After a career-best performance last night against Roman Dolidze, the MMA world is now asking what is next for Anthony Hernandez. The American displayed excellent skills, both on the feet and on the ground, ultimately securing the submission win in round four via a rear naked choke. The win for Hernandez extends his winning streak to eight in the UFC, adding his name to a growing list of contenders in the Middleweight division.
Hernandez dominated the striking exchanges, landing 120 strikes to Dolidze’s 39, whilst also securing nine takedowns in the fight, eventually leading to the fourth-round submission. Hernandez is something of a submission artist, with 9 of his 15 wins coming via submission.
There has arguably never been as much competition in the Middleweight division as there is right now. The state of play in the division may be very different in two months, with Dricus Du Plessis set to defend his belt against Khamzat Chimaev next Saturday and number one-ranked Nassourdine Imavov set to take on number six-ranked Caio Borralho, as well as Jared Cannonier against Michael ‘Venom’ Page and Abus Magomedov against Joe Pyfe. It’s hard to single out an opponent for Hernandez.
Still, there are several options on the table for Hernandez. Whilst he did call for a title shot in his post-fight interview, it is highly doubtful he will be next in line, and he will probably have to fight two more times before getting a title shot.
Perhaps the most logical next fight for Hernandez would be Robert Whittaker. Whittaker is currently on a two-fight losing streak. This is a good matchup for both fighters. If Hernandez wins, it will be his most reputable win to date and for Whittaker, a win against someone on an eight-fight winning streak will be a huge confidence booster and put him in a position to look upwards in the Middleweight division.
Another potential fight would be against Israel Adesanya. Like Whittaker, he is a former champion on a losing streak, so he may have to look downwards in the division for his next fight, and a fight against Hernandez would be a fun matchup. It would be an extremely intriguing clash of styles between a BJJ expert and a world-class striker.
Perhaps Hernandez will wait to see how the cards fall in the Middleweight division, potentially fighting the winner of the MVP and Cannonier bout. Whilst it may be one of the most competitive moments in Middleweight history, Hernandez will only be fighting upwards in the division, and his win against Dolidze has secured his name as a danger to anyone in the division.
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