Ariel's Open Road

  • INTERVIEWED BY:

    Team Crazy Babbling Sunshine

ARIEL HELWANI

MMA Sports Reporter

“I'm seriously living my dream. I really didn't think this was going to happen and it's happening, so to you, I say: Keep fighting. Keep doing your thing.”

INTERESTS:

Journalism Sports

THEMES DISCUSSED:

Experience Fear Goals Confidence Negativity Self-Reflection Desire Chance Hard Work Struggle Fulfillment Success Opportunity Conflict Support & Encouragement Transitions Determination Passion Perseverance Money & Financial Security Focus Risk Family Regrets

FOUNDATION:

Accomplishing Goals

BIOGRAPHY:

  • Was a shy kid but always liked to do a fake interview-style "postgame" after he and his friends would play basketball.
  • Looked up the best universities for broadcasting, decided to go to number one: Syracuse University.
  • Originally didn't get into Syracuse's communications school, felt like it was a major setback.
  • Became painfully shy and introverted in college but found refuge in doing a two-hour sports radio show every week.
  • Says something inside of him clicks when the cameras come on, and his shyness evaporates.
  • After school, he set up a blog, gave himself a deadline: if he didn't start making a profit within six months, he'd go back to a desk job.
  • Started "hustling" and emailing any and every fighter he could; was surprised by how many were willing to talk to him.
  • Felt self-conscious until a female fighter and the president of the UFC both told him he was a good interviewer.

Send us your feedback

(all fields are required)