UFC Investigates Dulgarian's Fight Controversy
Investigation Launched
The UFC and the FBI are currently investigating unusual betting activity related to a featherweight fight that took place last weekend in Las Vegas. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that they were alerted by Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360) about abnormal betting interest in the match between Isaac Dulgarian and Yadier del Valle.
Fight Details
Isaac Dulgarian was favored to win the fight, with odds around -250, but he lost by submission in the first round. Reports from multiple sportsbooks indicated that there were large bets placed on del Valle before the fight. Following the match, Caesars Sportsbook announced it would refund bets placed on Dulgarian.
UFC's Response
After the fight, the UFC released Dulgarian from the promotion and began working with the FBI on the investigation. White mentioned that they contacted Dulgarian and his lawyer to ask if there were any issues, but Dulgarian insisted he was ready to fight and had no problems. Coach Marc Montoya, who trained Dulgarian, stated that he had discussions with Dulgarian about the betting allegations before the fight, and Dulgarian assured him he was not involved in any wrongdoing.
Ongoing Monitoring
White emphasized that the UFC takes the issue of fight-fixing seriously but does not believe this incident reflects a larger problem in mixed martial arts. He stated that the UFC has a strong partnership with IC360 and continuously monitors betting activities for any suspicious behavior.
Previous Investigations
This is not the first time the UFC has faced scrutiny over betting. In 2023, former UFC fighter James Krause was suspended after a fight involving one of his students, Darrick Minner, raised concerns due to unusual betting patterns. Minner lost that fight in the first round, and it was later revealed he had an injury before the match.
