The ghosts of two and a half decades were exorcised at Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics 119-81 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. What began as a hopeful rallying cry became reality: “Knicks in 6.” With one of the most overpowering postseason victories in recent team history, the Knicks did more than just win a series. They lit up the city, rewrote the script, and ushered in a new age of New York basketball. Among the biggest supporters, Ariel Helwani, a longtime Knicks fan and MMA media personality, stood at the forefront of the celebrations as he surely lost his cool.
Moments after the final buzzer, Helwani uploaded a video from his seat at the Garden, yelling with sheer passion, “KNICKS IN 6! The Garden is rocking. Oh baby, she’s on fire. Go home, Boston! Go home, Boston!” His caption? A scream in digital form: “KNICKS IN 6 BABY!!!!!!!! THIS IS HEAVEN.” It was the raw and honest excitement that perfectly reflected what this victory meant to a desperate fanbase who surely were waiting for something special.
For the past 25 years, the Knicks’ postseason campaigns have been disappointing or mediocre at best, but this series turned the tables for sure. New York didn’t just survive versus Boston; they demolished the reigning champions. The outcome definitely wasn’t luck; it was the result of belief, momentum, and a team that finally figured out how to win when it counted the most.
What makes this even more beautiful is the phrase “Knicks in 6.” More than a prediction, it became a rallying cry for the fan base—an affirmation of faith in a team that had previously been overlooked in championship conversations. The Knicks did exactly that, winning four of six games in overwhelming fashion and earning their way into the next round.
Their Game 6 masterpiece was more than just a victory; it was a message that New York basketball is not just back, it’s dangerous. So, as expected, there is no man happier than Ariel Helwani right now. After all, he has been quite vocal in seeking respect for the Knicks, critiquing national media narratives that discount the team’s accomplishments.
KNICKS IN 6 BABY!!!!!!!! THIS IS HEAVEN pic.twitter.com/5cEmTxohbS
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 17, 2025
In a January 2025 interview with The Kevin O’Connor Show, Helwani strongly defended the Knicks, labeling Josh Hart a “top 24 player” in the NBA and Jalen Brunson the “pound-for-pound #1 player in the NBA,” highlighting the team’s validity as contenders. However, it is worth noting that while his team in the NBA is helping him enjoy the sport, the same cannot be said about his current view towards MMA, which he believes is in a state of recession.
Ariel Helwani claims MMA is in a recession
It’s ironic how Helwani’s sports world is split down the middle. On one hand, he’s reveling in the Knicks’ return to form, cheering courtside as history is made. On the other hand, his tone becomes one of sorrow when discussing MMA, the sport that helped him make his name. The same man who excitedly labeled Jalen Brunson the “pound-for-pound #1 player in the NBA” has now become a harsh critic of mixed martial arts, claiming that the sport, not the UFC, but MMA as a whole, is in a “recession.”
And this isn’t just some clickbait. It’s a fact he’s growing concerned about. Helwani’s argument isn’t motivated by animosity or personal grudges, despite some fans’ attempts to frame it that way. He’s made it clear that the UFC is thriving—both financially and culturally. The difficulty, he claims, is that there is no true second act. There is no strong second-tier promotion to create competition, drive innovation, or provide fighters with leverage.
Ariel Helwani paints a picture of stagnation outside of the UFC’s borders, from PFL’s poor handling of its Bellator acquisition to stars like Conor McGregor and Jon Jones sitting out. He’s not doubting the brand’s dominance; rather, he laments the lack of a thriving ecosystem around it. In some ways, Helwani’s frustration resembles that of a lifelong fan seeing a sport lose its texture. Despite the UFC’s success, a lack of viable alternatives means fighters are locked in, audiences see fewer big bouts, and MMA’s global growth grinds to a crawl.
His plea is not to destroy the UFC; rather, he wants to see the sport he loves offer more than one stage, option, or path. Because in a world where every road leads to the UFC, the journey loses meaning. But what do you think? Do you agree with his opinion? Let us know in the comments.
The post “Go Home, Boston!”: MMA Analyst Goes Wild at MSG After Knicks Send Celtics Packing in Game 6 appeared first on EssentiallySports.
