Suspicious Betting Prompts Refunds After Dulgarian UFC Fight

Caesars Sportsbook and William Hill have refunded losing wagers on the Isaac Dulgarian vs. Yadier del Valle featherweight fight at UFC Vegas 110 after suspicious betting activity was detected before the bout. Dulgarian, initially a -250 favorite, saw his odds fall to -150 in the hours leading up to the match at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

After noticing the sharp line movement, the Westgate SuperBook removed the fight from its betting board. Westgate Vice President of Race and Sports John Murray said the first two wagers placed at the book were on Del Valle at +210 and +180, prompting concern. Odds for del Valle to win by first-round finish also dropped dramatically from +850 to +475 before DraftKings removed the prop bet from its offering.

Dulgarian lost by first-round submission, leading to criticism from UFC analyst Michael Chiesa, who described the performance as subpar during the ESPN+ broadcast. Following the bout, Caesars and William Hill announced that customers who placed losing bets on Dulgarian would be refunded within 24 hours. Both sportsbooks also advised retail bettors to hold onto their tickets.

A Caesars spokesperson declined further comment, and DraftKings also declined to comment. The UFC confirmed that its betting integrity partner, Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360), is reviewing the event. The organization emphasized that the integrity of competition remains a top priority and that it takes all allegations of irregular betting seriously.

Dulgarian released by UFC after loss

According to multiple reports, the UFC released Dulgarian two days after the controversial fight at UFC Vegas 110. The UFC reiterated to The New York Post that its independent integrity partner, IC360, is reviewing all aspects of the bout. 

"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," said the UFC. 

The 29-year-old Missouri native had entered the fight with a 6-1 professional record and had been considered one of the organization's promising prospects. Dulgarian's loss came via rear-naked choke midway through the opening round, ending a previously unbeaten streak in his UFC career.

During the live broadcast, commentators Daniel Cormier and Michael Chiesa voiced surprise at the ease of the finish, describing the defensive lapse as uncharacteristic of a fighter at Dulgarian's level. 

The UFC did not provide an official statement regarding the release, but the decision came amid a broader review of recent events by the promotion's compliance team. Dulgarian's removal from the roster was reflected on the organization's official website by Monday evening, indicating his contract had been formally terminated.