“Fluffy” more than capitalized on the first main event opportunity of his career this past weekend (Sat., Aug. 9, 2025) at UFC Vegas 109, pummeling Dolidze from the first bell onward to secure a fourth round submission victory (watch here). It will stand out as one of the single best performances of 2025, but there was nearly an asterisk on the stellar win:
Hernandez did make weight at 186 pounds, but as he closes in on a title shot, there’s an extra focus on his ability to make the championship weight of 185 pounds or less. “Fluffy” was asked about the weight cut drama at the post-fight press conference, and he explained it was really a matter of mistiming than a real struggle to hit the mark.
“I thought I had more time,” Hernandez explained. “I went to the [UFC Performance Institute] at 5:30 thinking I could get in, and it was locked still, so I started at like 6 … Everything was going fine but I thought I had until 11, so I was taking my sweet ass time like a jackass. Next time, I’ll just dial it in.”
Hernandez cannot be blamed entirely for the logistics struggles. There’s no uniform way in which weigh-ins are conducted, as different states and countries give athletes a different weigh-in window, as well as a longer or shorter second chance to make the weight. The time between weigh-in day and competition time can vary greatly as well.
It can be confusing, particularly if you’re little stoned and not paying attention.
“I guess I just gotta f—king pay more attention to be honest,” Hernandez said. “I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t even know who was on the card. I really don’t pay attention. I have a great team, I show up to the airport, they’re there, and I just follow them. The rest kind of works itself out! I’m usually high as s—t. I like violence bro, it’s the only thing I’m good at.”
As for the celebration? “I’ve got four joints rolled already.”
After smashing Dolidze, Hernandez is in great position. He’s likely just one more win from a shot at Middleweight gold, and rising Reinier de Ridder feels like the most likely next step for “Fluffy.”
