MMA’s most-respected journalist Ariel Helwani left the MMA Hour, to join the ESPN to cover a variety of roles. He’ll co-join former UFC and current Bellator fighter “Bad Guy” Chael Sonnen for Ariel & The Bad Guy,” a weekly 30-minute digital show for the ESPN+ platform which will include some pre and post-fight events.
ESPN and Helwani confirmed the news on Thursday:
“Ariel and The Bad Guy” will team Helwani with professional fighter and ESPN MMA analyst, Chael Sonnen, for a fast-paced 30-minute weekly breakdown of the top stories, developments and upcoming fights. New episodes will be available on ESPN+ each Wednesday, beginning June 20, and there will be special episodes before and after major mixed martial arts events.”
I’m beyond thrilled to share the news that I will be joining @espn next month. For as long as I can remember, this has been a dream of mine. It’s honestly hard to put into words how much this means to me. Here’s more: https://t.co/3D2D4qqk9Q
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 17, 2018
Thank you very much @espn for this opportunity. It is an honor to join the very talented team already in place. I remember watching the channel(s) as a kid and dreaming of working there someday. It’s still a bit hard to believe this dream is actually coming true.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 17, 2018
I’ll truly miss working with my colleagues at @mmafighting. Every single staff member is a phenomenal journalist and an even better person. I made friends for life there and will always cherish our time together. It’s been an incredible nine-year run.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 17, 2018
I can’t thank Jim, Kevin and Bryan at Vox enough for everything they did for me and my family. I loved my time there. I gave everything I had to the site and will continue to support them from afar. Thank you Matt and Nick for your help and support in making this possible.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 17, 2018
Most importantly, thanks to you, the wonderful fans of this sport, for always being so great to me throughout all the ups and downs. From Jarry Park to now ESPN, what a fun ride it’s been. We’ve had what I consider to be a special bond for over a decade.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 17, 2018
I hope that bond will continue for many years to come. I appreciate your loyalty more than you’ll ever know and hope you believe me when I tell you this dream doesn’t come to fruition without that loyalty. Thank you again. I can’t wait to get started.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 17, 2018
Canadian Journalist has been covering the sport since 2006, will departing MMAFighting.com and the MMA Hour podcast through SB Nation, where he built his fame and reputation. Helwani is a seven-time winner of MMA Journalist of the Year at the World MMA Awards.
Helwani is expected to run his own podcast “Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show” on ESPN and will serve other MMA commentating duties as well.
