A pair of Dana White’s Contender Series winners, Victor Altamirano and Carlos Hernandez made their promotional debuts opposite one another at UFC Vegas 49 on Saturday.
Both flyweights, coincidentally or not, had won split decisions on the show but had impressed enough to secure UFC deals. Saturday would help determine who had more upside in the promotion’s 125lb division.
And while both men were no doubt be motivated to avoid the judges Saturday, in the end, it came down to another split decision.
There was a lot of movement early on in the fight from both flyweights. Mainly from Altamirano never staying still and actively switching stances. Hernandez was looking for the biggest shots, and he did land a nice left hand. Altamirano was content on picking his shots and landing kicks on the outside. With a minute left in the round Hernandez got the takedown. Not much happened on top and Altamirano was able to get back to his feet before the bell.
A good portion of the beginning of round two played out in the clinch. Hernandez would land a good knee but it was Altamirano with the output who looked even better. Hernandez was coming in blind and Altamirano was countering well and landing more and more with his kicks. There were a lot of empty entries from Hernandez in round two. Altamirano was opening up more throwing with his hands and landing a few body kicks. Hernandez did land a good knee and a brief hip throw at the end of the round though.
Hernandez right away in round three tried to get the takedown, but like all night he couldn’t really get it down. Altamirano was willing to clinch up with Hernandez giving him the opportunity. Every time Hernandez was coming in Altamirano would duck under, land some shots and clinch up. A few right hands from Hernandez found home walking through the kicks of Altamirano. Hernandez picked up the pace at the end of the fight, though Altamirano did get a brief takedown towards the end as well. A very close fight that would wind up going to the judges, who sided with Hernandez. No complaint there, except perhaps the 30-27 score.
Official Result: Carlos Hernandez def. Victor Altamirano by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
