The UFC’s start to 2026 brought with it some familiar problems, with a lightweight bout between Alexander Hernandez and Michael Johnson at UFC 324 cancelled due to suspected “betting irregularities.”
A week on from the event, Hernandez how now issued a statement on the matter. That comes following days of rumors suggesting that he had entered the fight injured, with word of it potentially having leaked out.
While not discussing those claims directly, Hernandez was clear that he has done nothing untoward.
“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. I do not take my work or the work of others lightly,” Hernandez said in a statement posted to social media on Saturday. “It is extraordinarily disheartening after a complete camp and weight 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.”
Dana White suggested during his post-fight press conference at UFC 324 that the FBI would likely be investigating the matter. “The FBI is already deep into this stuff anyway. I’m sure this one will be next,” White said at the time. Hernandez’s words would seem to confirm that.
Hernandez has not been accused on any actual wrongdoing. Fighters commonly enter bouts with nagging injuries, and the “betting irregularities” could be something as simple as word of an injury making the rounds without Hernandez’s knowledge.
The lightweight trains at Factory X, however, which has been linked to another betting scandal. In November 2025, Isaac Dulgarian’s submission loss to Yadier del Valle raised immediate suspicions. According to UFC officials, the promotion had been notified of betting irregularities in advance of the fight, and approached Dulgarian, who denied anything was amiss.
He was later submitted suspiciously easily by del Valle, despite entering the fight as a heavy favorite. Dulgarian was later released from the promotion, and given the boot by Factory X.
The gym is not the only one to come under scrutiny in recent years however. Following a loss to Shayilan Nuerdanbieke in November 2022, Darrick Minner and his coach, UFC fighter and Glory MMA and Fitness owner James Krause, came under suspicion regarding irregular betting. Minner went down early in the fight and was later revealed to have entered it with an undisclosed injury.
Multiple bodies investigated, with it later being revealed that Krause had been working for an off-shore sportsbook, while also running his own betting Discord channel. UFC flyweight Jeff Molina was also caught up in the scheme, with all three later cut by the UFC.
Minner has since returned to competition, while neither Krause nor Molina have competed or coached since.
