UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier recounted calling a suspicious fight at the UFC APEX where a competitor struggled with basic grappling. The bout was later flagged by the FBI over betting irregularities, leading to an athlete release, a suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission, and heightened league security measures.
Daniel Cormier Recounts Calling a Suspicious APEX Matchup
During the event, Cormier found himself openly criticizing a competitor’s performance on the ground, baffled by how poorly the fighter handled basic grappling exchanges.
“One time they had a fight and they had a fight in the UFC APEX and this one dude was grappling. He was so horrible at grappling. I’m on the commentary, and I’m just going how in the world is this kid so bad. You are the largest organization. I’m literally just breaking him down because I’m like this technique is just not up to par. It’s just not up to snuff. He’s so bad. These are basic things that you be able to do and defend. Come to find out this dude was trying to throw the fight but not doing a good job of it. The whole time I’m just on him.”
Daniel Cormier, via Mmafighting
According to Cormier, league officials contacted him shortly after the event concluded to explain the unexpected reality behind the broadcast. The competitor was escorted to the back immediately following the loss because federal authorities were already monitoring the arena.
Federal Betting Line Oversight and Past Promotion Scandals
The incident highlights a broader crackdown on suspicious gambling activity within the sport. Cormier noted that federal investigators actively monitor betting fluctuations ahead of fight cards, stepping in whenever odds shift dramatically.
“The FBI starts watching these betting lines, and if something looks off, they pull the fight. They’ve done that a number of times now.”
Daniel Cormier, via Mmafighting
While Cormier did not explicitly name the bout during his podcast appearance, the description aligns with a matchup involving Isaac Dulgarian, whose odds shifted from favorite to underdog before a first-round submission loss at the APEX. Dulgarian was subsequently released from the roster and suspended by the Nevada Athletic Commission for conduct deemed a disservice to unarmed combat, though he denied wrongdoing.
That scrutiny mirrors past league controversies, including a bout involving Darrick Minner that resulted in Minner’s release and an effective ban for his coach, James Krause. To combat recurring integrity issues, the organization continues to pull matches whenever sudden line movements suggest an undisclosed injury or leak.
“They’ve had guys weigh in and then the betting swings in one direction. So that makes people think maybe somebody’s injured, somebody has told somebody something, there’s something going on to make this line swing so much so the UFC pulls the fight. They don’t play with that shit.”
Daniel Cormier, via Mmafighting
Unrealized Matchups and Financial Milestones
Beyond his commentary work and observations on betting security, Cormier’s career remains linked to high-profile matchups that ultimately failed to materialize. Seven years after defeating Stipe Miocic to win the heavyweight championship at UFC 226 in July 2018, Cormier reflected on why a heavily anticipated title defense against Brock Lesnar never happened.
Lesnar entered the Octagon after the Miocic fight to challenge the new champion, with a targeted date at UFC 241 in August 2019. The bout fell through when Lesnar chose to remain with the WWE, a decision Cormier harbors no bitterness toward given the financial backing involved.
“Everytime Brock fought, it was over a million PPV. It didn’t happen because the WWE gave him too much money, and he made the right choice. You talk about a man that money follows; it’s Brock Lesnar. He’s done really well for himself. I’m proud of him.”
Daniel Cormier, via Heavy.com
Las Vegas Appearances and Casual Wagers
Cormier’s schedule also brings him into the orbit of other sports personalities. Ahead of UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena, the former dual-division champion settled a casual sports wager with fellow fighter Paddy Pimblett.
Cormier handed Pimblett $1,000 in cash in Las Vegas after losing a World Cup bet placed before the tournament’s knockout rounds. Cormier had backed the United States to defeat Belgium in the Round of 16, but the team lost 4-1 following an earlier 2-0 group-stage victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“I was filled with unnecessary confidence watching us beat Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sh*t! Bro, I owe you money. I owe you $1,000,”
Daniel Cormier, via Yardbarker
Cormier returns to the broadcast booth for the upcoming card, while Pimblett prepares to face Benoit St. Denis in the co-main event.