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The UFC is yet again dealing with suspicious late movement to a betting line before one of its fights, leading to allegations from fans of match fixing.
In the hours leading up to his UFC 326 fight with Michael Johnson, Drew Dober went from being an underdog to an almost 2-1 favorite, leading FanDuel to pull the fight from their betting platform entirely.
It marks the second (scheduled) straight fight involving Johnson that is surrounded by gambling controversy.
The veteran fighter was supposed to square off with Alexander Hernandez at UFC 324. However, the fight was called off after the UFC was alerted to suspicious betting activity. In that instance, the betting line moved strongly in favor of Johnson just prior to the fight.
“We got called from the gaming integrity service, and I said I’m not doing this s— again. We pulled the fight,” UFC president Dana White said of the incident.
Hernandez, who would have entered on a four-fight win streak, strongly denied any involvement.
“I would never dishonor myself or this sport by not giving my absolute all in competition,” Hernandez wrote on his Instagram page. “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. It is extraordinarily disheartening after a complete camp and [sic] weigh cut to have a fight forfeited. Certainly from matters outside of my control.”
The UFC Has An Ongoing Issue With Suspicious Betting Activity
His comments came after the company cut fighter Isaac Dulgarian in November after he lost a matchup with Yadier Del Valle that was flagged by sportsbooks after the betting line moved suddenly minutes before the fight began.
As of now, the fight between Dober and Johnson is still scheduled. But it’s certainly something to monitor in the hours leading up to the card.