LAS VEGAS — UFC 324 lost a fight just hours before the opening bell and the circumstances surrounding its cancellation have raised eyebrows. A lightweight matchup between veterans Alexander Hernandez and Michael Johnson was pulled from Saturday’s card at T-Mobile Arena. The promotion announced shortly before the event began.
No official reason was given for the cancellation, and neither fighter has commented publicly. However, the bout had already attracted unusual attention in the hours leading up to fight night due to irregular betting activity.
Sportsbooks Raised Red Flags
Several online sportsbooks reportedly limited wagers on the fight earlier Saturday. BetOnline publicly acknowledged the concern.
“Due to some irregular betting patterns. We will be keeping the limits lower than usual on tonight’s Michael Johnson vs Alex Hernandez bout,” BetOnline sportsbook manager Dave Mason wrote on social media less than an hour before the UFC announced the fight’s cancellation.
“Additionally, there will not be props on this fight. IMPORTANT: This is a standard measure, not a judgement on the fight’s integrity, possible injury, etc. However, to protect both the bettors and the house, we will err on the side of caution.”
Mason added that all wagers already placed would still have action if the fight proceeded a statement rendered moot when the UFC ultimately removed the bout entirely.
A Sensitive Topic for the UFC
The timing of the cancellation only added fuel to speculation, as irregular betting patterns and potential gambling improprieties have become a growing concern in combat sports.
Hernandez’s former teammate Isaac Dulgarian was released by the UFC earlier this year after a November loss that later came under FBI investigation a probe that remains ongoing. Additionally, veteran coach James Krause was effectively removed from the sport following a controversial November 2022 bout involving his fighter Darrick Minner. Who suffered an early injury before being finished. The full findings of that investigation have never been publicly disclosed.
While there is no confirmation that Hernandez vs. Johnson was canceled due to betting concerns. The coincidence of sportsbook alerts and the UFC’s last-minute decision has inevitably drawn scrutiny.
Silence for Now
As of Saturday night, the UFC has offered no additional clarification, and both fighters remain silent on the matter. Without official details, any link between the cancellation and gambling activity remains speculative.
What is clear, however, is that the UFC continues to operate under heightened sensitivity around betting integrity and when warning signs emerge. Even veteran matchups can disappear without explanation.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
