Anthony Hernandez Bio
Anthony Hernandez is an American professional mixed martial artist born on October 18, 1993, in Dunnigan, California. He competes in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and has been active professionally since 2014. Known for his resilience and fighting spirit, Hernandez has risen through the ranks to become one of the top contenders in his division.
Early Life and Background
Anthony Hernandez grew up in Dunnigan, California, and graduated from Woodland High School in 2011. During high school, he wrestled but was removed from the team due to academic issues. He briefly attended college but decided to leave to pursue a career in mixed martial arts.
Path to MMA
Hernandez began his amateur MMA career in 2010, winning his debut fight by unanimous decision. He built an eight-fight winning streak before competing for the King of the Cage Amateur Middleweight title, where he experienced his first loss. Transitioning to professional MMA in 2014, Hernandez fought in regional promotions such as Global Knockout and Legacy Fighting Alliance, gaining valuable experience and exposure.
Anthony Hernandez Career
Early Career (2014–2018)
Hernandez’s early professional career included fighting for the Legacy Fighting Alliance Middleweight title in 2018, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Brendan Allen. He also competed on Dana White’s Contender Series, winning a fight by knockout, though it was later overturned due to a positive marijuana test, resulting in a suspension and fine.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2019–Present)
Anthony Hernandez made his UFC debut in February 2019 but lost his first fight via submission. He rebounded with a submission win later that year and continued to compete against top contenders. Notably, in February 2021, he upset five-time Jiu-Jitsu World Champion Rodolfo Vieira with a guillotine choke, earning a Performance of the Night award. Hernandez has demonstrated versatility with wins by knockout, submission, and decision, steadily climbing the UFC middleweight rankings.
Throughout his UFC tenure, Hernandez has faced several setbacks due to injuries and fight cancellations but has maintained momentum with key victories. In 2023 and 2024, he earned multiple Performance of the Night bonuses, highlighting his exciting fighting style and effectiveness inside the octagon.
MMA Gold and Marinoble’s Martial Arts Era (2014–Present)
Hernandez trains with MMA Gold and Marinoble’s Martial Arts, where he holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a black belt in Marinoble’s MMA System. His training environment has been integral to his development, providing technical skills and strategic preparation for high-level competition.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Anthony Hernandez fights in an orthodox stance and is known for his well-rounded skill set, combining striking, grappling, and submission abilities. His reach of 191 cm and height of 183 cm give him physical advantages in the middleweight division. Hernandez’s resilience and ability to adapt mid-fight have contributed to his success against diverse opponents.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key moments in Hernandez’s career include his upset submission victory over Rodolfo Vieira, multiple Performance of the Night awards, and his rise to the #4 spot in the UFC middleweight rankings as of October 2025. These milestones reflect his growth and status as a top contender in the division.
Anthony Hernandez Career Wins
Anthony Hernandez has accumulated 15 professional wins in mixed martial arts, with victories coming by knockout, submission, and decision. His record includes notable wins in the UFC and Legacy Fighting Alliance, showcasing his ability to compete and succeed at various levels.
UFC Highlights
Hernandez’s UFC career features significant wins such as his submission victory over Rodolfo Vieira and technical knockout against Edmen Shahbazyan. His recent wins have earned him multiple Performance of the Night bonuses, underscoring his exciting fighting style and effectiveness in the octagon.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Hernandez claimed the Legacy Fighting Alliance Middleweight title and built a strong professional record. His early career success laid the foundation for his advancement to the sport’s highest level.
Anthony Hernandez Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Anthony Hernandez resides in El Dorado Hills, California. He has four children and has spoken publicly about the impact of his father’s passing in 2018 due to lung disease, describing his father as his best friend. Hernandez balances his professional career with his responsibilities as a father.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Anthony Hernandez has continued to compete at a high level in the UFC middleweight division. He secured a unanimous decision win in a rematch against Brendan Allen and a submission victory over Roman Dolidze, both earning Performance of the Night honors. An injury forced him to withdraw from a scheduled bout later in the year, but his performances have solidified his position among the top contenders. Hernandez’s training and team support remain strong as he aims to advance further in the division’s rankings.