Dana White Addresses UFC Fight-Fixing Investigation

The world of mixed martial arts is facing what may be one of its greatest credibility tests: allegations of fight-fixing, suspicious betting activity, and involvement of federal authorities. At the centre of it all is UFC President Dana White, who has recently broken his silence on multiple investigations and their implications for the sport.

What’s going on?

In early November 2025, the UFC flagged a significant incident involving fighter Isaac Dulgarian, who entered a bout at UFC Vegas 110 as a heavy favourite, yet lost via first-round submission to Yadier del Valle. Betting lines had dramatically shifted in favor of Del Valle shortly before the fight, prompting several major sportsbooks to halt bets and later refund wagers due to “unusual wagering behavior”.

The UFC’s betting-integrity partner, IC360, alerted the promotion, which then contacted Dulgarian and asked a series of questions: whether he had insurance for injuries, whether he owed money, and whether he’d been approached to throw the fight. White has publicly said: “We called the FBI. Literally walked out from the octagon into my room and called the FBI.”

Meanwhile, veteran MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported that multiple fighters claim they have been approached about taking a fight for financial gain. He argued that this is “not an isolated incident” and that “my understanding is this is on the FBI’s radar.”

Dana White’s stance

Dana White has repeatedly affirmed the gravity of the situation. He told the media that fight-fixing is a “huge concern” for the UFC. He has also made it very clear that anyone engaging in rigged fights will have the toughest possible response: “If you’re that dumb and you’re willing to take that risk for money… you’ll go to prison.”

On the Dulgarian case, White pressed:

“We asked him all the questions … are you injured? Do you owe anybody money? Has anybody approached you? … Then the fight goes on and the finish happens. We called the FBI.”

He emphasized that although no formal proof has yet been publicly disclosed, the “optics” are extremely bad for the athlete involved. White also dismissed claims that hundreds of fights are currently under investigation as “clickbait B.S.”, stating that while all fights are monitored, only a very small number warrant complete investigations.

The bigger context: gambling, regulation & stakes

The incident comes amid a broader expansion of legalized sports betting in the U.S., which has raised fresh concerns about integrity in combat sports — where fighters often earn far less than mainstream athletes, and where matches can end quickly with minimal oversight.

In 2022, the Minner vs. Nuerdanbieke bout triggered a prior investigation after dramatic betting shifts and a first-round finish. The coach involved, James Krause, has since been banned by the UFC.

The crux: when money flows rapidly and unpredictably into specific outcomes (first-round finish, underdog win, etc.), regulators and sportsbooks can flag the action — and in high-risk cases, law-enforcement agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) may become involved.

What this means for UFC

Credibility risk: If fans believe fights are rigged or subject to manipulation, the sport’s legitimacy takes a hit. White has warned that “this is a whole other level” compared to doping or whatever else.

Regulatory scrutiny: Athletic commissions, sportsbooks, and federal agencies are all closely monitoring the situation. The UFC’s integrity partner monitors all fights for unusual wagering.

Fighter vulnerability: Lower-paid fighters may be more susceptible to approaches for throwing fights. The inducement may be large relative to their career earnings. Helwani has pointed this out.

Operational changes: The UFC may need to implement stronger protections, including independent oversight, enhanced monitoring, and tighter protocols for fighter investigations. White has indicated that the promotion is prepared to act.

Potential legal consequences: If rigged fights are proven, it could lead not just to UFC sanctions but criminal prosecutions — which White has said he would support.

Caveats & open questions

As of now, no public disclosure of criminal charges related to the Dulgarian case has been made. The investigation is ongoing.

The UFC insists that most fights are clean and that systemic rigging is not proven. White was adamant there aren’t “hundreds of fights” under investigation.

Will changes in fighter pay or governance reduce the vulnerabilities for manipulation? That remains to be seen.

How will sportsbooks adjust their behavior around UFC fights (limits, suspensions, audits)? We’re already seeing action in that area.

Conclusion

Dana White’s comments mark a critical moment for the UFC. By publicly acknowledging federal-level scrutiny, the promotion is signaling that the threat of fight-fixing is real and that it intends to clamp down hard on the issue. For fans, fighters, and stakeholders alike, this serves as both a warning and a reassurance — a warning that unethical behavior will not be tolerated, and a reassurance that the integrity of the sport remains the UFC’s top priority.

As the investigation unfolds, the organization’s next steps will be closely watched. Transparency, accountability, and firm enforcement will determine whether this moment becomes a turning point that strengthens the UFC’s credibility or a lasting stain on its reputation.

KrispyLakersNation

[[Anthony L. McKnight II]] also known as Krispy was Born in Rochester, NY attending the “School Of The Arts” Class of 2009. He graduated with a Regents Arts diploma while studying Creative Writing and other arts. He recently became the founder of the Los Angeles Lakers Fan Club on Clubhouse. His club has hosted several celebrity interviews inside the fan club, from names such as Robert Horry, Gloria James, Mark Medina, Jovan Buha. His favorite hobby is spending a day out in nature, favorite sports basketball & football.