The FBI is investigating more than 100 UFC fights on suspicion of match-fixing.
The FBI is preparing a formal investigation into possible match-fixing in UFC fights. The US federal agency notified the organization about more than 100 fights held in 2025 that showed abnormal betting patterns.
The situation gained notoriety after fighter Isaac Dulgarian was dismissed from the UFC roster on Monday (4). The featherweight was fired shortly after his defeat to Yadier del Valle at the UFC Vegas 110 event, held on Saturday (1st). The Nevada Athletic Commission withheld Dulgarian's purse in full after identifying atypical betting activity on his fight.
Dulgarian had only two losses since joining the UFC in 2023. The American was the favorite in betting circles to beat Del Valle, but ended up being submitted in the first round, a result that surprised sports experts.
Authorities identified an unusually high volume of bets on a victory for Cuban fighter Del Valle, considered the underdog in the fight. There was a significant increase in bets for a first-round win – exactly as it occurred. Integrity systems detected an unusual volume of bets directed at the underdog, including newly created accounts and profiles of experienced bettors. Some betting sites even suspended the market and canceled bets. The abnormal financial activity led several betting sites to reimburse customers who had bet on this fight.
The FBI has conducted similar investigations before. The agency has made arrests related to sports betting fraud in the NBA, demonstrating its pattern of action against this type of crime in the sports environment. In the case of UFC Vegas 110, the FBI contacted the organization on the day of the event to warn about the potential fraud.
Even after being notified about suspicious betting patterns, including those related to the Dulgarian vs. Del Valle fight, the UFC maintained the event schedule without suspending the disputed bout. This decision may be reviewed during the FBI investigation that will take place in the coming weeks.
The UFC confirmed that it works with the independent service IC360, responsible for monitoring all bets on the organization's events, and reported that a full review of the facts is underway. There is no set deadline for the conclusion of the investigation or the release of the withheld funds.
Meanwhile, several fighters have reported receiving offers to manipulate results, increasing attention around the issue. To date, there is no official confirmation of athlete involvement beyond the case under investigation. The investigation remains the responsibility of the Nevada Athletic Commission, sports integrity agencies, and the FBI.
