Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez Eyes UFC Gold After Dominating Dolidze
Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez demonstrated his ambition to become a UFC champion with a dominant performance on Saturday. Hernandez (15-2) submitted Roman Dolidze (15-4) at the UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas, securing the victory with a rear naked choke at 2:45 of the fourth round. This victory extends his streak to eight consecutive wins and firmly positions him in the middleweight scene. Hernandez, after his victory, did not hesitate to challenge the winner of the next title fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, scheduled for UFC 319 in Chicago.The end came after Hernandez connected a short right hand and an elbow that hurt Dolidze. Then, he took advantage with knee strikes to the head while Dolidze defended himself next to the cage. Hernandez, seeing his opponent in trouble, secured the rear naked choke from a standing position, marking his ninth submission finish in his career. According to UFC statistics, Hernandez outstruck Dolidze in total strikes with a difference of 108 to 47 and completed 9 of 11 takedown attempts. Dolidze’s team indicated that he had lost the first three rounds and urged him to seek a finish. However, the 37-year-old fighter was outmatched in every aspect and seemed 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. Hernandez, training at MMA Gold in California, has defeated renowned opponents such as Dolidze, Brendan Allen, and Michel Pereira in his last three fights. Before Saturday’s fight, he was ranked number 10 in the division.“I wanted to show off in this fight,” Hernandez declared. “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
