The Anaheim 2 round of the 2025 Monster Energy Supercross Championship took an unexpected and controversial turn during the 250B Qualifying session when riders Braden Spangle and Wyatt Mattson were involved in a heated altercation following a crash on the track. What began as a racing incident quickly escalated into a physical confrontation, leaving many fans and officials stunned.
The incident unfolded when Spangle and Mattson tangled in a collision on a rhythm section. Both riders went down, and frustration immediately boiled over. Eyewitnesses reported heated words exchanged as they removed their helmets, and within moments, the situation turned physical. The scuffle, which was captured on cameras and widely shared across social media, was eventually broken up by officials and other riders on the scene.
The fight overshadowed the competitive spirit of the event, sparking intense debate among fans, riders, and industry insiders. While emotions often run high in the high-stakes environment of Supercross, physical altercations are rare and strongly discouraged by the sport’s governing body, the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association). Such conduct not only violates the AMA’s Code of Conduct but also jeopardizes the safety and integrity of the competition.
In response to the incident, AMA officials have launched an investigation and are expected to hand down disciplinary action soon. While the specifics of their penalties have not been announced, it is likely that Spangle and Mattson will face suspensions. Depending on the severity of the punishment, they could be barred from competing in future Supercross events this season—or longer. This could prove to be a significant blow to their careers, as maintaining consistency and exposure is critical for riders aiming to secure sponsorships and build reputations in the sport.
Reactions to the fight have been mixed. Some fans sympathize with the riders, pointing to the adrenaline and intense pressure they face during competition. However, many others, including fellow competitors, have condemned their actions, arguing that professionalism and composure are paramount, even in moments of frustration.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face in controlling emotions under intense scrutiny and the consequences that can follow when conflicts boil over. With the AMA’s decision pending, the future of Spangle and Mattson’s careers in Supercross remains uncertain. Regardless of the outcome, the altercation at Anaheim 2 will likely be remembered as a cautionary tale about the importance of sportsmanship in professional motocross.
As fans and industry insiders await the AMA’s ruling, the hope remains that both riders will learn from the incident and return to the track with a renewed focus on competition and respect for the sport.
