Tuesday at 11: 00 a. m. ET, FanDuel pulled betting on Drew Dober’s scheduled fight with Michael Johnson after oddsmakers saw a rapid swing that made Dober an almost 2-1 favorite ahead of UFC 326. That sudden movement has renewed scrutiny because Johnson’s earlier matchup was scrapped at ufc 324 when betting lines shifted strongly in his favor just before the bell.
FanDuel Pulls Dober-Johnson Market After Rapid Line Shift
In the hours leading up to his UFC 326 match, Drew Dober went from underdog to near 2-1 favorite, prompting FanDuel to remove the bout from its betting board. The action drew immediate attention from fans and integrity monitors, and it represents the second scheduled straight fight involving Michael Johnson that has been enveloped by gambling-related controversy.
Ufc 324 Cancellation: Dana White Cites Gaming Integrity Service
Johnson had been scheduled to face Alexander Hernandez at Ufc 324, but that fight was called off after the UFC was alerted to suspicious betting activity. In that instance, the betting line moved strongly in favor of Johnson just prior to the fight. UFC president Dana White said of the incident, “We got called from the gaming integrity service, and I said I’m not doing this s— again. We pulled the fight. ” Hernandez, who would have entered on a four-fight win streak, denied any involvement and posted on Instagram: “I would never dishonor myself or this sport by not giving my absolute all in competition. I have been thru a great deal in my career to be in the auspicious position I am in. I do not take that lightly. I do not take my work or the work of others lightly. It is extraordinarily disheartening after a complete camp and [sic] weigh cut to have a fight forfeited. Certainly from matters outside of my control. ”
Isaac Dulgarian Cut in November Spurs Ongoing Monitoring
Promoters and integrity services are watching closely after one company cut Isaac Dulgarian in November following a loss to Yadier Del Valle that sportsbooks flagged when the betting line moved suddenly minutes before the fight began. That action has become part of the pattern officials cite when a bout with Michael Johnson is involved: the ufc 324 cancellation, the Dulgarian cut, and now the FanDuel removal ahead of UFC 326 form a string of incidents prompting heightened vigilance.
As of now, the Dober-Johnson fight remains scheduled; more details expected 11: 00 a. m. ET. If gaming integrity services flag further suspicious movement, the UFC has already shown it will pull a fight before the card.
