Former two-time lightweight title challenger Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone will make his return to the lightweight division at UFC on ESPN +1 on January 19 after moving up to welterweight in 2016 where he gathered a record of 5-4. Cowboy’s first assignment however in #11 ranked Alexander ‘The Great’ Hernandez (10-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) is no joke.
Hernandez made his debut on short notice at UFC 222 taking on a top 10 opponent Benel Dariush on just two weeks notice. Needless to say Hernandez was a huge underdog going into the fight however in his own words Hernandez ‘spilled the beans’ as he made quick work of Dariush via first round KO. Hernandez then took on another ranked veteran in Olivier Aubin-Mercier in Calgary in July. Hernandez reigned supreme this time around as well via unanimous decision.
Hernandez believes it’s time for the new generation (him) to take over. Speaking with a bunch of reporters including MMAjunkie, Hernandez gave his respect to Cowboy but would absolutely leave no stone unturned to take him out. (via Twitter):
#UFCBrooklyn
When Alex Hernandez (@TheGreat155) was asked if the Donald Cerrone fight was a passing of the torch:
"With all due respect to him, it's going to be a violent hand off… He's presented himself as an active participant and entertainer and I'm on my way to the throne." pic.twitter.com/KqpMEyHDxs— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) January 17, 2019
“Absolutely (it’s a passing-of-the-torch moment),” Hernandez told reporters, including MMAjunkie, at open workouts Wednesday night. “With all due respect to him, it’s going to be a violent handoff. I think that he’s presented himself as an active participant and entertainer. I’m on my way to the throne and about to enter the new age.”
The bout will feature the preliminary card on ESPN.
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UFC: Alexander Hernandez excited by Cerrone fight opportunity; wants to ‘merk’ him