Chase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez Full Fight – UFC 319

At UFC 319, Alexander Hernandez defeated Chase Hooper via TKO (punches) at 4:58 of Round 1. Entering the octagon as a notable +285 underdog, “The Great Ape” snapped Hooper’s five-fight winning streak with a spectacular, buzzer-beating first-round finish.

The preliminary lightweight bout took place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 

• The Strategy: Hernandez and his coaching team scouted Hooper’s movement, targeting his “plotty feet”. The game plan centered around beating Hooper to his positions, establishing a “dead space,” and launching explosive counters whenever Hooper stepped inside. 

• Round 1 Action: Chase “The Dream” Hooper utilized his length early on, pressing forward and trying to dictate distance with push kicks, spinning backfists, and high kicks. Hernandez kept his defense tight, remained light on his feet, and relied on explosive counters. Hooper attempted a takedown to bring his creative grappling into play, but Hernandez successfully stuffed the attempt. 
• The Finish: As the final seconds of the opening round ticked away, Hooper threw out a reaching strike. Hernandez timed it perfectly, slipping inside and uncorking a massive right-hand counter that dropped Hooper heavily to the canvas. Hernandez immediately swarmed with a barrage of ground-and-pound strikes. Referee Jason Herzog stepped in to wave off the fight with just two seconds left on the clock.