Were betting allegations the reason behind the UFC 324 fight cancellation, where Alexander Hernandez was supposed to fight Michael Johnson in the lightweight division? Hernandez was supposed to enter the UFC 324 early prelims kickoff bout as the betting favorite, but bettors sharply moved his line just before the fight, which immediately raised suspicions of irregularities. As a result, the promotion canceled the fight at the last minute. A few days later, Hernandez finally broke his silence.

Dana White and Co. have long fought against betting violations in the sport. Similarly, last year, irregular betting on featherweight Isaac Dulgarian’s fight drew widespread attention. Here, the suspected irregularities prompted the FBI to investigate the canceled Hernandez vs. Michael Johnson bout. Amid the chaos, Dana White confirmed the federal inquiry, and now Alexander Hernandez has stepped forward to share his side of the story.

Alexander Hernandez addresses UFC 324 cancellation

“I would never dishonor myself or this sport by not giving my absolute all in competition,” Alexander Hernandez wrote on Instagram. “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,” Hernandez continued. “I do not take my work or the work of others lightly. 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,” Hernandez added.

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While fans can legally place bets, but fighters, coaches, and managers are strictly off-limits. In recent years, betting scandals, including the 2022 Derrick Minner case, dented the UFC’s reputation. Now, a new betting controversy has put the promotion under the microscope, pushing the organization to prove it safeguards the sport’s integrity.

Last year, investigators flagged over 100 fights for suspicious betting, and now, amid fresh betting concerns, Dana White confirmed that the Gaming Integrity Service has been actively monitoring and investigating the cases. Alexander Hernandez, who has maintained his innocence on social media, trains at Factory X, the same gym linked to last year’s betting scandal involving Isaac Dulgari.

After the UFC Vegas controversy, Factory X’s head coach cut ties with Dulgari and warned other fighters to avoid any suspicious situations. Now, another fighter from the same gym has drawn attention, prompting various authorities to take action. However, Hernandez received support from his teammate, a former title challenger .

Brandon Royval backs Alex Hernandez amid UFC betting investigation

Recently, investigators have put Factory X fighter Alexander Hernandez under scrutiny, and meanwhile, his gym is drawing attention as well. UFC flyweight veteran and brand figure Brandon Royval also trains at the same gym and, as a result, has stepped up to support Hernandez during this difficult period. After coming off two consecutive losses, Hernandez received public encouragement from Royval on Instagram following his emotional post.

“One of the longest winning streaks in the lightweight division we need to keep this momentum,” Brandon Royval commented to motivate his teammate. At the same time, fans speculated in the comments about a possible injury Hernandez might have suffered before the fight, which could have caused drops in his betting line. However, Royval quickly addressed and shut down those rumors.

“No he wasn’t just a weird rumor people posted for clout on the internet,” Brandon Royval added.

Alex Hernandez is currently on a four-fight winning streak, but his UFC future hangs by a thread. Only time will tell whether the promotion keeps him or if he faces the same fate as Isaac Dulgari. Stay tuned.

(More to come…)