MMA Veteran Says the UFC’s Promotional Efforts Have Been “Lackluster” After Recent Win
Alexander Hernandez added another big win to his resume at Noche UFC.
Riding into San Antonio on a three-fight win streak, ‘The Great Ape’ delighted fans with a stellar second-round knockout over Diego Ferreira.
Following his big win, Hernandez appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show to talk about his big win and what could come next. During their conversation, the Brazilian vented some frustration over the lack of high-profile fights or promotional efforts from his employer in recent years.
“In general, it’s been kind of a lackluster effort,” Hernandez said. “No contending or premier fight or event is really getting pushed too hard. We certainly don’t get those sick promos we used to get back in 2015. Dana White is being spread thin, part of that is a testament to how good the UFC brand is doing so he doesn’t have to be at every show and cut promos.
“You look at the Apex shows now, do they feel the same as back in 2015-2016? Of course not…it just felt like another show. I love the pomp and circumstance. The flare gets you going. We need more of that.”
The UFC will take a week off after its Mexican Independence Day celebration in Texas, but they’ll be back on September 27 for UFC Fight Night: Ulberg vs. Reyes. Then, all eyes will be on the anticipated light heavyweight championship rematch between reigning titleholder Magomed Ankalaev and former two-division champ Alex Pereira.
Pereira surrendered the 205-pound crown to Ankalaev in March after turning in a lackluster performance at UFC 313, which was later attributed to a broken hand and a bad bout of norovirus.
As for Hernandez, the surging lightweight sensation called for a clash with ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler following his win against Ferreira. Whether he gets that matchup remains to be seen, but regardless, his next outing should be for an opportunity to finally break into the division’s coveted top 15.
