Luis "The Stache" Hernández, a Cuban-American fighter and active Miami-Dade Sheriff's Deputy, made a sensational entrance into the UFC by defeating Sedriques Dumas via submission in just 57 seconds of the first round.
Hernández claimed victory this past Saturday at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, during UFC Fight Night: Rosas Jr. vs. Barcelos. The Cuban-American quickly closed the distance and trapped Dumas in a guillotine choke, forcing his opponent to submit.
This win boosts Hernández's professional record to 9-0, with the unique achievement of never having a fight go to the judges' decision; six of his victories have come by submission.
Hernández's UFC debut came just 11 days after securing his contract. On September 15, he defeated French fighter Hugo Guillon with a rear-naked choke at 1:01 of the second round during the sixth week of the tenth season of Dana White's Contender Series.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office highlighted that Hernández is reportedly the first active sheriff's deputy in the United States to secure a UFC contract, following that victory.
The chance to debut came almost unexpectedly. Dumas was initially set to face Mickey Gall, who was removed from the lineup due to medical issues on Thursday.
Hernández stepped in with only two days' notice, moving the fight from middleweight to light heavyweight.
MMA Fighting noted that Hernández injured Dumas with a strike before locking in the guillotine that ended the fight in under a minute.
Outside the octagon, Hernández leads a vastly different career as a full-time Miami-Dade Sheriff's Deputy and is part of the Priority Response Team, a specialized unit that handles active shooter situations and other high-risk incidents.
According to the Sheriff's Office, he has been training for about eight years, balancing his sports career with his law enforcement duties.
Born and raised in Miami to Cuban parents, Hernández embraces both his American and Cuban identities. After securing his UFC contract, he acknowledged his family ties on the island and proudly celebrated his dual heritage.
The Sheriff's Office immediately applauded his victory. "Victory in the octagon!" they exclaimed in a post on X, congratulating the deputy on his debut.
The UFC also recognized his performance with a Performance of the Night award, concluding a whirlwind week in which Hernández went from securing his contract to winning his first octagon fight in just 11 days.
FAQs on Luis Hernández's UFC Debut
How did Luis Hernández win his UFC debut?
Luis Hernández won his UFC debut by defeating Sedriques Dumas with a guillotine choke submission in just 57 seconds of the first round.
What is Luis Hernández's professional MMA record?
Luis Hernández's professional MMA record is 9-0, with all victories coming before the judges' decision, including six by submission.
What makes Luis Hernández's UFC contract unique?
Luis Hernández is reportedly the first active sheriff's deputy in the United States to secure a UFC contract, making his achievement notable.
What other career does Luis Hernández pursue alongside MMA?
In addition to his MMA career, Luis Hernández works full-time as a deputy for the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office and is part of the Priority Response Team.