The UFC Vegas 107 show hit a snag this past weekend. A live segment to preview the main card’s opening bout turned into an uneasy on-air moment for ESPN’s betting expert, Minty Bets.
Minty Bets’ On-Air Stumble Sparks Doubts About ESPN’s Gambling Credibility
People watching to get expert gambling advice before the Zach Reese vs. Dusko Todorovic middleweight fight saw something unexpected instead. They watched a long silence, repeated sentences, and an analyst who looked confused. Bets, who often shows up on UFC and ESPN shows to give betting tips, seemed to lose her focus while on live TV. This mix-up happened as she tried to explain why she supported a second-round finish at +250 odds. This bet appeared to go against what most people thought would be a quick knockout.
The problem seemed to come from a broken teleprompter, as Bets kept tripping over her words and had trouble remembering the bet she was backing. People watched her live as she paused, said sorry, and got back on track. This sparked quick responses on social media. Users slammed the segment as fake, with some wondering if the picks offered were researched or just written for the show.
This incident added to the growing doubts about ESPN’s increased role in sports betting. Critics pointed out that the network’s betting content has sometimes mixed up entertainment with real gambling advice. Bets’ mistake, even if it was just a technical issue, became a symbol for what some think is a bigger trust problem.
Jason Kelce’s ESPN Critique Gains Weight Amid UFC 107 Broadcast Slip-Up
This is not the first time ESPN has faced scrutiny for its handling of gambling content. NFL veteran and analyst Jason Kelce stated that he received instructions to promote bets he did not support. For many, Saturday’s incident strengthened worries that betting picks on mainstream sports broadcasts might prioritize presentation over expertise.
Despite the main card’s shaky beginning, the evening proceeded without additional broadcast problems. Reese, aiming to bounce back from a recent defeat, won unanimously against Todorovic.
Meanwhile, organizers canceled the planned main event between Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber because of a last-minute medical emergency involving Barber, who had a seizure backstage. As UFC keeps pushing betting content and ESPN leads this effort, the effects of this on-air mistake might stick around. For now, fans and critics are trying to figure out how much of what they watch in betting segments is real analysis and how much is just reading off a screen.