MMA Fighting statement on credential bans lifted by UFC
After a conversation with UFC officials Monday night, a credential ban on reporter Ariel Helwani, photo journalist Esther Lin and video journalist E. Casey Leydon has been lifted.
MMAFighting.com is appreciative of the fact that the UFC was willing to rethink its stance, however, we respectfully disagree with the UFC's claim that "recurring tactics used by [Ariel Helwani] extended beyond the purpose of journalism."
SB Nation and MMA Fighting will continue to stand behind Helwani's work and the contributions of the rest of the employees on the staff.
MMAFighting.com would like to sincerely thank all the fans, media and fighters who supported us during this time.