UFC Cuts Veteran After Suspicious Submission Loss

A Short Night for Dulgarian

Isaac Dulgarian entered the bout with a 7-2 professional record and a strong grappling base, known among fans as 'The Midwest Choppa.' Standing 5'7" with a 71-inch reach, Dulgarian had built a reputation for aggressive wrestling and top control. At UFC Vegas 110, however, he found himself on the wrong end of a first-round rear-naked choke against Yadier del Valle, tapping at 3:41 of Round 1.

It marked the first submission loss of Dulgarian’s career—and one that would immediately precede his release from the organization. In the hours that followed, speculation grew when reports highlighted suspicious betting activity tied to the fight, with some sportsbooks reportedly refunding bets due to irregular line movement.

Observers noted that Dana White and the UFC moved quickly on the situation, finalizing the release within a day of the loss, a decision that only deepened fan speculation about what led to it. Reports of Dulgarian’s release were first made public by Ariel Helwani and later amplified by Championship Rounds on X.

A Promising Start Derailed

Looking at his official fight history, Dulgarian’s UFC run was brief but promising. He opened his promotional career with a first-round TKO win over Francis Marshall at UFC Fight Night: Luque vs. Dos Anjos in August 2023, followed by a second-round submission victory over Brendon Marotte at UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Brady in September 2024. Those two dominant performances showcased his grappling and finishing instincts, earning him early attention as a rising featherweight.

Dulgarian’s first setback came in May 2024 against Christian Rodriguez, where he lost via unanimous decision despite landing multiple takedowns and maintaining solid control time. That defeat was followed by his most recent outing against Yadier del Valle—a short-lived a performance that sparked suspicion among fans due to its abrupt finish and the swift fallout that followed.

What’s Next

As of now, Dulgarian has not released a public statement regarding his UFC departure. It’s unclear whether the Missouri-based fighter plans to continue competing at the regional level or pursue a contract with another promotion. For now, the story of 'The Midwest Choppa' serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the fight game—one bad night in the Octagon can end an entire run.