19-fight UFC veteran demands to be given his first main event: ‘I want what’s due’

Alexander Hernandez is sick of fighting on the prelims.

The 34-year-old was among those to emerge victorious from the first of two UFC numbered events in October.

Before Natalia Silva became the new flyweight champion in the main event, the UFC 332 prelims included Hernandez’s clash with former lightweight titleholder Rafael dos Anjos.

A second-round TKO marked Hernandez’s fifth win in six fights, and ‘El Gran Chango’ thinks it’s time that the UFC gives him something more.

Hernandez’s stoppage win over Dos Anjos at UFC 332 marked his 19th appearance inside the Octagon.

The American lightweight has been fighting on MMA’s biggest stage since 2018 and was initially tipped for big things following a memorable debut.

After Hernandez knocked out Beneil Dariush in 42 seconds at UFC 222, he struggled to string together wins. That changed in recent years, leading the 34-year-old to believe he has earned a bigger spotlight.

During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Hernandez lamented the fact that his clash with ‘RDA’ was once again on the prelims.

‘El Gran Chango’ not only thinks that he is worthy of the main card, but he thinks it’s about time the UFC puts his face on a poster.

“I try not to take it personally, it’s a business,” Hernandez said. “But f— this early prelim s—. Truly. Put me on the main card, you know? And better yet, put me as the main event.

“I don’t care if I’m at the b— a— Meta Apex. Put me in a f—ing data center. Just put me on a poster. I paid my dues, and now I want what’s due.

“I feel like I’m performing well, and I want the stage, the platform to show it,” he added.

Before bouncing back against Dos Anjos, Hernandez had his four-fight winning run snapped by Rafa Garcia at UFC Vegas 116 this past April.

Having returned to winning ways, the American will be hoping the UFC hears his calls and grants him at least a main card assignment next time out.