Back and More Dangerous Than Ever: Does Anthony Hernandez Have What It Takes to Dominate the Octagon Against the Fierce Roman Dolidze?

As the anticipation builds for UFC 109, one name has set the MMA world on fire—Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez. After a series of electrifying performances that showcased both grit and technical brilliance, Hernandez is set to clash with Georgian powerhouse Roman Dolidze in what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated middleweight bouts of the year. The UFC Apex in Las Vegas will become a battlefield on August 9, 2025, where fists, strategy, and legacy collide.

This article dives into everything you need to know: Hernandez’s last fight, fan expectations, Dolidze’s momentum, expert predictions, and the battlefield strengths and weaknesses of both warriors. Buckle up—this is more than just a fight. It’s the resurrection of a warrior and a storm of violence and technique.

Anthony Hernandez’s Last Fight: A Masterclass in Pressure and Ground Domination

Anthony Hernandez stepped into the Octagon earlier this year against Michel Pereira, a flashy and unpredictable striker. Many fans expected Pereira’s dynamic movement and wild striking to overwhelm Hernandez. But Fluffy had other plans.

Right from the opening bell, Hernandez applied pressure like a slow-burning fuse. He cut off angles, absorbed early kicks with composure, and closed the distance relentlessly. In Round 2, Hernandez executed a picture-perfect single-leg takedown, transitioning swiftly to full mount. The crowd roared as he rained down elbows and hammerfists, forcing the referee to step in. TKO victory.

The performance stunned critics and reaffirmed what fight insiders already knew—Anthony Hernandez isn’t just a grappler. He’s an evolving all-around threat with elite pressure and cardio.

Fan Reactions: The Rise of a Cult Hero

Social media exploded following Hernandez’s win. Memes, highlight reels, and gifs circulated across Twitter and Instagram. Hashtags like #FluffySmash and #FluffyUFC trended for days. One viral tweet read:

“Anthony Hernandez is what happens when cardio meets violence. Future champ.”

Fans don’t just admire his skillset—they connect with his gritty, no-fluff (pun intended) attitude. He’s a throwback to the old-school warriors of MMA, where heart mattered just as much as head kicks.

Now, those same fans are eagerly awaiting what Hernandez brings to UFC 109. Against Roman Dolidze, the stakes are higher, and the expectations even more intense.

Roman Dolidze: A Relentless Georgian Titan

Standing across from Hernandez on August 9 will be Roman Dolidze, a man known for his thunderous power and surgical finishes. Fresh off a dominant decision win against Marvin Vettori at UFC Vegas 104, Dolidze’s stock has never been higher.

In that fight, Dolidze showcased improved striking fundamentals and an underrated gas tank. While Vettori tried to pressure him against the cage, Roman maintained composure, countered beautifully, and controlled the pace. Though it went the distance, Dolidze looked fresh in the fifth—an ominous sign for anyone expecting him to fade late.

Tale of the Tape: Hernandez vs. Dolidze

Strengths and Weaknesses: What the Coaches Say

According to Coach Javier Mendez (AKA), “Hernandez is a nightmare if you let him get close. His chain wrestling and pace remind me of Cain Velasquez. But if he can’t close the distance early, he gets hit more than he should.”

Coach Henri Hooft, known for training kickboxers, notes: “Dolidze has one-shot knockout power. He’s technically tighter than people give him credit for. But cardio and defensive wrestling are his Achilles’ heel.”

Hernandez Strengths:

• Relentless pressure.

• Superior conditioning.

• Elite grappling and transitions.

Hernandez Weaknesses:

• Absorbs strikes early.

• Limited striking variation.

Dolidze Strengths:

• Knockout power in both hands.

• Excellent ground-and-pound.

• Improved fight IQ and composure.

Dolidze Weaknesses:

• Susceptible to takedown chains.

• Cardio questions in late rounds.

Fight Prediction: The Fire Meets Steel

This fight is more than just styles clashing—it’s ideologies colliding. Hernandez believes in suffocating pace and wearing down his opponent. Dolidze believes in making every exchange count.

If Hernandez can push Dolidze against the cage and mix in his takedowns, expect him to steal rounds and possibly earn a submission late. But if Dolidze lands early and stuffs the first few shots, Hernandez could be in for a short night.

Predicted Outcome: Anthony Hernandez via 3rd-round submission (rear-naked choke)

Imagined Fight Night Drama: The Crowd Will Roar

Imagine this: The lights dim at the UFC Apex. Roman Dolidze walks in, draped in the Georgian flag, face stoic, fists clenched. Moments later, the beat of “X Gon’ Give It To Ya” hits, and Anthony Hernandez bounces into the arena, shadowboxing, smirking, embracing the crowd.

Round 1 is a firefight—Roman lands a clean right hand that momentarily stuns Hernandez. But Fluffy smiles, waves him on. In Round 2, Hernandez shifts gears, ducks under a jab, takes Roman down, and controls the rest of the round.

By Round 3, Dolidze breathes heavy. Hernandez feints, shoots, secures back control. The crowd rises as he sinks in the choke.

Legacy Implications: What’s at Stake?

For Hernandez, this fight is a key to the top 5. A win could earn him a bout against Jared Cannonier or even a dark horse title eliminator.

For Dolidze, it’s redemption and validation. A win over Fluffy proves his Vettori win wasn’t a fluke—it was the beginning of a championship run.

Expert Voices and Media Buzz

MMA Junkie: “This is Fight of the Night written all over it.”

Ariel Helwani: “If Anthony Hernandez wins again in that fashion, he becomes a serious problem for the top 3.”

ESPN MMA: “Dolidze vs. Hernandez is a chess match wrapped in a bar fight.”

Final Thoughts: A Fight Fans Won’t Forget

The UFC middleweight division is brimming with talent. But few matchups carry the tension, storylines, and clash of skills quite like Anthony Hernandez vs. Roman Dolidze at UFC 109.

It’s more than just a fight—it’s a test of fire and endurance. A battle where every takedown, every punch, every scramble matters.

Whether you’re Team Fluffy or backing the Georgian juggernaut, one thing is certain:

On August 9, someone’s star will rise, and someone’s dream will dim.

Make sure you’re watching.

Let the war begin.