Ultimate Fighting Championship controversies

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Company type	Private
Industry	Mixed martial arts promotion
Founded	1993
Headquarters	United States , United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Dana White (president)
Products	Mixed martial arts events

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), headquartered in the United States, stands as the foremost promoter of mixed martial arts (MMA) worldwide. Established in 1993, the organization has encountered numerous controversies, including political opposition that resulted in bans of MMA across many American states from the late 1990s through the mid-2010s, alongside ongoing debates surrounding fighter compensation and conduct.

State and television prohibitions

In 1996, United States senator John McCain reviewed footage of a UFC event and condemned it as "barbaric," dismissing it as "not a sport" and urging governors across all 50 states to outlaw what he termed "human cockfighting." The American Medical Association also advocated for a prohibition. Detractors criticized the use of a chain-link octagon cage, calling instead for traditional ropes. Consequently, 36 states enacted bans on "no holds barred" fighting—a term used prior to the widespread adoption of "mixed martial arts."

By early 1997, McCain had assumed chairmanship of the Senate Committee responsible for cable television oversight. Within months, leading cable providers such as Time Warner Cable, Tele-Communications Inc., and others ceased broadcasting UFC events due to concerns over violent content. In response to such pressures during 1997–1998, the UFC implemented a series of safety regulations including introducing weight divisions, adopting a "10-point must" scoring system, prohibiting head butts and groin strikes, and mandating glove use.

California spearheaded formal MMA regulation by codifying rules in 2000, soon followed by New Jersey. The sport achieved full legal status across the United States when New York legalized MMA in 2016.

Compensation and healthcare for fighters

The UFC has long been criticized for providing relatively low remuneration to its athletes. Whereas most professional sports leagues allocate between 47% and 50% of revenue to players, UFC fighter payouts historically ranged from only 16% to 19%. Since 2005, this figure has varied between approximately 15% and 22%. By contrast, Bellator MMA compensated fighters with roughly 44.7% of revenue from 2010 to 2016, while Strikeforce reportedly distributed around 63%. Zev Eigen, a labor law professor at Northwestern University, characterized UFC contracts as among the poorest in professional sports due to absence of minimum pay guarantees and confidentiality provisions that potentially breach labor regulations. Legal analysts have criticized these agreements as overly restrictive because the UFC retains control over licensing rights and imposes significant limitations on fighter autonomy. Journalistic investigations reveal that financial incentives often compel competitors to participate despite injuries.

Fighters under UFC contracts are classified as independent contractors rather than employees, thereby lacking rights such as collective bargaining. Sports agents contend that given the UFC’s extensive control over fight arrangements and attire requirements, fighters meet criteria typical of employee status. A survey conducted in 2020 indicated that nearly four out of five MMA athletes favor unionization efforts. The UFC has actively opposed legislative proposals aimed at extending fighter protections under laws like the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act by lobbying against such initiatives.

As independent contractors, UFC athletes do not receive long-term health insurance or pension benefits. Medical coverage is limited primarily to injuries sustained during fights; since 2011, it has included injuries incurred during training camps as well. Fighters frequently conceal pre-existing conditions due to personal financial responsibility for treatment costs. Post-career injury pensions are not provided by the organization.

Contracts with the UFC contain exclusivity clauses barring fighters from competing with other promotions, contributing to antitrust litigation alleging violations of monopoly and monopsony laws. Since 2014, exclusive apparel agreements imposed by the UFC have restricted sponsorship possibilities for athletes. Executives from rival organizations have criticized these policies as potentially infringing labor laws. Additionally, the UFC formerly levied a "sponsor tax" on companies seeking logo placements on fighter apparel, further constraining athletes’ opportunities to earn endorsement income.

