UFC gambling "scandal" thickens with Alexander Hernandez denying wrongdoing

• Alexander Hernandez vs. Michael Johnson was pulled from UFC 324 after unusual swings in betting odds prompted integrity warnings
• The UFC, still recovering from last year’s Dulgarian incident, is cooperating with the FBI and sports integrity watchdogs to investigate potential fight-fixing
• Hernandez maintains his innocence, welcoming investigations, while Dana White acknowledges the sport continues to face gambling-related controversies.

At least two UFC fights have come under scrutiny over the past months, prompting action from law enforcement and statements by the promotion, with Dana White, the UFC’s top-honcho acknowledging concerns about match-fixing.

The latest fight to get flagged was one of the undercards for the UFC 324 held on Saturday, January 24, which featured Gaethje vs Pimblett (read Casino Guru News' exclusive interview with the fighter) as the main bout of the night.

The fight between Alexander Hernandez and Michael Johnson, however, was ultimately cancelled due to a pendulum swing in betting activity that saw the odds move dramatically in Johnson’s favor.

Still smarting from the Dulgarian incident in November, the UFC has stepped up efforts to ensure the fairness and transparency of the sport. To clarify, last year, a bout between Isaac Dulgarian and Yadier del Valle was flagged by Integrity Compliance 360, a sports betting and integrity watchdog.

Hernandez denies participating in any behind-the-scenes betting conspiracy

For his part, Hernandez has denied that he has participated in any backroom agreement to sabotage the fight before it was pulled. In a social media post, the fighter called it a matter of personal honor to maintain the integrity of the sport.

In the same stride, he welcomed the ensuing investigation into the bout and said that it was par for the course. The FBI has intensified its scrutiny of the gambling sector, targeting top-flight leagues and athletes.

The bureau’s investigations have resulted in the sentencing of Timothy McCormack, who was found guilty of having used inside information fed to him by Terry Rozier and Jontay Porter before placing wagers and defrauding sportsbooks.

In his own statement, Hernandez said:

"I have been through 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 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."

"It happened again," White acknowledges

Hernandez did not reveal any other information about the ongoing investigation. Commenting in the post-UFC 324 press conference, Dana White said that "it had happened again," and that the league had been made aware of a potential match-fixing conspiracy involving the cancelled fight.

The "again" part was referring to the Dulgarian fight, which did take place, but the fallout came to bear later. White said in November that he had spoken with Dulgarian before the bout and had asked him straight up if he "owed money" to someone.

After he was assured that this was not the case, White allowed the fight to proceed as planned. However, a subsequent FBI investigation established that the fight was indeed suspected of being part of a conspiracy involving its fighters in a potential match-fixing scandal.

Dulgarian lost to Del Valle as the clear favorite, an event that left UFC fans underwhelmed, observers skeptical, and law enforcement alert. As with the Hernandez’s fight, the betting patterns around the game suggested potential corruption.

More UFC gambling scandals to come?

The UFC is not insulated from potential inside trading or betting schemes. At a time when Americans are increasingly skeptical of the integrity of sports contests, largely attributed to sports betting, the promotion is coming to grips with the potential for corruption.

To the UFC’s credit, White has been transparent about all suspected betting offenses in his own house and has collaborated fully with law enforcement. Whether Hernandez and Dulgarian would be cleared remains to be seen.

The smart money is on at least some level of corruption within the UFC, but the promotion’s behavior and acknowledgement of these incidents suggest that this could be an aberration rather than the norm.

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