UFC CEO Dana White has thrown down the gauntlet, calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into the controversial conclusion of Saturday night's featherweight clash between Isaac Dulgarian and Yadier Del Valle.
Controversial Stoppage Sparks Outrage
The main card bout at UFC Vegas 110 ended in dramatic fashion when referee Mark Smith stopped the fight in the first round, awarding Dulgarian a TKO victory. However, replays showed Del Valle appeared to be intelligently defending himself against Dulgarian's ground-and-pound assault.
"We need to get to the bottom of what happened here," White declared in his post-fight press conference. "When there's this much controversy around a stoppage, it's our responsibility to review it properly."
Fighter Reactions Tell the Story
The scene inside the UFC APEX was one of confusion and frustration. Del Valle immediately protested the stoppage, while Dulgarian's celebration was tempered by the questionable nature of his victory.
Key moments that raised eyebrows:
- Del Valle was actively working for submissions throughout the ground exchange
- Multiple visible attempts to improve position and create space
- No clear moment where Del Valle stopped intelligently defending himself
- Immediate protest from the stopped fighter and his corner
What This Means for Australian MMA Fans
For Australian fight enthusiasts who stayed up late to watch the action, this controversy highlights the ongoing debate about referee consistency in mixed martial arts. The call for investigation sets an important precedent for fighter safety and fair competition.
White emphasised that such reviews are crucial for maintaining the sport's integrity. "Our athletes put everything on the line," he stated. "They deserve to know that every aspect of their performance is being judged fairly and accurately."
What's Next for the Fighters?
While the investigation proceeds, both fighters face uncertain immediate futures. Dulgarian's undefeated record remains technically intact, but the cloud of controversy may prompt an immediate rematch. For Del Valle, the premature stoppage represents a significant setback in his UFC career trajectory.
The UFC has not specified a timeline for the investigation's conclusion, but White's urgent tone suggests results will come quickly. Australian fight fans will be watching closely as this story develops, knowing that such decisions could one day affect their local heroes in the octagon.
