Burgeoning featherweight contenders go head-to-head at the UFC Apex when Isaac Dulgarian takes on Yadier del Valle on Saturday night.
Dulgarian looks to build momentum after bouncing back from his first professional loss, while del Valle aims to push his undefeated record to double-digits.
Dulgarian enters as a heavy -285 favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, with del Valle priced at +230 on the moneyline. The total is set at 2.5 rounds. Here’s my favorite bet for Saturday night’s featherweight showdown.
Isaac Dulgarian to Win by KO/TKO/DQ or Submission (+100)
Dulgarian (7-1) returns to the Octagon for the first time since Sept. 2024, when he rebounded from his first professional loss — a split-decision to Christian Rodriguez — with a second-round submission victory over Brendon Marotte.
The 29-year-old contender boasts a 100% finish rate, comprising four knockouts and three submissions, and is known for some of the best wrestling at 145 pounds.
The “Midwest Choppa,” who holds a 2-1 UFC record, averages five-plus takedowns per 15 minutes and has successfully taken down all three of his UFC opponents. While he tends to fade in the later rounds, he wastes no time getting down to business — six of his seven stoppages have come in the first round.
On Saturday, he faces arguably his toughest challenge yet in Yadier del Valle (9-0), a standout from Dana White’s Contender Series who’s coming off a first-round submission win over Connor Matthews in his UFC debut this past May.
At 29, the “Cuban Problem” leans on expert cardio to fuel his stand-and-bang style, averaging 7.49 significant strikes per minute. He’s finished five of his fights within the distance, securing three submission victories and two knockouts.
But while del Valle is a solid grappler, he’s nowhere near as strong on the ground as Dulgarian, a former NCAA Division II wrestler. Considering how dangerous del Valle is on the feet, expect Dulgarian to employ the same strategy he’s used in each of his three UFC bouts: shoot for a takedown within the first 30 seconds.
It should be smooth sailing if del Valle can weather the initial storm — but if he can’t, it’s going to be a quick night at the office.
