Mystery as UFC fight between Michael Johnson and Alexander Hernandez is scrapped hours before Las Vegas event
UFC 324 was shrouded in uncertainty on Saturday after a fight was mysteriously canceled just hours before the event.
It was announced on Saturday that the lightweight clash between Michael Johnson and Alexander Hernandez would no longer take place. The event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is being headlined by Justin Gaethje's clash with Paddy Pimblett.
The UFC did not reveal the reason behind the decision but it followed reports of possible 'unusual betting activity' on the lightweight fight.
It's claimed that as recently as late last month, Hernandez was a heavy favorite with bookmakers. In the hours before fight night, however, the odds were said to have shifted heavily in Johnson's favor, suggesting money had poured in on the American.
Meanwhile, BetOnline's sportsbook brand manager Dave Mason posted on social media that there had been 'some irregular betting patterns' on the fight.
As a result, he wrote on social media, 'we will be keeping the limits lower than usual on tonight's Michael Johnson vs Alex Hernandez bout. Additionally, there will not be props on this fight.'
The UFC clash between Michael Johnson and Alexander Hernandez was canceled
UFC announced the cancellation on Saturday but did not reveal why the decision was made
Mason insisted the decision was 'a standard measure, not a judgement on the fight's integrity, possible injury, etc.' He said BetOnline decided to 'err on the side of caution' in order to 'to protect both the bettors and the house.'
The Daily Mail has contacted the UFC for information about why the fight was canceled. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing.
Back in November, UFC chief Dana White issued a blistering response to allegations of fight fixing that engulfed the UFC after Isaac Dulgarian's fight against Yadier del Valle.
A number of gambling companies offered refunds on losing bets placed on Dulgarian vs. Del Valle after suspicions were raised amid a significant shift in odds.
The UFC later cut Dulgarian, with White claiming he called the FBI immediately after the first-round submission.
There were soon claims that hundreds of fights this year have been 'flagged' by 'federal regulators,' while several UFC fighters claimed they were offered bribes to throw bouts - before retracting their allegations
In an interview with TMZ, White said the UFC was working with the FBI and its director, Kash Patel, in the wake of the Dulgarian-Del Valle fight. He also warned that athletes involved in fixed fights will end up in prison.
Johnson is pictured at the weigh-in before his canceled fight against Hernandez in Las Vegas
Then, in December, White admitted that fight fixing is 'huge concern' for the UFC. His comments came amid investigations into suspicious betting activity around Darrick Minner's fight with Shayilan Nuerdanbieke.
The November 5 bout came under the microscope after a dramatic shift in odds in the hours before the fight.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) suspended both Minner and his coach, James Krause, pending investigations.
When asked by ESPN whether fixed fights are a concern, White said: 'Huge concern. ... now that there's an investigation and it could be possible that it happened.'
