Fans expressed concern for Jack Hermansson following his disappointing defeat on Saturday night.
A week earlier at UFC 322, Islam Makhachev claimed the welterweight title by defeating Jacques Della Maddalena, successfully moving up a weight class as one of the sport’s elite fighters. While switching weight divisions is common, it’s more troubling when a veteran fighter tries to reinvent himself by dropping down a weight class later in his career. This scenario applies to Hermansson, who was stopped by Miktibek Olorubai in his welterweight debut at UFC Qatar.
Following the fight, “Joker” addressed his loss on social media amid speculation about whether he should retire.
On November 22, Hermansson’s knockout loss to Olorubai raised concerns about his move to welterweight. The 34-fight veteran was knocked out by a shot seemingly to the side of his head, alarming fans for his well-being. This marked his second consecutive first-round knockout loss, following a tough defeat to Gregory Rodriguez in June.
Hermansson, 37, posted an Instagram message after the match expressing his continued passion for MMA and resilience despite the setbacks. He emphasized accepting the loss, focusing on gratitude, and moving forward with the support of his family, team, fans, and sponsors.
Additional concerns stemmed from Hermansson facing a tough opponent in Olorubai, who was making his own welterweight debut after competing in lightweight and catchweight bouts. The 27-year-old Olorubai is not known for knockout power, with recent wins coming by decision and submission, making his knockout of Hermansson notable.
The key question now is whether Hermansson will take another chance at welterweight or opt to return to the middleweight division for his next fight.
Fan Take: This news is significant for fight fans because it highlights the risks and uncertainties veterans face when changing weight classes late in their careers. Hermansson’s journey could serve as a cautionary tale or inspire others contemplating reinvention, impacting how fighters manage their careers and divisions going forward.
