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Ariel Helwani and Dana White haven't exactly been friends for a long time now. The pair have openly called each other out and expressed their distaste for each other on social media and in numerous interviews.
Recently, after a video of the UFC president slapping his wife during a New Year's party went viral, every major news and sports outlet covered the story except ESPN, which did not write a story on it or even talk about it.
In response to ESPN's actions, Ariel Helwani raised questions as to why they decided to safeguard White:
"It really makes you wonder, Why is everyone so afraid? Why is everyone trying to protect this guy, and why do they treat him with kid gloves? Is it because he is known to call up people and shoo them out, and they just don't wanna deal with it? But it's like, you're ESPN, you are the major networks. Like why are you guys shying away from this? It is a very very bizarre thing."
Ariel Helwani believes Dana White is being protected by ESPN and he appears somewhat justified in light of the recent events.
Take a look at the controversial video of the altercation:
Take a look at the video (quotes from 7:48 onwards):
Ariel Helwani believes Dana White is holding the UFC back, and the company would be better off without him
Ariel Helwani strongly believes the media protects Dana White, especially ESPN, because they believe the UFC cannot function without him.
During the same podcast, Helwani spoke about why he thinks getting White out of the company is not just necessary but would also benefit the company:
"And this notion, again, the notion that this thing can't thrive without him is so incredibly false. In fact, you could make a strong argument that it is holding them back, that he [Dana White] is holding them back."
Helwani believes that the 'Big Dogs' are protecting Dana White and they avoid talking about it till the fans forget it ever happened. His guest 'NYRic' chimed in, saying that it is an effective strategy and has worked so far in all the controversies hitherto surrounding White.
