Alexander Hernandez’s career is potentially in jeopardy.
This past Saturday at UFC 324, Hernandez saw a scheduled bout against Michael Johnson removed from the card and UFC CEO Dana White later admitted was due to betting irregularities. Specifically, the line moved dramatically in favor of Johnson just hours before the fight was set to take place.
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“That’s what it is. Happened again,” White told reporters at the UFC 324 post-fight press conference. “We got called from the gaming integrity service, and I said I’m not doing this shit again. We pulled the fight.”
One week later, Hernandez issued a statement on Instagram addressing the situation.
“I would never dishonor myself or this sport by not giving my absolute all in competition,” Hernandez wrote. “I have been thru a great deal in my career to be in the auspicious position I am in. I do not take that lightly. I do not take my work or the work of others lightly. It is extraordinarily disheartening after a complete camp and [sic] weigh cut to have a fight forfeited. Certainly from matters outside of my control.
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“I understand the FBI is doing their job. I understand the UFC is doing their job. I am trying to get back to doing my job as quickly as possible. I hope this matter is resolved with expedience. I am in the prime of my career. I do not want my time stolen.”
Unsurprisingly, Hernandez (18-8) could not provide any details on any investigation regarding the FBI, UFC, or any other interested parties, and few are likely to emerge publicly as the case is ongoing. The news could not come at a worse time for the 33-year-old lightweight veteran, who has won four straight fights and looked to be a dark horse contender heading into 2026.
In recent years, the UFC has been rocked by a handful of betting scandals, most notably surrounding a Darrick Minner fight in November 2022. Minner lost by first-round knockout to Shayilan Nuerdanbieke in a bout that lasted just 67 seconds after the odds had shifted dramatically to the point that Minner went from favorite to a sizable underdog prior to the fight.
Minner was subsequently released and later received a 29-month suspension from competition. His head coach and fellow UFC fighter James Krause also received a suspension and, as of this date, appears to still be involved in an ongoing investigation.
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More recently, the UFC had to release a statement regarding Isaac Dulgarian after he lost by first-round finish to Yadier Del Valle this past November. Like Minner, Dulgarian was a heavy favorite heading into his fight before the odds shifted so that he was only a slight favorite by the time he made the walk to the cage. Several sportsbooks acted swiftly ahead of the fight, with some going as far as to remove prop bets—including wagering on a first-round finish—from their betting options.
Dulgarian was released from the UFC and has not been booked for a fight since as he remains under investigation.
