Fighters denounce proposals to manipulate fights after scandal at UFC Vegas 110

UFC Vegas 110 was the scene of a scandal that shocked the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). The dismissal of Isaac Dulgarian, following suspicions of match-fixing, opened the door for other fighters in the organization to share similar experiences.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), responsible for the event, officially confirmed the opening of an investigation into the case. Meanwhile, athletes revealed that they had received offers from intermediaries willing to pay them to “throw” their fights.

Among the first to speak out is featherweight Vince Morales. The American, who has had two stints in the UFC and has accumulated eight losses in the company, said he refused a financial offer to lose a fight. Morales stressed that he competed legitimately, even though he finished the fight without a victory.

How did the athletes react to the manipulation proposals?

Vince Morales was categorical in describing the situation: “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 damn fight anyway. They offered peanuts, considering the magnitude of the situation. It was US$70,000.”

His statement exposes not only the seriousness of the problem, but also the disproportion between the values ​​offered and the ethical consequences involved.

Vanessa Demopoulos, a veteran with ten UFC appearances, also decided to speak publicly about the matter. The fighter stated that she had received a similar offer, but immediately refused. “Yes, I’ve been approached to throw fights too. My integrity would never allow it. We spend our lives learning skills and honoring this sport. I can’t believe people would compromise their morals in this way,” Demopoulos declared.

Lando Vannata, another American with UFC experience, reinforced the idea that harassment of fighters may be more frequent than one might imagine. “I’ve been approached seven times to throw a fight. My record reflects my integrity,” said the athlete, who has faced names like Tony Ferguson in his 13 appearances in the organization.

Finally, the revelations increase the pressure on the UFC and athletic commissions to intensify the monitoring of sports betting and combat any form of manipulation.

The case gained even more relevance after the scandal involving James Krause in 2022, which resulted in the coach being banned and changes to the organization’s integrity policies.