Brief Introduction of Isaac Dulgarian
Isaac Markaine Dulgarian, known in the fighting world as “The Midwest Choppa,” is an American professional mixed martial artist who competed in the featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Before transitioning to MMA, Dulgarian established himself as a formidable wrestler with a decorated career in high school and college, securing multiple state championships and achieving NCAA Division II All-American status. His professional MMA career began with a series of dominant first-round finishes, quickly capturing the Fighting Alliance Championship (FAC) Featherweight title and earning a coveted UFC contract. Dulgarian is recognized for his powerful grappling, relentless ground-and-pound, and proud acknowledgment of his Armenian heritage. His promising career has been marked by both explosive victories and significant challenges, including injuries and a recent controversy that has defined the latest chapter of his journey in combat sports.
Isaac Dulgarian Overview
| Full Name | Isaac Markaine Dulgarian |
| Date of Birth | July 4, 1996 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 29 |
| Birthplace | Fort Scott, Kansas, United States |
| Profession | Professional Mixed Martial Artist |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Grandfather, Daughter |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Alexa Culp |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $100,000 and $500,000 |
Early Life and Education of Isaac Dulgarian
Isaac Dulgarian was born on July 4, 1996, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and was raised in the small towns of Paola and Olathe. Growing up in a small-town environment taught him a variety of skills beyond athletics, including riding dirt bikes and hunting. His grandfather played a pivotal role in his early life, sacrificing his time, money, and job to ensure Isaac could compete in the toughest wrestling tournaments across the country every weekend. This unwavering support and belief from his grandfather instilled a deep-seated drive and work ethic in Dulgarian from a young age. He has credited his grandfather as his hero, stating that he would not have come as far as he has without his support. He moved to Kansas City in high school, giving him a blend of country and city life experiences.
Dulgarian’s athletic prowess was evident on the wrestling mats throughout his high school career. He became a three-time Kansas state champion, winning titles for two different schools: St. Thomas Aquinas and Olathe North High School. He was known for his prolific scoring and set records for takedowns. After a dominant high school run, Dulgarian continued his wrestling journey in college. He first attended Notre Dame College of Ohio, where as a true freshman, he had a remarkable season, finishing as the NCAA Division II national runner-up at 149 pounds. He later transferred to the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he studied psychology. However, feeling that the wrestling program limited his best attributes, he decided to transition to mixed martial arts.
Isaac Dulgarian’s Career
Isaac Dulgarian began his formal training for mixed martial arts on June 1, 2019, leveraging his extensive and successful wrestling background as a powerful foundation. After compiling a reported 4-0 amateur record with all wins coming in The first round, he turned professional in 2021. He made his professional debut in the Fighting Alliance Championship (FAC) promotion, where he quickly became known for his aggressive, grappling-heavy style and ability to finish fights early. He amassed a string of first-round victories, demonstrating overwhelming top control and devastating ground-and-pound.
The turning point in his regional career came at FAC 12 in February 2022. In a featherweight title bout against TeeJay Britton, Dulgarian secured a brutal knockout victory just over a minute into the first round. The event was featured on “Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight,” and his dominant performance in front of the UFC president earned him the FAC Featherweight Championship and a UFC contract. This victory was a culmination of his rapid rise, capping off a series of five professional fights, all ending in first-round finishes.
Dulgarian’s highly anticipated UFC debut was delayed by injuries, including a torn knee and a hole in his retina that required laser surgery. He finally stepped into the octagon on August 12, 2023, against Francis Marshall. Dulgarian dominated the fight, securing a TKO victory via elbows late in the first round, extending his streak of first-round finishes. His next fight was against Christian Rodriguez in March 2024, where he experienced the first setback of his professional career, losing a hard-fought split decision. He rebounded in September 2024 with a second-round submission win over Brendon Marotte, showcasing his resilience and submission skills.
His most recent and final bout in the UFC took place on November 1, 2025, against Yadier Del Valle. Dulgarian, who entered the fight as a significant betting favorite, lost via rear-naked choke submission in the first round. The fight was immediately shrouded in controversy due to unusual and dramatic shifts in betting lines just before it began, which prompted several sportsbooks to suspend betting and issue refunds to bettors. In the aftermath, amidst speculation of match-fixing, the UFC released Dulgarian from his contract. While the official reason given was attributed to the loss, the release came under a cloud of scrutiny due to the suspicious betting activity.
Isaac Dulgarian Personal Life & Family
Isaac Dulgarian’s family background is a blend of cultures; he is of Armenian descent from his mother’s side and African-American from his father’s side. He is particularly proud of his Armenian roots, often speaking about his heritage and carrying the Armenian flag into the octagon for his fights. He has shared that his family fled during the Armenian Genocide, eventually settling in the United States, and that his great-uncle was a Golden Gloves boxer. His grandfather has been one of the most influential figures in his life, providing unwavering support throughout his athletic career. Dulgarian has expressed a desire to make his grandfather proud and validate the immense sacrifices he made.
