Michael Bisping stunned Luke Rockhold and fans with a first round KO in his middleweight title fight at UFC 199 last night.
One of the UFC's most prominent journalists Ariel Helwani - host of the MMA Hour - was not present for the fight.
Prior to the main event, Helwani was escorted from The Forum in Inglewood, California by Zuffa staff. He, and colleagues, were later told that they were 'banned for life' from UFC events.
I was escorted out of the building by Zuffa staff before the main event. Credential taken away, too. Didn't see Bisping realize his dream.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 5, 2016
My long-time colleagues @ekc and @allelbows were also escorted out of the building w/ me. Sorry to report no post-fight coverage tonight.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 5, 2016
I love this sport & this job with all my heart. Did nothing unethical. I reported fight news. That's it. & then told we're banned for life.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 5, 2016
My teammates and friends @Ekc and @allelbows are the very best at what they do. I wish they didn't have to leave with me. They did nothing.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 5, 2016
Here's hoping cooler heads prevail. I sincerely love every fighter & fan of this sport. You have helped me realize a dream. Thank you.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 5, 2016
The reason for Helwani's expulsion is thought to be because earlier in the evening he broke news that Brock Lesnar would be returning to the UFC. His report came hours prior to the UFC's official announcement, something which went against the promotion's desire to have a dictatorship-like grasp over its media image.
Lesnar will return to the Octagon at UFC 200 next month against an opponent yet to be determined.
Brock Lesnar close to finalizing deal to fight at UFC 200 -- https://t.co/HsloiNar5X pic.twitter.com/X0UhBndhrr
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 5, 2016
