Alexander Hernandez returns to featherweight to take on veteran Bill Algeo in this weekend’s main card opener.
An extended run of “win one, lose one” results prompted Hernandez to drop down to featherweight two fights ago, but after a quick start, he faded and was finished by Billy Quarantillo in the second round. A short notice victory over Jim Miller back at lightweight followed, but now the 30-year-old “Great Ape” drops back down to the 145-pound ranks looking to secure his first featherweight victory.
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This might sound weird, but Algeo has continued being the crafty, competitive stalwart he was on the East Coast regional circuit since graduating to the UFC roster. He was a tough out before and he’s a tough out now, carrying a 4-2 record over his last six fights into Saturday’s meeting with Hernandez.
If there were any remaining questions about Hernandez’ future in the division and upside as a competitor overall, they should be answered this weekend, because Algeo is the kind of savvy, skilled veteran that can exploit any weakness in his opponent’s game. Hernandez is the better athlete, but the better athlete doesn’t always emerge victorious inside the Octagon.
