For a short-notice replacement against a tough fighter, Nohelin Hernandez showed some grit, and was in control of Marlon Vera for a time at UFC 239 — until a Vera knee and eventual submission.
Entering UFC 239 on a three-fight win streak, bantamweight Marlon Vera was set to take on short notice replacement Nohelin Hernandez. Hernandez was stepping in to fill in for Sean O’Malley, who was pulled from the fight after an abnormal drug test result.
Hernandez fired a kick early, and flashed some stance switches. Vera fired his own kicks, landing to the inside leg of his opponent. Both men exchanged early, but there was a feeling things could explode at any moment. Vera would then catch a Hernandez kick, forcing him to the ground and taking the back. One hook, then another followed; the body triangle came next. Vera worked to slide an arm under the chin while peppering Hernandez with punches. Hernandez fought hands, and tried to turn — only the wrong way.
While Hernandez would survive that, Vera switched to an arm-bar. Hernandez held on, stacking Vera up, then pulled free and rained down some heavy blows. That took the pair to round two.
The second saw Hernandez shoot for a takedown at the earliest opportunity, putting Vera on his back. An elbow followed, and Hernandez looked to take control. Eventually, however, he was forced to back off; Vera moved to his feet, and in due time launched a nasty knee. That allowed Marlon Vera to take the back, flatten Nohelin Hernandez out, and secure the rear-naked choke! The tap came in short order, and Vera had the win!
Wow!@ChitoVeraUFC turns the tables in round 2 and gets the submission win! #UFC239 pic.twitter.com/ApN6FiRQmK
— UFC (@ufc) July 7, 2019
Marlon Vera def. Nohelin Hernandez by Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in Round 2 (3:25)
Check out the rest of the results from UFC 239 here!
