Joe Rogan, the host of the immensely popular The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, has welcomed a diverse range of guests, exceeding 1,000 in number. Yet, one prominent figure notably missing from his lineup is well-known MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, who recently disclosed that Rogan has no intention of featuring him on the show.
In a segment on The Ariel Helwani Show, Helwani shared his thoughts regarding this situation. He acknowledged that Rogan has always been friendly towards him but pointed out that Rogan’s close association with UFC president Dana White likely explains the lack of an invitation. Despite this, Helwani conveyed his respect for Rogan’s podcast, acknowledging it as the largest in the podcasting realm.
The tension between Helwani and Rogan traces back to a 2016 incident when Helwani and his team faced the revocation of their credentials for breaking the news about Brock Lesnar’s comeback at UFC 200. This led to a temporary ban on Helwani from attending UFC events, a decision that was later overturned by the organization.
In the years that followed, the friction between the two further intensified when Rogan made remarks regarding Helwani’s journalistic methods. Helwani took exception to Rogan’s suggestion that he manipulated his interview subjects into making specific statements. Furthermore, he criticized Rogan for disseminating inaccuracies about him during a challenging period in his career, describing Rogan’s comments as unprofessional for someone in the interviewing field.
Despite their differences, Helwani has reiterated his dedication to asking pertinent and well-informed questions in his interviews, contrasting this with what he views as Rogan’s tendency to pretend to be an expert on topics he may not completely understand. Ultimately, Helwani expressed his disappointment regarding the situation, emphasizing how Rogan’s remarks have affected his reputation.
The ongoing tension between Helwani and Rogan highlights the intricate dynamics present in the realm of sports journalism and podcasting. While both have established impressive careers in their respective domains, their differing perspectives and past conflicts continue to influence their interactions within the industry.
