The UFC is dealing with another suspicious betting line shift – this time ahead of Drew Dober’s fight with Michael Johnson at UFC 326.
In the hours before the matchup, Dober went from underdog to almost a 2-1 favorite. The movement was enough for FanDuel to pull the fight from their platform entirely.
It’s the second straight scheduled bout involving Johnson that’s been surrounded by gambling controversy.
Johnson was supposed to face Alexander Hernandez at UFC 324, but the UFC called off that fight after being alerted to suspicious betting activity. The line had moved strongly in Johnson’s favor just before they were set to compete.
We got called from the gaming integrity service, and I said I’m not doing this s— again. We pulled the fight.
That’s what UFC president Dana White said about the incident.
Hernandez – who would have entered on a four-fight win streak – strongly denied any involvement in the suspicious activity.
He posted on Instagram about the situation, writing that he would never dishonor himself or the sport by not giving his absolute all in competition. Hernandez added that he’d been through a great deal in his career to be in the position he was in, and didn’t take that lightly. “It is extraordinarily disheartening after a complete camp and weigh cut to have a fight forfeited,” he wrote. “Certainly from matters outside of my control.”
The UFC’s Ongoing Problem
The promotion cut fighter Isaac Dulgarian back in November after his loss to Yadier Del Valle. That fight was flagged by sportsbooks when the betting line moved suddenly just minutes before it started.
For now, Dober versus Johnson is still scheduled to go ahead.
But it’s worth keeping an eye on in the hours leading up to the card.