The UFC is currently confronting the possibility of its second betting scandal in just three years. This situation has escalated following the unexpected loss of heavily favored featherweight fighter Isaac Dulgarian during UFC Vegas 110. In a recent interview with TMZ, UFC CEO Dana White revealed that the organization is collaborating closely with the FBI to investigate the circumstances surrounding this match.
Prior to Dulgarian's bout against Yadier del Valle, reports from Uncrowned and Yahoo Sports indicated that UFC’s betting integrity partner, IC360, alerted the organization about significant betting activity favoring the underdog. White stated that they reached out to Dulgarian and his legal representation, expressing concerns over the "weird betting action" observed. They inquired if Dulgarian was injured, indebted, or had been approached regarding the fight. Dulgarian responded confidently, asserting, "No, absolutely not. I’m going to kill this guy." However, the fight concluded with Dulgarian losing by a first-round submission via rear-naked choke.
In the aftermath of the fight, which took place on Saturday, Dulgarian was dismissed from the UFC by Sunday night. Despite being a favorite, his performance raised eyebrows, prompting Caesars Sportsbook and several other online sportsbooks to announce they would refund bets placed on him to win. As it stands, there is no definitive proof that Dulgarian intentionally lost the match. However, White, who had multiple meetings with the FBI on Tuesday, acknowledged the situation, stating, "It doesn’t look good, it definitely doesn’t look good."
In an official statement released on Monday, the UFC confirmed that IC360 is conducting a thorough review of the events surrounding the Dulgarian vs. del Valle fight. The organization is treating these allegations with utmost seriousness. According to Uncrowned, the Nevada Athletic Commission is also taking action by planning to withhold Dulgarian’s purse from the fight as the investigation unfolds.
This incident is not the first of its kind in the UFC's history. In 2022, another betting scandal emerged when featherweight Darrick Minner suffered a controversial first-round loss to Shayilan Nuerdanbieke, leading to both Minner and his coach, James Krause, facing suspensions. Furthermore, in a case dating back seven years, South Korean lightweight Tae Hyun Bang received a 10-month prison sentence for his involvement in a scheme to throw a fight against Leo Kuntz during a UFC event in South Korea.
As the investigation into Isaac Dulgarian's fight continues, the UFC is under scrutiny, and the integrity of betting within the sport remains a crucial concern. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the situation develops.
