The FBI and the UFC: Fights Under Investigation?
- Austin Jones
- 39 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The FBI and the UFC: Fights Under Investigation?
The UFC has weathered its share of controversies from fighter pay disputes to judging scandals, but recent reports suggest something far more serious may be unfolding behind the scenes. According to multiple MMA outlets and regulatory sources, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has allegedly flagged over 100 UFC fights for review amid concerns of fight fixing, betting irregularities, and referee oversight. The FBI and the UFC: FIGHT.TV Breaks it down!
If true, this could mark one of the most significant investigations into combat sports integrity in modern history.
⚠️ The Allegations: Betting Red Flags and Federal Interest
The story gained traction after MMA journalist Ariel Helwani revealed that “multiple fighters have been approached to throw fights inside the UFC Octagon.” This bombshell followed reports of suspicious betting activity around UFC Vegas 110, particularly in the Isaac Dulgarian vs. Yadier del Valle bout held on November 1, 2025.
Sportsbooks reportedly noticed dramatic shifts in betting odds before the fight: Dulgarian opening as a heavy favorite at -250 before a massive reversal in the final hour. Some sportsbooks even pulled betting lines entirely, later issuing refunds to bettors after regulators flagged the event.
While no official FBI statement has been released, several media outlets including LowKick MMA, MMA Mania, and MMA News have reported that “over 100 UFC fights” this year may be under review for similar betting anomalies.
🧑⚖️ The Referee Connection: Jason Herzog’s Name Surfaces
Among the allegations, one name has drawn attention: veteran UFC referee Jason Herzog. Some unverified reports suggest an internal audit may include fights officiated by Herzog, though there is no confirmed evidence that he has been accused of wrongdoing.
Herzog, widely regarded as one of the sport’s most professional referees, has not commented publicly. The Nevada State Athletic Commission and the UFC have also declined to issue statements confirming or denying whether his bouts are under review.
At this stage, these claims remain unsubstantiated, but the speculation underscores growing concerns over how referees, betting markets, and fighter conduct intertwine in the age of online wagering.
📉 The Context: When Betting Meets Combat Sports
Since the legalization of sports betting across much of the United States, combat sports have faced unique challenges. Unlike team sports, a single fighter’s actions can dramatically change the outcome and in some cases, their performance can be influenced by external pressures, injuries, or even direct approaches from fixers.
The UFC’s partnership with major betting companies has also intensified scrutiny. Every betting irregularity now leaves a data trail, and regulators have become more aggressive in tracking patterns that suggest insider knowledge or manipulation.
🧭 FIGHT.TV’s View: Caution, Clarity, and Accountability
At FIGHT.TV, we believe both truths can coexist:
The allegations are serious enough to warrant investigation.
No one, not fighters, referees, or the UFC should be declared guilty without verifiable proof.
If the FBI or state athletic commissions confirm these reviews, it will likely push the UFC to implement new transparency and integrity safeguards, possibly mirroring the systems seen in other professional leagues like the NFL or NBA.
Until then, this remains a developing story with one that will test the UFC’s ability to balance its global popularity with public trust.
FIGHT.TV Breaks It Down - the FBI and the UFC
If the reports prove accurate, this could be a watershed moment for MMA’s evolution. Betting integrity and officiating oversight are no longer behind the scenes issues as they’re central to the sport’s legitimacy.
FIGHT.TV will continue following this story as it unfolds, with updates as soon as verified documentation becomes available.
By Austin Jones — CMO & Lead Editor at FIGHT.TV
Austin Jones is a combat sports business strategist and media executive. As Chief Marketing Officer and Lead Editor at FIGHT.TV, he covers everything from behind the scenes controversies to dynamic industry breakdowns of promotions, to the satirical side of fight culture. He is also the founder of Business Goals Group LLC, a marketing and consulting powerhouse helping brands scale nationwide, while serving in leadership and marketing management roles across multiple U.S. organizations.