Tag: Ariel Helwani

“Just Retire It. End It.” Ariel Helwani Slams BMF Belt Calling for Its End

"Just Retire It. End It." Ariel Helwani Slams BMF Belt Calling for Its EndAriel Helwani thinks it’s time for the UFC to retire the BMF title. Introduced in 2019, the bragging rights…

"Just Retire It. End It." Ariel Helwani Slams BMF Belt Calling for Its End

Ariel Helwani thinks it’s time for the UFC to retire the BMF title.

Introduced in 2019, the bragging rights belt was established to give Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz something to fight for when the two fan favorites headlined UFC 244 in Madison Square Garden. ‘Gamebred’ ended up winning the title via a third-round doctor’s stoppage TKO.

Since then, the belt has found its way around the waist of both Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway in 2024, but Helwani thinks the UFC should have done away with the gimmick immediately after it was wrapped around Masvidal’s waist.

”He [Usman] was the king of the welterweights and the people who were fighting for the BMF title weren’t in title contention just yet and so if you can’t be a champion there, you could create your own belt and this has been the issue that I’ve always had with the BMF title,” Helwani said on his show.

“If I’m Islam Makhachev and you are touting Max Holloway is the baddest motherf**ker on the planet, I’m like, ‘Yo, this is my weight class, you won to fight in, I’m the baddest guy on the planet, I’m the baddest MFer at 155,’ that’s what the belt should recognize… Not some like secondary division within the division… It should have ended with the Masvidal fight in MSG.”

No Reigning BMF champion has ever won a fight inside the octagon

Masvidal went on to lose four straight fights inside the Octagon before walking away from the promotion last year. The promotion then reintroduced the title at UFC 291 for a long-awaited rematch between Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier.

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‘The Highlight’ ended up winning the fight and the title via a stunning second-round head-kick KO but handed it over to Max Holloway nine months later at UFC 300 when ‘Blessed’ scored an insane buzzer-beating knockout against the lightweight contender.

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Holloway recently returned to the Octagon at UFC 308, not to defend the BMF belt, but to try and add another piece of hardware to his collection. ‘Blessed’ squared off with featherweight king Ilia Topuria and ended up suffering the first knockout loss of his illustrious career.

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Interestingly, no BMF titleholder has ever won a fight inside the Octagon. Masvidal, Gaethje, and Holloway all went a combined 0-6 after laying claim to the fictitious title.

Maybe Helwani is onto something.

Ariel Helwani critical of UFC’s weak promotion of Tom Aspinall, belittles Jon Jones

Ariel Helwani critical of UFC's weak promotion of Tom Aspinall, belittles Jon JonesAriel Helwani didn’t hold back in his assessment of the UFC’s current heavyweight title picture. Becoming the first fighter…

Ariel Helwani critical of UFC's weak promotion of Tom Aspinall, belittles Jon Jones

Ariel Helwani didn’t hold back in his assessment of the UFC’s current heavyweight title picture.

Becoming the first fighter in more than a decade to defend an interim title, Tom Aspinall walked through one of the most feared men in the division, Curtis Blaydes, in a stunning 60-second blitz at UFC 304, further establishing himself in the eyes of many as the best heavyweight in the world today.

Tom Aspinall

Meanwhile, undisputed heavyweight champion Jon Jones only has one fight in the division.

By the time ‘Bones’ is expected to put his gold on the line for the first time, he’ll be 18 months removed from his title-winning performance against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. Aspinall has bagged three first-round knockouts in that timeframe, leading Helwani, among others, to recognize the UK fan favorite as the legit UFC heavyweight king.

During a recent episode of The MMA Hour, Helwani slammed the promotion for not getting fully behind Aspinall despite his impressive run inside the Octagon. Helwani also managed to work in a few digs at Jones, noting that unlike ‘Bones,’ Aspinall does not “disrespect” or “embarrass” the company.

”The guy [Aspinall] is a dream,” Helwani said. “He’s a family man, he doesn’t disrespect the company, and he doesn’t embarrass the company… It blows my mind that they’re not getting behind him in the ways I think they should get behind him.”

