One of the biggest stories to come out of UFC 199 was the UFC’s (quickly overturned) decision to ban journalists Ariel Helwani, Esther Lin and E. Casey Lydon for releasing news of Brock Lesnar’s UFC 200 return before the promotion was able to make its own announcement.

While many disagreed with the ban, it’s understandable that promoters experience constant frustration with trying to release information in a way they feel will be most impactful. Reporters, however, have the responsibility to dig up those stories and report them in the interest of a well-informed readership.

The back-and-forth interplay is one of the most complex parts of the way MMA promoters and media – each of which needs the other – interact on a daily basis.

Speaking with MMAjunkie Radio, WSOF President Ray Sefo discussed the situation from the promoter’s point of view.

“There is information that goes within the plan of marketing,” Sefo said. “So, when we put that in place, there is a timeslot that it will fit into. If somebody kind of throws it out there before we do, it kind of messes things up.

“But, you’ve also got to understand when you look at it from a reporter’s view, that’s what he’s got to do as a reporter. Any news he can get his hands on, he’ll report. It’s a 50-50 scenario where you have to keep everything tight – which is really hard to do these days – and you also have to understand Ariel’s side of it. He’s a reporter, and he has to report what he can get his hands on. It’s a tough one. … The UFC is the UFC, and they’ll make any call they decide to make, and that’s up to them.”

Sefo said the situation doesn’t dictate his day, but time is spent trying to create and adhere to the marketing plan.

“It’s not something you spend your whole day doing,” Sefo said. “But, again, there is a plan of putting things together, there’s a plan for marketing, and there’s a plan for when things are supposed to be released and let out. So, there’s a time and things put in place so the whole marketing plan can fall in place and promote the whole show. I don’t think it’s that big of a deal if something were to leak because then we can kind of play with it. But you generally try and keep things in order.”

The organization’s next event, WSOF 31, takes place Friday at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. The main card airs live on NBCSN following prelims on MMAjunkie. Heavyweight champ Blagoi Ivanov (13-1) looks to defend his title when he meets Josh Copeland (12-3) in the main event.

For more on WSOF 31, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.

MMAjunkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show, available on SiriusXM Ch. 93, is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia and producer Brian “Goze” Garcia. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.