Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Aug 17: A controversy erupted around the historic UFC event hosted at the White House after former UFC champion and commentator Daniel Cormier allegedly accused Eric Trump, son of US President Donald Trump, of seeking insider information about fighters for betting purposes.
The issue surfaced when Cormier reportedly shared screenshots on social media claiming that Eric Trump had contacted him seeking details about fighters competing at the UFC White House event, including predictions on winners and questions regarding possible injuries.
Cormier accompanied the screenshots with a strongly worded statement, saying he was unwilling to remain silent about what he described as inappropriate conduct.
“I’m probably going to get a lot of flak for bringing this to light; however, I refuse to stay silent,” Cormier wrote. “The UFC is a sport that I am deeply passionate about. I will not tolerate this type of insider behavior. Shame on anyone trying to ruin this beautiful event.”
The post was reportedly deleted within 15 minutes, but screenshots had already circulated widely across social media platforms, sparking intense debate among fans and commentators.
According to reports, Eric Trump allegedly asked Cormier whether he was placing bets on the fights. Cormier reportedly responded that, as an official commentator for the event, he was prohibited from betting on UFC contests.
The screenshots also allegedly showed Eric asking questions about fighter injuries and whether any of the bouts were predetermined or rigged.
“No, none of our fights is rigged. And honestly, I am appalled that you would even ask me something like that,” Cormier reportedly replied.
However, Eric Trump strongly denied the allegations, dismissing the screenshots and claims as completely fabricated. He stated that he had never contacted Cormier and had not sought any information regarding the fights.
A UFC spokesperson, when asked about the controversy, said there was no knowledge of the alleged exchange between the two.
The controversy emerged as the UFC made history by staging its first-ever event on the White House grounds. The event opened with an emphatic victory for featherweight fighter Diego Lopes, who stopped Steve Garcia in the second round to become the first fighter to register a win at the White House event.
In the second bout, local favourite Bo Nickal secured a first-round knockout victory over Kyle Daukaus, adding further excitement to the landmark sporting spectacle.
Despite the success inside the octagon, the alleged exchange between Cormier and Eric Trump has overshadowed parts of the event, with social media users continuing to debate the authenticity of the screenshots and the claims surrounding them.