Ariel Helwani explodes at âBoot lickerâ Michael Bisping over criticism of UFC 303 reporting
MMA journalist Ariel Helwani and UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping are feuding over Helwaniâs coverage of UFC 303.

UFC 303 was supposed to be headlined by a welterweight clash between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler. But, McGregor suffered an injury leading up to the June 29 pay-per-view, and the fight has been indefinitely postponed.
Helwani, a veteran MMA journalist, was at the center of reporting the latest surrounding the UFC 303 main event and McGregorâs status. After Thursdayâs announcement of McGregorâs withdrawal, Helwani was proven correct, despite some dismissing his reporting as pure speculation.
Bisping, who has emerged as one of the top MMA analysts at ESPN, discredited Helwaniâs journalistic integrity.
Bisping made his feelings about Helwani publically known during a recent episode of Believe You Me.
âAriel Helwaniâs out there, a lot of the time posting and tweeting like heâs an expert on everything, but he knows nothing, heâs putting feelings out there,â âThatâs what he loves to do, thatâs his badge of honor, he likes to break news. If I hear of a situation, Iâm not doing investigative journalism, trying to find out like my life depends on it, and Iâll risk everything so I can be the one to break it. Because who gives a f***? And itâs none of your businessâŚ
âWhat will be will be. Stay out of it you prick!â
Ariel Helwani ignites feud with UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping
During a recent episode of The Ringer MMA Show, Helwani responded to Bispingâs comments.
âMichael Bisping, who I see him talking about me on his show, and my reporting, with such vitriol! With such animosity and such hatred!â Helwani said of Bisping. âHopefully the video I posted outside at 2:30 p.m. would refute that âIâm dying to be firstââŚIâve just died to be right, to be ethical, and to maintain relationships. Itâs none of my business? Itâs quite literally my business! Thatâs journalism! Thatâs exactly what our job isâŚI know youâre not trying to be some investigative journalist. Youâre a Slap Fighting commentatorâŚ
âYouâre 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 meâŚin order to curry favor with your boss who gives you a few quid to commentate and be excited about Slap Fighting,â Helwani continued. âTo me itâs shameful, itâs embarrassing, and thatâs why I refer to him as Bootlicker Bisping. And he can say whatever the f*** he wants to about me.â
As of this writing, Bisping hasnât responded to Helwaniâs latest remarks, although that could change.
Bisping entered the UFC Hall of Fame in 2019 following a legendary career in the cage. Helwani is a multiple-time winner of the MMA Journalist of the Year award and is a pioneer of combat sports media.
Two of the biggest names in UFC journalism are in a fiery feud, and the back-and-forths between Helwani and Bisping could be at the beginning stages.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
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Ariel Helwani Michael Bisping UFC