Two years ago at UFC 303, Riku Tsuruya defeated Carlos Hernandez by unanimous decision. Tsuruya controlled the bout with persistent takedowns and ground control, neutralizing Hernandez throughout the fight with a wrestling-dominant game plan.
Riku Tsuruya claimed a unanimous decision victory over Carlos Hernandez at UFC 303, using a wrestling-heavy approach to control the contest from start to finish.
Tsuruya dictated the terms of the fight with persistent takedowns and extended ground control, repeatedly keeping Hernandez pinned and limiting his ability to establish any offensive rhythm. The strategy proved effective throughout all three rounds, with Tsuruya never allowing Hernandez the opportunity to settle into his preferred striking game.
Hernandez, a 32-year-old bantamweight from the United States representing VFS Academy, entered the contest with a professional record of 10-5. The orthodox fighter carries a 67-inch reach and stands 173 cm tall. He averages 3.83 significant strikes per minute at a 45 percent accuracy rate and contributes 1.56 takedowns per 15 minutes of his own, suggesting he is no stranger to the grappling exchange. Despite those credentials, Tsuruya's wrestling-dominant game plan neutralized Hernandez at nearly every turn.
Why it matters
- The result handed Hernandez his fifth professional loss, stalling any upward momentum he had been building at bantamweight.
- Tsuruya's ability to sustain a wrestling-based approach for a full three rounds demonstrates the kind of durability and top-game consistency that draws attention in a stacked division.
- The matchup highlighted how a committed ground control strategy can effectively shut down a striker who produces solid volume and reasonable accuracy on the feet.
