Veteran MMA journalist Ariel Helwani has found himself at odds with fellow reporter Abbey Wagoner after Helwani criticized Wagoner’s question to Dana White during the UFC St. Louis post-fight press conference as “embarrassing.”
Wagoner’s query to White centered around Donald Cerrone’s planned bull-riding event where she asked if White would assist in her being branded by Cerrone’s BMF ranch sigil. This request stemmed from Cerrone’s plan to ride a bull named ‘Twisted Steel’ at the PBR World finals, an event he had to withdraw from due to a bicep tear sustained during practice.
While White appeared amused by the question, Helwani expressed his discontent, suggesting that the incident highlighted broader concerns about the state of MMA media.
Wagoner, in response to Helwani’s critique, defended her question, asserting that it was relevant given her dedicated coverage of the ‘Twisted Steel’-PBR story. She emphasized her commitment to combat sports reporting and challenged Helwani’s authority to question her presence and contributions in the press room.
In a separate incident, Helwani also voiced his astonishment at a ring announcer’s error during a Top Rank event, where the announcer incorrectly read the scorecards for a fight, prompting a wave of reactions from the fight community, including Helwani’s incredulous commentary on the blunder.
These exchanges underscore the diverse interactions and debates within the MMA media terrain, showcasing the dynamic and occasionally contentious nature of reporting in the combat sports industry.
