Former UFC Fighter Sean Salmon Admits to Taking A Dive

Former UFC Light Heavyweight Sean Salmon’s most recent “Full Time Fighter” column includes this very shocking statement:

In the second round, I took him down again. He went for an armbar, I defended it (only to prove to myself that he couldn’t get it), and then I put my arm back in to give him the win so that I could return to England, healthy. Just so you all know, that is the most embarrassing thing that I have ever admitted out loud.

While he doesn’t mention the opponent or promotion by name, it is clear that he is talking about his fight with Allan Weickert for NAAFS on June 6.

Chris Nelson of SB Nation’s own BloodyElbow.com chimes in with his take on the situation:

He goes on to explain what a terrible state of mind he was in, how he was battling substance abuse at the time, and how he’s fully reformed and rededicated now, heading into a September 11th fight with Ultimate Fighter alum Dante Rivera. And that’s great - I’m really happy for the guy.

Still, I can’t help but feel that his “admission” not only shows massive disrespect to the fighter who bested him that night*, but also raises questions regarding Salmon’s morals and whether this sort of thing (or, worse, legit fight fixing) happens in MMA far more than we diehard fans like to imagine.

There is certainly a difference between taking a dive at the request of a promotion, manager, or other fighter and choosing to let yourself lose to remain healthy for an upcoming career move. Still, a promotion pays you to fight to the best of your ability and the fans are paying for tickets to see the same. To not give the fans or a promotion your all in a fight may not be illegal, but it is clearly unacceptable for a person in Salmon’s position regardless of his state of mind at the time.