LAS VEGAS – Anthony Hernandez shocked the MMA world Saturday, but he isn’t surprised.
Against Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Rodolfo Vieira, “Fluffy” Hernandez (8-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) flipped the script and pulled off a second-round submission in the UFC 258 featured prelim bout.
“I knew I was going to tap him out,” Hernandez told reporters at a post-fight news conference. “I told my coaches in the beginning. They said not to do it, but it happened.”
Hernandez, 27, became the first fighter to submit an Abu Dhabi Combat Club champion in the UFC. Despite the accolade and massive response online, Hernandez wasn’t fazed.
“Honestly, I don’t really follow fighting like that (or) jiu-jitsu and (expletive),” Hernandez said. “So that really doesn’t mean too much to me. I guess it’s a big deal. A fight is a fight. When you can hit someone, (expletive) changes. It’s not jiu-jitsu. … I plan to make more history, so it’s (expletive) awesome to hear that news. It’s just the beginning.”
Vieira (7-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) was undefeated in professional MMA before Saturday. A four-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion, Vieira’s grappling resume was decorated with numerous awards and tournament victories. Hernandez hopes the win adds some respect to his name – and perhaps a stripe to his purple belt.
“I hope I got that first stripe on that purple belt, man,” Hernandez said. “You need to quit (expletive) playing with me, (coach) Jim (West).”
Somewhere in the mayhem of the fight, Hernandez injured his hand. It might be broken, in his estimation. Although he hoped for an active 2021, worst-case scenario, he still gets to provide his children with some happiness – and likely a bonus.
“I honestly want to be active, but I think I might have broken my hand in the first (round). Right now, my main plan is (to) get healthy, get my kids their own bedrooms, and then (fight) whoever the (expletive) they want me to fight. I don’t give a (expletive).
“… I already talked to Dana (White). He said, ‘You’re getting it no matter what (expletive) happens. If the roof caves in, you’re getting that bonus because that was a hell of a performance.’”
UFC 258 took place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The main card aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN/ESPN+.
Anthony Hernandez knew he’d pull off improbable submission of Rodolfo Vieira at UFC 258
