A UFC debut is unlike any other first day on the job but it’s still an opportunity to set a first impression.
An impressive showing can instantly announce your arrival and mark you out as one to watch like when the now retired Tyson Pedro submitted Khalil Rountree.
For fighters who have made their names outside of the UFC before their debuts like Patricio Pitbull, that first walk to the Octagon is about living up to the hype.
A late notice debut is a very different opportunity as a fighter comes in with a lot to potentially gain if they can impress the UFC bosses, as Diego Lopes did before establishing himself as a title contender.
Whilst Alexander Hernandez may have made himself a controversial figure in his introduction to the fans back in 2018, he certainly made an impact.
Anthony Hernandez knocked out Beneil Dariush in 42 seconds following controversial cheap shot
Following a majority decision draw against Evan Dunham following his devastating knockout against Edson Barboza, ranked lightweight Beneil Dariush was set to return at UFC 222.
The grappling specialist was scheduled to face King Green on March 3 at the T-Mobile Arena with the card being headlined by Cris Cyborg defending her featherweight title.
Alexander Hernandez stepped in to replace an injured Green on short notice having built a record of 8-1 outside of the UFC at 25-years-old.
‘The Great Ape’ had a huge opportunity on his hands to face the #12-ranked contender at 155-pounds on a PPV main card and he made sure to leave a lasting impression.
Hernandez immediately announced his arrival when he started the fight by appearing to go for a glove touch before kicking Dariush instead in a move that many fans labelled a cheap and dirty shot.
Just 42 seconds into the first round, Hernandez landed a huge left hand that dropped his opponent to get the finish and earn a performance of the night bonus.
He went on to beat Olivier Aubin-Mercier in his second outing before losing via knockout to Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone in January of 2019.
Alexander Hernandez returns on March 15 at the Apex
Following a win over Austin Hubbard last time out at UFC 307, Alexander Hernandez will look to earn back-to-back wins for the first time since he beat Dariush and Aubin-Mercier when he returns on March 15.
Hernandez is set to face Kurt Holobaugh at UFC Vegas 104 this weekend where Marvin Vettori and Roman Doldize will headline the Apex in a middleweight rematch.
Holobaugh is also coming off of a win having beaten Kaynan Kruschewsky last time out after returning to the UFC by winning The Ultimate Fighter in 2023.