Austin Hubbard vs. Alexander Hernandez: Key Lightweight Matchup at UFC 307
In what promises to be an exciting clash, Austin Hubbard and Alexander Hernandez are set to face off in a lightweight bout tonight, October 5, on the prelims card of UFC 307 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Both fighters have a lot on the line as they look to continue their upward momentum in the highly competitive lightweight division.1
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Austin Hubbard: The Veteran’s Second Stint in the UFC
Austin Hubbard, nicknamed “Thud”, enters this matchup with a professional record of 16-7 and is currently in his second tenure with the UFC.
A well-rounded fighter with solid striking and grappling, Hubbard has seen both ups and downs throughout his career. His UFC promotional record stands at 4-5, which includes his initial run and current stint in the organization.
The Stakes for Austin Hubbard
For Hubbard, this fight is crucial for continuing the positive momentum of his second UFC stint. Having gone 4-5 in his overall UFC career, this matchup presents an opportunity to even out his record and potentially move up the lightweight rankings.
Hubbard’s ability to grind out wins with his cardio, determination, and technical skills makes him a tough opponent for anyone in the division.
Alexander Hernandez: The Young Veteran Looking to Reignite His Career
Facing Hubbard tonight is Alexander Hernandez (14-6), a fighter who made waves early in his UFC career but has since struggled to maintain consistency. Hernandez burst onto the UFC scene with a knockout victory over Beneil Dariush in 2018, establishing himself as one of the most exciting prospects in the lightweight division.
However, a series of tough losses have derailed some of that early momentum, leaving Hernandez in search of a win to get back on track.
Keys to Victory for Austin Hubbard
- To emerge victorious against Hernandez, Austin Hubbard will need to rely on his well-rounded skill set.2
- Hubbard is known for his durability and cardio, which will be essential in this fight. Hernandez tends to start fast, so Hubbard’s ability to weather the early storm and drag the fight into the later rounds could play a significant role.
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- Hubbard’s striking has steadily improved over the years, and while he may not have the knockout power that Hernandez possesses, his technical striking and ability to mix in leg kicks could help him control the pace of the fight.
- Additionally, Hubbard’s grappling and wrestling will be crucial, as Hernandez is a strong wrestler himself.
- If Hubbard can neutralize Hernandez’s wrestling and keep the fight standing, he may be able to edge out a decision or potentially finish the fight with volume striking.
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Austin Hubbard vs. Alexander Hernandez: A Blow-by-Blow Breakdown
The highly anticipated lightweight matchup between Austin Hubbard and Alexander Hernandez at UFC 307 kicked off with both fighters eager to establish their rhythm early.3
The bout, taking place on the prelims card, promised an intriguing clash of styles, with Hubbard looking to build momentum in his second stint in the UFC and Hernandez aiming to reignite his career after a series of inconsistent performances.
First Round: Strategic Beginnings
As the fight began, Austin Hubbard wasted no time in going on the offensive, opening with a series of leg kicks. These kicks are a crucial part of Hubbard’s strategy, as he seeks to slow down his opponent’s movement and limit Hernandez’s ability to explode forward with his powerful strikes.
However, Hernandez’s movement was impressive early on, as he constantly circled and denied Hubbard a stationary target to focus on.
Hubbard’s Tactical Approach
- Hubbard, known for his resilience and cardio, remained calm despite Hernandez’s early success. Recognizing the power in Hernandez’s punches, Hubbard adjusted his approach, choosing to be more measured in applying pressure.
- His strategy seemed to revolve around wearing Hernandez down over the course of the fight, rather than engaging in a wild brawl early on.
- The leg kicks remained an essential tool for Hubbard, but he had yet to land anything that seriously threatened Hernandez.
- One noticeable aspect of Hubbard’s game plan was his respect for Hernandez’s striking power.
- Hernandez has a reputation for early knockouts, and Hubbard appeared mindful of this, opting to maintain distance and avoid walking into Hernandez’s powerful punches. His strikes, though effective in terms of volume, had yet to cause any visible damage.
Hernandez’s Quick Jab and Power Strikes
On the other hand, Alexander Hernandez showcased his usual aggressive style but tempered it with more calculated movement than in some of his previous outings.
He maintained a high pace while constantly moving, never giving Hubbard the chance to pin him down or set up a rhythm. Hernandez’s footwork kept Hubbard on the outside, forcing him to work harder to close the distance.
Austin Hubbard: The Journey of a UFC Lightweight Contender
Austin Hubbard (born December 22, 1991) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known for his resilience, endurance, and well-rounded skill set, Hubbard has carved a path in one of the most competitive divisions in the UFC.
“Obviously, I believe I’m going to win.”
Austin Hubbard (@AustinHubb155) got some advice from teammates who’ve been on the show and is keeping his focus on the day-to-day grind.#TUF31 premieres on Tuesday, May 30 on ESPN and ESPN+ 📺
— UFC News (@UFCNews) May 26, 2023
Fighting professionally since 2015, Hubbard’s journey from regional promotions to the biggest stage in mixed martial arts (MMA) has been marked by hard-earned victories, a notable title reign in Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), and multiple memorable bouts inside the Octagon.
Early Life and Background
Hailing from Sterling, Illinois, Hubbard discovered his love for combat sports at an early age. Growing up in a small town, he gravitated toward wrestling in high school, a sport that became a significant foundation for his MMA career.
Wrestling, combined with his determination and work ethic, eventually led him to explore other aspects of martial arts, where he found his passion for mixed martial arts.
Legacy Fighting Alliance Champion
Before entering the UFC, Hubbard’s most notable achievement came when he competed in the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA). In the LFA, he established himself as a top contender in the lightweight division.
