Speculation Runs Wild: Is Daniel Cormier Banned and Replaced by Paul Felder Following Leaked DM Controversy?
By Yogesh, gogospoiler.com
WASHINGTON, DC: The online world is abuzz with a new theory surrounding the alleged leaked direct messages between UFC commentator Daniel Cormier and Eric Trump. Whispers have turned into viral posts, with many now claiming that "DC" has been banned by the UFC and that Paul Felder has stepped in to take his place due to the ongoing controversy.
Supporters of this theory point to the supposed professional repercussions as solid evidence, while others remain firmly skeptical, questioning the authenticity of the alleged messages that have surfaced.
The Claim: UFC Benches Daniel Cormier, Felder Steps In
A prominent X user ignited the latest wave of speculation by sharing a meme depicting Daniel Cormier with a stark red "BANNED" stamp across it. The post alleges that the UFC has replaced him with Paul Felder as a direct consequence of the leaked DMs involving Eric Trump.
This meme directly references an incident on June 14, 2026, where Cormier briefly posted and subsequently deleted screenshots of what appeared to be messages from Trump. These messages reportedly inquired about the outcomes and integrity of fights at UFC Freedom 250, with Cormier seemingly expressing his dismay.
The user who posted the meme questioned the denials surrounding the alleged messages, posing a pointed question: "If it didn’t happen, why is he banned?" This suggests that Cormier’s alleged sidelining is viewed as proof of the messages’ legitimacy. As of this report, the post has garnered over 37,500 views and a significant number of comments.
This claim has been further amplified by other social media users. One individual went as far as to assert that the UFC Hall of Famer had been removed from the commentary team for UFC Freedom 250 at the White House and replaced by Michael Bisping, adding fuel to the speculative fire.
Fact Check: No Disciplinary Action for Daniel Cormier
Let’s cut through the noise: the claim that Daniel Cormier has been banned by the UFC and replaced by Paul Felder is false. The meme appears to be a satirical take, amplified by the recent controversy surrounding the alleged leaked messages between Cormier and Eric Trump.
Contrary to the viral posts, Daniel Cormier was not banned from UFC Freedom 250, nor was he replaced by Paul Felder. Pre-event coverage and official announcements clearly confirmed that the commentary team for the event featured Jon Anik as the play-by-play announcer, alongside Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier as the color commentators. Furthermore, Cormier actively participated in media appearances and fan events leading up to the card.
While Paul Felder has indeed stepped in to fill commentary roles at UFC events on occasion, often filling in for Cormier or other broadcasters, these instances have been entirely unrelated to the recent controversy. Crucially, there has been no statement from the UFC, Dana White, or any credible news outlet indicating that Cormier faced any suspension, ban, or removal from the broadcast due to the alleged messages.
The controversy itself stemmed from June 14, 2026, when Cormier briefly shared screenshots on X. These images allegedly depicted messages from Eric Trump, which reportedly sought insider information about UFC Freedom 250 fighters, injuries, fight outcomes, and inquiries about whether certain fights were "rigged." Cormier reportedly offered a critical assessment of these messages in his post before swiftly deleting it.
Several journalists confirmed seeing the post before its removal. However, Eric Trump has vehemently denied sending any such messages, labeling the screenshots as fake and AI-generated. He has stated that he has never communicated with Cormier and has argued that Cormier’s subsequent removal of the post supports his assertion that the screenshots are not authentic.