Daniel Cormier responds to viral controversy over Eric Trump allegedly asking him about ‘rigged’ UFC White House fights

Daniel Cormier found himself at the center of a viral social media controversy before UFC White House when screenshots of alleged direct messages between him and Eric Trump began circulating online. In the purported exchange, Trump allegedly asked Cormier about upcoming fights, inquiring whether fighters were injured and whether any bouts were "rigged," even offering specific interest in Diego Lopes as a potential upset pick.

According to the screenshots, Cormier rejected the allegations, responding that no fights were rigged and expressing apprehension at being asked such a question. Multiple social media accounts also posted screenshots of what they claimed was a Cormier tweet addressing the matter, which he allegedly deleted shortly after. The deleted tweet read, "I'm probably going to get a lot of flak for bringing this to light, however I refuse to stay silent. The UFC is a sport that I am deeply passionate about, I will not tolerate this type of insider behavior."

Cormier later tweeted simply, "Are people really this dumb?" leaving the nature of his comment ambiguous—whether he was questioning the authenticity of the conversation, suggesting his account was compromised, or referring to something else entirely. Trump also denied the allegations. Cormier was scheduled to provide cageside commentary for the UFC White House event on the South Lawn.