The octagon has caused countless controversies, with the biggest scandals changing the fighting world forever. MMA and the UFC have seen it all, from gambling and rigged fights to doping on an industrial scale. Check out the 10 biggest scandals and let us know what you think of them!
No amount of behind-the-scenes shenanigans will make the MMA and the UFC unpopular. But some events do paint the sport with shades of gray, revealing a darker side that most fans are not aware of. These 10 controversies are prime examples of just that!
- Anderson Silva’s Failed Drug Tests
Do you remember the absolute beast that was Anderson Silva? Many consider him to be one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, but others point out that his failed drug tests are an unwashable stain. Silva tested positive for banned substances following his fight with Nick Diaz in 2015, which led to a one-year suspension. Sports fans all over the world were shocked, and a major scandal broke out. It went so far as to impact world betting markets, which is not something that you see every day.
- Dana White’s Gambling Habits
Dana White, the president and face of the UFC that we all adore, is infamous for his love of gambling. White openly admits his fondness for high-stakes bets, especially in Las Vegas, where he has won and lost millions. While these habits do not impact UFC events in any way, having a renowned gambler as your organization’s director has raised eyebrows. However, critics who voice such concerns always overlook Dana’s commitment to his company. This focus on Dana also makes critics overlook a much bigger gambling issue: the fighters themselves.
- Fighters Betting on Themselves
The idea of a fighter placing sports bets on himself is as old as time. While this is technically legal, it is very morally questionable. Moreover, some would say that it borders on rigging fights. But that has not stopped fighters like Conor McGregor from publicly placing bets on their own fights, with the lines between confidence and conflict of interest being increasingly blurred.
- The James Krause Betting Scandal
The perfect example of lines getting too blurred is James Krause, a former UFC fighter. Krause was allegedly involved in a betting ring that exploited insider knowledge about injuries to more accurately predict fight outcomes. This scandal rocked the UFC and led to increased scrutiny regarding betting practices.
- Rigged Fights and Fixed Matches
The UFC is real. There is no doubt about that. But the world of MMA is rocked by a rigged or fixed match every so often. While these events almost never happen at the highest level, they are nonetheless a major issue. For example, the infamous fight between Ken Shamrock and Kimbo Slice in 2015 raised suspicions when Shamrock failed to capitalize on a clear submission opportunity, leading viewers to believe that the fight was fixed to favor the more marketable Slice.
- Vitor Belfort and TRT
The legacy that Vitor Belfort left in the UFC is not one to be envied. While he was an incredible fighter and a dominant force in the UFC, his use of TRT made unpleasant waves. He was granted a therapeutic use exemption for TRT, but many believed that it gave him an unfair advantage. The controversy peaked during his fight with Jon Jones, where Belfort seemed to have an edge.
- Jon Jones’s Struggles
Jon Jones is often called the best MMA fighter of all time, especially by Joe Rogan. If we were ever to bet on an athlete, we would go all in on Jon Jones. But we would not stake anything on his relationship with drugs and legality. He tested positive for banned substances before his fight with Daniel Cormier, and then he had unpleasant off-the-cage behavior. These effects then led to him not being promoted properly, which made some accuse the UFC of favoritism.
- Khabib vs. McGregor Post-Fight Brawl
The king of UFC controversy is hands down McGregor, but the king of brutal fighting is Khabib. Putting these two in the ring was a match made in heaven, with their 2018 fight being one of the most anticipated in UFC history. After smashing McGregor, Khabib leaped over the cage and attacked McGregor’s teammate Dillon Danis. The incident led to suspensions, fines, and a temporarily stained reputation.
- Fight Pay and Unionization Efforts
Many reputable names in the UFC, such as Randy Couture and Mark Hunt, have spoken out about the UFC’s pay structure, claiming that it is exploitative. Moreover, the UFC’s resistance to unionization efforts never stops sparking controversy. Some of these controversies have spilled over into lawsuits and debates.
- Allegations of Favoritism and Matchmaking Manipulation
A hotly debated aspect of the UFC and the MMA is matchmaking. Some say that the UFC manipulates matches to favor certain fighters, especially rising stars who become the face of the brand. These accusations of favoritism are hard-hitting, especially when fighters themselves call them out. The management, of course, denies such allegations.
No amount of scandals can make us stop watching the biggest and baddest fighting events of the year. There is nothing quite like sitting down on your couch, checking the odds of the upcoming fight on a sportsbook’s site, opening a cold beer, and enjoying an unforgettable fighting spectacle.