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Isaac Dulgarian Fired by UFC After Fight Fixing Allegations

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Sport and gambling run hand in hand today. Nobody can survive an ad-break from a live event without betting companies aggressively marketing their apps, latest odds, and offers, but a scandal is never far away in any sport.

There have been some particularly big ones recently, such as West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who was recently cleared of intentionally receiving yellow cards, and more recently in the NBA, last week’s arrests of Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, after an investigation by the FBI into an illegal gambling ring.

Now, it’s the UFC‘s turn.

UFC Centre of Fight Fixing Storm

Dana White

A fight that featured on the main card of this past weekend’s UFC Vegas 110 event has been put under the microscope after a more than questionable performance was turned in by the overwhelming favourite, soon after a series of suspicious bets were placed.

In the hours before the fight, Isaac Dulgarian’s odds as a 2/5 favourite began to drift significantly, eventually moving to around 5/6 by the time he entered the Octagon to face Yadier del Valle. This can, at times, happen naturally, but it appears the swing in odds came as a result of a surge of prop bets on Del Valle to win in the first round, which is precisely how the fight ended.

The line movement was so unusual that several sportsbooks reportedly pulled the fight from their betting markets. Caesars Sportsbook and William Hill later confirmed they would refund losing bets on the fight due to the suspicious activity.

Isaac Dulgarian Fight in Question

Isaac Dulgarian

Dulgarian was taken down early, dominated on the ground, and submitted inside the opening round. His performance drew criticism from the likes of former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, who was on commentary for the bout.

Cormier had immediate concern about the way Dulgarian put up little to no defence, before former UFC veteran Michael Chiesa laid into Dulgarian on the post-fight show, branding his performance as “absolute trash” before saying “he fought like an amateur.”

Even though no official statement has been made, the UFC has clearly taken note and action.

Long-time combat sports journalist, Ariel Helwani, has now confirmed on X that Dulgarian has been released from the UFC. According to Helwani, Dulgarian’s release was officially attributed to his defeat, although the timing will raise eyebrows due to the suspicious betting activity surrounding the bout.

“Isaac Dulgarian, who was submitted last night by Yadier del Valle, has been released by the UFC, sources say. He was released today. The official reason was attributed to last night’s loss. However, the bout has been the center of controversy after a ton of money started to come in on Dulgarian, a sizable favorite, to lose in the first, which is what happened.”

The situation has drawn comparisons to previous UFC betting controversies, most notably the Darrick Minner vs Shayilan Nuerdanbieke fight in 2022, which resulted in coach and former UFC fighter, James Krause, being permanently banned from the sport.

The link between the two cases is particularly striking, as Krause previously served as Dulgarian’s coach earlier in his career. Krause was central to the UFC’s decision to overhaul its betting policies after being found to have connections to suspicious wagering activity in bouts involving his fighters.

Furthermore, journalist and New York-based promoter, Harry Mac, has also claimed that more than 100 UFC fights this year have been flagged by the FBI for unusual betting patterns, suggesting that an audit could involve several referees, including veteran official Jason Herzog.

Jason Herzog

Adding to the intrigue is Dulgarian’s own stance on sports betting. In a previous interview, he remarked that fighters should receive around three to five percent of sports bettors’ winnings, a comment that once seemed tongue-in-cheek but now feels unusually significant given recent events.

The UFC has yet to confirm Dulgarian’s release or issue any formal statement regarding the allegations. However, the incident has once again placed the spotlight on the increasingly close relationship between professional sport and gambling, and how quickly that relationship can turn toxic when integrity is questioned.

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Liverpool Star Wanted By Three Clubs As Transfer Deadline Set

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Liverpool are set for a busy summer transfer window, as Andoni Iraola is in the middle of building a squad capable of playing his style of play for next season.

Work has already been done to land some new signings, with Jeremy Jacquet arriving after a deal was agreed earlier this year, while Victor Munoz was signed from Osasuna as an early arrival.

However, there is an expectation that more deals will be on the way for Liverpool. A move for Yan Diomande is in the works, with a deal that could exceed £100 million.

While that would add some firepower, the Reds will also need to consider some sales. Among those angling for an exit is Federico Chiesa.

Federico Chiesa Eyed By Clubs

Liverpool's Federico Chiesa during the warm up before facing Barnsley

Chiesa continues to be linked with an exit this summer, as the forward looks for a new challenge to get himself back in and around some first-team action.

The Italian international has struggled since his move to Anfield, as injuries impacted his early time, while he has failed to regain his best form with the limited opportunities he has received since.

A move away seems likely, but it will depend on the interest he receives and whether it matches the valuation set by Liverpool. According to Calciomercato, there are three teams eyeing up a potential move.

Juventus are linked with a return for Chiesa, where he impressed a few years ago, with the star already admitting that the club has a special place in his heart.

That may not stop a move to their rivals, however, as Inter Milan and Napoli have also been linked with interest in the winger for this summer.

The report adds that Chiesa will have a month to decide on his future, and it’s unclear exactly which of those three clubs he could end up at.

