Tag Archives: fight preparation

Adults Jiu Jitsu

Anthony Hernandez Wins at UFC Seattle: A Rivalry Rekindled and Lessons for Jiu Jitsu Practitioners

This past weekend at UFC Seattle, Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez once again proved why he’s a force in the middleweight division, securing a decisive win over Brendan Allen. It was a high-paced, technical battle, and Hernandez’s relentless pressure and grappling control made the difference. With this victory, he extends his winning streak and solidifies himself as a top contender in the division.

A Rivalry Rekindled

The history between Hernandez and Allen goes back to 2018, when they first faced off for the LFA Middleweight Championship. Hernandez won that fight by unanimous decision, setting the stage for a long-standing rivalry. Over the years, both fighters have evolved, and their rematch at UFC Seattle was a true test of how far they’ve come. Once again, Hernandez walked away with the win, proving that his skill set and determination remain a step ahead.

Coach Eliot Kelly in his Corner

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’ve had the privilege of watching Anthony develop over the years. Coach Eliot Kelly has worked with him since 2020, helping make contributions to his grappling skills and fight preparation. If you’ve ever trained with Eliot, you know the emphasis he places on positional control, positional escapes, and staying composed under pressure—all of which were on full display in Anthony’s performance.

Watching Anthony apply these skills at the highest level is inspiring. His ability to shut down Allen’s submission attempts, stay dominant in the grappling exchanges, and push the pace for three rounds speaks to his dedication and work ethic.

Implications for Jiu Jitsu Practitioners

Hernandez’s performance offers valuable lessons for those training in jiu jitsu:

• Positional Dominance: His ability to maintain top control and transition between positions underscores the importance of positional awareness in jiu jitsu. Controlling an opponent limits their offense and opens up opportunities for submissions or ground-and-pound.

• Submission Defense and Escapes: Allen is a dangerous grappler, but Hernandez’s defense and ability to escape tough positions were key to his victory. Being able to neutralize submission threats is essential in both sport jiu jitsu and MMA.

• Conditioning and Pace: The high pace maintained throughout the fight shows the importance of cardiovascular conditioning. Sustaining pressure and executing techniques under fatigue is what separates good practitioners from great ones.

The Road Ahead

As Anthony continues his climb up the middleweight ranks, we’ll be cheering him on. His success is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication always improve, and a grounded family and friends who support him. Congratulations, Anthony—your EDH Jiu Jitsu family is proud of you!

Adults Jiu Jitsu, community

Pro Practice at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu: Training

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our pro practice sessions are where high-level athletes sharpen their skills alongside some of the best in the game. These invite-only sessions bring together professional MMA fighters, active Jiu Jitsu competitors, and elite grapplers for an intense, competition-focused training environment.

What Makes Pro Practice Special?

Unlike regular classes, these sessions are designed for high-level performance and fight preparation. The intensity is higher, the rounds are longer, and the training partners are experienced competitors. This is where strategy meets execution, and every round is an opportunity to test yourself against some of the toughest athletes in the region.

Our pro practices focus on:

✅ Wrestling for MMA and Jiu Jitsu – Sharpening takedowns, transitions, and positional dominance.

✅ Submission Grappling – High-paced rounds that emphasize efficiency under pressure.

✅ Live Situational Drilling – Training specific scenarios that mimic grappling situations in fights and high-level matches.

✅ Fight Simulation – Rounds structured to push each other through the mental and physical challenges of competition.

Training as Professionals

Our mats have hosted UFC fighters, world-class wrestlers, and IBJJF medalists, all pushing each other to new levels. Whether preparing for an MMA fight, a Jiu Jitsu competition , or a major tournament, this room is where competitors refine their craft in an elite training environment.

Our pro practice sessions are known for their high intensity, pushing each athlete to their limits in a competition-focused environment. However, what separates elite training from reckless sparring is the high level of control that every participant must maintain. While the pace is fast and the rounds are demanding, there’s a shared understanding that training partners are not opponents—they are teammates helping each other improve. Precision, technical awareness, and mutual respect are key, ensuring that even in the most intense exchanges, athletes remain mindful of safety. This balance between intensity and control allows for maximum growth with minimal risk of injury, keeping fighters and competitors healthy, sharp, and ready for their next challenge.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we are committed to building champions—on and off the mat. Whether you’re chasing gold in Jiu Jitsu or stepping into the cage for an MMA fight, our pro practice is where you refine your skills, test your limits, and prepare to win.