”They’ve got something very special, and he’s the best heavyweight in the world, and I don’t even think it’s a debate. I don’t think it’s a hot take. I don’t think it’s a crazy statement. He is the best heavyweight in the world in my opinion and that interim belt is a hell of a lot more real than Jones’ belt if you ask me.”

Tom Aspinall listed as -150 favorite in potential Jon Jones UFC title fight

Aspinall is virtually perfect inside the Octagon, scoring eight wins and eight finishes with his only loss coming against ‘Razor’ after suffering a devastating knee injury 15 seconds into their first meeting in 2022.

In November, Jon Jones plans on making his return to the Octagon at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden to defend his undisputed strap against former two-division titleholder and consensus heavyweight GOAT Stipe Miocic, though the bout has not been officially announced. Presumably, the winner of that fight would then compete against Aspinall in a unification clash.

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Whether that actually happens remains to be seen, but it hasn’t stopped online sportsbooks from offering early odds for the potential showdown. According to BetOnline, Aspinall is listed as a -150 following his first-round destruction of Curtis Blaydes.

This time last year, Aspinall was sitting as a +170 underdog and Jones was a 2-to-1 favorite.

Ariel Helwani claims Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler will be rebooked for December, rules out Noche UFC

Ariel Helwani believes Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler will be rebooked for December, rules out Noche UFCAriel Helwani sees the long-awaited clash between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler going down in December. Originally, the Irish…

Ariel Helwani believes Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler will be rebooked for December, rules out Noche UFC

Ariel Helwani sees the long-awaited clash between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler going down in December.

Originally, the Irish megastar was scheduled to make his quote-unquote “greatest comeback in combat sports history” at UFC 303. Unfortunately, McGregor opted to bow out of the bout due to a broken pinky toe, paving the way for Alex Pereira to step in and steal the spotlight with another highlight-reel knockout.

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Since his withdrawal, McGregor suggested that a return in August or September would be optimal. Sadly, that may not be the case according to Helwani who believes that December would be the likeliest date since the UFC’s dance card is already filled up for the next few months.

Conor McGregor

“At this point, if I had to put money on Conor vs Chandler, if I had to, and this is not me reporting it, so don’t go crazy,” Helwani said on The MMA Hour. “But the way the wind is blowing at this juncture, it seems to be December. I don’t think they are going to create a date. If I had to, this second. And then, like I said.”

Helwani says there’s ‘no chance’ of conor mcGregor vs. Michael chandler happening at sphere

With McGregor previously suggesting a September return date, rumors ran rampant that we could see McGregor vs. Chandler at UFC 306 when the promotion heads to Sphere in Las Vegas. Helwani ruled out that possibility, adding that McGregor would be a far too expensive edition for an event with a production budget already tipping the scales at $17 million.

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“There will be no chance Conor and Chandler will fight at the Sphere, it’s just too expensive, and Conor commands too much money,” Helwani added.

Helwani went on to suggest that the highly anticipated bantamweight title clash between reigning champion ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili could headline Noche UFC on September 14, though Helwani made it clear that nothing is set in stone with the promotion also considering taking the fight to Salt Lake City for UFC 307 a month later.

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Ariel Helwani Pitches KSI As Next Opponent For Jorge Masvidal After Boxing Loss To Nate Diaz

Ariel Helwani recently floated the idea of online personality KSI (real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji) as the next potential opponent for Jorge Masvidal following his defeat to Nate Diaz in their boxing match. This past Saturday, Masvidal came up short on the judges’ scorecards in a rematch of their Octagon clash from UFC 244 […]

Continue Reading Ariel Helwani Pitches KSI As Next Opponent For Jorge Masvidal After Boxing Loss To Nate Diaz at MMA News.

Ariel Helwani recently floated the idea of online personality KSI (real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji) as the next potential opponent for Jorge Masvidal following his defeat to Nate Diaz in their boxing match.

This past Saturday, Masvidal came up short on the judges’ scorecards in a rematch of their Octagon clash from UFC 244 in November 2019. This time, the bout took place in a professional boxing ring, headlining a pay-per-view event at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

After a showdown marked by intense, back-and-forth action, two of the three judges awarded the victory to Diaz with scores of 98-92 and 97-93. The third judge, however, saw it as a dead heat, scoring the fight a 95-95 draw.

