Carlos Hernandez Discusses Challenges and Opportunities Ahead of Upcoming Fight in Macau

«Strength of schedule» has become an increasingly pertinent concept in mixed martial arts (MMA), evolving from its roots in collegiate sports rankings. It emphasizes the caliber of opponents faced by fighters and offers a nuanced perspective on their career trajectories within organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Carlos Hernandez, a member of the Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) Class of ’21 and a flyweight competitor, exemplifies this notion. With a record of two wins and three losses in his initial UFC appearances, Hernandez has fought against formidable opponents, asserting that these challenges have been significant learning experiences. «It’s been a growing and learning experience,» Hernandez remarked with a smile during a Thursday morning interview in Macau, reflecting on his journey. Set to fight promotional newcomer Nyamjargal Tumendemberel on Saturday, Hernandez aims to rebound from a two-fight losing streak.

Hernandez’s UFC journey began convincingly with a split decision win over Victor Altamirano, a fellow DWCS alum. However, his subsequent fight against Brazilian competitor Allan Nascimento ended his previous eight-fight winning streak. He regained momentum with a technical decision win over Denys Bondar, only to encounter setbacks against rising Japanese contenders Tatsuro Taira and Rei Tsuruya. Despite a less than ideal win-loss record, Hernandez remains determined, stating, «You want to get your hand raised — that’s the goal for each one of these outings.»

Looking ahead to his match in Macau, Hernandez focuses on his upcoming opponent, Tumendemberel, who sports an impressive record. «Right off the bat, you notice his aggressiveness; he comes forward right away,» Hernandez commented on Tumendemberel’s fighting style.

Preparation for the fight takes place at Valle Flow Striking, where Hernandez benefits from training alongside UFC champions Belal Muhammad and Julianna Pena. «It’s been awesome,» Hernandez noted, emphasizing the motivational environment fostered by his successful teammates.

While speculative about future aspirations, Hernandez is concentrated on delivering a performance in Macau that paves the way for further success in 2025. «It means everything,» he said, underscoring the importance of a victory in overcoming a challenging period and finishing the year on a positive note.