Ariel Helwani finds "10-7" sense of vindication about critics after UFC-WWE merger

The announcement that Endeavor has bought out WWE and will be merging it with the UFC has sent shockwaves across the MMA world. One man who seems happy with this move is Ariel Helwani.

Ariel Helwani has been around the worlds of MMA and pro-wrestling for years now. Over that time, the Canadian-American journalist has worked for websites like MMA Fighting as well as major television channels like ESPN, Fox Sports and BT Sport.

Unlike many people in the world of MMA, Helwani has never been afraid to make comparisons between the combat sport and pro-wrestling, which is often looked down upon due to its pre-determined nature.

A recent Instagram post made by Helwani, for instance, saw him state:

“I have said this time and again: MMA’s roots are deeply entrenched in pro wrestling.”

This attitude has not sat too well with some fans of MMA. After this week’s UFC-WWE merger announcement, though, Helwani was quick to take to Twitter to hit out at those critics.

In response to one inflammatory tweet, the journalist stated:

“My favourite part of this deal is this. Years and years of these stupid tweets. Now we have a 21 billion dollar company that says otherwise. 10-7.

Judging by some of the responses to Helwani’s tweet, it seems like many fans fully agree with his attitude, and are willing to embrace MMA and pro-wrestling as close cousins, just as a large portion of both fanbases always have.

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What is Ariel Helwani’s current status with the UFC?

While he’s arguably MMA’s most easily recognizable journalist, Ariel Helwani is not employed in any form by the UFC and has often had a rocky relationship with its president, Dana White.

The two men were once friendly, with White choosing to announce the UFC’s 2011 purchase of rival promotion StrikeForce in a largely informal interview with Helwani.

Their relationship soured, however, when Helwani broke the news of Brock Lesnar’s 2016 return to the promotion before the UFC were officially able to do so.

It was rumored that this incident led to Helwani’s contract with Fox Sports – who, at the time, were the home of the UFC – being terminated.

Despite this, Helwani, who has also had public spats with MMA agent Ali Abdelaziz and AEW founder Tony Khan, has always stated that he’d be willing to bury the hatchet with White if the opportunity arose.