Following the loss, the former BMF titleholder contended that he had done enough to secure the victory and claimed that the judges were prejudiced against him. Although Masvidal immediately called for a rematch, Diaz promptly dismissed this request during the post-event press conference.

“Gamebred” has previously mentioned that he has a three-fight contract with Fanmio, granting him the opportunity to pursue high-profile boxing matches. Considering Masvidal’s recent passion for the sweet science, it seems highly probable that he will seek a swift return to the squared circle.

While Helwani may not be an official matchmaker, he has an intriguing contender in mind for Masvidal’s comeback fight…

Helwani Sees KSI As Prime Matchup For Masvidal’s Next Boxing Bout

During a recent episode of The MMA Hour, Helwani explored potential opponents for Jorge Masvidal’s next boxing match, ultimately suggesting the possibility of pitting YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI against the former two-time UFC welterweight title challenger.

The Canadian combat sports journalist suggested that a fight with Masvidal would be significantly more intriguing than the scheduled 1 vs. 2 matchup against Slim Albaher and MMA veteran Anthony Taylor.

“I’ll tell you what, with all due respect, I would much rather see Jorge against KSI than KSI in this, you know, whatever, [1 vs.2],” Helwani said. “Actually, Jorge versus KSI is really interesting to me.”

Helwani further noted that the bittersweet past between Masvidal and KSI makes this matchup a more logical and compelling choice for both fighters.

“Remember, that was a thing that kind of happened a year and a half ago on the show, where they suggested it and they were kind of looking into it. I’m pretty sure KSI is on the okay list; you know, like, there’s this list that the UFC gave Jorge that he’s allowed to take fights with X, Y, and Z.”

Last July, in a conversation with Masvidal, Helwani broached the notion of arranging a boxing match with KSI. However, the 39-year-old Miami native swiftly dismissed any interest in squaring off against the British social media influencer.

Despite announcing his retirement from MMA after a loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 in April 2023, Masvidal recently disclosed that he is still under contract with the UFC.

The organization has granted him special permission to pursue boxing opportunities, and Masvidal has hinted at an inevitable return to the Octagon in the future.

Continue Reading Ariel Helwani Pitches KSI As Next Opponent For Jorge Masvidal After Boxing Loss To Nate Diaz at MMA News.

Ariel Helwani takes credit for ‘Backstabbing’ Bisping’s short-notice title opportunity at UFC 199

Ariel Helwani takes credit for 'Backstabbing' Bisping's Short-Notice title opportunity at UFC 199Ariel Helwani believes no fighter has benefitted from his reporting more than Michael Bisping. Recently, Helwani has found himself…

Ariel Helwani takes credit for 'Backstabbing' Bisping's Short-Notice title opportunity at UFC 199

Ariel Helwani believes no fighter has benefitted from his reporting more than Michael Bisping.

Recently, Helwani has found himself in a war of words with Bisping after the former UFC middleweight champion accused The MMA Hour host of essentially “making sh*t up” as the world waited to hear about Conor McGregor’s return on June 29. Before Dana White made the official announcement, letting us know that ‘Mystic Mac’ was out of the bout, Helwani reported on multiple occasions that the fight was in jeopardy and that the promotion was scrambling to secure a replacement main event.

Ariel Helwani

At the time, Bisping slammed Helwani on his Believe You Me podcast, claiming that the multi-time award-winning journalist was simply spreading rumors. Of course, we now know that was not the case. Helwani’s reporting proved to be true.

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Still fuming from Bisping’s prior comments, Helwani revealed that it was he who informed ‘The Count’ of an opportunity to step in and challenge for the 185-pound title against then-champion Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 after Rockhold’s originally scheduled opponent, Chris Weidman, was forced out due to injury.

“No fighter has benefitted more from my desire to be in the know and report back to you,” Helwani said. “From my quest to be the best journalist that I can be. No fighter has benefitted more than Michael Bisping. In May of 2016, Chris Weidman told me that he’s hurt, that he’s injured his neck, and he’s not going to fight at UFC 199. I catch wind that they’re going to try to book Jacare [Souza] vs. [Luke] Rockhold.

