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Dana White Scrapped UFC 324 Fight After Betting ‘Red Flags’

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jan 26, 2026 4:04 AM ET

In a major move, Dana White pulled the lightweight matchup between Alexander Hernandez and Michael Johnson from the UFC 324 lineup.

The decision was made just hours before the event after the promotion’s integrity partner, IC360, raised a red flag regarding “irregular betting patterns.” This marks a shift in UFC policy, prioritizing immediate cancellation over investigating after the event. The betting markets for the fight underwent a radical transformation in the 48 hours leading up to the fight:

The Odds Shift: Hernandez opened as a heavy favorite (approx. -250), but a late wave of money on Michael Johnson—specifically on “early finish” props—saw the line collapse to near even money.

Alleged Medical Leak: Reports suggested the volatility was sparked by a leak from within Hernandez’s camp, with suggestions Hernandez was entering the Octagon “compromised” by a pre-existing injury.

This was just another incident to add to the prior list.

Scandal	Outcome	UFC Handling
Darrick Minner (2022)	Lost via TKO (1st Round)	Fight allowed to proceed; coach James Krause later banned for life.
Isaac Dulgarian (2025)	Lost via Sub (1st Round)	Fight allowed to proceed; Dulgarian was released the following day.
Hernandez vs. Johnson (2026)	Bout Canceled	UFC blocked the fight entirely to prevent a potential “fixed” or compromised result.

The Implications

While no specific charges have been filed against the fighters themselves, the following actions have been taken:

Administrative Hold: Both Hernandez and Johnson have been placed on indefinite hold by the UFC while the FBI and the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) conduct a thorough review.
This incident follows the November 2025 release of Isaac Dulgarian, who was cut from the roster after a similarly suspicious loss to Yadier del Valle. White confirmed the FBI is “already deep into this stuff” and this latest case will likely be added to their ongoing inquiry. White had this in response.

“Yeah, that’s what it is. Happened again. We got called from the gaming integrity service and I said, ‘I’m not doing this [expletive] again.’ So, we pulled the fight. The FBI is already deep into all this stuff anyway. So, I’m sure this one will be next,” White said

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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