Hernandez Knocks Out Dos Anjos at UFC 332

Alexander Hernandez stopped former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos with punches at 3:12 of the second round at UFC 332 on October 3 in Salt Lake City.

The finish ended Dos Anjos' comeback bid before it could produce a win. The Brazilian returned to face an established UFC veteran, but Hernandez took control in the second round and ended it by TKO.

Hernandez, a 34-year-old American who trains out of Factory X, improves to 19-9-0. An orthodox fighter, he stands five-foot-nine with a 72-inch reach. He lands 4.23 significant strikes per minute at 40 percent accuracy, and he averages 1.05 takedowns per 15 minutes. Few of his statistics point toward finishing by submission, with 0.1 attempts per 15 minutes, but this one came by strikes.

Dos Anjos, 41, drops to 32-18-0. The Brazilian fights out of RDA Academy as a southpaw and stands five-foot-eight with a 70-inch reach. His career numbers show a more accurate striker than Hernandez, landing 3.48 significant strikes per minute at 47 percent. He is also the heavier wrestler, averaging 1.95 takedowns and 0.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes.

Why it matters

• Hernandez adds a notable name to his résumé and regains relevance in the lightweight division.
• Dos Anjos was unable to complete his comeback with a victory, which leaves his future in question.
• The loss raises the question of whether the former champion continues competing, and what his next step might be.

For Hernandez, the stoppage over a former champion is the kind of result that can reshape his standing at 155 pounds. For Dos Anjos, a veteran with 50 professional fights, the defeat prompts a decision about how much more he wants to give the sport.