The MMA world is dealing with a controversy following a controversial featherweight clash at UFC Fight Night 263. Isaac Dulgarian’s first-round submission loss to Yadier del Valle has been under scrutiny, and allegations of match fixing has been made.
In a recent statement to journalist Ariel Helwani, Dulgarian’s coach Marc Montoya defended his reputation and that of his training facility amid swirling gambling allegations.
“My gym is being attacked, my integrity is being attacked, and I just want to first and foremost say we have nothing to do with any of these allegations that are being brought upon us,” Montoya declared at the outset of his remarks.
The coach made it clear that he would not engage in conjecture about the ongoing situation. “To speculate right now is not my job,” he stated firmly. “My job is to right now continue to lead and not react.”
Montoya emphasized his personal distance from the world of sports betting, making a striking admission for someone in the competitive athletic sphere. “I’ve never been involved in any type of betting format. I’ve actually never even placed a sports bet in my entire life. I couldn’t tell you how to do it,” he said.
The coach outlined what he views as his core responsibilities, explaining that his focus has always been straightforward and pure in intention. “My job has always been to train these guys to win, train these guys to win in life. And those are my two jobs. And so, you know, I take that very seriously,” Montoya explained.
Montoya also spoke about the value he places on personal integrity above all material gain. “This is my life’s work. And you can bet your a** that I would never, for any sort of money, I would never sell my integrity or my word because in life, that’s all you have,” he said.
He continued with a philosophical reflection on what truly matters. “All these worldly things that we look at, the cars, the houses, the money, all those things, those are worldly man-made things. And, you know, we go and we leave ourselves with one thing. We leave this earth and that’s our integrity and our word. And you couldn’t pay me any amount of money to get rid of that.”
Montoya concluded by maintaining his position. “It’s a very unfortunate situation. It’s still unfolding. And, you know, I just, I’m just not here to speculate. I’m here to speak facts,” he stated.
