What started as a single controversy involving Isaac Dulgarian has now spiraled into a larger storm, pulling several UFC fighters into its orbit. At last Saturday’s UFC Vegas 110, fans were stunned because the featherweight prospect offered little resistance before his Cuban opponent submitted him in the first round. Just before the fight, observant fans spotted unusual betting activity, including rapid line swings and erratic movements in Dulgarian’s odds. The situation intensified when the UFC released Dulgarian the day after the fight.
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Reports revealed that the FBI had flagged over 100 UFC bouts for “abnormal betting” patterns earlier this year. As the betting scandal unfolded, fans began questioning which fights they could trust. The uncertainty sparked concerns that even their favorite fighters might be under scrutiny, undermining confidence in the sport. In the midst of the uproar, a UFC featherweight star has weighed in on the matter.
Nathaniel Wood shares his side of the fight-fixing allegations
As outrage over the recent fighter controversies continues to spread in the MMA world, UFC English featherweight prospect Nathaniel Wood has spoken out. In a conversation with Jack Ward about the scandal, ‘The Prospect’ shared his own experience, emphasizing that he has “never had someone” offer him money.
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He added, “There might have been one person years ago who messaged me on Instagram. I’m pretty sure they said something like, ‘I’ll pay you to take a dive,’ but it was just one fool—I ignored it. Honestly, I have no idea whether this is a real thing or not. Personally, I have never had someone come along and say, ‘Here’s some money, take a dive.’ I don’t know how much these guys are getting, but it would have to be an awful lot to make me take a dive, because as a man, I am not taking a dive.”
Meanwhile, three UFC fighters, Vince Morales, Vanessa Demopoulos, and Lando Vannata, revealed that unknown individuals had approached them with offers to influence their fights. Morales even disclosed that he was offered $70,000, raising suspicions around multiple fighters in the sport. However, they later walked their claims back.
👀🏴 Nathaniel Wood shares his experience on being offered money to lose a fight, as well as his opinion on fighters who would take that opportunity:
“I don’t know how much these guys are getting, but it would take a hell of a lot to take a dive because as a man I am not taking… pic.twitter.com/J8IwUV9q3K
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) November 6, 2025
Nathaniel Wood approaches the situation with understanding, considering different perspectives. He has built his fight career on respect, especially knowing his son watches him grow up and looks up to him as a role model. In doing so, the Englishman sets a strong example for others. He recently drew attention at UFC 321 after defeating José Delgado in a catchweight bout, and beyond the victory, he demonstrated true sportsmanship.
For instance, Delgado weighed in at 147 pounds, one pound over the non-title featherweight limit, and the commission fined him 20% of his purse, which would normally go to Nathaniel Wood. However, in a display of character, Wood chose to decline the fine, reflecting on the challenges he faced with grueling weight cuts while moving up from bantamweight to featherweight.
Nathaniel Wood’s only advice to his opponent at UFC 321
When Nathaniel Wood made his UFC debut in the bantamweight division in 2018, following a successful run at Cage Warriors, he quickly turned heads. However, after just six bouts, ‘The Prospect’ realized his body struggled with the extreme weight cuts required at 135 pounds. The experience left him frustrated with fighting at bantamweight, ultimately prompting the former Cage Warriors champion to move permanently to the featherweight division after a string of bout cancellations.
Now competing at 145 pounds, in the midst of the uproar, the UFC featherweight star has weighed in on the matter. Wood’s opponent last month faced similar challenges. In Abu Dhabi, the featherweight bout was scheduled for 145 pounds, but Jose Delgado weighed in at 147, missing weight by a pound and forfeiting 20% of his fight purse. Wood, however, refused to accept the money and suggested that Delgado consider moving up to 155 pounds.
“I don’t want it. I am going to say to whoever it is in the UFC, ‘Don’t give it to me.’ Because after the performance that we both put on, I think he deserves to keep his money. He made a mistake, but what is a pound at the end of the day? Hopefully, if he is struggling to make featherweight, he’ll move up. Because I obviously moved up. I’m a small featherweight. You gotta put your health first.” Nathaniel Wood told UFC.
With Wood making his intentions clear, what are your thoughts on the latest fight-fixing controversy that has shaken the MMA world and put every fighter under scrutiny? Share your opinion below.
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Edited by
Yeswanth Praveen