On the night of the UFC 324 early preliminaries held in Las Vegas, UFC CEO Dana White abruptly removed the lightweight bout between Michael Johnson and Alex Hernandez from the fight card. White confirmed that unusual betting patterns flagged by the promotion’s gaming integrity service prompted the cancellation, highlighting ongoing concerns over UFC betting irregularities scandal. The event took place at the T-Mobile Arena on January 23, 2026.
Details Remain Unclear on Betting Abnormalities
White spoke to reporters after the main event, which featured Justin Gaethje’s upset victory over Paddy Pimblitt. He declined to provide specifics on the nature of the betting irregularities or whether either fighter was suspected of wrongdoing. However, White expressed frustration, emphasizing his reluctance to handle another betting-related problem following a similar incident last year.
We got called from the gaming integrity service and I said, ‘I’m not doing this s— again,’ so we pulled the fight,
White said, per Yahoo Sports.
Background: Previous Betting Controversies in the UFC
This is not the first time UFC fights have been scrutinized for suspicious betting activity. In November 2025, Isaac Dulgarian’s unexpected first-round loss to Yadier del Valle triggered an investigation after significant and unusual shifts were observed in betting odds. Notably, Dulgarian’s odds moved dramatically from -250 to -154 in his favor before the fight unexpectedly ended in defeat.
Commentators Daniel Cormier and Michael Chiesa publicly questioned the legitimacy of the finish, describing Del Valle’s victory as “white belt stuff,” reflecting the unusual nature of the outcome. The FBI and the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) continue to investigate Dulgarian’s case, highlighting ongoing regulatory challenges.
Fighter Reactions and Broader Sporting Implications
Dulgarian also stirred controversy by openly sharing his opinion that fighters should receive a cut of the profits from bets placed on their matches. He stated,
I said, ‘Don’t bet on me unless you’re paying me some percentage.’ I’m doing all the work, that’s how I feel about it,
Dulgarian told MMA Junkie.
… If you’re betting on me, I want some of it.
Beyond Dulgarian’s situation, other UFC fighters such as Darrick Minner and Jeff Molina have faced multi-year suspensions following suspicious betting patterns linked to their 2022 bout.
Impact of Legalized Sports Betting and Future Challenges
With the legalization of sports betting expanding across the United States, the UFC is not alone in encountering issues tied to irregular wagering. Several major leagues, including the NFL, NBA, and MLB, have also dealt with betting integrity threats. The UFC now faces the daunting task of balancing promotions with safeguarding against corrupt influences that could undermine the sport’s reputation.
Dana White’s swift decision to cancel the Johnson-Hernandez fight at UFC 324 reflects the organization’s heightened vigilance. The ongoing investigations by federal authorities and athletic commissions indicate that regulatory scrutiny will intensify in the months ahead, potentially leading to stricter monitoring and enforcement measures.