In his personal life, Dulgarian is in a relationship with Alexa Culp, who is also an Invicta FC veteran. In August 2023, shortly after his UFC debut, Dulgarian announced that he and his girlfriend were expecting their first child. He has since become a father to a daughter. He has spoken about how fatherhood has provided him with additional motivation and that his partner has been incredibly supportive, working multiple jobs to allow him to train full-time. He brings his daughter to the gym with him, where she is treated like family by his training partners. Dulgarian has also faced significant personal challenges, including a tough childhood and dealing with numerous injuries that have tested his resilience. He has a unique living situation, residing in an RV parked outside his gym, Factory X, in Colorado, a decision he made to be closer to his training while managing finances.
Awards and Achievements of Isaac Dulgarian
- Fighting Alliance Championship (FAC) Featherweight Champion
- NCAA Division II Wrestling National Finalist (Runner-up)
- NCAA Division II Wrestling All-American
- Three-Time Kansas High School State Wrestling Champion
- Six-Time Triple-Crown Winner (Kansas wrestling)
Isaac Dulgarian Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Isaac Dulgarian’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $100,000 to $500,000. His primary sources of income have been his fight contracts with promotions like the UFC and Fighting Alliance Championship, which include show money, win bonuses, and potential performance bonuses. Like many professional fighters, Dulgarian’s earnings can fluctuate based on his fight schedule and outcomes. His victory at UFC Fight Night in August 2023 was a significant event that likely increased his visibility and earning potential. Before his release, he had expressed a desire to secure a new UFC contract to start making more substantial money to support his family and invest further in his training, such as hiring a nutritionist. His income would also be supplemented by sponsorships, which he has actively sought throughout his career.
Legacy and Influence
Isaac Dulgarian’s legacy in mixed martial arts is that of a highly talented wrestler who made a sudden and impactful transition to the sport. His early career was defined by sheer dominance, with a remarkable streak of first-round finishes that highlighted his explosive power and suffocating ground game. He quickly established himself as a top prospect, capturing a regional title and earning his way into the UFC. Within the cage, his “Midwest Choppa” moniker was a fitting description of his style—a relentless, chopping attack on the ground that overwhelmed opponents.
Dulgarian also carries a significant influence within the Armenian community. He proudly represents his heritage and has garnered a strong following from Armenian fans worldwide. By carrying the Armenian flag and speaking about his roots, he has brought visibility to his culture on a major international platform. However, his legacy is also intertwined with the controversy surrounding his final UFC fight. The match-fixing allegations and his subsequent release cast a shadow over his promising career, serving as a cautionary tale about the intersection of sports and betting. While his UFC tenure was brief, his journey from a small town in Kansas to the global stage of MMA, fueled by a powerful wrestling pedigree, remains a notable chapter in the sport.
Interesting Facts about Isaac Dulgarian
- He is a decorated wrestler who was a three-time high school state champion and an NCAA Division II runner-up as a true freshman.
- Proud of his heritage, he has mixed Armenian and African-American roots and often enters the octagon carrying the Armenian flag.
- He lived in an RV parked in the lot of his gym, Factory X, to be closer to his training and manage his finances more effectively.
- Dulgarian’s grandfather is his hero and was instrumental in his wrestling career, driving him to tournaments across the country every weekend.
- He began his professional and amateur MMA career with a combined ten consecutive first-round finishes.
- His great-uncle, Corky Bulgarian, was a Golden Gloves boxer.
- He found out he was going to be a father the day after his successful UFC debut win against Francis Marshall.
Controversies
Isaac Dulgarian’s career became embroiled in a significant controversy following his fight on November 1, 2025, against Yadier del Valle. Dulgarian, a sizeable betting favorite, lost via a first-round submission. The controversy stemmed from a dramatic and suspicious shift in the betting odds shortly before the fight began. Dulgarian’s odds as a favorite significantly decreased, and a large amount of money was reportedly placed on him to lose in the first round. This unusual betting activity prompted major sportsbooks like DraftKings, Caesars, and William Hill to suspend betting and, in some cases, refund wagers placed on the fight due to integrity concerns. Following the loss and the public outcry, the UFC released Dulgarian from his contract. While the official reason cited for his release was the loss itself, the timing and the surrounding circumstances led to widespread speculation about potential match-fixing. Adding to the scrutiny was Dulgarian’s previous connection to former coach James Krause, who was banned from the UFC over a separate betting scandal, though Dulgarian had since moved to the Factory X gym. No formal investigation has been confirmed, but the incident has left a significant mark on his career.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – (isaac_dulgarian) Not publicly available
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Isaac Dulgarian
Isaac Dulgarian’s journey in the world of combat sports is one of immense talent, relentless determination, and unforeseen challenges. From the wrestling mats of Kansas, where he was a celebrated champion, to the bright lights of the UFC, his career has been on a fast-paced and often turbulent trajectory. His identity as “The Midwest Choppa” was forged through a powerful wrestling base that translated into a suffocating and effective MMA style, leading to a rapid ascent in the professional ranks. His pride in his Armenian heritage has also made him a notable figure for many fans. Despite the promise shown in his early victories, his path has been complicated by significant injuries and the profound controversy that led to his departure from the UFC. As of late 2025, his future in the sport is uncertain. The cloud of suspicion from his last fight presents a formidable obstacle, but his proven skills and history of overcoming adversity suggest that his story as a fighter may not be over. Whether he can clear his name and return to high-level competition remains to be seen, but his career serves as a compelling narrative of potential, heritage, and the precarious nature of professional sports.
