Alex Hernandez releases statement on loss to Donald Cerrone at UFC Brooklyn

21.01.2019 00:00

mmafighting.com

Alexander Hernandez’s scrap against Donald Cerrone didn’t go exactly as planned.

Heading into their lightweight fight, which closed out the prelims of UFC Brooklyn on ESPN, Hernandez declared his veteran opponent was simply a “jester in the way” on his way to “kingship.”

But a little less than two round into contest, Cerrone was seen being peeled off a reeling Hernandez after slapping in a thunderous head kick onto the 26-year-old.

Keeping his chin up, Hernandez took to his Instagram to congratulate Cerrone and reflect on his violent loss.

View this post on Instagram

Congratulations @cowboycerrone. You taught me something invaluable in defeat. Perhaps the best/worst thing that ever happened to me was a 42 second knockout debut. I go into every fight feeling untouchable and expecting a repeat of the same occurrence. I prepare myself in the moments prior for an execution in the first round and not a fight. I need to learn to fight. I need to address my approach. I brought the fight to Cerrone and where he made adjustments, I did not. Experience is a costly bitch. Thank you @ufc @danawhite @seanshelby for an amazing opportunity and belief in me. I will not let this go in vain. The triumph of adversity is what makes a man and defines legends. I will be be back. And you will know I mean what I say next time you see me. This is good pain.

A post shared by Alexander Hernandez (@thegreat155) on Jan 20, 2019 at 9:43am PST

For Hernandez (10-2), this setback not only marked his first loss inside the Octagon but also snapped his eight fight win streak, which dated back to 2013. “The Great” previously stopped Beneil Dariush in his UFC before earning a decision over Olivier Aubin-Mercier.

Cerrone (35-11, 1 NC), on the other hand, extended his record for most total wins (22) and finishes (16) in UFC history while cementing himself atop the list for most post-fight bonuses (16).