Alexander Hernandez is set to return to action at UFC Vegas 116 this Saturday, months after a betting investigation abruptly canceled his last scheduled appearance.
Hernandez was originally booked to face Michael Johnson at UFC 324 this past January, but the fight was pulled just hours before walkouts due to betting irregularities. UFC president Dana White later confirmed that the cancellation was tied to those irregularities.
Hernandez has denied any involvement with the betting line movement surrounding the scrapped bout and described the fallout as a unique and difficult ordeal. “I say this is uncharted territory,” he said. “It’s the first time someone’s been falsely accused of fixing a fight or doing anything like that, so it’s new waters for everyone to figure out how to tread. I think there needs to be some kind of a protection over the combatants themselves.”
He called the aftermath “a headache and a half” and “a stressful five weeks,” but said he is relieved to be cleared to compete. “It’s good to just be on the right side of it now and praying no f*ckery takes place this week,” Hernandez said, adding that he is “stoked to be back in doing what I was decent at.”
Hernandez also said, “I’m not talking to any authorities,” and emphasized that he is focused solely on fighting under the UFC. Looking ahead to Rafa Garcia at UFC Vegas 116, he summed up his mindset simply: “Let it be known to everyone. No rumor milling. I feel solid… I’m really fortunate to be healthy this camp and excited to perform.”
