Joe Rogan, the well-known host of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, has welcomed a diverse range of guests on his show, with over 1,000 individuals making appearances. However, one notable absence from his guest list is popular MMA journalist Ariel Helwani. Recently, Helwani revealed that Rogan has no plans to invite him on the show.

During a segment on The Ariel Helwani show, Helwani shared his perspective on the matter. He acknowledged Rogan’s friendly attitude towards him but explained that due to Rogan’s close relationship with UFC president Dana White, he understands why an invitation hasn’t been extended. Despite this, Helwani expressed his admiration for Rogan’s podcast, recognizing it as the largest in the world.

The tension between Helwani and Rogan can be traced back to an incident in 2016 when Helwani and his team had their credentials revoked for breaking the news about Brock Lesnar’s return at UFC 200. This led to Helwani being banned from UFC events, a decision that was later reversed.

In the following years, tensions between Helwani and Rogan escalated when Rogan criticized Helwani’s reporting tactics. Helwani took offense to Rogan’s insinuation that he manipulated interviewees into saying certain things. He also called out Rogan for spreading misinformation about him during a difficult period in his career, deeming Rogan’s comments unprofessional for someone in the field of interviewing.

Despite their differences, Helwani emphasized his dedication to asking insightful and well-informed questions in his interviews. He contrasted this with what he perceived as Rogan’s tendency to act as an expert on topics he may not fully understand. Ultimately, Helwani expressed his disappointment with the situation, highlighting the impact of Rogan’s words on his reputation.

The ongoing friction between Helwani and Rogan sheds light on the complexities of relationships in the world of sports journalism and podcasting. While both individuals have achieved success in their respective fields, their differing perspectives and past conflicts continue to influence their interactions within the industry.