Anthony’s Last-Minute Choke That Won Him the Prestigious Belt

In the electric atmosphere of UFC Vegas 109 on August 9, 2025, Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez pulled off one of the most jaw-dropping, high-stakes finishes in recent memory. In a clash that pitted relentless willpower against raw strength, Fluffy executed a brutal rear-naked choke in the final seconds of the fourth round, forcing Roman Dolidze to tap. The victory didn’t just earn him a win; it crowned him the new UFC Middleweight Champion.

This is the story of how Hernandez’s grit, strategy, and cardio excellence converged into a career-defining moment. More than just a single move, this was the culmination of years of struggle, evolution, and absolute belief in his fight style. In this article, we dissect his path to the belt, the techniques that set him apart, and why this victory matters in the broader scope of MMA history.

The Evolution of “Fluffy”

Anthony Hernandez wasn’t always a title contender. Early in his UFC career, he was seen as a tough grinder—relentless, yes, but not yet elite. His nickname “Fluffy” might have amused fans, but in the octagon, his transformation over the past few years was anything but soft.

After a shaky start with losses that exposed holes in his striking defense, Hernandez doubled down on his grappling. He refined his wrestling, sharpened his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and most importantly, embraced a pressure-based style that weaponized cardio. This transformation saw him rack up a series of dominant wins leading up to UFC Vegas 109.

Eight straight victories. No controversies. Just pure domination.

Each fight became a case study in wearing down opponents with grinding pressure—never giving them space to breathe. It wasn’t flashy, but it was brutally effective.

A Battle of Wills: The Road to UFC Vegas 109

Roman Dolidze, a physically gifted fighter with knockout power and underrated grappling, stood in Hernandez’s way. Ranked #4 at the time, Dolidze had a reputation for stopping fights early and dismantling opponents with ruthless precision.

The UFC brass saw the match-up as a classic clash of styles: Fluffy’s pressure and technique versus Dolidze’s brute force.

Leading up to the fight, many analysts favored Dolidze. His power, size, and experience seemed to tip the scale. But Hernandez had other plans. He knew that this was not just another fight. This was a war of attrition. He had no intention of letting it go to the judges.

Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: Setting the Tone

From the outset, Hernandez implemented his trademark pace. He pushed forward with controlled aggression, mixing body shots, calf kicks, and feints. Dolidze responded with heavy counters, but Fluffy’s head movement and footwork minimized the damage.

A late takedown sealed the round for Hernandez, who began imposing his top control game. It was clear he came with a long-term plan.

Round 2: Cranking the Pressure

As the second round commenced, Fluffy increased his clinch engagements. He pinned Dolidze against the cage, peppered him with elbows, knees, and made him carry his weight. This was more than striking; it was psychological warfare. Each exchange chipped away at Dolidze’s gas tank.

Dolidze tried to land big shots, but Hernandez’s transitions between levels—strikes, takedowns, and scrambles—kept him guessing.

Round 3: Control and Damage

By now, the tide had turned. Dolidze looked visibly slowed, and Fluffy exploited it. A dominant takedown led to over three minutes of ground control. Short elbows opened a cut over Dolidze’s eye. The crowd, initially skeptical, was now on its feet.

Hernandez had completely neutralized Dolidze’s power game. It was no longer a question of if, but how the finish would come.

The Choke Heard ‘Round the World

Round 4: The Final Push

The final moments of the fourth round embodied everything Fluffy had become. With less than a minute left, Hernandez secured a double-leg takedown and quickly transitioned to back control. As Dolidze tried to explode out, Hernandez slipped in the hooks and latched onto his neck.

Rear-naked choke.

No hesitation.

Despite the sweat and fatigue, the grip was airtight. Dolidze fought it briefly, then tapped. The buzzer sounded just four seconds later.

It was poetic. After 19 minutes of grinding punishment, Fluffy didn’t just win—he finished.

Why This Win Matters

This victory wasn’t just about technique. It was about redefining what a championship fighter looks like in 2025.

• Cardio as a weapon: Hernandez used endurance not just to survive, but to dominate.

• Grappling evolution: He turned wrestling into an offensive force, controlling where the fight took place.

• Mental warfare: From pre-fight build-up to in-fight adjustments, Fluffy remained calm, calculated, and confident.

His performance stood as a blueprint for aspiring fighters who lack one-punch knockout power but make up for it with grit and intelligence.

The Aftermath: What’s Next for Fluffy?

Following his win, Hernandez called out top contenders and hinted at a possible unification bout if interim belts are in play. There are whispers of a showdown with Jared Cannonier or even a rematch with Jack Hermansson.

What’s undeniable is that Fluffy now sits atop the middleweight throne—a position few expected, but none can deny he earned.

Conclusion: More Than a Choke

That rear-naked choke at UFC Vegas 109 wasn’t just a submission. It was a statement. A validation of years of evolution. A punctuation mark on a strategy executed to perfection.

Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez proved that heart, preparation, and belief could overpower raw strength and hype. In doing so, he didn’t just win a belt—he changed the game.

And as the MMA world looks ahead, one thing is certain:

Fluffy isn’t done roaring yet.