UFC Fighter Involved in ‘Suspicious Fight’ Speaks Out Amid FBI Investigation
UFC fighter Yadier del Valle has reacted amid the investigation into suspicious betting activity.
On Saturday, Del Valle took on Isaac Dulgarian at Fight Night from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Heavy favourite Dulgarian was submitted in the fourth minute of the first round by Del Valle.
However, the bout was overshadowed by reports of 'suspicious' betting activity in the build-up.
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It was suggested that a large number of bets predicting the shock outcome came in.
During the aftermath of the fight, MMA journalist Ariel Helwani stated that the American Federal Bureau of Investigation were looking into the incident.
The UFC also stated that a 'thorough review of the facts surrounding the Dulgarian vs. del Valle bout on Saturday, November 1' will be conducted.
The statement read: "Like many professional sports organizations, UFC works with an independent betting integrity service to monitor wagering activity on our events.
"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."
Meanwhile, Helwani claimed that Dulgarian's entire purse from the fight has been withheld due to the investigation. There is no information on Del Valle's fight purse.
He wrote: "The Nevada State Athletic Commission withheld Isaac Dulgarian’s ENTIRE purse on Saturday due the irregular betting activity surrounding his fight, sources tell @uncrownedcombat.
"No timeline as to when or even if they will release it. Investigation pending."
Amid the controversy surrounding the bout, Del Valle said on social media that he dominated the fight against Dulgarian.
He appeared to write in a comment: "I go out here make this guy a D1 Wrestler looks like an amateur total domination and everyone thinks this is rigged because they sleep on me and put the wrong person has a favourite. That's hilarious."
Currently, it is not yet known exactly what the FBI's investigation will entail or what the potential repercussions of it could be, nor is it known just how severe this potential issue is, or how many fights have been impacted.
It was also claimed by Helwani that Dulgarian was subsequently released by the organisation, according to UFC sources.
SPORTbible has contacted UFC for comment.
Marcus Chan