Hubbard’s rise culminated in him capturing the LFA Lightweight Championship—a significant accomplishment that solidified his potential as a future UFC prospect.
UFC Career: Ups and Downs
Hubbard made his UFC debut on May 18, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 152 against Davi Ramos. While he lost the bout via unanimous decision, Hubbard’s grit and durability were evident, as he went the distance with a highly skilled grappler in Ramos.
Despite the setback, Hubbard remained focused, knowing that adjustments and improvements would be necessary to compete at the highest level.
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Austin Hubbard’s Amateur and Early MMA Career
Austin Hubbard’s journey in mixed martial arts (MMA) began with a strong foundation in wrestling, which later evolved into a well-rounded fighting skill set through years of training and amateur competition.
Before stepping into the professional MMA world, Hubbard developed his craft through countless hours of dedication, refining his wrestling, striking, and overall fight IQ. His amateur and early MMA career set the stage for his later success, including his eventual rise to the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) championship and his ongoing tenure in the UFC.
Early Life and Wrestling Background
Hubbard’s introduction to combat sports began in high school, where he excelled as a wrestler. His competitive nature and athleticism became apparent through his wrestling achievements, which laid the groundwork for his transition into MMA.
Wrestling not only developed his physical strength but also instilled discipline, grit, and the ability to endure tough situations—qualities that would serve him well in his future MMA career.
Training and Amateur MMA Beginnings
Hubbard’s formal MMA training took place in Sterling, Illinois, where he began learning from local gyms and fight camps. He quickly displayed promise as a well-rounded athlete, impressing coaches and training partners with his work ethic and ability to adapt to different fighting styles.
Hubbard’s wrestling background allowed him to pick up grappling techniques quickly, while his focus on striking helped him develop into a dangerous stand-up fighter.
Notable Achievements in Amateur Competitions
Though Hubbard’s amateur record was not widely publicized, his achievements during this period were vital in shaping him into the fighter he is today.
Competing in various weight classes, Hubbard displayed versatility and resilience in the face of tough opposition. He gained a significant amount of experience, sharpening his striking, takedown defense, and submission grappling.
Austin Hubbard’s Personal Life: Meet His Wife Chelsea
In the competitive and intense world of mixed martial arts (MMA), fighters often draw strength from their personal lives, finding balance between the rigors of their profession and the support of loved ones. For Austin Hubbard, known as ‘Thud’ in the MMA community, this balance has been found in his relationship with his wife, Chelsea.
The former Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) Lightweight Champion, who has established himself in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), not only battles fierce opponents in the octagon but also enjoys a stable and loving personal life that has contributed to his growth as an athlete and a person.
The Importance of Support in an MMA Fighter’s Journey
For any professional athlete, especially those in combat sports like MMA, having a supportive partner can be a crucial element in achieving long-term success. The physical and mental demands of the sport, which require fighters to undergo intense training, strict diets, and constant travel for competitions, can take a toll on their personal lives.
Many fighters have acknowledged that a strong support system helps them maintain focus and perseverance. In Hubbard’s case, Chelsea has played a significant role in providing that stability and encouragement.
A Look at Austin and Chelsea’s Life Together
Though Austin Hubbard has kept many aspects of his personal life private, his public posts and interviews offer insights into his relationship with Chelsea. The couple appears to lead a balanced and happy life, with both partners sharing common interests and supporting each other’s endeavors.
Chelsea’s Influence on Austin Hubbard’s Career
It’s no secret that many fighters rely on their personal relationships to keep them grounded, motivated, and focused on their goals. While fighters like Austin Hubbard face the pressure of training camps, weigh-ins, and competition, having a strong and supportive partner like Chelsea can provide the emotional strength necessary to push through the hard times.
FAQ’S
1. What was the outcome of the Austin Hubbard vs. Alexander Hernandez fight?
Ans: The fight between Austin Hubbard and Alexander Hernandez was closely contested. Hernandez ultimately won the fight via unanimous decision, showcasing his striking and grappling skills. Hubbard put up a strong performance, but Hernandez’s overall control and aggression led to his victory on the judges’ scorecards.
2. How did the first round play out?
Ans: In the first round, both fighters came out aggressively. Alexander Hernandez controlled the center of the octagon, using his footwork and quick combinations to put pressure on Austin Hubbard. Hubbard landed a few counter punches but was on the back foot for much of the round.
Hernandez also secured a takedown toward the end of the round, likely earning him the edge in scoring.
3. What were the key moments in the second round?
Ans: The second round saw a shift in momentum, as Austin Hubbard began to find his rhythm. He landed some solid leg kicks and jabs, slowing Hernandez’s pace. However, Hernandez responded with strong grappling exchanges, taking Hubbard down multiple times.
Hubbard was able to defend well on the ground but struggled to escape Hernandez’s control, giving Hernandez another strong round.
4. How did the third round conclude?
Ans: In the third and final round, both fighters pushed the pace, knowing the fight was potentially close. Austin Hubbard attempted to press forward with strikes, while Hernandez mixed in more takedowns to maintain control.
A late flurry from Hernandez, combined with his wrestling dominance, likely sealed the win for him. Both fighters showed heart and endurance, but Hernandez’s grappling and control gave him the upper hand.
5. What were the overall fight highlights?
Ans:The fight’s highlights included Alexander Hernandez’s impressive takedowns and grappling exchanges, which played a crucial role in his victory. Austin Hubbard had his moments, particularly with his leg kicks and jabs that slowed Hernandez at times.
The high pace of the fight, with both fighters showcasing their striking and grappling skills, made it an exciting and competitive bout. Hernandez’s ability to control the fight on the ground was a key factor in his unanimous decision win.
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