Cancellation of UFC 151

The event UFC 151, planned for September 1, 2012, was set to feature Jon Jones defending his UFC Light Heavyweight Championship against Dan Henderson. On August 23, UFC president Dana White revealed that Henderson had suffered a partial tear in his medial collateral ligament and had to withdraw. Subsequently, White announced that UFC 151 would be the first event in UFC history to be cancelled after Jones declined to face replacement fighter Chael Sonnen on just eight days' notice. White attributed the cancellation to Jones and his coach Greg Jackson, stating that UFC 151 would be "remembered as the event Jon Jones and Greg Jackson murdered." Jackson had advised Jones against accepting the bout due to Sonnen's markedly different fighting style and the limited time available for preparation. Some commentators criticized the UFC for having an undercard considered too weak to maintain interest once the main event fell through. The organization's frequent scheduling of events was also noted as a factor limiting the pool of suitable replacement fighters when injuries occur. CBS Sports columnist Gregg Doyel argued that White’s handling exposed the need for a fighters' union, holding the UFC responsible for the cancellation. Similarly, MMA Mania’s Cory Braiterman condemned White’s tactics as "appalling," accusing UFC management of attempting to coerce Jones by threatening event cancellation if he refused to compete. Henderson faced scrutiny after it was revealed he had been injured three weeks prior but concealed this in hopes of still participating.

Tae Hyun Bang versus Leo Kuntz

Prior to UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Masvidal on November 28, 2015, unusual betting patterns heavily favored Leo Kuntz in his bout against Tae Hyun Bang, sparking allegations of match-fixing. Despite these suspicions, Bang secured victory via split decision. In August 2017, South Korean authorities charged Bang with involvement in manipulating the fight outcome. Reports indicated he received approximately US$92,610 to deliberately lose and placed around US$44,000 in bets on Kuntz, while brokers wagered close to US$2 million collectively. UFC officials had issued warnings to both fighters after detecting irregular betting activity, prompting Bang to compete earnestly and win the fight. After reversing his initial plan, Bang was subjected to death threats and cooperated with law enforcement investigations. On November 24, 2017, he was sentenced to ten months’ imprisonment; the brokers involved also received custodial sentences.

UFC-Reebok Partnership

On December 2, 2014, UFC announced a six-year exclusive global outfitting agreement with Reebok beginning in July 2015. Although financial details were not disclosed, UFC described it as their most lucrative non-broadcast contract but clarified that the organization itself would not directly profit; instead, most proceeds would be allocated to fighters after administrative expenses. Under this arrangement, competitors were prohibited from displaying personal sponsor logos during televised events.

Nonetheless, numerous fighters reported a decline in income from sponsorships due to restrictions on advertising their own brands, asserting that payments from Reebok failed to offset these losses. Both fans and athletes criticized the new apparel designs for mistakes such as incorrectly spelled names and misplaced national flags, which negatively affected public perception of the partnership.

UFC 199 MMA Fighting exclusion

On June 4, 2016, journalists Ariel Helwani, Casey Lyden, and Esther Lin from MMA Fighting were removed from UFC 199 prior to the main bout. Their media passes were revoked, and they received lifetime bans from attending UFC events. UFC president Dana White declared the prohibition would remain "As long as I'm here," later clarifying that Helwani could be present but without official credentials. Earlier that day, Helwani had broken the news of Brock Lesnar’s comeback at UFC 200 well before the UFC's formal announcement. UFC representative Dave Sholler stated that reporters should verify with the UFC before publishing news but acknowledged that Helwani’s scoop was not the sole cause for his expulsion. UFC commentator Joe Rogan alleged that UFC suspected an insider was leaking information to Helwani and cautioned him against reporting it; Helwani denied these claims via Twitter. On The MMA Hour, Helwani explained that Dana White told him the ban was due to being "too negative," a decision attributed to then-UFC CEO and Zuffa founder Lorenzo Fertitta. Helwani defended his prompt reporting.

The ban sparked widespread backlash from media professionals, overshadowing the matches at UFC 199. Les Carpenter of The Guardian described the UFC’s media restrictions as "petty and small-time." Two days later, on June 6, 2016, the UFC rescinded the ban, acknowledging MMAFighting.com's significance but criticizing the reporter’s methods as surpassing journalistic boundaries. Helwani credited the reversal to support from journalists and fans. This episode played a role in establishing the Mixed Martial Arts Journalists Association in June 2017, with interim president Dann Stupp emphasizing its long-overdue formation.

