UFC Vegas 109: Dolidze vs. Hernandez Headlined by Middleweight Title Contender Showdown

The next middleweight title contender could be decided this weekend. The Ultimate Fighting Championship is back for a third-consecutive week at the Apex with a card that promises a mix of rising prospects and immediate divisional stakes. UFC Vegas 109, also known as UFC on ESPN 72, will provide a fresh face in the middleweight title picture, with the main event featuring two fighters on impressive winning streaks.

The headliner pits Roman Dolidze and his three-fight win streak against Anthony Hernandez, who has won seven straight. This fight is a clash of styles and careers, with the winner set to make a major statement in a division hungry for new challengers. While a scheduled flyweight bout between Steve Erceg and Alex Perez would have elevated this card even further, the replacement fight with Ode Osbourne still promises excitement.

Here is a full preview of the main card of UFC Vegas 109.

Middleweight Main Event

Roman Dolidze (15-3) vs. Anthony Hernandez (14-2, 1 NC)

Odds: Hernandez (-280); Dolidze (+240)

Roman Dolidze: The Unlikely Contender Roman Dolidze has emerged from relative obscurity to become a consistent Top 10 middleweight contender. The 37-year-old Georgian joined the UFC in 2020 as an undefeated but unheralded fighter. Initially fighting at light heavyweight, Dolidze defied expectations by winning his first two bouts. A surprising move down to middleweight was met with a loss, but that's when Dolidze's career truly began to click. He has since won seven of his last nine bouts, including his current three-fight win streak.

Dolidze has reshaped his physique for the 185-pound division, combining powerful wrestling and top-position grappling with a technically sound striking game. His most surprising quality has been his cardio, which has proven more than adequate for three and five-round fights, a crucial factor heading into his third UFC headliner.

Anthony Hernandez: "Fluffy's" Remarkable Rise Like Dolidze, Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez entered the UFC with modest expectations, but his trajectory has been remarkable. After losing two of his first three UFC bouts, Hernandez was seen by many as destined to return to the regional scene. However, since a quick loss five years ago, Hernandez has rattled off seven consecutive wins, a streak that is second only to the division's champion, Dricus Du Plessis.

Hernandez's impressive run includes a stunning upset of renowned grappler Rodolfo Vieira and a "Beatdown of the Year" performance against Michel Pereira in his first five-round fight. Though he looks unassuming, Hernandez is surprisingly strong and athletic. His game is defined by technically solid, high-volume kickboxing, great wrestling, and outstanding grappling. His greatest weapon, however, is his relentless pace and cardio, which has worn down many opponents.

The Matchup: A Clash of Styles and Stamina

This fight is a sensational clash of two fighters who have exceeded expectations. Dolidze's powerful striking and grappling pose a serious threat, even to a savvy grappler like Hernandez. However, all the variables seem to favor Hernandez. At 31, he is still in the prime of his career, while the 37-year-old Dolidze is at an age where a decline could happen at any moment. The five-round format also plays into Hernandez's favor, given his legendary pace and cardio.

The prediction for this fight is a thrilling start with both fighters throwing everything at each other, followed by a decisive turn as Hernandez's pace overwhelms Dolidze. Look for Hernandez to secure a submission win in the final frame, punching his ticket to the middleweight title picture.