WATCH: “Smiling and nodding like a maniac” – UFC 298 star Anthony Hernandez starts laughing after securing choke against opponent leaving fans in splits

Anthony Hernandez submits Roman Kopylov to secure victory at UFC 298.

WATCH: “Smiling and nodding like a maniac” – UFC 298 star Anthony Hernandez starts laughing after securing choke against opponent leaving fans in splits

Anthony Hernandez laughs after sinking in the choke at UFC 298 (via UFC Espanol)

UFC middleweights Anthony Hernandez and Roman Kopylov clashed heads in the main card opener of UFC 298. With both fighters coming in with a four-fight win streak, this fight was to break one. Further, ‘Fluffy’ after earning his stripes in the division, had the opportunity to surge into the rankings. Well, he did it spectacularly.

Anthony Hernandez submitted Roman Kopylov with a rear naked choke in the second round. After struggling to lock in the choke on the first attempt, ‘Fluffy’ continued to impose his superior grappling skills to secure the choke. As such, he let out a psychotic nod with a smile as soon as he knew the choke was deep. Kopylov had no option but to tap out.

YouTube video

Nonetheless, the fight went back and forth, with Roman Kopylov winning some striking exchanges initially. However, when Anthony Hernandez pushed the pace and forced the fight into the wrestling realm, Kopylov had to bend. However, he defended the takedowns successfully in the first round. But, it was too much in the second round, and ‘Fluffy won the fight with the RNC. As such, he had the last laugh.

https://twitter.com/SaranYeagerr/status/1759057873752220037

Anthony Hernandez, with this win, earned his rank as the 15th-ranked middleweight. Also, he extended his winning streak to five. As such, he would look forward to rising up the rankings and reaching the division’s top.

Fans react to Anthony Hernandez laughing while choking out Roman Kopylov

Anthony Hernandez and Roman Kopylov put on a show for the UFC 298 main card opener. After a close first round, Hernandez secured the win in the second via rear naked choke. ‘Fluffy’ to his credit, also displayed showmanship and let out his character. While sinking in the choke, he laughed maniacally and nodded in ecstasy even before Kopylov tapped.

A snippet from Roman Kopylov vs. Anthony Hernandez from UFC 298
A snippet from Roman Kopylov vs. Anthony Hernandez from UFC 298 (via ESPN)

This show-off from Hernandez received huge reactions from the fight fans. Considering the pace and entertainment this man puts on his fight, it was well deserved. Here are some interesting reactions:

https://twitter.com/acekingqueen0/status/1759061272858140795
https://twitter.com/stank_erik/status/1759060248453611545

Fight fans loved the laugh from Anthony Hernandez. They even compared his cardio and submission skills to the Diaz brothers. Further, some even claimed he would beat the champion Dricus Du Plessis. As such, everyone acknowledged him as the hottest prospect in the middleweight division.

In case you missed it: