Anthony Hernandez: The American Mixed Martial Artist
Early Life and Background
Anthony Hernandez was born on October 18, 1993, in Dunnigan, a small town in California, United States. He grew up in a working-class family, with parents who worked hard to support their children. From a young age, Anthony showed an interest in physical sports. He wrestled in high school at Woodland High School, graduating in 2011. However, he was removed from the wrestling team due to poor grades, which prompted him to reflect on his priorities.
After high school, Anthony briefly attended college but dropped out after a few months. He felt his true passion was combat. At 15, he began training in martial arts after informal fights with friends at home. His father encouraged him to join a gym to avoid injuries. This led him to a local gym where he started training seriously. Anthony never held a steady job before becoming a professional fighter, dedicating all his time to training from his teenage years. His nickname “Fluffy” originated from his childhood, when he was a chubby kid, a fact he now mentions with humor.
This early phase shaped his determined character. Without significant financial support, Anthony relied on his dedication and family backing. His father, who passed away in March 2018 due to a lung condition, was his primary hero. This loss further motivated him to succeed in the sport. Now a father of four, Anthony balances family life with his career, showing resilience and focus.
Entry into Mixed Martial Arts
Anthony began his amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) journey around 2010. He competed in 10 amateur fights, winning 9 and losing 1. His victories included 4 knockouts, 3 submissions, and 2 decisions. His sole loss was by submission. During this period, he stood out, winning six amateur titles and being ranked number 1 globally in the ISCF MMA rankings for ages 18 to 21.
His fighting style began to take shape here. He developed grappling skills, particularly in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), where he now holds a brown belt. He also earned a black belt in Marinoble’s MMA system. Anthony trained at local gyms, focusing on conditioning in the morning and striking and grappling in the afternoon. He saw MMA as his calling, something that drew him from a young age.
In 2014, at 21, he transitioned to professional fighting. His first professional fight was against Kenny Ento at Global Knockout 3 in March 2015, where he won by guillotine choke submission in the first round. This quick victory showcased his potential in submissions. He continued in Global Knockout, defeating Preston Snook, Jumoke Hunter, and Mike Persons, all by submission or decision, building a solid record.
Early Professional Career
In his early professional years, Anthony fought primarily in regional promotions like Global Knockout (GKO). He amassed impressive victories, demonstrating versatility. For example, against Kenny Ento, he used his favorite guillotine choke to finish the fight in under four minutes. In August 2015, against Preston Snook, another guillotine in the first round. He repeated this pattern against Jumoke Hunter in 2016 and Mike Persons in 2017, all victories by submission.
His early record was impeccable, with five consecutive wins. This caught the attention of larger promotions. In 2018, he joined Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), a gateway to the UFC. His fight for the vacant LFA Middleweight title against Brendan Allen at LFA 32 was a true test. The fight went five rounds, and Anthony won by unanimous decision, becoming the LFA Middleweight Champion. It was his first title fight, showcasing his endurance and skills in striking and grappling.
After the title win, he competed in Dana White’s Contender Series in June 2018 against Jordan Wright. He knocked out Wright in 40 seconds of the first round with a powerful punch. However, the result was changed to a no contest due to a positive marijuana test, resulting in a six-month suspension and a fine. Despite this, his performance impressed Dana White, earning him a UFC contract.
UFC Career and Early Fights
Anthony debuted in the UFC in February 2019 at UFC Fight Night: Assunção vs. Moraes 2, facing Markus Perez. The fight was tough; Perez submitted Anthony with an anaconda choke in the second round. It was a submission loss, highlighting areas for improvement in choke defense.
He bounced back in August 2019 against Jun Yong Park at UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Zhang. Anthony turned the tables in the second round, submitting Park with an anaconda choke at 4:39. It was his first UFC win, showing resilience.
In May 2020, he faced Kevin Holland at UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Harris. Holland knocked him out in just 39 seconds with knees and punches. It was his second loss, by TKO, exposing vulnerabilities in early striking.
Despite the setbacks, Anthony persevered. In February 2021, at UFC 258, he faced Rodolfo Vieira, a BJJ specialist. Vieira dominated initially, but Anthony countered with a guillotine choke in the second round, winning by submission and earning Performance of the Night. It was an upset, as Vieira was the favorite.
Breakthrough and Winning Streak
After the Vieira win, Anthony embarked on an impressive streak. In April 2022, at UFC 273, against Josh Fremd, he won by unanimous decision after three competitive rounds, showing improvement in decisions.
In September 2022, against Marc-André Barriault at UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Song, Anthony secured an arm-triangle choke submission in the third round. It was another technical victory, highlighting his grappling.
In May 2023, against Edmen Shahbazyan at UFC Fight Night 223, he knocked out Shahbazyan with elbows and punches in the third round. It was his first UFC TKO win since his early days, showing striking evolution.
In February 2024, at UFC 298, against Roman Kopylov, Anthony submitted him with a rear-naked choke in the second round, earning another Performance of the Night. His constant pressure broke Kopylov.
In October 2024, at UFC Fight Night 245, against Michel Pereira in a main event, Pereira was known for acrobatics, but Anthony maintained pressure, knocking him out with elbows in the fifth round, earning yet another Performance of the Night.
Recent Fights and Achievements (up to 2025)
In February 2025, Anthony faced Brendan Allen again at UFC Fight Night 252. Unlike their 2018 fight, it went three rounds, and Anthony won by unanimous decision, proving his growth.
His most recent fight, on August 9, 2025, was against Roman Dolidze at UFC on ESPN 72. Dolidze was a tough opponent, but Anthony dominated, submitting him with a rear-naked choke in the fourth round, earning Performance of the Night. This placed him in the top 10 of the middleweight division.
His achievements include the LFA title, multiple Performance of the Night bonuses, and a seven-fight winning streak. His professional record stands at 15 wins, 2 losses, 1 no contest, with 3 knockouts, 9 submissions, and 3 decisions.
Fighting Style and Techniques
Anthony is known for his “in-your-face” style, fighting at close range like in a phone booth. He pressures opponents with constant striking and transitions to grappling. His favorite grappling technique is the guillotine choke, used in several victories. In striking, he favors the cartwheel kick, a flashy but effective move.
His wrestling background aids in takedowns, and his BJJ allows submissions like anaconda, arm-triangle, and rear-naked chokes. He is versatile, adapting to strikers or grapplers. Critics note his strong cardio, power, and ability to break opponents over the course of a fight. Despite early losses, he has improved his defense and patience.
Training and Team
Anthony trains in El Dorado Hills, California, with MMA Gold and Marinoble’s Martial Arts. His head coach is Eliot Kelly, a BJJ black belt who has enhanced his grappling. He follows a rigorous routine: morning conditioning, afternoon striking and grappling. He emphasizes consistency, training since age 15.
His team includes sparring partners who simulate opponents. He credits his success to dedicated training and team support.
Personal Life
Outside the octagon, Anthony is a father of four, prioritizing family. His father’s death in 2018 deeply affected him, fueling his drive to succeed. He lives in California, balancing training with family time. He says fighting is his passion, but family is his anchor.
Anthony engages with the community, inspiring young fighters. He avoids controversies, focusing on positive growth.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Anthony Hernandez has established himself as a rising star in the UFC middleweight division. With a winning streak and multiple bonuses, he is a title contender. His legacy is one of overcoming odds, from a small-town kid to a top contender. In the future, he could face champions like Dricus du Plessis or Sean Strickland. At 31, his peak is approaching, promising more thrilling fights.
