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Veteran lightweight Alexander Hernandez was supposed to fight fellow vet Michael Johnson last week at UFC 324. However, the fight was pulled from the card after betting irregularities surrounding thefight. Now, he’s giving us his side of the story.
Just hours before the fight, the UFC was alerted to the fact that the betting line moved dramatically in favor of Johnson.
“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.
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.
Alexander Hernandez Says Suspicious Betting Line Movement Was Entirely Random
On Saturday, Hernandez took to Instagram to issue a statement defending himself and claiming that he was entirely unaware of the strange betting line movement.
“I would never dishonor myself or this sport by not giving my absolute all in competition,” Hernandez wrote. “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.
“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.”
To his credit, the 33-year-old is on a four-fight win streak. So he’d have to have gotten some sort of incredible payday or faced a remarkable threat if he did actually agree to throw the fight.
That doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. However, it would be remarkably strange timing. Ultimately, the truth may never come out. But either way, it’s done remarkable damage to Hernandez’s career that may never be undone.