The UFC removed a lightweight matchup from the UFC 324 lineup in Las Vegas after gaming integrity officials alerted the promotion to irregular betting patterns shortly before the event began. The cancellation eliminated a scheduled preliminary contest between Alexander Hernandez and Michael Johnson at T-Mobile Arena.
Hours before the card started, promotional officials confirmed the bout was no longer taking place. Reporters were initially told no reason had been disclosed. However, UFC CEO Dana White stated later that the organization acted after receiving notice from the company’s gaming integrity service. White told the media, “We got called from the gaming integrity service and I said, ‘I’m not doing this s— again,’ so we pulled the fight.”
Background of the Cancellation
Reports posted earlier that day by a brand manager of an offshore sportsbook indicated the operator had observed “irregular betting patterns” and reacted by lowering market limits and removing related props. The bout had been listed on the preliminary portion of the UFC’s first broadcast on Paramount+. Not long afterward, media outlets reported that the fight had been called off.
Shortly following the announcement, an MMA journalist shared a claim alleging Hernandez had sustained an injury before the bout and that the information had been leaked to a bettor on Instagram. The alleged leak included a screenshot asserting “rumours A Hernandez is compromised,” along with parlays featuring a predicted knockout win for Johnson. The promotion did not confirm this account, nor did it indicate whether any fighter was suspected of wrongdoing.
Series of Recent Betting-Related Issues
The incident marked another chapter in what has been a period of increased scrutiny over wagering activity connected to UFC events. Less than three months earlier, the promotion encountered heavy criticism after unusual line movements surrounded featherweight favorite Isaac Dulgarian’s bout against Yadier del Valle. In that November contest, Dulgarian entered as a significant favorite, yet large amounts of money reportedly shifted toward del Valle hours before the event. Several sportsbooks dropped the fight from their offerings due to concerns about the betting volume and direction.
White addressed that earlier situation by stating to reporters that he had discussed the matter with the FBI. He also warned fighters about the consequences of intentionally influencing results, saying, “We will do everything we can to make sure you go to prison.” Dulgarian was later cut from the promotion after the upset loss, and both the FBI and the Nevada Athletic Commission continued to examine the matter. Dulgarian told an MMA outlet afterward that he believed fighters should earn a portion of betting proceeds on their fights, saying, “I said, ‘Don’t bet on me unless you’re paying me some percentage.’ I’m doing all the work, that’s how I feel about it.”
Beyond that investigation, previous betting disputes include the suspension of former fighter and coach James Krause in 2023 after one of his athletes, Darrick Minner, lost a bout that attracted unusual betting attention. Minner reportedly entered that fight with a preexisting injury before losing in the first round. The Nevada Athletic Commission later issued multi-year suspensions to Minner and Jeff Molina for their roles in that case. According to ESPN, White noted during last year’s controversy, “People are out there talking, ‘There are 100 fights [flagged as suspicious],’ and that’s usual clickbait bulls—,” adding, “We’re watching every single fight that happens in the UFC.”
