Dana White Avoids Major Scandal After Red Flag from Gaming Integrity Service

UFC CEO Dana White reveals the real reason behind the cancellation of the Michael Johnson vs Alexander Hernandez fight at UFC 324.

Dana White Avoids Major Scandal After Red Flag from Gaming Integrity Service

Dana White cancelled UFC 324 fight due to betting suspicions (via Boxing News, talkSPORT)

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UFC 324 in Las Vegas marked a major turning point, as it was the first card streamed on Paramount+. Expectations were high for competitive matchups; however, three fights were canceled before the event, significantly altering the card. The most recent of these was Michael Johnson vs. Alexander Hernandez. However, UFC CEO Dana White has now revealed irregularities in the betting lines as the reason.

Johnson was set to return to the Octagon following a victory over Daniel Zellhuber at UFC 318. That win had positioned him to build on the momentum after rebuilding his standing in the division. He was set to enter the matchup aiming to extend a three-fight winning streak to four. Hernandez, meanwhile, was on a four-fight win streak, earning a TKO win over Diego Ferreira in his last outing.

The UFC had already faced scrutiny following a recent betting scandal involving Isaac Dulgarian. He entered his bout against Yadier Del Valle as the betting favorite, but wagering lines shifted rapidly just before the fight. Dulgarian went on to lose the contest, raising concerns over the timing of the betting movement. The incident led to FBI involvement and influenced White’s risk-averse approach at UFC 324.

We got called from the gaming integrity service and I said, ‘I’m not doing this s*** again,’ so we pulled the fight.

Dana White via UFC 324 Post-fight presser

The Dulgarian case prompted the UFC to involve federal authorities as concerns escalated beyond internal review. White revealed that he questioned Dulgarian about whether anyone had approached him prior to the fight. Dulgarian denied any outside contact before competing. Despite that response, the UFC CEO escalated the matter and contacted the FBI immediately after the incident, after Dulgarian lost in R1.

After the case, fighters such as Vanessa Demopoulos and Lando Vannata later disclosed being approached with betting-related proposals. Both stated they were offered incentives connected to intentionally losing fights. These accounts suggested the issue extended beyond a single incident. White expressed frustration that the fighters did not report the approaches to authorities at the time they occurred.

The situation unfolded as the UFC entered a new era under its Paramount+ agreement, valued at $7.7 billion. The deal places added emphasis on credibility and long-term stability for the promotion. With greater financial stakes involved, operational scrutiny has increased across all events. Dana White’s recent comments suggest a clear intent to avoid any risk that could jeopardize the UFC’s integrity.

Dana White talks about why UFC 324 had so many advertisements

UFC 324 was the first numbered event under the UFC’s new broadcast agreement with Paramount+, replacing the traditional pay-per-view model in the United States. The card was available through a monthly subscription rather than a separate purchase, marking a shift in content delivery. During the broadcast, numerous advertisements were inserted throughout the presentation.

Dana White
Dana White (via MMA Fighting)

Dana White played a central role in overseeing the UFC’s transition to the Paramount+ broadcast model. Questions also emerged regarding whether his focus had shifted amid the organization’s expanding business commitments. Those discussions coincided with changes in presentation under the new streaming structure. White later addressed the heavy advertising presence during the broadcast.

All of this is a work in progress. It’s $8.99. You’re not paying however much anymore. These guys have gotta make some money, too. These guys are incredible to work with already. We’ll work it out.

Dana White via UFC

UFC 324’s first fight began more than an hour later than scheduled after multiple last-minute cancellations reshaped the preliminary card. The changes forced production and timing adjustments during the debut Paramount+ broadcast. The delays added to scrutiny surrounding the event’s execution under the new model. Dana White’s involvement underscored efforts to manage disruption during the event.

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