Michael Bisping, former UFC middleweight champion and Hall of Famer, has commented on the controversial bout between Isaac Dulgarian and Yadier del Valle at UFC Fight Night 263, which is now under FBI investigation.
Bisping, who was in the commentary booth alongside Daniel Cormier and Brendan Fitzgerald, said he noticed nothing unusual during the fight, which ended with Dulgarian losing by first-round submission. Betting irregularities surrounding the match prompted UFC officials to contact federal authorities.
FBI Steps In Over Suspicious Betting
Dana White confirmed that unusual betting patterns, favoring del Valle to win quickly, triggered the investigation. Before the fight, Dulgarian was approached about the sudden betting shifts and assured the promotion it was not an issue. Following the bout, Dulgarian was cut from the UFC roster, his pay held by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, and Factory X severed ties with him.
Yadier del Valle vs Isaac Dulgarian
Featherweight bout
Full fight recap #UFCVegas110This is the full fight recap of the fight that was allegedly fixed. What do you think? I see a case pic.twitter.com/T2oLsog8M7
— Albert (@AlbertMMA_) November 2, 2025
Bisping Reflects on Dulgarian’s Mistake
“It’s kind of crazy that Isaac Dulgarian would do that,” Bisping told MMA Junkie. “We don’t know the circumstances or whatever. It’s being fully investigated, so I’m sure the truth will come out eventually. Such an idiot. A very promising young man, a great fighter, an excellent wrestling pedigree and now he’s thrown away his career completely.”
“We don’t know the ins and outs. We don’t know if there’s some shady characters. This is some unsavoury characters. I feel as the sport has gotten much more professional these days, it’s kind of weeded out those people. It’s mainly true professionals or managers involved, but who knows. Maybe he had some personal troubles. Maybe some people from his old neighborhood. I don’t know too much about Isaac Dulgarian other than watching his fights and commentating. He made a massive mistake and he’s going pay, he’s going to pay the consequences.”
Bisping stressed that the situation is serious but should not be taken as a reflection of widespread issues in MMA.
“I think the story with Dulgarian is getting blown way out of proportion,” he said. “I do not think this is a widespread or constant issue, despite other fighters claiming they have been approached about fight fixing (with several subsequently walking it back).”
Human Error Over Systemic Problem
Bisping framed the situation as an individual failing rather than a flaw in the sport.
“In January, it’ll be 20 years with the UFC,” Bisping said. “In any walk of life there’s people that are motivated to cheat. To bend the rules. Just like taking steroids. The shortcut in life. … As Dana said there, you don’t know for sure. But you’ve got to have more faith in yourself, and we don’t understand the full circumstances, but do you believe in yourself or not? Is that the path you want to take in life? He took the easy option, allegedly. It’s so foolish, it’s so dumb, it’s so stupid. … Obviously, it’s a serious situation and UFC are going to act accordingly. Very, very unfortunate.”
Bisping admitted he only became aware of the controversy after the fact when social media and public discussions escalated.
“I guess I would’ve like to have known,” Bisping said. “I would’ve kept an eye out for things. I’ll be honest, at the time, I know Isaac Dulgarian in his former fights has been a very, very good wrestler. … I didn’t know anything about it and at the time I just remember thinking, ‘Yadier del Valle is the real deal.’ He is the real deal, and he has a bright future, and it should’ve reflect negatively on him. This is all on Isaac Dulgarian – again, allegedly.”
Bisping concluded by emphasizing the consequences for Dulgarian’s actions while acknowledging that due process must run its course.
“It’s a serious situation,” he said. “One poor decision can ruin a promising career.”