2018

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor

UFC 223 bus incident

On April 3, 2018, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Artem Lobov engaged in a confrontation when Nurmagomedov and his group confronted Lobov, who is closely associated with Conor McGregor, with whom Nurmagomedov had prior verbal conflicts. Two days later, amid UFC 223 promotional activities, McGregor and members of his Straight Blast Gym - Ireland team, including Lobov, attacked a bus transporting Nurmagomedov and other fighters at the Barclays Center. McGregor hurled objects such as a metal dolly that broke a window, causing injuries to fighters Michael Chiesa and Ray Borg. Both Chiesa and Borg required hospitalization and were removed from the UFC 223 lineup; Lobov was also pulled due to his involvement.

UFC president Dana White condemned the attack as "the most disgusting thing in the company's history," while McGregor faced multiple assault and criminal mischief charges filed by the NYPD. McGregor later entered a no contest plea for disorderly conduct, resulting in community service and mandated anger management. In September 2018, Chiesa initiated legal action against McGregor alleging various claims; a confidential settlement was reached in December 2022.

Although initially denounced, the UFC utilized footage from the assault to promote the Nurmagomedov-McGregor bout at UFC 229, highlighting the organization's emphasis on financial gain over disciplinary consequences. MMA reporter John Morgan observed that this event prompted enhanced security protocols at UFC gatherings.

UFC 229 altercation

Following his victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 229 on October 6, 2018, Khabib Nurmagomedov leapt over the octagon barrier and charged at McGregor's cornerman, Dillon Danis, who was said to have provoked Nurmagomedov with insults. Shortly thereafter, McGregor and Nurmagomedov's cousin, Abubakar Nurmagomedov, became involved in a confrontation after exchanging punches. Inside the octagon, McGregor was then assaulted from behind by two of Nurmagomedov's cornermen, Zubaira Tukhugov and Esed Emiragaev. Due to this incident, Tukhugov—who was scheduled to face McGregor’s teammate Artem Lobov on October 27, 2018—was removed from the fight card on October 17.

Although three of Nurmagomedov's teammates were detained, they were released after McGregor opted not to press charges. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) withheld Nurmagomedov’s $2 million fight purse pending an investigation. Complaints were filed by the NSAC against both competitors, and half of Nurmagomedov’s earnings were approved for immediate release. Both fighters received indefinite suspensions until a formal disciplinary hearing could be held.

On January 29, 2019, the NSAC announced a nine-month suspension and a $500,000 fine for Nurmagomedov, effective retroactively from October 6, 2018. McGregor was handed a six-month suspension along with a $50,000 fine. Meanwhile, Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Zubaira Tukhugov each received suspensions lasting 12 months and fines of $25,000.

2022

Scale controversy

At UFC 274 on May 7, 2022, Charles Oliveira was poised to defend the UFC Lightweight Championship against Justin Gaethje. However, during weigh-ins Oliveira tipped the scales at 155.5 pounds—exceeding the lightweight title limit by half a pound. As a result, he was stripped of the championship prior to the bout, leaving only Gaethje eligible to claim the title. This incident marked the inaugural occasion in UFC history where a title was vacated due to failure to make weight.

The episode sparked debate known as "scale gate," with several fighters raising concerns about scale accuracy. UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner clarified that complaints pertained to the UFC’s practice scale used the evening before weigh-ins rather than the official Arizona State Athletic Commission scale. Some competitors had attempted to switch this practice scale from pounds to kilograms, potentially causing calibration errors. Oliveira had confirmed his weight using that practice scale the night prior.

In response to the controversy, UFC president Dana White revealed plans to assign a security guard to oversee practice scales going forward. Analysts such as Ariel Helwani and Dustin Poirier criticized state athletic commissions for relying on balance or beam scales susceptible to human error instead of more precise digital scales. Fighters including Daniel Cormier, Junior dos Santos, and Glover Teixeira described stripping Oliveira for being over by half a pound—a margin accepted in non-title fights—as excessively harsh. Helwani underscored that state commissions hold no jurisdiction over championship belts; the decision to strip Oliveira rested solely with the UFC.

Cancellation of UFC 279 press conference

The press conference for UFC 279, scheduled for September 8, 2022, was abruptly cancelled midway due to an altercation backstage. All six fighters involved in the final three bouts were expected to participate. However, after delays, UFC President Dana White appeared alongside only Kevin Holland and Daniel Rodriguez, announcing that fighters would appear in pairs. Once Holland and Rodriguez exited, White consulted with staff and security personnel before calling off the remainder “for everybody’s safety.”

