12 Times Fighters Were Exposed for Cheating
Cheating in combat sports often comes with consequences far beyond the ring. This is where discipline and skill are everything, and cheating can ruin careers and spark outrage. Over the years, some fighters have crossed the line, using illegal tactics, performance enhancers, or outright deception to gain an edge. These moments remind us of how quickly a fighter’s legacy can crumble when they choose to break the rules. Check them out!
Antonio Margarito’s Loaded Hand Wraps
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In 2009, Antonio Margarito’s fight with Shane Mosley turned scandalous when officials found a plaster-like substance in his hand wraps. The illegal material could harden during the fight, creating dangerous blows. Margarito was suspended for a year, and the incident raised suspicions about his previous victories, including his win over Miguel Cotto.
Luis Resto’s Tampered Gloves
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The 1983 fight between Luis Resto and Billy Collins Jr. ended in one of boxing’s darkest scandals. Resto’s gloves were found to have been stripped of padding, leaving Collins badly injured and with permanent eye damage. Both Resto and his trainer, Panama Lewis, were banned for life.
Mike Tyson’s Bite on Evander Holyfield
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During their 1997 rematch, Mike Tyson shocked the world by biting off a piece of Evander Holyfield’s ear. Tyson claimed frustration with what he believed were repeated headbutts, but the act went beyond the bounds of any sport. He was disqualified, fined heavily, and suspended from boxing, marking one of the most infamous moments in boxing history.
Jon Jones’s Doping Controversies
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Jon Jones’s career in MMA is as controversial as it is legendary. Despite his supremacy in the octagon, Jones repeatedly tested positive for banned substances, including anabolic steroids and performance enhancers. These failed tests led to multiple suspensions and tarnished what could have been an untarnished legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Panama Lewis and the “Special” Water Bottle
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Trainer Panama Lewis found himself in hot water in 1982 when he was caught giving Aaron Pryor a mysterious water bottle during his fight with Alexis Argüello. Pryor’s energy seemed to skyrocket in the later rounds, fueling his TKO victory. Although Lewis denied wrongdoing, his reputation was permanently stained by the incident.
Billy Joe Saunders’s Strategy Controversy
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In the lead-up to his highly anticipated fight with Canelo Álvarez, Billy Joe Saunders’s camp drew criticism when footage surfaced of his trainer advising him on how to land illegal shots using elbows. Though Saunders claimed it was just pre-fight strategy, the video sparked outrage and raised questions about his approach to sportsmanship.
Ricardo Mayorga’s Antics at Weigh-Ins
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Ricardo Mayorga became notorious for pushing boundaries with his behavior, particularly during weigh-ins. In one instance, he lit up a cigarette on stage, mocking his opponent and showing blatant disregard for the event’s professionalism. While his antics weren’t outright cheating, they often crossed the line of respectability and fair play.
Rousimar Palhares and His Submission Holds
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Rousimar Palhares earned success in MMA with his submission skills, but his habit of holding submissions too long caused controversy. Even after referees stopped fights, he refused to release dangerous holds. This behavior led to multiple suspensions and his removal from several promotions due to concerns for fighter safety.
Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva’s Testosterone Scandal
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Antonio Silva’s legendary 2013 fight with Mark Hunt ended in controversy after Silva tested positive for elevated testosterone levels. The fight, initially declared a thrilling draw, was overturned to a no-contest. Silva’s violation cast a shadow over what could have been one of the most celebrated heavyweight battles in MMA history.
Shannon Briggs’s Steroid Suspension
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Shannon Briggs, known for his larger-than-life personality, faced backlash in 2017 after testing positive for steroids. The failed test forced the cancellation of his fight against Fres Oquendo. Briggs argued that medication was to blame, but the incident raised questions about his preparation and integrity late in his career.
Vitor Belfort and the TRT Era
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Vitor Belfort became a controversial figure during MMA’s TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) era. Many felt it gave him an unfair advantage, especially in his knockout of Luke Rockhold. After athletic commissions banned TRT, the backlash damaged Belfort’s reputation and his achievements.
Shane Mosley and the BALCO Scandal
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Shane Mosley’s career took a major hit when his name appeared in the BALCO scandal, which exposed his use of the performance-enhancing drug EPO. Mosley claimed he didn’t know what he was taking, but the revelation tainted his achievements and placed a cloud over some of his biggest victories.
Paulie Malignaggi vs. Conor McGregor’s Camp
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Paulie Malignaggi, who sparred with Conor McGregor during McGregor’s boxing preparation, accused McGregor’s team of manipulating footage to make him look bad. Malignaggi argued that the leaked clips distorted the truth about their sparring sessions, sparking a heated feud and casting doubts on McGregor’s sportsmanship.
Kevin McBride’s Dubious Win Over Tyson
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Kevin McBride’s 2005 fight with Mike Tyson marked the end of Tyson’s career, but McBride’s tactics left a sour taste for many. The frequent holding, questionable low blows, and lack of clean fighting drew criticism, with some calling his win over Tyson more opportunistic than earned.
Luis Ortiz’s Multiple Failed Drug Tests
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Heavyweight boxer Luis Ortiz has faced several doping scandals throughout his career. In 2017, Ortiz tested positive for banned substances just weeks before his scheduled fight with Deontay Wilder. While Ortiz blamed high blood pressure medication, the incident was part of a pattern that put a question mark on his training ethics.