Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez proved he was ready to aim for the UFC championship, backing up his words with a dominant performance this Saturday.Hernandez (15-2) submitted Roman Dolidze (15-4), number 9 in the middleweight rankings, via rear-naked choke at 2:45 of the fourth round at UFC Fight Night held in Las Vegas. With this victory, he extended his streak to eight consecutive wins and immediately requested a title shot against the winner of the fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in Chicago.
The end came after Hernandez hurt Dolidze with a short right hand and an elbow, followed by knees to the head while Dolidze defended himself on the fence. Dolidze seemed to be on the verge of a knockout, and Hernandez, after rotating around his body, secured the rear naked choke from a standing position. This is his ninth submission finish, although the finish was largely due to strikes, something Hernandez hoped to showcase in this fight.According to UFC statistics, Hernandez outstruck Dolidze in total strikes by 108 to 47 and completed 9 of 11 takedowns. Dolidze’s corner informed him that he had lost the previous three rounds, urging him to seek a finish. However, the 37-year-old fighter was outmatched in all aspects and appeared physically and mentally exhausted at the time of the submission. This is Dolidze’s first loss since February 2024 and the first time he has been finished in his MMA career.Representing the MMA Gold gym in California, Hernandez has defeated figures like Dolidze, Brendan Allen and Michel Pereira in his last three fights. Before Saturday’s fight, Hernandez was ranked number 10 in the division.I wanted to show off in this fight. I want a title shot. What do I have to do? This is all I know, violence and war. Give me a title shot and I promise I’ll be the next champion.
Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez
