“The Great” has spoken.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight Alexander Hernandez finally returns to action against Rafa Garcia at UFC Vegas 116 this weekend (Sat., April 25, 2026) inside the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Hernandez was originally scheduled to face Michael Johnson at UFC 324 earlier this year, but the bout was abruptly scrapped on fight day amid reported betting irregularities. The situation sparked widespread speculation — including reports of potential federal involvement
— and left Hernandez sidelined and silent in the months that followed.
Now, ahead of his return, “The Great” is finally addressing the controversy.
“I mean, that was a headache and a half,” Hernandez said during UFC Vegas 116 media day (watch here). “That was a stressful five weeks. It’s good to just be on the right side of it now and praying no f—kery 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.”
Hernandez even compared the situation to overcoming false accusations, emphasizing how difficult the ordeal was mentally.
“We’re making jokes, I’ve felt the oppression of the people of the past here,” he continued. “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 doing what I was decent at.”
Hernandez confirmed he has not been in contact with the FBI.
“I’m not talking to any authorities,” Hernandez said. “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.”
More broadly, Hernandez believes the situation exposed a gap in how fighters are protected when allegations surface.
“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,” Hernandez added. 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.”
The controversy marked one of several betting-related incidents in recent years, though Hernandez’s situation now appears to be resolved enough for him to move forward with his career.
And from a competitive standpoint, he’s in a strong position.
Hernandez enters UFC Vegas 116 riding a four-fight win streak — the longest of his UFC tenure — and is inching closer to a return to the Top 15. His recent run includes back-to-back stoppage wins over Carlos Diego Ferreira and Chase Hooper (watch highlights), showing a more dangerous and confident version of the once-streaky contender.
Now, with the controversy (seemingly) behind him, Hernandez gets a chance to remind everyone why he was once considered one of the division’s most promising talents — and perhaps prove that his biggest fight this year wasn’t inside the Octagon, but outside of it.
For the rest of the UFC Vegas 116 fight card and Paramount+ lineup click here.
