argues that there isn’t a single platform that provides comprehensive, quality coverage across all three disciplines.
As part of this transition, Helwani is retiring his previous show, “The MMA Hour,” which will be rebranded as “The Ariel Helwani Show.” The move signifies a strategic evolution in his career. “I wanted to take the next step in terms of being a leader and being a boss,” he explains. This shift is not just about changing the name of his show; it’s a declaration of his ambition to expand his influence beyond the confines of MMA and into the broader realm of combat sports.
Reflecting on his tumultuous history with UFC President Dana White, Helwani’s narrative takes on a fascinating twist. In 2016, during an event that would become infamous in combat sports circles, White had Helwani ejected for reporting on a fight announcement that was meant to be a surprise. This incident marked a low point in their relationship, leading Helwani to believe that his journalism career was over. Instead, it became a catalyst for his growth and reinvention. “That night, I was told my journalism career was over, but it turns out it was just getting started,” he recalls.
Despite the rocky past, Helwani expresses little concern over White’s opinion now. “I don’t really think about him much anymore,” he said when asked about seeing his own face plastered on The Venetian in Las Vegas, where he recently launched a new chapter of his career with a live three-hour episode. Helwani’s resilience is evident; he has emerged from the shadows of that incident not only as a prominent journalist but as a business leader in the combat sports industry.
Interestingly, there have been overtures toward reconciliation between Helwani and White, with figures like Turki Alalshikh expressing a desire to facilitate a peace agreement. Helwani remains open to the idea, stating, “I don’t need anything from Dana. I don’t need an interview from him. I don’t need scoops from him.” His independence is a testament to his confidence in navigating the complex landscape of combat sports journalism, especially as he now operates outside the traditional relationships that media entities often have with organizations like the UFC.
As Helwani prepares for the launch of Uncrowned and “The Ariel Helwani Show,” he is keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead. While he acknowledges the demands of managing a content-driven platform, he is optimistic about maintaining a healthy distance from the UFC’s intricate web of relationships. “I was at ESPN and I had no relationship with him … they are literally in bed with each other,” he notes, emphasizing his ability to coexist independently.
Looking to the future, Helwani is not just focused on his new projects but is also keeping a vigilant eye on the upcoming UFC landscape. He recently speculated about potential matchups, suggesting a one-fight deal between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz might be appropriate given their career trajectories. “I still wouldn’t hate the idea of him versus Nate,” he said, illustrating his keen insight into the sport’s dynamics.
In essence, Ariel Helwani’s journey encapsulates the evolution of combat sports journalism. His commitment to high-quality storytelling, combined with a bold entrepreneurial spirit, positions him as a transformative figure. As he embarks on this new chapter with Uncrowned, fans and followers alike can expect a rich tapestry of content that transcends the traditional boundaries of MMA, boxing, and wrestling, fostering a deeper understanding of the culture and the athletes that shape it.
