UFC 303 was set to feature a welterweight clash between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler. However, McGregor’s injury forced the fight’s indefinite postponement. Veteran MMA journalist Ariel Helwani was at the forefront of reporting the latest updates on McGregor’s status, despite some dismissing his reporting as speculation.
Michael Bisping’s Criticism
Michael Bisping, now a top MMA analyst at ESPN, publicly discredited Helwani’s journalistic integrity. He accused Helwani of posting like an “expert on everything” and criticized his investigative approach to breaking news. Bisping’s comments sparked a heated exchange between the two.
Ariel Helwani’s Response
Helwani fired back during an episode of The Ringer MMA Show. He defended his commitment to accuracy, ethics, and maintaining relationships. Helwani referred to Bisping as a “boot licker” who wanted to curry favor with UFC president Dana White. The feud intensified as Helwani called out Bisping’s approach to journalism and his loyalty to the UFC.
Ariel Helwani WENT OFF on Michael Bisping 😳
"[Bisping] you're a Slap Fighting commentator… you're a former bad boy who became a boot licker who wants to stay in good standing [with Dana White]…
So you have chosen to pick a fight with me… in order to curry favor with your… pic.twitter.com/zOK1CHl6ak
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 14, 2024
“You’re a Slap Fighting commentator… you’re a former bad boy who became a boot licker who wants to stay in good standing (with Dana White)… So you have chosen to pick a fight with me… in order to curry favor with your boss who gives you a few quid to commentate and be excited about Slap Fighting. To me it’s shameful, it’s embarassing, and that’s why I refer to him as Bootlicker Bisping.” Ariel Helwani said.
As of now, Bisping hasn’t responded to Helwani’s latest remarks. The feud continues, highlighting the clash between journalistic integrity and loyalty to the fight game. Bisping, a UFC Hall of Famer, remains a polarizing figure in the MMA community.
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