UFC Fight Night Outcomes and Highlights: Anthony Hernandez Dominates, Executes Spectacular Submission Against Roman Dolidze
Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez Climbs UFC Middleweight Rankings
Anthony Hernandez, also known as "Fluffy," has made a significant leap in the UFC middleweight division, currently ranked No. 7 following his recent victory over Roman Dolidze[1][2]. This win marks a three-spot climb up the rankings, signaling a strong push towards title contention.
Hernandez's path to title contention is not without challenges. Traditionally, a UFC middleweight looking to challenge for the title would need several more high-profile wins against fighters ranked above them or in the top 5. However, the current middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis, has solidified his position with impressive wins, including successful title defenses[4]. Other top-ranked contenders include Khamzat Chimaev (#3) and other elite middleweights[4].
Despite the stiff competition, analysts have been impressed by Hernandez's recent performances. One analyst even went as far as to call Hernandez "the best middleweight in the world" before UFC 319, highlighting his potential at the elite level[3]. However, the UFC's official rankings as of August 12, 2025, place him at #7, reflecting the need for a few more decisive wins to break into the top 5 or earn a direct title shot.
In his latest bout against Roman Dolidze (No. 9), Hernandez demonstrated his reputation for breaking opponents. The fight, which took place at UFC Fight Night, saw Dolidze's power keeping him competitive in the first round. However, in Round 2, Hernandez unleashed a barrage of ground punches that Dolidze was unable to deter, eventually leading to a rear-naked choke submission in Round 4[5].
As Hernandez continues to climb the ranks, he has expressed his desire for a UFC belt, stating in his post-fight interview that he wants a title shot and promises to be the next champ[6]. To achieve this goal, he will likely need to amass multiple wins over fighters ranked in the top 5, demonstrating consistent elite-level performance to justify a title match.
Here's a comparison of the current middleweight rankings:
| Fighter | Rank | Notes | |-------------------|-------|-----------------------------------------------| | Dricus Du Plessis | 1 (Champion) | Current middleweight champ; defended title recently. | | Khamzat Chimaev | #3 | Top contender with an undefeated record (14-0). | | Anthony Hernandez | #7 | Rising quickly, recent wins improving position. | | Roman Dolidze | #9 | Defeated recently by Hernandez, moved down two spots.|
With his rebellious new fighting style and undeniable determination, Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez is poised to make a significant impact in the UFC middleweight division.
[1] UFC Rankings [2] UFC Fight Night Results [3] Analyst Predictions [4] UFC Middleweight Champions [5] UFC Fight Night Highlights [6] Post-Fight Interview
The win against Roman Dolidze propelled Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez to the No. 7 spot in the UFC middleweight rankings, marking his significant stride towards title contention in mixed-martial-arts sports. Despite the stiff competition, especially from top-ranked contenders Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis, analysts see Anthony Hernandez's potential to potentially challenge for the UFC MMA title.
