A fresh social media dispute swept through the MMA world on Sunday (June 14) after screenshots surfaced that appeared to show Eric Trump asking UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier about fighter injuries and whether any fights were “rigged” ahead of UFC Freedom 250.
Images shared widely on X appeared to depict a private exchange from an account carrying Eric Trump’s name. The alleged messages sought information that could be valuable to bettors before the highly publicized card being held on White House grounds as part of celebrations tied to President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and America’s 250th anniversary.
The screenshots alleged Cormier replied that he was not allowed to wager on UFC events and that he believed fighters scheduled to compete were healthy and ready.
Debate over authenticity quickly spread across social media. Some users questioned whether the images were genuine, while others focused on the broader issue of insider information in sports betting.
Trump responded with a categorical denial.
“This is completely fake! I have never reached out to Daniel. In fact, this is scary,” Trump wrote on X.
He later argued that artificial intelligence was responsible for the images.
“We are aware of the fake, AI generated screenshots being circulated online. I have never spoken to Daniel. He has since deleted his post, which confirms it was clearly fabricated.”
Questions remain over Eric Trump UFC betting claims screenshots
It immediately faced pushback through an X Community Note. The note stated that journalists and other observers reported seeing Cormier post the screenshots before removing them. It also argued that deleting a post does not prove an image was fabricated.
Cormier later added another layer to the controversy when he posted, “Are people really this dumb?”
Although he did not directly mention the screenshots, many users took the remark as a rejection of the claims. Trump appeared to agree, reposting the message and adding: “Thanks Daniel.”
The dispute arrived at a time when betting integrity has become an increasingly sensitive issue for the UFC. Recent reports have shown canceled bouts linked to suspicious wagering activity, investigations into unusual betting patterns, and public discussion surrounding allegations of match fixing. It has drawn attention from sportsbooks, regulators, and fans concerned about the impact of nonpublic information on betting markets.
Separate reporting has also featured fighters strongly rejecting suggestions they would compromise competition for gambling purposes.
Against that backdrop, the viral screenshots attracted outsized attention despite the absence of verified evidence supporting the claims. As of publication, the screenshots have not been independently verified.
Trump has denied any contact with Cormier, and Cormier’s later public comments were widely interpreted as supporting that denial. No evidence has emerged showing that wagers were placed, confidential information was obtained, or any improper conduct occurred.
ReadWrite has reached out to the UFC for comment.
Featured image: X2o via WikiCommons / Xuthoria via WikiCommons / CC BY-SA 4.0
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