Ali Akbar RosadyA scheduled lightweight contest between Michael Johnson and Alexander Hernandez was abruptly cancelled just hours before UFC 324 commenced, with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) CEO Dana White confirming that significant betting irregularities prompted the last-minute decision. The dramatic shift in odds for the matchup had triggered alerts across various online sportsbooks, leading the promotion to intervene and pull the fight from the card.
White addressed the media following the conclusion of UFC 324, elaborating on the rationale behind the unprecedented cancellation. He revealed that the UFC had received notification from a gaming integrity service regarding the suspicious wagering patterns. This marks a decisive shift in the promotion’s protocol, following a similar incident in November involving featherweight fighter Isaac Dulgarian, where the bout was allowed to proceed despite concerns over anomalous betting lines.
"That’s what it is. Happened again," White confirmed, referring to the Johnson vs. Hernandez cancellation. He expressed a definitive change in policy regarding such situations, stating, "We got called from the gaming integrity service, and I said I’m not doing this sh*t again. We pulled the fight." This firm stance underscores the UFC’s commitment to protecting the integrity of its events amidst growing scrutiny over sports betting.
The precedent set by the Isaac Dulgarian case looms large over the current situation. In November, Dulgarian’s fight also saw unusual betting line movements, drawing concern from the UFC. Despite these flags, the bout was permitted to go ahead. Dulgarian, who had been favored to win, subsequently suffered a first-round submission loss. The outcome prompted immediate action from the UFC, which notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about potential fight-fixing allegations. Dulgarian was swiftly released from the UFC roster and is currently under suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission as an investigation remains ongoing.
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White recounted the UFC’s previous interaction with Dulgarian, stating that the fighter was questioned about potential injuries or financial obligations that could explain the dramatic shift in odds. Dulgarian reportedly assured the promotion that he was fit and ready to compete, only to perform below expectations. The swift and severe consequences for Dulgarian – termination and an ongoing federal investigation – highlight the gravity with which the UFC and regulatory bodies treat such allegations.
Betting irregularities typically refer to unusual patterns or significant shifts in odds that cannot be explained by conventional factors such such as fighter withdrawals, weigh-in issues, or late-breaking news. These anomalies often involve large sums of money being placed on one fighter, or a sudden change in a fighter’s perceived chances of winning, which can sometimes indicate insider information or, more seriously, an attempt at match-fixing. Online sportsbooks employ sophisticated algorithms and integrity services to monitor these fluctuations and flag suspicious activity, acting as an early warning system for promotions and regulatory bodies. The dramatic movement of odds for the Johnson-Hernandez bout, therefore, triggered these established protocols.
The two fighters involved, Michael Johnson and Alexander Hernandez, now find themselves in an uncertain position. Michael "The Menace" Johnson (31, United States), with a professional mixed martial arts record of 22 wins and 19 losses, has been a long-standing veteran in the UFC’s lightweight division. Known for his explosive striking and wrestling background, Johnson has faced many of the division’s top contenders throughout his career. His recent form, however, has been mixed, with a 3-3 record in his last six outings, most recently securing a unanimous decision victory over Darrius Flowers in February 2024. Prior to that, he had a submission loss to Carlos Diego Ferreira in May 2023. At this stage of his career, Johnson is typically a gatekeeper in the lightweight division, providing a tough challenge for rising prospects.
Alexander "The Great" Hernandez (31, United States), also competing in the lightweight division, holds a professional record of 14 wins and 7 losses. Hernandez is recognized for his aggressive, high-pressure fighting style and powerful striking. He entered the UFC with considerable hype, notably defeating Beneil Dariush in his promotional debut in 2018. However, his UFC tenure has been inconsistent, marked by a series of wins and losses. Hernandez’s last bout was a unanimous decision victory over Jim Miller in February 2024, which followed a TKO loss to Bill Algeo in October 2023. Both fighters were looking to build momentum in a competitive division, making this matchup significant for their respective trajectories.
White stated that he currently possesses no additional details specifically concerning the Johnson vs. Hernandez fight but anticipates that the FBI will incorporate this incident into its broader investigation into potential betting improprieties within the sport. "The FBI’s already deep into all this stuff anyway," White commented, adding, "I’m sure this one will be next." This indicates a widening scope for the federal inquiry, suggesting that the issue of betting integrity in combat sports is being treated with the utmost seriousness by law enforcement.
When questioned about the potential ramifications for Johnson and/or Hernandez, including whether they could face a fate similar to Dulgarian, White responded, "I don’t know." This ambiguity leaves the future of both fighters uncertain as the investigation unfolds. The immediate consequence is the loss of a fight opportunity and the cloud of suspicion surrounding their scheduled bout. The UFC’s decision to pull the fight demonstrates a zero-tolerance policy for situations that compromise the fairness and integrity of its competitions.
The involvement of federal authorities like the FBI elevates these concerns beyond internal promotional disciplinary actions. Investigations into sports betting irregularities and potential match-fixing can lead to severe penalties, including lengthy suspensions, lifetime bans from the sport, substantial fines, and even criminal charges carrying prison sentences. The Nevada Athletic Commission’s ongoing suspension of Dulgarian serves as a stark reminder of the regulatory power that commissions wield in upholding ethical standards in combat sports.
The "gaming integrity service" mentioned by White typically refers to independent organizations or divisions within larger sports betting companies that specialize in monitoring and analyzing betting markets for suspicious activity. These services collaborate with sports organizations and law enforcement to share information and identify potential threats to sports integrity. Their role is crucial in a rapidly expanding sports betting landscape, where the volume of wagers and the global reach of online platforms present new challenges for oversight.
As the investigation progresses, the UFC and the wider combat sports community will be closely watching for further developments. The cancellation of the Johnson vs. Hernandez fight at UFC 324 sends a strong message that the promotion is prioritizing the integrity of its events above all else. It underscores a proactive approach to combating potential corruption, aiming to safeguard the sport’s credibility and the trust of its audience and stakeholders. The outcome of these ongoing inquiries could establish new precedents for how betting irregularities are handled in mixed martial arts moving forward.
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