A physical confrontation erupted backstage involving multiple fighters and their entourages, reportedly initiated by Holland and Khamzat Chimaev, with participation from Nate Diaz. According to fighter Li Jingliang, Chimaev approached Holland who pushed him; Chimaev retaliated with a kick followed by exchanges of punches and kicks. After being separated, plans were made for a paired press conference; however, Diaz confronted Chimaev on stage and threw a water bottle at him, prompting White to terminate the event.

White attributed the incident to inadequate backstage security measures and vowed improvements would be implemented. On September 12, the Nevada State Athletic Commission announced it would investigate the melee and cautioned that all license holders involved in physical altercations outside competition could face disciplinary sanctions.

Investigation into Betting Irregularities

Unusual wagering activity was detected during the UFC bout between Darrick Minner and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke at UFC Fight Night: Rodriguez vs. Lemos on November 5, 2022. Sportsbooks observed a significant surge in bets favoring Nuerdanbieke to secure a first-round knockout or technical knockout, with substantial wagers continuing despite odds that did not support such outcomes. Approximately three hours before the event, U.S. Integrity, a Las Vegas-based firm specializing in betting oversight, notified state gaming authorities and sportsbooks about these suspicious betting trends. Early in the first round, Minner appeared to sustain an injury from a kick, and Nuerdanbieke quickly achieved victory by TKO. It was later disclosed that Minner had entered the fight with an undisclosed knee injury. This led to speculation that Minner might have deliberately lost the fight or that his coach, James Krause, who has a history of placing bets on fights involving his fighters and served as Minner’s cornerman, exploited insider knowledge to place wagers.

On November 18, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) suspended Krause’s license as an investigation commenced. The following day, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement prohibited sportsbooks from accepting bets on bouts involving Krause. On December 1, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) imposed a ban on UFC betting in response to these events; Alberta’s commission initially followed suit but reversed its decision a week afterward. On December 2, UFC declared its collaboration with several governmental investigations and suspended fighters under Krause’s guidance from competing until inquiries concluded. That same day, Minner was released from his contract. By December 9, the Federal Bureau of Investigation had begun collecting information related to the fight.

Mixed martial artist Jeff Molina, who has trained under Krause for an extended period, was suspended by NSAC on December 13 due to significant involvement in the betting scandal. On January 17, 2023, UFC confirmed Molina would remain off fight cards pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.

In a December 9 piece for The Guardian, Karim Zidan criticized the UFC for lacking restrictions on insiders—such as coaches, managers, and medical personnel—placing bets on fights, contrasting this with policies in other major sports leagues. This concern was echoed by AGCO when it imposed its ban on UFC wagering. Prior to an October 17 amendment to its code of conduct introduced just weeks before the incident, UFC had no prohibitions against fighters or their teams betting on matches. Zidan also attributed part of the scandal’s root causes to inadequate fighter compensation and insufficient support within UFC. On January 19, 2023, UFC revised its regulations to explicitly forbid coaches, managers, handlers, trainers, and related parties from engaging in gambling on any UFC event. Following this policy update, AGCO reinstated UFC betting activities in Ontario.

Controversy Over Alleged Match-Fixing

On November 1, 2025, during UFC Fight Night: Garcia vs. Onama held at the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada, there were significant fluctuations in the betting odds for featherweight Isaac Dulgarian before and throughout his match against Yadier del Valle. Initially favored heavily to win, Dulgarian’s odds sharply declined midway through the fight, causing several sportsbooks to suspend prop bets such as first-round finish wagers. These unusual betting trends raised considerable concern within the MMA community.

The UFC responded on November 4 with a statement confirming its collaboration with independent wagering integrity firm IC360 to oversee betting activity and announced it was conducting a comprehensive investigation into the Dulgarian versus del Valle contest. The organization stressed the gravity of the accusations and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding both the integrity of the sport and fighter safety. Following the event, Dulgarian was released from his UFC contract, and the Nevada State Athletic Commission withheld his entire fight purse.

UFC President Dana White disclosed that IC360 had alerted him to suspicious betting patterns, prompting him to immediately reach out to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after the bout concluded. The FBI’s inquiry into these allegations is currently active.