Anthony Hernandez Dominates Dolidze, Earns Call for Title Shot

Hernandez Dominates Dolidze, Immediately Calls for Title Shot

Las Vegas, NV – Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez delivered a statement performance at UFC Fight Night, submitting Roman Dolidze in the fourth round and catapulting himself into the middleweight title conversation. The victory extends Hernandez’s impressive win streak to eight fights, solidifying his position as a serious contender in the 185-pound division.

Hernandez (15-2) overwhelmed the No. 9 ranked Dolidze (15-4) with a relentless attack,culminating in a rear-naked choke at 2:45 of the fourth. The finish followed a barrage of strikes – a short right hand and elbow combination – that visibly stunned Dolidze,leaving him vulnerable to Hernandez’s grappling prowess.

“I wanted to show out [in this fight],” Hernandez declared post-fight. “I want a title shot. What do I have to f—ing do? This is all I know, violence and war. Give me a title shot and I promise I will be the next champ.”

The bout showcased Hernandez’s well-rounded skillset. UFC Stats reveal a striking disparity, with Hernandez landing 108 total strikes to dolidze’s 47. He also demonstrated grappling dominance, successfully completing 9 of 11 takedown attempts.Dolidze’s corner reportedly informed him he had lost the first three rounds,underscoring the comprehensive nature of Hernandez’s victory.

This marks the first time Dolidze has been finished in his professional MMA career, and only his second loss since February 2024. The 37-year-old appeared physically and mentally tired by the time of the submission.

Hernandez’s recent run of form is notably noteworthy. He has secured victories over formidable opponents including Brendan Allen and Michel Pereira, establishing himself as a rising force in the middleweight division. Entering the fight ranked No. 10, this win is expected to considerably elevate his position.

Beyond the Octagon: The Evolution of the modern middleweight

The middleweight division has become increasingly dynamic in recent years, demanding fighters possess a blend of striking, wrestling, and submission skills. Hernandez embodies this evolution. His ability to seamlessly transition between striking combinations and takedown attempts makes him a arduous matchup for anyone.

The upcoming clash between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 319 will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the division.Hernandez’s callout of the winner signals his confidence and ambition. Whether the UFC grants him a title shot remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez has arrived as a legitimate threat to the throne.

What strategic adjustments could Roman Dolidze have made to overcome Anthony Hernandez‘s striking accuracy and takedown defense?

Hernandez’s Performance: A Breakdown of the victory

Anthony hernandez delivered a masterful performance against Roman Dolidze at UFC Fight night on August 9th, 2025, solidifying his position as a top contender in the middleweight division. The unanimous decision victory (scores of 30-27, 30-27, 29-28) wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Hernandez showcased a well-rounded skillset, effectively blending striking and grappling to neutralize Dolidze’s strengths.

Here’s a look at key aspects of Hernandez’s dominant showing:

Striking Accuracy: Hernandez landed a notable 52% of his strikes, consistently finding the mark with jabs and powerful right hands.This kept Dolidze at bay and disrupted his rhythm.

Takedown defense: Dolidze, known for his grappling prowess, attempted multiple takedowns, but Hernandez successfully defended all but one, and even reversed position effectively.

Ground Control: when the fight went to the ground, Hernandez demonstrated superior control, maintaining top position for extended periods and landing ground and pound.

Cardio & Pace: Hernandez maintained a high pace throughout all three rounds, visibly tiring Dolidze who slowed down considerably in the later stages of the fight.

Dolidze’s Struggles and What Went Wrong

Roman Dolidze entered the fight as a favored opponent, boasting a strong record and a reputation for aggressive grappling. However, he appeared unable to implement his game plan effectively against Hernandez.

Key issues for Dolidze included:

Difficulty Closing the Distance: Hernandez’s footwork and striking range prevented Dolidze from consistently closing the distance for takedowns.

Ineffective Takedowns: The takedowns Dolidze did land were often poorly timed or met with strong resistance from Hernandez.

Lack of Offensive Output: Dolidze’s striking volume was noticeably lower than Hernandez’s, and he struggled to land significant blows.

Fatigue: dolidze’s cardio appeared to be a significant factor, as he visibly slowed down as the fight progressed.

The Path to a Title Shot: Potential Opponents

with this remarkable victory,Anthony Hernandez has undeniably earned a call for a title shot. The current middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, is expected to defend his title against the winner of the upcoming Whittaker vs. Du Plessis bout. However, Hernandez’s performance has thrown a wrench into those plans.

Potential matchups for Hernandez include:

1. Israel Adesanya: A clash between Hernandez and Adesanya would be a highly anticipated fight, pitting Hernandez’s well-rounded skillset against Adesanya’s striking brilliance.
2. Whittaker vs. Du Plessis winner: Depending on the outcome of that fight, Hernandez could face either Robert Whittaker or Dricus Du Plessis for the title.
3. Sean Strickland: A rematch with Sean Strickland, who previously defeated Hernandez, is a possibility, offering Hernandez a chance for redemption. Strickland remains a dangerous contender.

Hernandez’s Rise in the Middleweight Division: A Timeline

Anthony Hernandez’s journey to contention has been marked by consistent improvement and impressive victories. Here’s a brief timeline of his recent success:

2023 (November): Defeats Marvin vettori via split decision.

2024 (March): Wins against Bedredine Sassou via unanimous decision.

2025 (August 9th): Dominates Roman Dolidze, earning a title shot possibility.

This consistent upward trajectory demonstrates Hernandez’s dedication and potential to become a champion.

Expert Analysis: What Makes Hernandez a Threat?

MMA analysts are praising Hernandez’s adaptability and fight IQ. He isn’t reliant on a single skill set, making him a difficult opponent to prepare for.

“Hernandez is a complete fighter,” says ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. “He can strike, grapple, and defend takedowns at a high level. He’s also incredibly durable and has a strong mental game. He’s a legitimate threat to anyone in the middleweight division.”

Key Stats from Hernandez vs. Dolidze

Total Strikes Landed: Hernandez 82, Dolidze 51

Striking Accuracy: Hernandez 52%, Dolidze 38%

Takedowns Attempted: Dolidze 6, Hernandez 1

Takedowns Successful: Dolidze 1, Hernandez 0

Control Time (Ground): hernandez 6:30, Dolidze 1:45

These statistics clearly illustrate Hernandez’s dominance in the fight. The significant difference in striking accuracy and ground control time were crucial factors in his victory.

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