Joe Rogan, the host of the immensely popular podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, has welcomed over 1,000 guests throughout his broadcasting journey. However, one notable figure missing from that extensive list is renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, who has recently disclosed that Rogan has no intention of having him on the show.

In a discussion on The Ariel Helwani Show, Helwani offered his thoughts on the situation. He acknowledged that Rogan has always been cordial towards him but noted that Rogan’s close relationship with UFC president Dana White likely explains the lack of an invitation. Despite this, Helwani voiced his respect for Rogan’s podcast, recognizing it as the largest in the world of its kind.

The tension between Helwani and Rogan traces back to a pivotal moment in 2016 when Helwani and his crew had their credentials revoked after they broke the news of Brock Lesnar’s comeback at UFC 200. This incident resulted in Helwani being banned from attending UFC events, although that ban was eventually lifted.

In the years that followed, the friction between Helwani and Rogan intensified, particularly after Rogan commented on Helwani’s journalistic methods. Helwani took issue with Rogan’s suggestion that he might manipulate interview subjects into saying specific things. He also criticized Rogan for disseminating inaccuracies about him during a challenging phase in his career, calling Rogan’s comments unprofessional for someone in the interviewing field.

Even with their differences, Helwani reaffirmed his dedication to asking insightful and pertinent questions in his interviews. He contrasted this with what he perceives as Rogan’s tendency to present himself as an expert on topics where he may not have complete understanding. Ultimately, Helwani expressed his disappointment over the ongoing situation, emphasizing how Rogan’s remarks have affected his credibility.

The continuing discord between Helwani and Rogan highlights the intricate dynamics at play within the realms of sports journalism and podcasting. While both have established impressive careers in their fields, their contrasting perspectives and past disagreements continue to influence their professional interactions.