Dual-Division Champion Hernandez Eyes Triology Breaker Against Erik Duran

HOUSTON — Reigning dual-division champion Nate Hernandez enters Submission Hunter Pro 100 with both momentum and revenge on his mind as he prepares to defend his 135-pound brown belt no-gi title against Erik Duran on Nov. 16.

“Now that I’m living that dream of being the champ for Submission Hunter Pro, I’m gonna just keep going, keep doing my thing,” Hernandez said. “Can’t lose, dude, can’t lose.”

Hernandez currently holds both the 135-pound and 145-pound belts and said he won’t take the pressure lightly.

“Having these belts, they mean a lot to me. I fought really hard to fight for the belt for a long time,” he said. “Now that I’m finally holding the 135 and the 145 belt, now it’s my time to defend it.”

His challenger, Duran, is a familiar opponent.

“I’m fighting against Eric Duran. Me and him fought two times. We’re one and one in submissions, so now I’m looking to get this get back,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez expects Duran to stay committed to pressure passing and back attacks.

“He’s probably going to be looking to pass my guard again and maybe look to take my back or look for some kind of a choke — maybe anaconda, D’Arce, guillotine,” Hernandez said. “Other than that, I don’t really see him going for anything else.”

Training out of Inevat Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Hernandez credits a room full of high-level partners for helping him stay sharp.

“You got Samuel and the guy, you got Matthias Gabriel, Francisco Lowe, and other good black belts,” he said. “There are no easy rounds.”

Hernandez left fans with one final message:

“My name’s Nathan Hernandez — catch me on Submission Hunter Pro on November 16. You can watch on UFC Fight Pass and you can still get your tickets now.”