"This is a massive issue for the UFC" - Ariel Helwani addresses MMA fighters allegedly being offered money to throw fights 

Ariel Helwani believes the UFC could be facing one of the most concerning issues in its modern era. He discussed reports of lower-level fighters being offered money to intentionally lose fights by claiming that the problem may be more widespread than fans realize.

According to Helwani, several athletes have received direct approaches with offers to throw bouts for quick cash. He added that these offers often target fighters with limited financial stability who see the sport as their only livelihood.

Helwani compared the recent Isaac Dulgarian case to the 2022 controversy involving James Krause and Darrick Minner. In both cases, suspicious betting patterns forced the UFC to ban the individuals.

He said that the Dulgarian case, which saw the fighter released after his defeat at UFC Vegas 110, follows an eerily similar pattern of abrupt betting swings and a first-round finish. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, he said:

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"This is a massive issue for the UFC. And when you consider the questionable refereeing as of late, you can’t help but let your mind go there as well, because there’s no other possible explanation for some of the wacky stuff we’ve seen lately... I believe people are preying on lower-level fighters who don’t make a lot of money, who are in tough spots, and they’re offering them a quick fix... How prevalent is this?... This is happening in gyms, in private. This is a big story."

He added:

"I’m not saying the UFC is the bad guy, but there is a precedent... In 2024... Eddie Hearn canceled a fight between Aqib Fiaz and Kane Baker due to alleged betting irregularities. Hours before the event, the fight was pulled pending an investigation... Promoters are allowed to do this. The [UFC] chose not to... The biggest story is how often is this happening, who is saying yes, who is saying no, and is it happening with referees or judges too? Once the dam breaks, it could lead to an avalanche."

Check out Ariel Helwani's comments (11:00 onwards):

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Ariel Helwani raises alarm over UFC betting scandal and FBI interest

Ariel Helwani warned that the UFC’s betting controversy could trigger a major crisis if ignored. He said the FBI, led by Kash Patel, is already monitoring links between sports betting and fight results, similar to the NBA gambling probe involving Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.

Helwani mentioned Patel’s interest in MMA might draw extra scrutiny toward the case. Speaking in the aforementioned episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, he added:

"It has been noted that the head of the FBI, Kash Patel, who is very invested in the current NBA gambling investigation that is going on regarding the likes of Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups, to name a couple, is a big MMA fan. Who knows whether or not his relationship will be called into question here? I don’t know anything about the guy, but my understanding is that they are aware of this, that they are looking into it. To what degree, I do not know."

Edited by Abhishek Nambiar