UFC Works with FBI After Suspicious Betting on Dulgarian Fight
The UFC and the FBI have launched a joint investigation into unusual betting activity surrounding the featherweight bout between Isaac Dulgarian and Yadier del Valle. The fight took place in Las Vegas at UFC Fight Night (UFC Vegas 110) on Saturday. The probe is focused on significant wagers placed on the underdog, del Valle, and on the fight ending in the first round.
Before the fight, the UFC was alerted to the activity by its integrity partner, Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360). Following the warning, UFC CEO Dana White immediately contacted Dulgarian and his lawyer. White asked the fighter if he was injured, owed money to anyone, or had been approached about the bout. Dulgarian firmly denied any involvement, telling White, “Absolutely not. I’m going to kill this guy.”
Immediate Action Taken After First-Round Finish
The fight ended quickly in the first round when Yadier del Valle won by rear-naked choke submission. Dulgarian, who reportedly seemed disengaged during the contest, was released by the organization shortly after the result.
The UFC acted swiftly on the integrity warning. White stated, “Literally, the first thing we did was call the FBI.”White met with the FBI twice on Tuesday to discuss the suspicious activity, stating that the situation “definitely doesn’t look good.”
As a result of the investigation, the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) plans to withhold Dulgarian’s fight purse. Additionally, Caesars Sportsbook announced it would refund bets placed on Dulgarian.
Denials and Broader Context
Dulgarian’s coach, Marc Montoya, denied any connection to the gambling allegations. Montoya stated, “We have nothing to do with any of the allegations being brought upon us,” and emphasized his own integrity, saying, “I would never, for any amount of money, sell my integrity or my word.” The UFC issued a statement confirming that the integrity of the sport is paramount.
This investigation marks the second public federal case involving suspicious betting activity in the UFC. In 2023, the organization suspended coach James Krause in connection with a fight involving his student, Darrick Minner. White downplayed suggestions of a widespread problem in MMA, stressing that the UFC monitors every single fight to protect the integrity of the organization.
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