UFC Fighter Fires Back: I Would Never Dishonour the Sport
Posted on: February 1, 2026, 01:38h.
Last updated on: February 1, 2026, 01:40h.
- UFC lightweight denies any wrongdoing after UFC fight cancelled
- Suspicious betting activity had been flagged on the lightweight fight
- UFC and FBI investigations are ongoing
UFC lightweight fighter Alexander Hernandez has made his first statement since his fight versus Michael Johnson at UFC 324 in Las Vegas a week ago was cancelled due to suspicious betting activity.
“I would never dishonor myself or this sport by not giving my absolute all in competition,” Hernandez said on Instagram. “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 weight cut to have a fight forfeited. Certainly from matters outside of my control.”
Las Vegas Gambling: Odds Tightened Before Fight
The UFC has been this road before, with the company working closely with both licensed sportsbooks as well as the Integrity Compliance 360 monitoring service. Back in November the UFC released fighter Isaac Dulgarian after suspicious line movement in a bout he had with Yadier del Valle was flagged by IC360 and sportsbooks.
The Hernandez-Johnson fight was cancelled just before the start of UFC 324. Hernandez, 5-foot-9, 155 pounds, is 18-8, and was on a four-fight win streak. His previous fight, against Diego Ferreira of Brazil last September, was won by a second-round TKO.
In a feature story on the UFC website just before the Johnson fight, Hernandez said: “It’s taking all those pieces and finally putting them together. All those trials, mentally and physically, and believing, surrendering to this outcome and just believing. It’s cool to be on this side, and the thing is too, it could all be gone. I could hit another skid, and it could all be gone.”
UFC and FBI Investigation
At BetMGM Hernandez, 33, opened as a -210 betting favourite (Johnson was +165), but the odds the day before the fight last Saturday tightened to Hernandez -140, Johnson +110 (with 69% of bets and 66% of handle on Johnson).
When asked about the Hernandez/Johnson being cancelled, in the post UFC 324 news conference, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed it was due to suspicious gambling.
“Yeah, it happened again,” White told reporters. “That’s what it is. We got a call from the gaming integrity service and I said, I’m not doing this shit again. So pulled the fight. The FBI is already deep into this stuff, so I am sure this one will be next.”
Hernandez Denies Wrongdoing
There has been no further comment from UFC up to today about any suspensions for Hernandez or Johnson.
“I understand the FBI is doing their job,” wrote Hernandez on Instagram. “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.”
No comments yet