Ariel Jacob Helwani is a celebrated Canadian-American sports journalist, widely recognized for his engaging and in-depth coverage of mixed martial arts (MMA)
Famous for his long-running tenure at MMA Fighting and his award-winning interview shows, Helwani has become a leading figure in fight journalism.
Most recently, he launched The Ariel Helwani Show under Yahoo Sports’ Uncrowned banner, expanding his reach across combat sports and beyond.
This article dives into his background, career trajectory, achievements, latest developments, and what makes him a standout journalist in the industry.
Table of Contents
Who Is Ariel Helwani?
The Controversial Ban of an MMA Journalist
In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), journalists play a crucial role in keeping fans informed about the latest news and developments in the sport.1
One such journalist, Ariel Helwani, found himself at the center of controversy when he was banned from attending UFC events.
The Ban
The controversy began when Helwani reported that Brock Lesnar would fight at UFC 200, a piece of news that the UFC was not ready to release at the time.
This scoop by Helwani, known for his insider knowledge and accurate reporting, caught the attention of MMA fans and the UFC alike.
Charles Johnson’s bank account went into the red this week, his team tells me,
His manager Brian Butler lent him some money. Johnson has a baby arriving any day now.
Got this big KO. Got a bonus, too. First win of 2025. Congrats @innerGmma_ufc 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Eofs7oN6SM
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 23, 2025
The Fallout
The UFC’s reaction to Helwani’s report was swift and severe. They banned him from attending future events, citing breach of journalistic ethics and unauthorized reporting.
This move by the UFC was met with widespread criticism from fans, fellow journalists, and even some fighters, who viewed it as an attempt to control the narrative and suppress free journalism.
Repeal of the Ban
Despite the initial backlash, the UFC eventually reversed its decision and lifted the ban on Helwani.
This decision came after significant pressure from the MMA community, including fans, fighters, and other journalists, who voiced their support for Helwani and condemned the UFC’s actions.
The incident involving Ariel Helwani highlights the delicate balance between journalistic freedom and the interests of sports organizations.
While journalists have a duty to report the news accurately and responsibly, sports organizations also have the right to control the release of sensitive information.
Ariel Helwani’s Bio
The Journey of a Prominent MMA Journalist
Ariel Helwani, born on July 8, 1982, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is a renowned sports journalist with a passion for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
Raised in a Jewish family, Ariel attended Akiva School and Herzilah High School, laying the foundation for his future endeavors. His mother is Lebanese, and his father hails from Egypt, giving him a rich cultural background.
Education and Early Career
Ariel’s journey into sports journalism began with his education at the SI, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the industry.
His breakthrough came when he joined MMAFighting.com, where his talent and dedication quickly propelled him to fame.
Ariel’s work on MMAFighting.com included hosting the popular interview show, MMA Hour, and the commentary segment, MMA Beat, on YouTube, showcasing his expertise and insight into the world of MMA.
Career Milestones and Controversies
Despite his success, Ariel faced challenges and controversies in his career.
In June 2016, he, along with two colleagues, was banned for life from all UFC events and press briefings for reporting the return of Brock Lesnar to UFC 200 before the official announcement.
This ban, however, was short-lived and was revoked two days later, highlighting the complexities of sports journalism.
Move to ESPN and Current Endeavors
- In June 2018, Ariel made a significant career move by joining ESPN, where he continues to cover MMA across various platforms.
- His role at ESPN includes hosting a weekly MMA program and continuing his podcast, The Ariel Helwani Show.
- Additionally, Ariel co-hosts a 30-minute show on ESPN+ titled Ariel and the Villain, alongside former UFC and current Bellator fighter Chael Sonnen.
- Ariel’s partnership with Chael brings a unique perspective to their discussions, with Chael offering insights as an active fighter, while Ariel provides expert analysis and interviews.
- Ariel’s belief that excellence in sports journalism transcends professional fighting has been a driving force in his career, allowing him to maintain a balanced and insightful approach to MMA coverage.
Ariel Helwani’s Height and Weight
The MMA Journalist Extraordinaire
Ariel Helwani stands tall in the realm of fight journalism, both figuratively and literally, with a height of 5ft 11in (1.80m).2
His name is synonymous with excellence in MMA reporting, earning him a well-deserved reputation in the industry.
Awards and Recognition
Helwani’s expertise and dedication have not gone unnoticed. He has been awarded the prestigious MMA Journalist of the Year title an impressive seven times, consecutively from 2010 to 2016. Additionally, he was honored as the 2014 Journalist of the Year in the Awakening WMMA Awards.
