UFC 319: Chase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez Preview & Prediction
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An intriguing 155 pound matchup sees Chase Hooper attempt to maintain his 100% record at lightweight against divisional mainstay, Alexander Hernandez.
Chase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez facts
What time are Chase Hooper and Alexander Hernandez expected to walk out?
Where is UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev? United Center, Chicago, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC 319
What TV channel is UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC 319: De Plessis vs Chimaev main card
Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev (Middleweight)
Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico (Featherweight)
Geoff Neal vs Carlos Prates (Welterweight)
Jared Cannonier vs Michael Page (Middleweight)
Tim Elliott vs Kai Asakura (Flyweight)
UFC 319: De Plessis vs Chimaev prelims
Gerald Meerschaert vs Michal Oleksiejczuk (Middleweight)
Baysangur Susurkaev vs Eric Nolan (Middleweight)
Jessica Andrade vs Loopy Godinez (Women’s Strawweight)
Chase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez (Lightweight)
Edson Barboza vs Drakkar Klose (Lightweight)
Bryan Battle vs Nursulton Ruziboev (Middleweight)
Karine Silva vs Dione Barbosa (Women’s Flyweight)
Alibi Idiris vs Joseph Morales (Flyweight)
Chase Hooper: "The Dream" aims to advance his five fight win streak and keep his undefeated lightweight run intact
Debuting in the promotion as the 10th youngest fighter in UFC history, Chase Hooper (16-3-1) appears to be well and truly coming into his own since making the decision to make the jump to 155 pounds. While he managed several impressive wins at featherweight, the combination of his youth, limited physicality, and a draining weight cut often saw the submission specialist big-brothered by more seasoned foes, culminating in a particularly brutal TKO defeat to Steve Garcia. However, he's been nothing short of sensational since moving up to lightweight. "The Dream" is currently 5-0 since changing divisions, earning three superb submission victories along the way. Hooper was last seen at UFC 314, dominating Jim Miller to earn the biggest spot of his career to date.
Alexander Hernandez: Once regarded as future champion material, Hernandez now finds himself playing the role of the veteran
A hyper-athletic wrestle-boxer, Alexander Hernandez (16-8) burst onto the scene with one of the most memorable UFC debuts in modern history, decimating perennial top contender Beneil Dariush by KO at UFC 222. Unfortunately, the ensuing seven years have decidedly not been kind to "The Great." The brash Hernandez was humbled and dusted in short order by a Donald Cerrone head kick in his very next appearance, the start of a chastening run that has seen him alternate wins and losses ever since. With that being said, he enters this contest on a two-fight winning streak after besting Austin Hubbard and Kurt Holobaugh, his first run of successive victories since entering the promotion.
Chase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez prediction
Hernandez's explosive power means that he will probably win the first round; there's a strong chance that he could rock Hooper on the feet or drive him into the mat with a powerful takedown. Unfortunately for "The Great," a strong opening frame is likely be the extent of his success here.
Despite the fact that he frequently finds himself at a strength and power disadvantage in his fights, Hooper has demonstrated a remarkable knack for toughing through his opponent's initial onslaught, outlasting his opponents before pouring it on in the later rounds after they gas themselves out. This is a notably concerning omen for Hernandez, given his propensity for slowing down as the fight progresses.
Moreover, "The Dream" has a considerable grappling edge over his opponent, while his striking acumen and overall durability have both improved drastically since he moved up from featherweight. Hernandez might be on a two-fight win streak, but both wins came with some degree of controversy against notably mediocre opposition. He could conceivably blast the submission specialist out of nowhere with a monstrous punch, but it is also hard to ignore the fact that he hasn't scored a KO since 2021.
Hooper survives the first frame to dominate the final two rounds and win, potentially even snatching up a submission or scoring a TKO on the ground against a rapidly flagging Hernandez.
Prediction: Chase Hooper to win
