UFC Vegas 109 is set for August 9, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, featuring a compelling fight card topped by a middleweight main event between Roman Dolidze and hometown favorite Anthony Hernandez. For Hernandez, fighting close to home in Las Vegas adds both pressure and motivation to deliver an upset against the sharp and experienced Dolidze. The question on many fans’ minds is whether the hometown star can harness this energy and staging to pull off another surprise victory.
Anthony Hernandez (14-2 MMA record) returns to the Octagon with the crowd behind him, which can often be a double-edged sword for fighters. Hailing from California but now firmly embraced by the Las Vegas MMA community, Hernandez’s aggressive style, heavy hands, and durability have earned him a reputation as a grinder who can shock opponents with late surges and power shots. Despite being considered an underdog against Dolidze and opening at around +270 odds Hernandez carries momentum from recent performances that have highlighted his evolving striking defense and improved grappling.
Roman Dolidze, ranked #8 in the middleweight division, is a technical striker with 15 wins and 3 losses, known for his precise striking output. His notable stats, such as a 4.50 significant strikes landed per minute and an impressive 68.56% strike accuracy, position him as a tough test for Hernandez. His experience headlining shows and a well-rounded skill set make him a favorite, but Hernandez’s toughness and home crowd advantage complicate the narrative.
In the co-main event, Steve Erceg takes on Ode Osbourne, a matchup that mirrors Hernandez’s challenge of handling pressure and expectations. Las Vegas is a hotbed for UFC events, and fighters who thrive amid the bright lights often elevate their performances. Hernandez’s fighting style is well-suited for the crowd’s energy, often igniting when underdog status is thrust upon him.
Hernandez himself is candid about the pressures and opportunities fighting in Vegas brings. “There’s definitely extra energy being here,” Hernandez shared in recent interviews. “The crowd’s behind you, and that pushes you to dig deeper. I know Dolidze is tough, but I’m ready to show why this is my city now.” The local support and familiarity with the venue can be a psychological edge that Hernandez will aim to leverage.
Historically, Hernandez has shown grit in bouncing back from setbacks his only two losses came earlier in his career and since then, he has accumulated five wins against UFC-caliber opponents. If he can implement a disciplined game plan that mixes smart striking with takedown defense, the odds of another upset become very real.
The stakes for Hernandez go beyond this single fight; a win over a ranked opponent like Dolidze would significantly boost his standing in the middleweight division, opening doors to higher-profile matchups and possible contender status. With UFC’s increasing spotlight on local stars during Vegas events, Hernandez’s performance could cement him as a crowd favorite and legit threat.
UFC Vegas 109 presents Anthony Hernandez with the perfect storm a challenging opponent, a hometown crowd, and personal motivation. While Roman Dolidze remains a technical favorite, Hernandez’s resilience, hard-hitting style, and the energy of the crowd create fertile ground for an upset. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if the hometown star can deliver, adding another thrilling chapter to his UFC journey.
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