UFC star whose struggle was scrapped hours earlier than occasion lastly breaks silence on thriller
UFC star Alexander Hernandez has issued an official statement addressing his removal from a scheduled lightweight bout due to suspicious betting activity.
The 33-year-old fighter was slated to face fellow veteran Michael Johnson at UFC 324 before officials pulled the contest citing dramatic shifts in wagering lines.
UFC president Dana White confirmed the promotion chose to forfeit the fight immediately to maintain the integrity of the competition following the sudden alert.
‘We got called from the gaming integrity service, and I said I’m not doing this s*** again. We pulled the fight,’ UFC president White said of the incident.
Hernandez has now addressed the allegations and the cancellation of his high-stakes lightweight matchup via a detailed social media post.
‘I would never dishonor myself or this sport by not giving my absolute all in competition. 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.
UFC star Alexander Hernandez has issued a response after his fight against Michael Johnson was canceled at the 11th hour last week
UFC president Dana White confirmed the promotion chose to forfeit the fight immediately
‘I do not take my work or the work of others lightly. It is extraordinarily disheartening after a complete camp and weigh cut to have a fight forfeited. Certainly from matters outside of my control. 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.’
The investigation follows a recent crackdown by the UFC on wagering irregularities, including the November release of fighter Isaac Dulgarian after a flagged loss.
Integrity services monitor global sportsbooks for sudden shifts in odds that do not align with standard public betting patterns or late-breaking injury news.
Hernandez enters this period of scrutiny while maintaining a four-fight winning streak, a career-best run that has elevated his standing in the 155-pound division.
The San Antonio native holds a professional record of 15-7-0 and rose to prominence after a 42-second knockout of Beneil Dariush during his promotional debut.
Despite his recent success, the cancellation of the Johnson bout at UFC 324 halts his momentum toward a potential ranking in the top fifteen of the lightweight class.
Michael Johnson, his intended opponent, is a seasoned veteran of the octagon with notable career victories over Dustin Poirier and former champion Tony Ferguson.
Hernandez enters this period of scrutiny while maintaining a four-fight winning streak
The UFC lightweight division is currently one of the most competitive brackets, featuring a deep roster of athletes with high finishing rates and technical skill.
Betting integrity has become a primary focus for the promotion since the 2022 investigation into James Krause, which led to significant changes in athlete policy.
Current UFC regulations strictly prohibit fighters, coaches, or close associates from wagering on any promotional bouts to prevent conflicts of competitive interest.
The FBI’s involvement indicates the seriousness of the federal oversight regarding modern sports gambling and its intersection with professional mixed martial arts.
Hernandez remains eligible to train but his future scheduling remains uncertain until the gaming integrity service completes its full review of the 324 data.
UFC officials have not yet announced if the fight with Johnson will be rescheduled or if both athletes will be booked against new opponents for future events.
