"The controversy began Sunday when UFC reporter Ariel Helwani revealed that featherweight fighter Isaac Dulgarian had been released following his loss on Saturday. Dulgarian was the favorite going into the bout, and suspicious betting activity flagged earlier cast doubt on the nature of the upset loss. A day later, Helwani revealed on his show that sources had come forward and told me they either were approached or knew a fighter who was approached with an offer to fix a fight for money."
"In a pair of deleted tweets, featherweight fighter Vince Morales said he'd been asked to fix fights in the past, but declined, saying it's not something I could live with. When asked how much he was offered, Morales said $70,000. On Instagram, featherweight Lando Vannata said he'd been approached a staggering seven times. He then pointed to his record of 12-7-2 as an indicator of his integrity."
Multiple UFC fighters say they were approached with offers to fix fights for money, raising major integrity concerns for the promotion. The controversy followed the release of featherweight Isaac Dulgarian after an upset loss that coincided with suspicious betting activity. Sources said fighters either were approached or knew fighters who were approached with offers to throw bouts. At least three active fighters confirmed firsthand approaches. Vince Morales said he was offered $70,000 but declined. Lando Vannata said he had been approached seven times and cited his 12-7-2 record as proof of integrity. Vanessa Demopoulos said she had been asked to throw fights on numerous occasions. The UFC said it is working with its betting integrity partner to investigate.
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