Alexander Hernandez is out of the woods, for now, but he didn’t appreciate his career being thrown into chaos for reasons beyond his control.
This past January’s UFC 324 event was supposed to feature Hernandez facing Michael Johnson in a battle of lightweight veterans, but the bout was shockingly pulled just hours before walkouts due to betting irregularities leading up to the fight. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the story, and Hernandez later issued a statement denying he was in any way involved with the dramatic line movement that saw Johnson quickly go from betting underdog to favorite.
Three months later, Hernandez is booked to fight Rafa Garcia at UFC Vegas 116 this Saturday and while details of the investigation remain a mystery, at the very least Hernandez is clear to compete. He was asked about the situation at media day on Wednesday and told reporters that he’s relieved, but also concerned about how the whole process went down.
“I say this is uncharted territory,” Hernandez 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. Who’s looking out for me in that case or whoever it happens to next? Because yeah, you’ve got uninformed prop bet profiles, unregulated bookings, and an uneducated bureau pressing on you and no one’s protecting the individual and looking out for him.
“And everyone’s covering their own ass and you’re hoping to not get f*cked in yours, so yeah, it’s a bit of, again, just uncertain territory for sure and there needs to be someone looking out for the fighter.”
Without divulging any further information, Hernandez doubled down on his innocence, joking that he now knows how legendary boxer Muhammad Ali felt when he was being monitored by government agencies during his fighting career (Ali faced scrutiny for protesting the Vietnam War).
“I mean, that was a headache and a half,” Hernandez said. “That was a stressful five weeks. It’s good to just be on the right side of it now and praying no f*ckery takes place this week. Obviously, a little bit of tension in the air over that in the back of my mind, but yeah, I’m happy to be back. We’re making jokes, I’ve felt the oppression of the people of the past here. Like, ‘Bomaye, Alex Ali’ or [Nelson] Mandela this week coming back from false accusations and get a chance to rise again. I’m just stoked. I’m stoked to be back in doing what I was decent at.
“I’m not talking to any authorities,” Hernandez added. “I don’t think the FBI comes out and issues any apologies, so it’s hard for me to speculate on where anything’s at, but I’m in the grace of the UFC and we’re fighting. I have no fears or qualms with any bureau.”
Heading into his fight with Garcia, Hernandez can only hope his fight week is free of any strangeness and he’s able to make the walk out this time. Hernandez is currently on a four-fight win streak, the longest of his UFC career.
And if any rumors come out regarding his health, they’re definitely not coming from him.
“I’m solid,” Hernandez said. “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. I really just want to put on a sick display. That’s really where my head’s at is just doing something artistic that I’m impressed by.”
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