MMA Match Preview: Chase Hooper (16-3-1) vs. Alexander Hernandez (16-8)

Fight Details

Attribute	Info
Event	UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev
Matchup	Alexander Hernandez vs. Chase Hooper
Division	Lightweight (155 lbs)
Date	Saturday, August 16, 2025
Venue	United Center, Chicago, IL
Broadcast	ESPN+, UFC Fight Pass
Bout Placement	Preliminary Card

Fighter Breakdown

Alexander “The Great Ape” Hernandez

Record: 16–8

Age: 32

Height/Reach: 5’9″ / 72″

Recent Form: Mixed results, alternating wins and losses

Style: Explosive striker with wrestling base

Key Traits:

Fast starter with KO power

Struggles with cardio in extended fights

Trains out of FactoryX Muay Thai

Chase “The Dream” Hooper

Record: 16–3–1

Age: 25

Height/Reach: 6’1″ / 74″

Recent Form: Riding a 5-fight win streak

Style: Submission specialist with evolving striking

Key Traits:

Excellent back control and transitions

Improved boxing and footwork

Trains out of Combat Sport & Fitness

Tactical Preview

Hernandez’s Path to Victory:

Pressure early with combinations and takedown feints

Avoid grappling exchanges and keep fight standing

Target Hooper’s body to slow his movement

Hooper’s Path to Victory:

Survive early blitz and drag fight into later rounds

Use reach and jab to frustrate Hernandez

Look for takedown entries and back control

Tapology community picks favor Hooper by submission or decision in 95% of predictions.

Rankings & Implications

Fighter	Lightweight Rank (Global)
Alexander Hernandez	#25
Chase Hooper	#60

A win for Hernandez keeps him in the top 25 and could earn him a ranked opponent

A win for Hooper would be his biggest UFC victory and push him toward the top 40