In 2011, Helwani was named to the FIGHT! Power 20 magazine, solidifying his status as a key figure in the world of MMA journalism.
Leadership Role
Beyond his reporting prowess, Helwani also serves as the acting president of the MMA Journalists Association.
His leadership in this role underscores his commitment to advancing the field of MMA journalism and supporting fellow journalists.
Interviews with Legends
Helwani’s contributions extend beyond his accolades and leadership roles. During his tenure on the MMA Hour, he conducted interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport, including Michael Bisping, Frankie Edgar, and Rampage Jackson.
His insightful questions and engaging interviews have captivated audiences and shed light on the personalities and stories behind the fighters.
What sets Helwani apart is his unique approach to sports journalism. He is lauded for his unconventional methods and willingness to ask the tough questions.
This fearless approach has not only garnered respect from his peers but has also elevated the standard of MMA reporting.
Ariel Helwani’s impact on the world of MMA journalism is undeniable. His commitment to excellence, innovative approach, and dedication to the sport have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in fight journalism.
Ariel Helwani’s Wife Jaclyn Stein
A glimpse into the personal life of the renowned MMA reporter reveals a heartwarming love story with his childhood sweetheart, Jaclyn Stein.
Their journey began in seventh grade back in 1994 and culminated in a beautiful union in 2008.
Originally hailing from Montreal, Quebec, Jaclyn Stein entered the world on March 28, 1982, to proud parents Anize and Barry Stein.
Her academic journey led her to Herzilah High School in Montreal, where she graduated in 1999. Subsequently, she pursued a degree in management at McGill University, which she completed in 2004.
A Passion for Giving Back
During her college years, Jaclyn’s compassionate nature led her to host her first cancer charity benefit.
This initiative stemmed from her deep-seated belief in the importance of student involvement in cancer awareness and research. Alongside her husband, she actively participated in local fundraisers and cancer awareness campaigns.
A Talented Jewelry Designer
Beyond her philanthropic endeavors, Jaclyn is a skilled jewelry designer and the CEO of Bijoux ANIZE. This design company, founded with her sister Joanna and mother Anize, showcases Jaclyn’s creative prowess.
Her background in jewelry design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, coupled with her experience as an art teacher, sculptor, and painter, imbues her designs with a unique flair.
Her creations often draw inspiration from nature’s beauty, such as the ocean, dewdrops, and the moon.
Multilingual and Culturally Rich
In addition to her artistic talents, Jaclyn is fluent in French, English, and Hebrew. This linguistic versatility adds a layer of cultural richness to her life and work.
Ariel Helwani, together with his wife Jaclyn, shares a fulfilling family life in Brooklyn, New York, with their three children: two boys and a girl. This vibrant family dynamic underscores their commitment to each other and their shared values.
Latest News on Ariel Helwani
Ngannou vs. Wilder Talk on The Ariel Helwani Show
On The Ariel Helwani Show, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou discussed plans to fight Deontay Wilder before the end of 2025, stating training is underway and discussions are active.
Both Fighters Eager Fight Talk for 2026
Another recent segment featured Ngannou calling out Wilder for what could become a blockbuster boxing match in 2026 especially significant after UFC blocked Ngannou’s potential fight with Jon Jones.3
These updates underscore the show’s relevance and influence in breaking exclusive combat-sports stories.
Videos & Episodes:
For instance, in the August 20, 2025 episode, Helwani previewed the upcoming UFC China card, featuring prominent guests like Francis Ngannou, Paulo Costa, and more.4
Ariel Helwani: Interview
Ariel Helwani shared his interview experience with Tom Aspinall in his studio for the first time.
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FAQ’s
1. Who is Ariel Helwani?
A prominent Canadian-American sports journalist known for MMA reporting, hosting long-running interview shows, and expanding into broader combat sports coverage.
2. What is The Ariel Helwani Show?
A combat-sports talk show launched in October 2024 via Yahoo Sports’ Uncrowned vertical—aired three times a week, offering insightful interviews and breaking stories.
3. How many Journalist of the Year awards has he won?
He has won the MMA Journalist of the Year award every year since 2010 at the World MMA Awards.5
4. What controversy did he face with the UFC?
In 2016, he was banned for scooping Brock Lesnar’s return prematurely. The ban was rescinded after public backlash.
5. What’s new on his show recently?
Recent highlights include Francis Ngannou’s plans to fight Deontay Wilder by the end of 2025, and talk of a potential 2026 blockbuster fight.6
