Summary
Dana White at a press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
The controversy Isaac Dulgarian's dismissal After UFC Vegas 110 last Saturday (1) there have been increasingly surprising developments. After the Ultimate issued an official statement in which it specifically mentioned the fight and confirmed the investigation, other athletes from the company came forward on social media to claim that they had received offers to participate in match-fixing.
See too
Vince Morales
Vince Morales In action at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction.
The featherweight fighter even highlighted the sums of money he was allegedly offered to lose a fight. Although he didn't specify which fight or who made the "offer," the athlete said he was fairly defeated in the bout. Morales had two stints in the UFC and lost eight fights in the organization.
“This whole fight-throwing thing is crazy! I’ve been approached to do it before, and it’s something I couldn’t live with… Even though I lost the fight anyway. They offered a pittance, considering the magnitude of the situation. It was US$70,” stated the athlete, who last competed in March of this year against Raúl Rosas Jr..
Vanessa Demopoulos
A veteran with ten fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Vanessa Demopoulos She followed Morales' example and said on social media that she too had been offered the possibility of manipulating the outcome of a UFC fight. She also did not give details of the offer.
“Yes, I’ve been approached to throw fights as well. My integrity would never allow that. We spend our lives learning skills and honoring this sport. I can’t believe people would compromise their morals in this way,” he said.
Lando vannata
Lando vannata At the UFC weigh-in. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook.
In a more concise, yet equally emphatic way, Lando vannata He spoke about the matter and said he was yet another fighter who had fallen victim to fraudulent offers. The American has competed 13 times in the world's biggest MMA event, having shared the octagon with names such as Tony Ferguson.
"I've been approached seven times to throw a fight. My record reflects my integrity," he declared.
The journalist had raised the issue.
According to Canadian reporter Ariel Helwani, a world reference in martial arts journalism, the practice has become increasingly common in recent years.
"From what I understand, the controversy involving Dulgarian is not an isolated case. I've spoken with several people who have experienced, or know others who have been approached about the possibility of doing something similar. Basically: 'Would you be interested in intentionally losing by X amount of dollars?' This is a huge problem for the UFC. And when you consider the questionable refereeing of recent times, it's inevitable to wonder if there are also integrity issues on the part of the organization."
My understanding is that the Dulgarian controversy is not an isolated incident. I've spoken to multiple people who have either experienced or know of others who have been approached about their willingness to do something like this.
Essentially: “Are you interested in throwing a… pic.twitter.com/6S6AgAKqj4
- Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) November 3, 2025
You need login To comment.