Tom Hennessy
Ariel Helwani is something of a fixture in the world of UFC. The journalist-extraordinaire has been reporting on the ins and outs of the turbulent fight scene for more than 15 years, scooping numerous prizes for reporting in the process.
His profile is only set to expand as he joins BT Sport and The Ringer.
Whatever noise you may have heard coming from MMA fighters was likely filtered through Helwani.
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His podcasts and shows have won universal praise and he is widely recognised as one of the most influential figures within the sport.
The journalist’s broadcasts are renowned for their humour as well as their erudition, whether picking apart past fights, reacting to current ones or offering informed predictions.
As the hotly contested Ortega Vs Rodriguez bout nears, many are wondering just how much the 10-time ‘MMA Journalist of the Year’ is worth?
As of 2022, the MMA Hour host is worth an estimated $8 million (£6.8 million) according to mediareferee.
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Despite his influence and achievements, Helwani’s relationship with the UFC establishment has not always been straightforward.
In 2016, the Canadian was escorted from UFC 199, stripped of his press credentials and banned for life from all UFC events. This is because he reported the sensational return of Brock Lesner without permission from Dana White.
However, the ban was swiftly rescinded after many high-profile stars rose to Helwani’s defence.
But some bad blood clearly lingered as the North American was removed from the broadcast team covering Mayweather vs McGregor.
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The Syracuse University graduate has three children with his high school sweetheart, Laclyn Helwani.
She is a fellow Quebec native and a jewellery designer by trade.
The couple can communicate together in an impressive three languages.
Helwani, now an American citizen, and his family live in Brooklyn, New York.