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ESPN Analyst Ariel Helwani All Set to Join the Action Network

Published 06/07/2021, 4:06 AM EDT

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Ariel Helwani is someone that has been covering the MMA for a very long time now. Over the years, he has built a reputation as one of the best, if not the best analyst around. However, it was recently revealed by Helwani himself that his tenure with the leading sports broadcasting network, ESPN, is ending. 

This brings to an end a three-year relationship between the two parties. During his time with network, Helwani has covered everything from NBA to NFL, and the UFC, and more.

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His statement on Twitter regarding the situation said, “Wanted to let you all know that June 15 will be my last day at ESPN. I have some very exciting news to share about my future very soon. Stay tuned for that. This was 100% my decision. For now, I just wanted to share some thoughts on my time at ESPN”

Recent reports suggest Helwani is all set to join the Action Network, where he will be the betting platform’s MMA expert. 

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Helwani posted a video on Instagram where he shared his thoughts on what is next for him. He also revealed his experience of working at ESPN.

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He said, “I have a lot of respect for what ESPN stands for and a lot of respect for the people there and I’m truly grateful for what they gave me and the opportunities they gave me. I’d be lying if I said I got there and thought that I would leave three years later, but this is a crazy world and a crazy business, and once I was given the opportunity to look at what else was out there, I found a lot of things that really got me excited.” (Transcribed by New York Post)

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Helwani has been one of the most revered journalists in the sport despite not being on the best of terms with UFC President Dana White. What started as a cordial relationship between the two men soured when Helwani revealed that Brock Lesnar would be returning to the UFC. Annoyed that Helwani leaked the news before the UFC could announce it, White banned Helwani ‘for life’. 

Consequently, he was even let go of his job at Fox Sports at the behest of Dana White. However, this has not stopped Helwani from being the biggest authority on everything to do with the latest UFC news. Helwani’s departure from the network will surely mean the end of ‘Ariel and the Bad Guy’ and ‘Helwani & DC’, both of which were fan-favorite shows. It will be interesting to see where Helwani ends up next. 

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Written by:

Kevin Binoy

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Kevin Binoy is an MMA author at EssentiallySports. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Fergusson College and has been covering sports professionally for over two years. Besides working with the MMA writing team, Kevin is a core member of the organization's web stories team and is responsible for delivering engaging MMA web stories.
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