Isaac Dulgarian will remain unable to compete as the Nevada Athletic Commission continues reviewing allegations tied to unusual betting behavior surrounding his most recent bout.
The former UFC featherweight was initially placed under a temporary suspension following a November fight that raised alarms across the sport. That suspension was officially extended this week while regulators confirmed the matter is still under active review.
Betting movement sparks scrutiny
Concerns first surfaced hours before Dulgarian’s appearance at UFC Vegas 110 in November. Despite entering the contest as a heavy favorite, betting odds shifted sharply in the opposite direction shortly before the opening bell. The sudden movement prompted internal discussions within the UFC, according to promotion officials.
UFC CEO Dana White later explained that Dulgarian was directly questioned about any possible explanations for the line movement, including injuries, financial pressures, or outside influence. Dulgarian denied all wrongdoing, and the bout proceeded as scheduled.
Inside the cage, the fight ended quickly, with Dulgarian suffering a first round submission defeat.
Nevada commission addresses allegations
During a public hearing, Nevada deputy attorney general Matthew Feeley outlined the commission’s position regarding the case and why the suspension remains in place.
“The respondent is believed to have engaged in conduct which is deemed by the commission to reflect a discredit to unarmed combat,” Feeley stated. “An investigation into this matter is ongoing.”
Following those remarks, Feeley read from correspondence submitted on Dulgarian’s behalf by his legal counsel.
“As you know, it has been alleged in correspondence from the state of Nevada Athletic Commission that there are grounds deemed by the commission supporting the temporary suspension of our client Isaac Dulgarian,” attorney James Hobb wrote.
“While Mr. Dulgarian denies any claims of conduct reflecting discredit in the field of unarmed combat, he consents to another extension of the temporary suspension.”
UFC involvement and federal contact
White previously confirmed that after the fight concluded, the promotion escalated the situation to federal authorities.
“We called the fighter and his lawyer and said, ‘What’s going on?’” White explained. “There’s some weird betting action going on in your fight. Are you injured? Do you owe anybody money? Has anybody approached you?’ And the kid said, ‘No, absolutely not. I’m going to kill this guy.’”
“So we said OK. The fight plays out, first-round finish by rear-naked choke. Literally the first thing we did was call the FBI.”
Dulgarian’s case follows previous betting-related controversies that have impacted the sport. In 2022, a separate investigation involving Darrick Minner resulted in disciplinary action after he failed to disclose an injury prior to competition. That situation led to a lengthy suspension and eventually affected multiple individuals connected to the case.
Nevada officials have confirmed that Dulgarian’s matter remains unresolved, and no final determination has been made at this stage.
Until the investigation concludes and regulators reach a formal adjudication agreement, Dulgarian will stay under suspension and barred from licensed competition.
No timeline has been provided for when a final ruling may occur.
