Ariel Helwani is joining ESPN.
One of the world’s most reputable mixed martial arts journalists is leaving behind The MMA Hour where he built his fame and reputation and he’s linking up with one of the biggest brands in American media.
He will form one half of a new weekly show that will be condensed into 30 minutes on ESPN alongside Chael Sonnen – The Bad Guy.
ESPN confirmed the news on Thursday night that they were acquiring Helwani.
‘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.
It means that the Canadian will be leaving The MMA Hour but he will continue a podcast with ESPN on Mondays – “same one as always”.
Hope that clears it up. My last MMA Hour on MMAFighting is June 11 and then the new (same) pod will start shortly after. First show with Chael is June 20. I’ll address any lingering questions for a bit on Monday. I know we are creatures of habit but trust me it’s all good news!
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 18, 2018
And Helwani has committed to a weekly show, a weekly podcast and daily coverage online and on television as well as his pre and post shows for major events,
Thanks for all the love today, friends. As you can probably guess, I’m a bit emotional (in a good way!). Getting a lot of Q’s about my role at ESPN. It’s all in that initial link I tweeted, which you can find here: https://t.co/CtqNEwVqDC, but here’s a cliff notes version: pic.twitter.com/OPgl8LOpkT
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 18, 2018
So he left MMAFighting with some nice words.
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
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
