Ariel Helwani, one of MMA’s most recognizable journaists, will not get to work with Showtime Sports for this week’s press conferences for the highly antiticpated boxing match between Floyd “Money” Mayweather and UFC Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor.
Helwani had traveled to Los Angeles to work with Showtime for the first press conference for Mayweahter vs. McGregor. However, just hours before the press conference was set to take place, the UFC requested Showtime not have Helwani do coverage of the press conferences.
Starting on Tuesday, Mayweather and McGregor will travel to four different cities in four days to promote what is already one of the biggest fights in combat sports history. After L.A, the two will travel to Toronto, Brooklyn, and London.
The UFC posted a photo promoting the first press conference for Mayweather vs. McGregor. The post featured many fans responding furiously to the UFC’s actions towards Helwani.
Took red eye from NY to LA only to get this news moments ago. Still credentialed for the tour and will also be in Toronto and NY. All good.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 11, 2017
#MayMacWorldTour pic.twitter.com/cUXAFfm3vw
— UFC (@ufc) July 11, 2017