Alexander Hernandez digs the latest matchup of his young fighting career, even if it may be perceived as a step down in competition.
The 27-year-old UFC lightweight contender is happy to fight Drew Dober at UFC on ESPN+ 29 in Jacksonville, Fla., which goes down Wednesday night on ESPN+. Hernandez (11-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) finds the matchup with Dober as a great opportunity to show off his skills, something that may be harder to do against some of the top guys in the division.
“I do like it, someone alluded earlier to the fact that I got thrusted into the top 15 – I haven’t really had time to exploit anyone in the division,” Hernandez told reporters in a virtual media day promoting the event. “A lot of guys get these kind of bridge builders to get to the top and kind of get time to develop and grow. But every opponent I’ve faced has been in the top 15 upon the day of signing the contract.
“I think an oppoent like Drew Dober, he’s a veteran, he’s game, he’s coming off multiple knockout wins, and coming in against me he’s going to press the fight – and that’s exactly what I’m looking for.
“I know I’m going to be (a) faster, more dynamic fighter. And again, having the attributes I have over him, I do believe that you need attributes to challenge me and I don’t think he has them. So I think Drew Dober will make an excellent highlight reel.”
It’s been a long road for Hernandez to get to Wednesday’s event, as he’s been linked to multiple opponents and has had several bouts fall through due to the cancelled events because of COVID-19.
“The Great” hasn’t competed since outpointing Francisco Trinaldo in July 2019, and he can’t wait to get in the cage.
“At this point, I’m just ready to fight absolutely anybody they put in front of me.” Hernandez said. “I have the Makhachev matchup, then I almost had a Johnson matchup, and then 10-second notice on the Moraes matchup, and just the chaos that we’re in.
“I was happy just to get some kind of action, it feels like I’ve been in camp for five months and an opponent in Drew Dober he’s confident coming off some wins and he’s going to press the fight forward. I think this is an excellent opportunity for me to exploit him and make some highlights of my own. I really enjoy the matchup and I think this is the first time that I had some significant attributes over someone as well.”
Alexander Hernandez sees Drew Dober bout as 'excellent opportunity' to build on highlight reel
