Rafa Garcia’s relentless pressure and disciplined counter striking proved to be the difference on Saturday night, as he controlled the action from start to finish to earn a decisive victory over Alexander Hernandez at UFC Vegas 116 inside the UFC Apex.
Round 1 – The two met in the center and wasted no time engaging, with Alexander Hernandez opening with leg kicks while Rafa Garcia immediately implemented his trademark pressure. Hernandez looked to operate on the outside, circling and searching for angles, while Garcia stayed composed, landing counters as he advanced.
Garcia began to sit down on his punches, making his shots count with sharp, well-timed counters. Hernandez continued to move laterally, relying on leg kicks and footwork to create openings, but Garcia controlled the center of the octagon, calmly turning with him and cutting off space.
Around the two-minute mark, Garcia started to close the distance more effectively, tightening his footwork. Hernandez managed to escape along the cage, avoiding being trapped, but Garcia remained relentless.
Pressing forward, Garcia punched his way into range and secured a clean takedown. Hernandez quickly returned to his feet, only for Garcia to stay glued to him and bring him back down again.
Hernandez managed to stand once more, and the remainder of the round mirrored the earlier exchanges. Hernandez attempted a shot, but Garcia was ready, stuffing it and maintaining control to close out the round.
Round 2 – The second round opened much like the first, but Rafa Garcia began to diversify his offense, mixing his attacks from body to head and back again. Alexander Hernandez remained cautious, clearly wary of Garcia’s power, and continued to circle on the outside.
Garcia repeatedly punched his way into range, only for Hernandez to disengage and reset on the opposite side of the cage. Rather than overextend, Garcia stayed disciplined, holding the center and calmly turning to track his opponent’s movement.
It was all Garcia throughout the round, as he firmly took control and continued to inflict damage, putting himself in position to sweep the opening frames.
At one point, the two came together and stood forehead to forehead before the referee stepped in to separate them.
Round 3 – Down two rounds, Alexander Hernandez entered the third knowing he needed a finish. He opened with a sharp one-two and looked to claim more space, pressing forward with increased urgency.
Hernandez rushed in throwing combinations, but Rafa Garcia remained composed, resetting and firing back with counters. Any semblance of a measured game plan from Hernandez gave way to aggression as he hunted for a stoppage. He did manage to stuff a Garcia takedown attempt just before the four-minute mark, drawing a brief moment of momentum.
Garcia shot again, backing Hernandez to the fence in search of another takedown, but Hernandez quickly worked back to his feet. As they separated, Garcia landed heavy hooks on the break, continuing to make him pay.
The final minute turned into a firefight, with both men exchanging big shots, particularly Hernandez, who was desperately chasing a finish. Garcia stood his ground, landing clean, heavy punches of his own as they traded until the horn sounded.
Garcia asked for a top 15 matchup in his post-fight interview.
Official Result: Rafa Garcia def. Alexander Hernandez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
