Alexander Hernandez got back in the win column in a big way Saturday at UFC on ESPN+ 39.
After dropping two of his past three fights, Hernandez (12-3 MMA, 4-2 UFC) was in need of a good performance against Chris Gruetzemacher (14-4 MMA, 2-3 UFC) in order to prove the excitement about his potential at lightweight was not misguided.
Hernandez very much did that when he starched Gruetzemacher with some heavy shots for a first-round TKO at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The card streamed on ESPN+.
A big head kick from Hernandez spelled the beginning of the end, then some big punches dropped Gruetzemacher for the finish at the 1:46 mark of Round 1.
Watch the replay of Hernandez’s finish below (via Twitter):
That’s how it’s done!
[ #UFCVegas12 on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/jsB3skegEi
@TheGreat155 put it all together in RD 1.
— UFC (@ufc) October 31, 2020
BACK. ON. TRACK.
— UFC (@ufc) October 31, 2020
“I’ve defeated myself three times in that cage, two times in the UFC, and I’m sick of it,” Hernandez said in his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping. “I’m here now. I feel like I just made my UFC debut. I feel incredible.”
Hernandez did not layout a timeline for his next fight, but after being the first person to ever stop Gruetzemacher with strikes, he said he’s excited for the future.