Isaac Dulgarian released after Vegas 110 loss as UFC and FBI investigate alleged fight fixing – REAL COMBAT MEDIA MMA

Isaac Dulgarian released after Vegas 110 loss as UFC and FBI investigate alleged fight fixing

By Robert Brizel, Chief Correspondent for Real Combat Media Boxing

Las Vegas, NV (November 4, 2025)– Featherweight Isaac Dulgarian, 7-2, Kansas City, Missouri, Team Factory Westchase, at UFC Vegas 110. He went 3-2 in the Octagon, but his controversial chances and resulting performance have left the UFC and MMA with a perpetual black eye. The FBI is investigating.

Dulgarian, entering his most recent fight, had won seven of his last eight fights. Was Dulgarian’s loss a set fight? Dulgarian was quickly eliminated by Del Valle in a fight that saw Dulgarian go from a -250 favorite to a -166 in just a few hours, with big bets coming in on a prop bet from Del Valle for a first-round win. Some sportsbooks have since offered refunds to bettors due to the controversial, questionable ending.

On the November 3, 2025 Ariel Helwani Show, Helwani theorized that fighters who don’t make a lot of money are being offered quick fixes for the money needed to stage their MMA fights. “I believe what’s happening here is that people are chasing lower level fighters who don’t make a lot of money, (fighters) who are in tough (financial) positions, who are fighting in the big leagues, and they offer them a quick fix. How often does this happen? I can’t tell you. But I’ve heard it several times now in my conversations over the last 24 hours,” Helwani noted on his show. It should be noted that Helwani stated that he does not believe the UFC had any involvement in the foul play of the odds.

This follows MMA journalist and promoter Harry Mac posting claims on social media on November 1, 2025 that the UFC had been notified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the significant line movement, which prompted several sportsbooks to place bets on the Del Valle-Dulgarian fight in the hours prior. However, Mac claimed that the UFC was willing to allow the fight to go ahead despite the ‘suspicious’ betting discrepancies before the fight. Mac added a major, as-yet-unproven accusation, stating that more than 100 fights in the UFC have been flagged for suspicious line movements.

Mac stated on Herzog, leading to a still ongoing verbal war between him and Herzog on X pointing fingers, but still proves nothing.

Helwani spoke out about inappropriate activities by MMA referees. “This is a huge problem for the UFC, and considering I wasn’t told this part, I’m going to say it. But when you consider the questionable refereeing lately, you can’t help but wrap your mind around that too, because there’s no other possible explanation for some of the crazy stuff we’ve seen lately, and it’s easy to do.”

Helwani suggested on his show that resolution was underway in Durgarian vs. Del Valle. “My understanding is that this is on the FBI’s radar. How in-depth an investigation is at this point is unclear. This is all very new, but yes, this is true. My understanding is that this is not an isolated incident. And what I mean by that is I’ve talked to several people who have been in situations or know others who have been in situations where they’ve been approached about their willingness to do something like this (being asked) ‘Are you interested in a fight for X amount of dollars?’ (to throw the fight).”

The UFC MMA gambling black eye follows the NBA gambling black eye. As noted on Wikipedia, on October 23, 2025, current and former National Basketball Association players and a coach were among 34 people arrested and charged for allegedly running rigged sports betting and poker games. Hall of Fame player and current Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, former player Damon Jones and current Miami Heat Terry Rozier were all arrested for their alleged involvement in the scandal following a full investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department Organized Crime Control Bureau Joint Organized Crime Task Force.

The fallout from these gambling scandals shows that MMA, basketball and the integrity of all amateur and professional sports are suddenly in serious jeopardy. It should be noted that all alleged persons and attacks are presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, the allegations and other investigations have, taken at face value, placed a black mark on the integrity and credibility regarding the future of Mixed Martial Arts and all sports. In the meantime, following Dulgarian’s release, the UFC has launched its own investigation into the outcome of the UFC featherweight fight between Dulgarian and Del Valle.

Robert Brizel – Chief Boxing Correspondent

Robert has been the head boxing correspondent for Real Combat Media Boxing since 2013. Robert is also a photographer and ringside reporter for the RCM Tri State region, which includes NJ, NY and PA. Robert conducts exclusive interviews, historical boxing features and editorial ringside coverage of major boxing events. You can contact or follow Robert on Facebook and by email at [email protected].