{"id":450438,"date":"2026-01-31T22:49:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T22:49:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/450438\/"},"modified":"2026-01-31T22:49:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T22:49:08","slug":"alexander-hernandez-denies-wrongdoing-after-fight-canceled","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/450438\/","title":{"rendered":"Alexander Hernandez denies wrongdoing after fight canceled"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Brett OkamotoFeb 1, 2026, 08:26 AM<\/p>\n

Close<\/a>Brett Okamoto has reported on mixed martial arts and boxing at ESPN since 2010. He has covered all of the biggest events in combat sports during that time, including in-depth interviews and features with names such as Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Georges St-Pierre. He was also a producer on the 30 for 30 film: “Chuck and Tito,” which looked back at the careers and rivalry of Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. He lives in Las Vegas, and is an avid, below-average golfer in his spare time.<\/p>\n

Multiple Authors<\/p>\n

UFC veteran Alexander Hernandez<\/a> issued his first public statement since the cancellation of his lightweight bout last weekend due to suspicious betting activity.<\/p>\n

Hernandez (18-8) was scheduled to face Michael Johnson<\/a> (24-19) at UFC 324 in Las Vegas, but the UFC pulled the fight at the last minute after it was flagged for suspicious line movement. Hernandez opened a near 2-to1 betting favorite, but odds moved closer to even in the 72 hours prior to the event due to wagers placed on a Hernandez loss. On Saturday, Hernandez made it clear he intended to give his best effort in the fight.<\/p>\n

“I would never dishonor myself or this sport by not giving my absolute all in competition,” Hernandez wrote in an Instagram post<\/a>. “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. I do not take my work or the work of others lightly. It is extraordinarily disheartening after a complete camp and weigh cut to have a fight forfeited.<\/p>\n

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“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.”<\/p>\n

UFC CEO Dana White confirmed last weekend the 155-pound contest was canceled because of suspicious betting activity. The UFC has not offered anything further on potential investigation or discipline in the matter.<\/p>\n

The canceled fight came less than three months after the UFC dealt with a major betting scandal surrounding a bout between Isaac Dulgarian<\/a> and Yadier del Valle<\/a>. Despite being alerted to suspicious line movement on the match by watchdog Integrity Compliance 360, the UFC did not cancel that fight in November. Dulgarian, who was a significant betting favorite, lost under suspicious circumstances. The UFC quickly released Dulgarian and said it was working with the FBI on the incident.<\/p>\n

Hernandez, 33, has made 17 appearances in the UFC dating back to 2018. He is currently on a four-fight win streak.<\/p>\n