Isaac Dulgarian is grappling with the consequences of his unexpected defeat against Yadier del Valle at UFC Vegas 110, a fight that has prompted significant scrutiny and led to serious repercussions for both him and his team. Dulgarian lost the match due to a first-round rear-naked choke, a performance that many considered out of character given his impressive track record. Prior to this fight, he had been viewed as a prominent featherweight prospect who had finished all his opponents in the first round during his regional circuit career.
The situation escalated when betting lines fluctuated dramatically before the match, contributing to an internal investigation by the UFC. Following the investigation, the organization announced Dulgarian’s removal from their roster, while the Nevada Athletic Commission withheld his fight purse pending the outcome of the inquiry.
In a striking development, Dulgarian’s head coach at Factory X, Marc Montoya, publicly distanced himself from the fighter, stating that he has removed Dulgarian from the team in light of the allegations. Montoya expressed disappointment as he stated that their previous conversations failed to reveal any suspicious behavior leading up to the fight.
Montoya spoke about his trust in Dulgarian, noting, “We had a conversation about allegations. He reassured me he wasn’t involved,” and emphasized that his focus was on coaching and the integrity of their training program. He also elaborated on the pressures fighters often experience before a match, insisting these concerns had no bearing on Dulgarian’s overall preparation or performance.
The fallout from this incident has drawn criticism from various corners of the UFC community, with UFC standouts like Michael Chiesa openly questioning Dulgarian’s performance during the match. Despite the ongoing investigation, Montoya maintains that he has never placed a sports bet and firmly rejects any association with the allegations against Dulgarian.
Montoya concluded by defending both his personal integrity and that of his gym, arguing that accusations of this nature directly attack their reputation. He conveyed a deeper philosophical belief about integrity, stating that it is one’s most valuable asset, far beyond material possessions.
As the investigation unfolds, Dulgarian’s future in the UFC remains uncertain. However, Montoya’s firm stance on integrity serves as a reminder of the values that many athletes and trainers strive to uphold, even in challenging circumstances. The hope remains that these challenges can lead to resolutions that reaffirm the integrity of the sport.