Another sports betting controversy has hit professional sports, this time in mixed martial arts. The UFC has released fighter Isaac Dulgarian on Monday, just two days after his first-round submission loss to Yadier del Valle at Fight Night in Las Vegas, according to multiple reports.
“Like many professional sports organizations, UFC works with an independent betting integrity service to monitor wagering activity on our events,” the promotion told The New York Post in a statement. “Our betting integrity partner, IC360, monitors wagering on every UFC event and is conducting a thorough review of the facts surrounding the Dulgarian vs. del Valle bout on Saturday, November 1. We take these allegations very seriously, and along with the health and safety of our fighters, nothing is more important than the integrity of our sport.”
Unusual betting activity was flagged for Dulgarian’s fight. Entering the bout, Dulgarian — now 7-2 in his professional UFC career — was a -250 favorite. However, the betting line shifted drastically to -154 leading up to the fight. Multiple sportsbooks noticed the unusual activity and stopped taking bets before the first-round bell rang.
Caesars Sportsbook even issued refunds to anyone who had placed bets on Dulgarian. The sportsbook posted on X, “Mobile customers with losing bets on the Dulgarian UFC fight will receive a cash credit within 24 hours (singles), or within 24 hours of the last leg being determined (Parlay/SGP/Super Parlay) should that bet have won without that leg included.”
DraftKings also acknowledged the situation, telling The Post it is “aware of potential concerns” about the fight. “We are working with our integrity monitors and will provide updates to customers as they become available.”
Dulgarian, 29, lost by submission, but commentators Daniel Cormier and Michael Chiesa expressed confusion during the broadcast. They described Del Valle’s finish as “white belt stuff,” suggesting it was not a particularly complicated technique.
Adding an extra layer of interest to Dulgarian’s situation are his comments on fighter compensation related to sports betting. He has shared his belief that fighters should receive a cut of the bets placed on their bouts.
As the investigation continues, the UFC and its partners remain committed to preserving the integrity of the sport.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/ufc-cuts-fighter-after-sportsbooks-flag-unusual-betting-activity-his-first-round-loss
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