Daniel Cormier publicly denied an alleged X exchange with Eric Trump on June 13, 2026, insisting his account was hacked and that no UFC Freedom 250 fights were fixed.
What sparked the alleged exchange?
Around 11:28 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, a series of X posts appeared on Cormier’s verified account. The thread showed Eric Trump, son of former President Donald Trump, asking, “Are any of the fights tomorrow rigged? I’ve been eyeing the (Diego) Lopes fight and I think an upset wouldn’t be too unrealistic $$.” The question targeted the feather‑weight bout between Diego Lopes and Steve Garcia scheduled for the White House event on Sunday, June 14.
How did Cormier respond?
According to the deleted posts, Cormier replied, “No, none of our fights are rigged and honestly I am appalled that you would even ask me something like that.” He later added a longer statement at 5:59 p.m., claiming he would face backlash for “bringing this to light” but refusing to stay silent about alleged insider behavior. The tone suggested a defensive stance, yet the authenticity of the messages was immediately questioned.
Why Cormier says it’s a hack
When USA TODAY reached out, Cormier told reporters on camera that the messages were fabricated. “They’re not real,” he said, adding, “I got hacked or something. Who believes stuff like that? That’s crazy.” He emphasized that his X account must have been compromised, distancing himself from any suggestion of match‑fixing.
Eric Trump’s reaction
Eric Trump took to X shortly after the posts went viral, labeling the allegations false. He posted a brief denial, insisting no such conversation ever occurred and that the claims were baseless. No further comment was provided by the Trump family or their representatives.
Impact on UFC Freedom 250
The controversy unfolded just three hours before the main card kicked off at the White House, casting a brief shadow over the event. Despite the drama, the fights proceeded without interruption, and the Lopes‑Garcia bout concluded with Lopes winning by unanimous decision. No official investigation was announced, and UFC officials reiterated that the organization maintains strict anti‑fixing policies.
What this means for Cormier’s commentary role
Cormier, now a regular analyst on the UFC broadcast team, was slated to join Joe Rogan for a livestream after the fights. The timing of the alleged messages raised questions about his credibility as a commentator. However, with his firm denial and lack of evidence, the incident appears to be a fleeting social‑media flare rather than a lasting blemish on his reputation.
What’s next?
Both parties have pledged to monitor their social‑media security moving forward. UFC spokespersons have not indicated any disciplinary action, and the organization’s focus remains on delivering the sport’s next big events. Fans can expect Cormier to continue his analyst duties, while Eric Trump is likely to stay out of the MMA spotlight.
How the story unfolded publicly
The timeline is clear: messages appeared at 11:28 p.m. on June 13, the exchange ended past 1 a.m., and the controversy broke publicly on June 14 when the White House event began. Cormier’s rapid denial and Trump’s swift rebuttal turned a brief social‑media spark into a news cycle that faded as the night’s fights concluded.