Alexander Hernandez had the opportunity to make it five straight wins at UFC 324. Instead, his bout against Michael Johnson was unceremoniously pulled from the card, owing to suspicious betting activity. Hernandez is complying with the procedures, but that does not mean he was happy to be caught in the crossfire.

The 17-fight UFC veteran was supposed to enter the UFC 324 prelims bout as the betting favorite, but bettors sharply moved his line just before the fight, which immediately raised suspicions. After the incident last year with his former teammate, Isaac Dulgarian, Dana White & Co did not want to take a chance and scrapped the bout. Almost a week later, Hernandez has finally broken his silence.

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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Less than 24 hours before the fight, Michael Johnson was a +135 underdog and Hernandez the -165 favorite. After the lines changed, the pair was evenly matched at -110.

“We got called from the gaming integrity service, and I said, ‘I’m not doing this s— again.’ So, we pulled the fight,” was Dana White’s explanation. When asked about the FBI, he said, “I mean, the FBI is already deep into all of this stuff anyway. So sure, this one will be next.” As for the fighters, White said he had no idea what to expect. But we can assume from their statements that the FBI will be looking into this incident and the fighters involved, if they are not already doing so.

While fans can legally place bets, fighters, coaches, and managers are strictly off-limits. In recent years, betting scandals, including the 2022 Derrick Minner case, have dented the UFC’s reputation. The Dulgarian incident only fanned the flames more.

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 Dulgarian.

After the UFC Vegas controversy, Factory X’s head coach cut ties with Dulgarian 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

While investigators have put Factory X and Alexander Hernandez under scrutiny, UFC flyweight veteran and teammate, Brandon Royval, has stepped up to support Hernandez.

“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. The 33-year-old had also finished his last two bouts inside the first two rounds. So, his disappointment is well-warranted. We will have to wait and see what unfolds in the days to come.