“I know that Michael Bisping was at the end of his career, but he was on a bit of a run, and the dream is to become a champion. I reached out to him and he was filming a movie and I say, ‘Look, this is going to happen. You should throw your name in the hat. You should reach out to the UFC. This is something no one knows about. Throw your name out there and see what happens. Maybe you get the fight on short notice and shock the world.’

“By the way, don’t take my word for it. It’s in his book and his documentary.”

Ariel Helwani isn’t interested in an apology from ‘backtracker’ bisping

Bisping went on to win the fight, scoring a first-round knockout against Rockhold on just two weeks’ notice to claim his first UFC championship.

“You got the fight, you got the win, and your life was changed forever,” Helwani continued. “You did all that, but to sit here and talk sh*t about me and say that I’m willing to risk it all. I’m not risking it all. In what other sports are journalists treated this way? Acting like I’m speculating. Acting like I’m making sh*t up. I was right and you never even apologized. I don’t even want your apology.

“Your apology means absolutely nothing to me, but then you go on your show after the news comes out, after you’ve been bombarded and called ‘Bootlicker’ Bisping. Now I should call you ‘Backtracker’ Bisping, or maybe the best title of them all is ‘Backstabbing’ Bisping because that’s what you’ve done.”

Ariel Helwani snaps back at ‘boot licker’ Michael Bisping over criticism of UFC 303 reporting: ‘That’s journalism!’

Ariel Helwani snaps back at 'Boot Licker' Michael Bisping over criticism of UFC 303 reporting: 'That's journalism!'Michael Bisping is not a fan of Ariel Helwani’s UFC 303 reporting. As rumors began to circulate that Irish…

Ariel Helwani snaps back at 'Boot Licker' Michael Bisping over criticism of UFC 303 reporting: 'That's journalism!'

Michael Bisping is not a fan of Ariel Helwani’s UFC 303 reporting.

As rumors began to circulate that Irish megastar Conor McGregor was likely out of his June 29 headliner with Michael Chandler, Helwani offered his insight into the situation on an almost hourly basis. After all, he is a journalist so reporting on one of the biggest MMA stories of the year was both understandable and expected.

Ariel Helwani
Ariel Helwani

Yet for some reason, the former middleweight world champion took great offense to Helwani’s reporting, effectively telling The MMA Hour host to keep his nose out of the UFC’s business in a not-so-subtle way.

“Ariel Helwani’s out there, a lot of the time posting and tweeting like he’s an expert on everything, but he knows nothing, he’s putting feelings out there,” Bisping said.“That’s what he loves to do, that’s his badge of honor, he likes to break news. If I hear of a situation, I’m not doing investigative journalism, trying to find out like my life depends on it, and I’ll risk everything so I can be the one to break it. Because who gives a f*ck? And it’s none of your business…

“What will be will be. Stay out of it you prick!” (h/t BJPenn.com).

Ariel Helwani lays it on Michael Bisping in fiery response

Never one to back down from criticism, particularly when it comes to his integrity as a combat sports journalist, Helwani snapped back in short order on The Ringer MMA Show, calling ‘The Count’ a “boot licker” who’s trying a little too hard to curry favor with his boss.

“Michael Bisping, who I see him talking about me on his show, and my reporting, with such vitriol! With such animosity and such hatred!” Helwani said of Bisping. “Hopefully the video I posted outside at 2:30 p.m. would refute that ‘I’m dying to be first’…I’ve just died to be right, to be ethical, and to maintain relationships. It’s none of my business? It’s quite literally my business! That’s journalism! That’s exactly what our job is…I know you’re not trying to be some investigative journalist. 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,” Helwani continued. “To me it’s shameful, it’s embarrassing, and that’s why I refer to him as Bootlicker Bisping. And he can say whatever the f*ck he wants to about me.”

As of this writing, Michael Bisping has not issued a response to Helwani.

Going 30-9 in his MMA career, ‘The Count’ was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2019 after an iconic career. His biggest highlight came at UFC 199 when he stepped in on short notice and scored a stunning first-round knockout of Luke Rockhold to claim the 185-pound crown.

Bisping vs. Rockhold