Nohelin Hernandez has a huge opportunity in front of him, replacing Sean O’Malley on a week’s notice against Marlon Vera on the biggest card of the year, UFC 239.
Las Vegas, NV – Nohelin Hernandez is one of two fighters set to make their promotional debut at UFC 239. Hernadez will be doing it on a week’s notice against veteran Marlon Vera. The timing of this opportunity worked in Hernandez’s favor.
“I was actually heading to the beach to go for a run. Previous to this last-minute call-up, I was scheduled to fight on July 26 against an opponent for the LFA 72 main event. So I was on track to get ready for a fight. Obviously, I didn’t have a full camp, but, I was feeling great before I got the call. I was in shape, I’m in shape now. The only thing left to do right now is cut weight and fight. I feel great, I feel good, I’m ready to go.”
While Hernandez is not a “can’t miss” prospect, he got hot at the right time to join the roster.
“I’m feeling really happy, I’ve been on this journey for what seems like forever. It’s been nine and a half years. Every setback that I’ve had within fights and outside of fighting, it’s been hard but I’m finally here. I think everything happens for a reason. I know it’s cliche to say. I’m just very happy. Sooner or later this moment was going to happen. What better way or what better card than UFC 239 with huge headliners. We’ve got two titles on the line. It’s International Fight Week, it’s my debut against a game opponent, Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera. I’m excited.”
Many MMA careers end before they can get started. For Hernandez, he pushed through the tough times to get to where he is now.
“I think that was my third professional fight. I had a lot of things going on in my life. I wasn’t even sure I was going to make it to that fight but I pulled through. I know it was way before the UFC and way early in my career, but I think that was a pivotal moment where I told myself I can do it, and I was able to do it. I’ve had a great career so far with 10 career wins and only two losses.”
Marlon Vera is a finishing machine and a difficult opponent to make a debut against, but Nohelin Hernandez is not short of confidence heading into UFC 239.
“Marlon’s a tough guy. He likes to come forward, he likes to pressure. I can’t say how, but we are going to get the win. Nohelin ‘Suave’ Hernandez is going to come home with the win and the paycheck.”
