Ray J’s knockout at an event promoted by controversial streamer Adin Ross has led to widespread speculation about the fight’s integrity. The event, Brand Risk 14, featured a mix of former athletes and internet personalities in boxing and MMA matches held at the UFC Meta Apex. The spectacle was further marred by unusual crowd elements, including individuals resembling Jeffrey Epstein and Diddy.
Following the event, UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland voiced his profound disappointment and regret for attending. In a series of Instagram stories, Strickland described the experience as the “most shameful thing” he has ever been a part of. He expressed self-loathing and a feeling of diminished manhood, regretting his decision to participate as a friend to Adin Ross. “I hate myself, and I feel like less of a man after being here,” Strickland stated, emphasizing his desire to leave the event immediately and his visceral discomfort with what he witnessed.
Ray J, whose real name is William Norwood Jr., engaged in a peculiar bout with Supa Hot Fire (DeWayne Stevenson). The controversy intensified when, after being knocked out, Ray J suggested the fight was predetermined. Speaking on the microphone, he expressed confusion and disappointment, implying a pre-arranged outcome that did not materialize as expected. “Yo, I thought we had a plan! Like a mothaf***a, bro. Damn, bro. Like that? For real, my n****? That’s janky as f***,” he remarked, adding that he didn’t want to cause trouble but felt they had taken a loss. He later emphasized the financial implications of the perceived plan going awry: “Do you know how much money we lost, n****? Wow.”
The fight itself drew criticism for its apparent lack of genuine competition. Supa Hot Fire reportedly threw no strikes in the first round before securing a knockout in the second. Observers described Ray J’s attempts to fight as resembling punches thrown in a nightmare, and the commentators expressed perplexity at Supahhotfire’s passive approach in the initial round. UFC contender Arman Tsarukyan had theorized that Supahhotfire’s inactivity was a strategic move before the decisive finish occurred.
While the bouts were classified as amateur contests, they were licensed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The suggestion of a fixed fight under their purview raises significant questions about regulatory oversight. Furthermore, the potential for betting on such an outcome, even in what were described as dubious predictive markets, adds another layer of impropriety if Ray J’s claims are accurate.
The situation brings to mind UFC President Dana White’s frequent use of the phrase “that’s f***ing illegal.” The event, held at the UFC Meta Apex, may have witnessed a potentially illegal activity, which is particularly noteworthy given White’s own attendance.