Joe Rogan, the host of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, has welcomed more than 1,000 guests throughout his impressive run. Yet, one prominent figure notably missing from his roster is renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, who recently disclosed that Rogan currently has no intentions of inviting him onto the show.
In a recent episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, Helwani shared his thoughts on the situation. While he acknowledged that Rogan has always been friendly towards him, he pointed out that Rogan’s close relationship with UFC president Dana White likely explains the lack of an invitation. Nevertheless, Helwani made it clear that he holds a great deal of respect for Rogan’s podcast, recognizing it as a titan in the podcasting landscape.
The roots of the tension between Helwani and Rogan can be traced back to a 2016 incident when Helwani and his team had their media credentials revoked after they broke the news of Brock Lesnar’s return at UFC 200. This led to a temporary ban from UFC events, although the decision was later overturned by the organization.
As the years went by, the friction between Helwani and Rogan intensified, particularly when Rogan commented on Helwani’s reporting methods. Helwani took offense to Rogan’s implications that he had a tendency to manipulate interview subjects into making certain statements. He also expressed frustration over Rogan spreading misinformation about him during a challenging period in his career, deeming such remarks unprofessional for someone in the interviewing arena.
Despite their differences, Helwani reiterated his dedication to conducting interviews that focus on relevant and insightful questions, contrasting this with what he perceives as Rogan’s occasional pretense of expertise on subjects he might not fully understand. Ultimately, Helwani conveyed his disappointment with the situation, emphasizing how Rogan’s comments have affected his professional reputation.
The ongoing tension between Helwani and Rogan highlights the intricate dynamics present within the realms of sports journalism and podcasting. While both have established themselves as influential figures in their respective domains, their differing perspectives and past disputes continue to influence their interactions in the industry.
