The upcoming UFC Fight Night at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas presents intriguing opportunities to spotlight the underdogs poised to steal the show in the main event and co-main bouts. While the headline fight on August 9, 2025, features established contenders like Roman Dolidze and Anthony Hernandez in the middleweight division, several lesser-favored fighters are quietly building momentum, ready to upset expectations and make their mark in the octagon.
One notable underdog to watch is Anthony Hernandez, ranked No. 10 in the middleweight division. Hernandez enters the fight against Roman Dolidze as a slight underdog but carries impressive resume traits that could disrupt Dolidze’s steady climb. Known for his durability and well-rounded skill set, Hernandez has demonstrated a knack for extending fights into grueling later rounds where he often gains an edge. He possesses slick grappling transitions and stout striking accuracy, enabling him to exploit openings and sustain pressure. Statistically, Hernandez’s takedown defense stands at a respectable 70% in his last five fights, allowing him to neutralize wrestling-heavy opponents effectively. In pre-fight remarks, Hernandez expressed a quiet confidence: “I’m here to prove I belong at this level. Everyone thinks I’m the underdog, and that’s fine. I just need to keep pushing and let my actions speak.”
Facing him is Roman Dolidze, a technically skilled fighter with a top-10 ranking, making Hernandez’s chances seem long but not impossible. Dolidze has a strong submission game and finishing instinct, though his tendency to engage in calculated risk-taking could open the door for a savvy opponent like Hernandez to capitalize.
Another underdog spotlight should shine on Ode’ Osbourne, who takes on Steve Erceg in an exciting lightweight bout on the same card. Osbourne, an emerging talent with rapid strikes and explosive athleticism, has been flying under the radar due to fewer high-profile matchups. What makes Osbourne a compelling risk is his aggressive style paired with a never-say-die attitude that often forces opponents onto the back foot. His striking accuracy over the past three fights has jumped to nearly 45%, and he averages 4.2 significant strikes per minute, ranking him among flyweights who excel in pace and volume. Osbourne himself stated, “I thrive when people expect me to fold. The octagon is my canvas, and I paint the picture of an upset.”
The co-main event also features fighters like Andre Fili, long considered a gatekeeper in the featherweight division but often underestimated when hungry. Fili’s comeback instinct and technical evolution slowed critics but now make him a dangerous underdog. Fili’s recent striking efficiency rating increased by 12% this year, showing his improvement in landing high-value strikes. Though an underdog statistically, Fili’s veteran savvy in close fights adds an unpredictable element to the card.
Historically, UFC APEX events have been prime stages for underdogs to showcase their hunger and strategic growth due to the intimacy of the venue and the focus on skill development without the immense pressure of mega arenas. Fighters coming in with less hype but strong preparation often use these events as launching pads.
In summary, while fans often focus on the headliners like Dolidze and Hernandez, the UFC Fight Night at APEX on August 9 offers compelling narratives in the underdog stories of Anthony Hernandez, Ode’ Osbourne, and Andre Fili. These fighters bring the potential for dramatic upsets fueled by devoted training, evolving skill sets, and psychological edge. As Hernandez put it succinctly, “Being the underdog just means I’ve got more to prove and I’m ready.”
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