Ray J was knocked out during an event promoted by controversial streamer Adin Ross, an occurrence that prompted UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland to express deep regret for his attendance.
The event, titled Brand Risk 14, featured boxing and MMA matches between former athletes and internet personalities. Beyond the questionable in-ring action held at the UFC Meta Apex, the spectacle was further marred by the presence of individuals resembling Jeffrey Epstein and Diddy in the audience.
In the aftermath, Strickland shared his feelings on his Instagram story, stating (via Bloody Elbow):
“I’ve never been a part of anything so shameful in my life. I hate myself, and I feel like less of a man after being here. Oh God, why did I agree to this? Oh, I just got to get the f*** out of here, man. Like, Nina’s my friend. I like Adin, but I’m sick to my f***ing stomach. That was f***ed up.”
“This is the most f***ed up thing I’ve ever witnessed in my entire f***ing life. I have to go home and look myself in the mirror after that. I’ve never done anything so shameful in my life, being a part of this. Sorry, guys. I tried to be a friend, and next thing you know, my dignity is gone. F***!”
Ray J Knocked Out Amid Claims of a Pre-Arranged Fight
Ray J’s contest with Supa Hot Fire (DeWayne Stevenson) was peculiar from the outset and became even stranger after the bout concluded. Ray J, also known as William Norwood Jr., made assertions about a pre-determined outcome for his fight, suggesting it was intended to be staged rather than a genuine competition.
Following the fight, Ray J expressed his confusion and disappointment:
“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*** [laughs]… I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to get nobody in trouble, but damn, my n****. N****, we took an L tonight.”
After an exchange with the interviewer, Ray J attempted to approach Supa Hot Fire to discuss the situation. The interviewer then decided to cease the interview with Ray J. However, Norwood Jr. re-entered the microphone to add:
“Do you know how much money we lost, n****? Wow.”
The fight itself appeared questionable even before the knockout. Supa Hot Fire threw no strikes in the first round before securing a quick finish in the second. Observers noted Ray J’s ineffective punches, and the commentators seemed puzzled by Supa Hot Fire’s passive approach in the early stages. UFC contender Arman Tsarukyan had even suggested Supahhotfire might be employing a strategic tactic with his lack of offensive output, a strategy that proved effective shortly after he highlighted it.
Although the MMA bouts were classified as amateur contests, they were licensed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. This raises concerns if there was any truth to the allegations of fight fixing, as it would imply a lack of oversight. Furthermore, the possibility of betting on such an event, even in seemingly dubious markets, adds another layer of impropriety if Ray J’s claims are accurate.
Ironically, Dana White’s catchphrase, “that’s f****** illegal,” could have been applied to this event, which took place at the UFC Meta Apex, potentially involving illicit activities.