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Competition Is Good For Chiesa Sale

federico chiesa-1

As Liverpool look for a potential sale for Chiesa, there will be some hope that competition for his signature will help maximise the value they can extract this summer.

The Reds paid just £12.5 million for the winger, a fee that can easily be matched or exceeded this summer by the Serie A clubs showing interest.


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Liverpool are behind in the race.

Any money from that deal could then help balance the books, especially with the expensive move for Diomande, as well as the deal for Munoz.

Considering the recent transfer spend, it’s important that Liverpool continue to find ways to raise funds to be active in the market going forward.

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Spain’s Nico Williams Calls Out Uruguay Ace After He Suffers Injury

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Nico Williams has opened up on the mental and physical toll of the past year and a half after suffering a fresh injury during Spain’s group stage win over Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup, leaving his involvement in the rest of the tournament in doubt.

The Athletic Club winger had only come on as a substitute in the 76th minute, before picking up the issue following a challenge from Nicolas de la Cruz, who was booked for the tackle.

Williams has endured persistent fitness problems in the last 18 months, and this latest setback has clearly hit hard, with the 23-year-old reflecting on just how much he’s had to overcome to get back on the pitch.

Nico Williams Details Year Of “Suffering” And “Anxiety”

Nico Williams
Nico Williams
Via Reuters

Williams, who has been subject to transfer interest from Arsenal, didn’t hold back when describing what he’s been through before reflecting on the latest blow.

“Today is one of the worst days of my life. I’ve gotten injured again after a very tough year, one in which the pubic symphysis pain won many battles against me, but not the war.”


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He continued by detailing just how much the injury affected his daily life, admitting: “It was a year and a half of suffering, sadness, uncertainty, and anxiety. I didn’t know when I’d be able to play without pain again or when I’d get back to a normal life. I even got to the point of living with the pain in things as simple as going to the bathroom, getting in and out of the car, or just enjoying day-to-day life.”

See what Williams had to say in full below:

Spain Winger Vows Latest Setback “Won’t Stop” Him

Nico Williams Annegret Hilse via Reuters

Turning to the incident involving De la Cruz, Williams suggested frustration played a part in the challenge that caused his injury.

“Yesterday, I was caused a new injury after an action in which a fellow professional acted out of frustration, discontent, and sadness over the situation he was going through.”

“It was a play that, in my opinion, could have been avoided because it was completely unnecessary.”


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Despite the disappointment, Williams remained defiant, insisting that there’s a chance he’ll be seen playing again during the tournament: “But this won’t stop me either. I know God has a plan for me, and I’ll keep fighting until the very last moment to get back to doing what I love most: playing soccer, being happy, and bringing joy to many.” Before going on to say that “the story isn’t over—we’ll see each other as soon as possible in this World Cup.”

It’s been a forgettable World Cup for Uruguay, and the manner of their exit has only added to that reputation. Agustin Canobbio was shown a straight red card in the same match for diving in on Pau Cubarsi, leading to some chaotic scenes as tempers flared late on.


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The defeat means Uruguay finish bottom of Group H and head home without a single win to their name this summer, leaving Williams’ injury as just one of several incidents that have left a sour taste from their campaign.

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Everton Now Want World Cup Record-Breaker As Transfer Advantage Revealed

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Everton are looking at potential midfield additions this summer, as Marca claims the Toffees are eyeing a deal for a World Cup star in the transfer market.

There is uncertainty specifically surrounding the future of Idrissa Gana Gueye, as the experienced midfielder’s contract comes to an end at the beginning of next month.

In the retained list, the club confirmed that talks were continuing over a potential extension for the 36-year-old, with no confirmation over fresh terms as things stand.

While that could yet signal an exit for him, Everton are looking at other midfield options, one of which is an international teammate of Gueye.

Everton Want Pape Gueye Transfer

david moyes

A potential replacement for Idrissa Gueye could be his international teammate Pape Gueye, who has been impressing for Senegal in the World Cup this summer.

Marca reports that Everton are keen on a deal for the 27-year-old midfielder, with Villarreal expecting to sell the star for a big fee in the coming weeks of the transfer market.

The Toffees hold an advantage over some of their rivals in the race, as it’s claimed that Gueye is prioritising a move to the Premier League over any other option.

That only remains an advantage if they are the only team from England eyeing up a deal, as others in the division could soon enter the race for his signature.

Gueye made 39 appearances for Villarreal last season, scoring five goals and assisting twice. While he impressed with those displays, it’s at the World Cup where the Senegal star is really showing his class and quality.

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Gueye Impresses At The World Cup

World Cup Amber Searls/ Imagn Images via Reuters

The World Cup is platforming plenty of top stars, with the competition likely to play a huge part in some key transfer switches across the world.

Everton could benefit from that, with Gueye being among those who have impressed in the tournament so far, following three group stage matches.


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The 27-year-old’s most recent appearance came against Iraq, where he picked up two goals and an assist in a 5-0 win. In the process, he became the first African player in the World Cup to get three goal involvements in one match.

That was the moment he became a record-breaker in the competition, with Senegal now dreaming of putting together a deep run with Gueye at the heart of the midfield.

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