Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez has slowly but surely cemented his reputation as one of the UFC's most relentless middleweights. Riding high on a five-fight win streak, Hernandez now finds himself in his first-ever main event on October 19, 2024, where he faces the dangerous Michel Pereira at UFC Apex. The fight will be a true test of his growth and resilience, and fans are eager to see if Hernandez can continue his upward trajectory in the division.
The Making of "Fluffy": A Journey Defined by Grit
Hernandez's UFC journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. After a bumpy start to his UFC career, which included a 1-2 record in his first three fights, the California native took stock, honed his skills, and adapted his mindset. His transformation truly began in February 2021, when he shocked the MMA world by submitting grappling ace Rodolfo Vieira, an upset victory that turned heads. Since then, Hernandez has made it his trademark to turn his fights into grueling, drag-it-out dogfights, pushing his opponents to their limits.
Known for his high-paced, pressure-filled fighting style, Hernandez thrives in the chaos of combat. Unlike some fighters who aim for quick finishes, Hernandez enjoys breaking his opponents mentally and physically over time. His ability to drag the fight deep into the later rounds and capitalize on his opponents' exhaustion has become his calling card. As he said, "I just like breaking people. It’s fun to see for me."
This mentality was evident in his recent submission win over Roman Kopylov at UFC 298, where Hernandez systematically wore down Kopylov before seizing the finish. That victory extended his win streak to five, and now, Hernandez stands on the cusp of a breakthrough, one fight away from moving closer to title contention.
What to Expect: The Challenge of Michel Pereira
Standing across the octagon from Hernandez on October 19 is Michel "Demolidor" Pereira, a dynamic and unpredictable fighter with an eight-fight win streak. Known for his explosive striking and flashy techniques, Pereira presents a unique challenge for Hernandez. Pereira has earned three consecutive first-round finishes since his return to the middleweight division, which makes him a dangerous opponent early in the fight.
Hernandez, however, remains unfazed by Pereira’s explosive start to fights. He believes that Pereira’s athleticism and stamina fade as the rounds go on, and that's where he plans to capitalize. "After two rounds, how athletic is he? He starts making mistakes. That’s perfect for me, stylistically,” Hernandez explained.
For Hernandez, the key to victory will be surviving Pereira’s early onslaught and dragging the fight into deeper waters. As seen in his past fights, Hernandez thrives when the pace picks up and his opponents tire. His gas tank, coupled with his gritty style, gives him the edge as the fight progresses. If Hernandez can weather the storm early and keep the pressure on Pereira, it could very well lead to his sixth consecutive victory.
A Potential Breakout Moment
This main event opportunity is a pivotal moment in Hernandez's career. Not only is it his first UFC headliner, but it also has the potential to propel him into the upper echelon of the middleweight division. Hernandez is fully aware of the stakes, and his confidence is at an all-time high. "I’m just going to show everyone that the next champ is here," he declared, sending a message to both Pereira and the rest of the division.
A win over Pereira would not only solidify Hernandez as a legitimate contender but also set the stage for a potential run at the UFC middleweight title in 2025. With his relentless fighting style, newfound confidence, and string of impressive wins, Hernandez is poised for a breakout performance under the bright lights of UFC Apex.
What to Watch For
Fans should expect an intense, high-paced fight between two competitors with contrasting styles. Pereira will likely come out fast and furious, looking for a highlight-reel finish early. Hernandez, on the other hand, will aim to weather the storm, gradually imposing his will and breaking Pereira down. This clash of styles—Pereira’s explosiveness versus Hernandez’s relentless pressure—promises to be a thrilling main event.
As Hernandez steps into the octagon for his first UFC main event, the stakes have never been higher. With his eyes set on UFC gold, this fight could be the moment that defines his rise to the top.
Don't miss UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs. Pereira, live from UFC Apex on October 19, 2024. Prelims begin at 4 PM ET/1 PM PT, with the main card starting at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT on ESPN+.
This is one fight fans won't want to miss—will "Fluffy" break his opponent once again, or will Pereira’s unpredictable style prove too much to handle?