Anthony Hernandez Proposes Creation of BMF Championship Following Dominant Performance
In a compelling display at UFC Fight Night on Saturday, Anthony Hernandez, known as "Fluffy," showcased his dominance in the middleweight division by defeating Roman Dolidze. Following his victory, Hernandez proposed the formation of a middleweight BMF (Baddest Motherf—er) championship, citing his belief that he deserves a shot at the title.
A Relentless Performance
From the moment the fight began, Hernandez exhibited a relentless fighting style, aggressively closing the distance on Dolidze. He landed a series of significant strikes and showcased his grappling skills, even managing to throw Dolidze to the ground while taunting his opponent. Despite Dolidze’s notable power and grappling ability, Hernandez wore him down, leading to a decline in Dolidze’s stamina as the fight progressed.
The fight reached a pivotal moment in the final seconds of Round 2 when Hernandez unleashed a barrage of ground punches. Although the referee, Herb Dean, intervened once the round ended, there was confusion as to whether the fight was officially concluded, which Hernandez did not contest. Instead, he shifted his focus to receiving coaching for the subsequent rounds.
By Round 4, Hernandez’s constant pressure paid off as he secured a rear-naked choke submission, marking a historic moment: he became the first fighter to stop Dolidze in nearly 20 bouts, a feat that had evaded even top-ranked middleweights like Nassourdine Imavov.
Hernandez’s Rise in the UFC
"Fluffy" Hernandez represents one of the UFC’s underappreciated success stories. After losing two of his first three UFC fights, he has since embarked on an impressive eight-fight win streak, demonstrating remarkable resilience and skill growth. His transformative fighting style gained attention after he submitted Rodolfo Vieira, widely regarded as one of the greatest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners of his generation.
However, questions linger about the pace of Hernandez’s rise within the ranks. Despite accumulating an impressive win streak, he was only offered a fight against Dolidze, who was ranked just one spot above him. In contrast, other fighters, such as Reinier de Ridder, have been able to secure higher-ranked opponents after fewer fights within the organization.
A Call for Recognition
In his post-fight interview, Hernandez expressed his frustration with the UFC’s matchmaking process. "I want a title shot. What the f— do I have to do?" he asked earnestly, reaffirming his desire to prove himself as the best fighter in the world. His statements reflect a broader sentiment among fighters who feel that performance does not always equate to opportunities in the organization.
The Significance of Hernandez’s Proposal
Hernandez’s advocacy for a middleweight BMF championship could further elevate the competitive landscape of the division. Such a title would not only reward fighters for their tenacity and skill but also engage fans with exciting matchups that embody the spirit of the sport.
His call for recognition of his achievements is also a representation of a growing narrative within mixed martial arts. Fighters who achieve remarkable feats, often without receiving the accolades they deserve, are generating discussions about the meritocracy within the sport and the importance of fair ranking systems.
Conclusion
As Hernandez continues to assert his presence in the UFC middleweight division, the potential establishment of a BMF championship could reshape the title landscape and provide a platform for fighters who feel overlooked. With his impressive performance against Dolidze, Hernandez has made a compelling case for why he should be considered among the elite in his weight class, amplifying a dialogue about recognition, merit, and the evolving dynamics of the sport.
