I haven't watched enough of Fitch discussing anything to pass judgement on today's MMA Hour appearance, but even when he misstepped, like not knowing whether Lou DiBella was a manager or a promoter (or both), his points were still valid and in some instances backed by expert testimony relating to the class action lawsuit. For a guy who graduated journalism school at Syracuse, I thought it was pretty embarrassing that Helwani knew almost zilch about a lawsuit that's been ongoing for several years, and could have a major impact on the sport he's attached himself to professionally. In the end, I thought Fitch brought it back with two solid examples that directly affected both of them, one of them being the pre-Reebok sponsorship tax and the other being the way Ariel was fired from FOX Sports (by the UFC) for apparently stepping out of line, and later banned (temporarily) from UFC events for the same. It's worth noting that Ariel basically had an end of the world, live on-air meltdown when he was banned by the UFC, even though by his own logic, he could've chosen to cover Bellator events instead.
Last edited:
Fitch had made up his mind and already knew everything there was to know going
into that interview. People like that drive me nuts. Just chill the hell out and let the other
person express their ideas. He heard absolutely nothing Ariel had to say good or bad.
Fitch probably could've been a bit more patient and personable, but is that really the type of guy he is? I don't know, I've never really followed the dude on social media, but it's also difficult to debate someone who is responding off the cuff to legal points you've been immersed in for years, often discussing them at length with experts in their fields. Ariel's, "but Mousasi", responses totally ignored Fitch's overriding points. In retrospect, maybe they should've stuck to the subject of Fitch signing to fight Daley, then more quickly moved onto Mousasi and his "Eyes Wide Shut" party stories.
Yeah I agree with you. However Fitch "Framed" the debate and put Ariel on his heels
so naturally he got defensive and started with the Mousasi argument to defend his
position.
When one person frames the discussion as combatitive then the otherside naturally
debates that way as well. Its why meetings done in this manner never resolve anything
I felt like just the opposite happened, but scrolling through Twitter afterwards I noticed that opinions were pretty split on the matter, so maybe they need to sit across from one another, face to face and have a proper debate. It would kind of be a throwback to the 1960's or '70's, where that kind of thing used to happen on a semi-regular basis.
Fitch had the better points and position for sure. Was much better
educated on the subject but if you can't do it tactfully the otherside never
hears you
I agree, but I heard him, and there were others that heard him as well. I do agree that both Fitch and Helwani were doing a bad job listening to the one another's position, but that's also bound to happen when the host is attempting to wrap up a 15 minute segment with an easy to digest sound byte while the guy on the other end of the Skype connection is responding, "That's not an opinion, that's fact". They should seriously consider doing more of a one on one, debate format MMA Hour. Maybe get Leslie Smith involved, or not?
He knows that it's a dead end. Smart guy.
Just to be clear, Ariel was never banned from covering UFC or having UFC fighters as guest.
He was banned from VIP/reporter access to events
He could still buy a ticket & go live or just cover from home like many others do.
His tear-soaked "I can no longer cover the sport I love" was pure BS & a pity party invite
Respected reporters like Meltzer, Nash rarely go to events live & cover the sport.
EDIT: The UFC issue was Ariel was backstage (supposedly in catering) when he tweeted out the Brock/200 issue.
They had a point but handled it like complete bullies as per usual & came across really bad.
Last edited:
He doesn't know that for certain and having a closed mind and
not supporting other efforts is why they never get organized
Yes I agree with all those points. What I mean by being "Heard" is having
a contsructive discussion where each side learns something and both sides
walk away in a stronger position.
The I'm 100% right and you're 100% wrong framing of a discussion
never solves anything. They coulda done a much better job moving the
Originization movement forward and they failed misearably.
I place more fault on Fitch simply because he was the expert and educated one
and it fell on him to encourage a better discussion in my eyes
Cliffs? I don't want Fitch to put me to sleep like his fighting does....
He doesn't need to know for certain....
Like anything in life, you just have to decide on things. Whether that's based on facts or gut feelings is up to the individual. Not everyone will be passionate about this cause....in fact, I bet it's a very small minority of fighters that will actually care enough to make an impact.
I agree but when you are trying to organize and bring fighters "together" to effect change
having a closed mind and not supporting your fellow fighter's efforts is not the way to go about it.
He basically closed his mind and then shit all over project Spear Head and Leslie's efforts
That isnt how you bring people together.
He could have just as easily said: "In my experience and counseling with proffessionals I
don't see Project Spear Head being the way forward. However I'd like to ask everyone to support
myself and Leslies efforts. We need to come together and effect the change that is needed"
Instead of... That shit isn't gonna work its my way or the highway.
He essentially told people that were even thinking about supporting the effort
not to bother. Which then leaves what exactly? Another year passes with no organizing
I disagree totally. You're suggesting that he should actually give a fuk...but it's his choice to give a fuk, he doesn't have an obligation. He's not a politician, so he can actually say what he actually feels. In closing...shit away, Jon Fitch...shit away.
Well if he doesn't give a fuck then yes... Its pointless. Which also makes us discussing it pointless