Ariel Helwani Dismisses Dana White's Claim About Postponed Saudi Arabia Card: 'It's A Bit Of An Ego Thing'

During a recent edition of The MMA Hour, host Helwani reacted to White's remarks throughout UFC 297 fight week regarding his promotion's debut in Saudi Arabia this year.

The Canadian journalist dismissed the suggestion his report was right on two fronts but not three, branding White's claim that the decision was made by him false and one that derived from his "ego."

"Dana White was asked about this on multiple occasions," Helwani said. "What you're telling me is, I got the fact that it wasn't happening March 2 anymore — no one else had that at the time — I got the fact that it was most likely happening in June, being pushed to June, but you're telling me that the reason for those two things happening was incorrect? So I got two right and the third wrong? How is that possible? How do you get two thirds of it right and not the actual last point?

"He's essentially confirming my report. He is saying that it wasn't good enough, saying that he wasn't happy with the card and so he decided to move it," Helwani continued. "Ultimately, it's a bit of an ego thing. It's like, 'No, no, no. I decided to move it, no one told me because no one tells me what to do.' ... I just want to ask you guys, over the last five or so years, has the UFC done anything like this? Have they said, 'Oh, this card isn't good enough, we're moving it.' No, they make lemonade out of lemons... Fights were signed, people had reported them...Ultimately, the powers that be in Saudi Arabia said, 'This card isn't good enough. Let us live to fight another day and push this to June.' ... They're now doing events outside of Riyadh Season... This is all just spin (from White)."

The promotion has received some slack after the Saudi Arabia event was delayed. That includes from PFL founder Donn Davis, who criticized the UFC for putting together what he perceived to be a subpar lineup for the Middle Eastern nation.

PFL, of course, is set to bring a blockbuster card to Riyadh next month, with some of the promotion's best going up against their Bellator counterparts.

While the SmartCage takes center stage for the Saudis' push into MMA for the time being, the UFC will be focused on putting together an improved card for its own debut there this summer.