MACAU, CHINA – NOVEMBER 23: Carlos Hernandez defeats Mongolia’s Nyamjargal Tumendenberel in a flyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Galaxy Arena on November 23, 2024 in Macau, China. hit (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
UFC Macau’s preliminary card features a key bout between flyweights Nyamjargal Tumendembele and Carlos Hernandez.
Hernandez was looking to redeem himself from two losses to standout Japanese flyweights, Tatsuro Hira and Rei Tsuruya. Nyamjargal made his promotion debut with an unbeaten record of 8-0 in the night’s opener and was looking to keep his perfect record of seven finishes intact.
The question heading into the fight is: Can Nyamjargal prove himself in the UFC against a tried and tested lifelong fighter in Carlos Hernandez?
Carlos started the fight from the center of the octagon as the aggressor, going for a bodylock early on. Tumenden-Beller calmly shook off the attempt and fired a stunning shot wide. Hernandez backed Nyamjargal against the cage and took a shot, followed by a takedown and rounded the corner to send his opponent to the ground. Nyamjargal held on to his head for a few seconds going for a guillotine, but Hernandez slipped out and gained position. Nyamjargal ran away and looked more aggressive as the fight returned to standing.
With just a few minutes left in the round, boos poured down from the crowd and the pace of the match slowed. Nyamjargal started using his jab, finally showing off his 4-inch reach advantage. But Hernandez responded with a thumping punch of his own. Tumenden Beller stole his leg, but Hernandez controlled his opponent’s head and ran away with it. In the next sequence, Tumenden-Beller shook off a takedown and forced his opponent to retreat toward the fence. Nyamjargal drops Hernandez and jumps into an open armbar. Inside the Octagon, Hernandez winced and deftly thwarted a submission attempt as the energy in the stadium increased. As time expired, Carlos transitioned into a rear naked choke of his own, ending his manic scramble.
To begin the second round for the men, both fighters became more aggressive with their punches. Tumenden Berel looked wild at several points swinging a Hail Mary-style overhand before diving into a flying cup shot. Time was called as it took Carlos 30 seconds to recover, and the crowd erupted in applause when the match resumed. Tumenden Berel began to find his attack, moving out of range and touching his opponent with the edge of his punches. Carlos sensed the change in pace and landed a bodylock takedown, easily breaking through his opponent’s guard. Tumenden-Beller briefly regained his feet several times, but was easily sent back to the canvas. With a minute left in the round, Hernandez moved backwards and went for a rear naked choke. Hernandez was too high and slipped off Nyamjargal’s back near the end of the round, leaving him on his back and taking several well-placed shots.
The final round began with Tumenden Berel stalking his opponent. Nyamjargal finally found Jabu’s location. But he kept missing and pulling strikes as Nyamjargal went for a follow-up overhand. Hernandez continued to move laterally, using head movement and keeping his hands high.
Midway through the round, Tumendenberg blocked several takedowns in the center of the Octagon. However, Nyamjargal was unable to take advantage of the moment with a follow-up shot. Hernandez moved out of the way of another oversized shot, feinted and closed the distance with a body lock to avoid danger. With seconds left in the round, Tumendenberg clipped Hernadez with a long strike. Carlos briefly fell to the canvas, but recovered and lifted his opponent in a body lock, firmly holding on for a decisive victory in the final seconds of the round.
Official result: Carlos Hernandez def. Nyamjargal Tumendembele, split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
