The world of mixed martial arts faced another controversy at UFC 324, when the highly anticipated fight between Alexander Hernandez and Michael Johnson was suddenly canceled.
The decision was made just hours before the event, raising questions and concerns throughout both the UFC community and the betting industry.
Alexander Hernandez, with a record of 18–8, was set to face Michael Johnson, who holds a 24–19 record, in a lightweight bout at T-Mobile Arena. However, the matchup was unexpectedly removed from the card.
Incidents like the James Krause/Darrick Minner fight in 2022 and Isaac Dulgarian vs. Yadier del Valle in November drew intense scrutiny and investigations.
The Dulgarian–del Valle occurrence happened around the same time that NBA head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were arrested in an FBI gambling investigation.
These cases highlighted the impact of suspicious betting activities and the repercussions for the UFC and sports in general.
Alleged Leak and Injury Concerns Prompt Suspicion at UFC 324
Initially, the UFC provided no explanation for the decision, leaving fans and analysts puzzled.
It wasn’t until the post-fight press conference that Dana White, the UFC president (and no stranger to the casino), explained the situation. He said the fight was pulled due to “suspicious betting activity,” adding that the promotion had been alerted by its gaming integrity service about unusual wagering patterns.
Reports suggest the abnormal betting activity was linked to a possible injury involving Alexander Hernandez.
The betting lines for Johnson shifted substantially, moving from around +132 to nearly even, which is rare so close to a fight. This abrupt change prompted sportsbooks to either limit bets or remove the fight from their betting options altogether.
There were rumors circulating on social media that Alexander Hernandez might have been injured, leading to heavy betting on Michael Johnson.
A screenshot circulating on Instagram suggested that someone with inside information may have leaked details about Hernandez’s condition, prompting bettors to place significant wagers on Johnson to win, particularly by knockout.
Why This Matters for Betting
With at least two other high-profile events facing similar integrity issues in recent years, the Ultimate Fighting Championship takes these matters very seriously.
UFC organizers have implemented measures to protect the integrity of their events by collaborating with the FBI and warning fighters about the consequences of fight manipulation and information leaks.
Unlike previous cases where fights proceeded despite red flags, the UFC adopted a firmer stance at UFC 324 by canceling the bout as soon as its integrity service reported suspicious activity.
The good news is that the decision did not ruin the rest of the UFC 324 card, including the main card bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett.
Where Things Stand Now
There has been no official statement regarding potential disciplinary or criminal actions following the Hernandez–Johnson situation. The investigation is ongoing, and regulators are likely examining betting data to uncover the origins of the suspicious wagers placed on Johnson.
For sportsbooks and those monitoring betting integrity, this incident underscores the importance of quick responses and cautious limits, especially for fights surrounded by rumors of undisclosed injuries or insider information leaking shortly before the event.
In short, the UFC 324 incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between competition and ethics in sports betting. The integrity of the sport remains paramount, and continued vigilance is necessary to maintain trust in Ultimate Fighting Championship events.
