Does Alexander ‘The Great’ Hernandez Deserve a Chance to Get Himself Back in the Top 15?
In 2019, Alexander Hernandez was the 13th-ranked Lightweight in the world. Ever since then, he has been trying to get back into the rankings. He is currently on a four-fight winning streak after knocking out Diego Ferreira in the second round last Saturday. He has all the momentum after back-to-back knockout victories. I think it’s time to get him a ranked opponent and see how far this new streak takes him. He called out Michael Chandler after the fight, but I will break down that potential fight and which fight makes more sense for him and the UFC moving forward.
Alexander Hernandez vs. Michael Chandler
Michael Chandler was once a Lightweight title challenger, but after multiple losses, he is currently ranked number 12 and is on the back end of his illustrious career. This would be an exciting fight with two heavy-hitting Lightweights who can take a punch to give a punch. Something will have to give early on in this fight. Hernandez showed in his victory over Chase Hooper that he has the skills to deal with high-level grapplers, even though Chandler has rarely used his wrestling during his UFC stint. After Chandler got dominated by Paddy Pimblett, it’s hard to see him taking on another hungry fighter looking to make a name for themselves at his expense.
Alexander Hernandez vs. Mauricio Ruffy
Mauricio Ruffy got all his hype taken from him after he got rag-dolled by Benito Saint Denis at UFC Fight Night in France. He is currently ranked 15th Among Lightweights in the world and won’t have anyone lower than him willing to take him on after that loss. Fighting someone like Hernandez makes the most sense. This gives him a chance to prove his worth of being in the top 15 in the Lightweight Division, and it gives Hernandez the opportunity for another statement victory and to make his climb up the rankings. Hernandez has demonstrated in his fights that he can mix up his skills and wrestle if necessary, and with Ruffy showing glaring holes in his grappling and wrestling defense, this could be a path to victory for him in this fight. Ruffy will need to show drastic changes in his game if he plans to stop the pressure and takedown attempts that are almost surely going to be coming his way. Ruffy will need to be more aggressive in this fight and not just be in defense mode. I feel like the winner of this fight will have a lot of momentum and could propel them even higher.
Alexander Hernandez is becoming someone you don’t want to miss when he steps foot in the octagon. He has constant pressure and throws everything he has into his shots. He has been able to knock out young and up-and-coming prospects and also seasoned veterans. Whichever fight Dana White and his committee decide to do, I think Hernandez has done more than enough to earn a ranked opponent.
