Alex Hernandez pays respect to Donald Cerrone following loss at UFC on ESPN+1

Bloodyelbow.com

UFC lightweight prospect Alex Hernandez has dialled down the trash talk after his stoppage loss to Donald Cerrone at UFC Fight Night 143.

Bloody Elbow Presents: 6th Round Post-Fight Show – UFC on ESPN+1/UFC Brooklyn: Cejudo vs Dillashaw

Hernandez, who called Cerrone ‘an insecure little lad’ (amongst other things) prior to Saturday night’s preliminary bout at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, congratulated ‘Cowboy’ on his TKO victory and thanked the UFC for the learning experience.

“Congratulations @cowboycerrone. You taught me something invaluable in defeat,” Hernandez posted on Instagram. “Perhaps the best/worst thing that ever happened to me was a 42 second knockout debut. I go into every fight feeling untouchable and expecting a repeat of the same occurrence. I prepare myself in the moments prior for an execution in the first round and not a fight. I need to learn to fight. I need to address my approach. I brought the fight to Cerrone and where he made adjustments, I did not. Experience is a costly bitch.

Thank you @ufc @danawhite @seanshelby for an amazing opportunity and belief in me. I will not let this go in vain. The triumph of adversity is what makes a man and defines legends. I will be be back. And you will know I mean what I say next time you see me. This is good pain.”

UFC on ESPN+1 marked Hernandez’ first defeat inside the Octagon but also his first Fight of the Night bonus. The 26-year-old stood toe-to-toe with Cerrone before wilting to a head kick and follow-up punches in the second round.

Cerrone, 35, is hoping to secure a matchup with former lightweight and featherweight champion Conor McGregor on the heels of his TKO win over Hernandez.