American MMA fighter Isaac Dulgarian, also known as The Midwest Choppa, has been dropped by the UFC after suspicious betting activity was linked to his recent fight. The 27-year-old fought Yadier Del Valle in Las Vegas over the weekend in a match that has caught the attention of the UFC and betting regulators.

Before the fight, Dulgarian was expected to win, but his betting odds suddenly fell just before it began. Some betting sites even stopped taking bets on certain outcomes, such as a first-round finish. During the match, Dulgarian lost quickly after submitting to Del Valle in the first round. Less than a day later, reports confirmed that the UFC had released him, raising questions about unusual betting patterns surrounding the fight.

Investigation Underway

The UFC’s independent betting watchdog, IC360, is now looking into the case. IC360 keeps track of all betting on UFC fights to make sure everything is fair and honest. It is currently checking the betting records from the day of the fight to see if anything suspicious happened.

Several major sportsbooks have also responded to the situation. Caesars and William Hill US have told customers who lost money on the fight that they will be refunded within 24 hours. DraftKings, however, has stated that while it is aware of integrity concerns, it currently has no plans to issue refunds.

The UFC has not released an official statement about Dulgarian’s removal, but insiders suggest the organization is taking the situation seriously. Integrity in sports betting has become a top priority for the UFC, especially after previous cases of suspicious activity.

Similar Cases in the Past

This is not the first time the UFC has faced issues related to betting integrity. In 2023, fighter Jeff Molina was removed from the UFC roster after being linked to a betting scandal involving another fighter, Darrick Minner. Minner lost his fight to Shayilan Nuerdanbieke in 2022, and the event later became the center of an investigation into irregular betting patterns.

Such cases have led the UFC to tighten its rules around betting and fighter conduct. Fighters and their teams are now strictly banned from placing bets on UFC events, whether directly or through others.

What Happens Next

UFC reporter Ariel Helwani has reported that the FBI is now involved in reviewing the Dulgarian case, adding another layer to the ongoing investigation. If any wrongdoing is confirmed, more serious actions could follow, including bans or even legal consequences.

For now, Dulgarian’s future in professional fighting looks uncertain. His release from the UFC means he cannot compete under its banner unless cleared of any wrongdoing. The case highlights how the UFC continues to face challenges in maintaining fairness and integrity in the growing world of sports betting.