A lightweight matchup is the latest addition to the UFC’s October schedule.
Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that Alexander Hernandez will face Leonardo Santos at a UFC event on Oct. 2, which is expected to take place at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas.
After bursting onto the scene with a 42-second finish of Beneil Dariush at UFC 222 in March 2018, Hernandez has flip-flopped wins and losses over his previous six bouts. “The Great” defeated Oliver Aubin-Mercier in his second octagon outing before losing to Donald Cerrone at UFC on ESPN+ 1. Hernandez holds octagon wins over Francisco Trinaldo and Chris Gruetzemacher and will look to get back in the win column following a decision loss to Thaigo Moises in February at UFC Vegas 20.
Santos also looks to bounce back after suffering his first UFC defeat, a vicious knockout loss to Grant Dawson at UFC Vegas 22 in March. The 41-year-old Brazilian fighter owns finishes of Kevin Lee, Anthony Rocco Martin and Stevie Ray during his nine-fight run.
The UFC’s Oct. 2 event is headlined by a light heavyweight matchup between Thiago Santos and Johnny Walker.