The small town of Uddevalla, Sweden, known for its cultural
heritage and natural richness, proudly claims
Jack
Hermansson as its own. A skilled fighter, he remains a
perennial contender in the middleweight division of the
Ultimate Fighting Championship. Growing up alongside six
siblings, Hermansson’s early years hinted at the perseverance that
would define his successful career in the fighting arena.
At the age of 9, Hermansson began training in Greco-Roman wrestling
and later expanded his combat skills to include muay thai and other
disciplines. In 2008, he transitioned to mixed martial arts.
Fast forward to the present, and Hermansson stands as a formidable
figure in the middleweight division of the UFC. He owns 23
victories—11 by knockout, six by submission and six by decision—and
has etched his name in the annals of
Cage Warriors Fighting Championship and
Warrior
Fight Series as a former middleweight titleholder.
“The Joker” currently claims the No. 11 spot in the UFC
middleweight rankings. As he prepares for latest clash, Hermansson
stands opposite
Joseph
Pyfer in the
UFC Fight Night 236 main event on Saturday at the UFC Apex in
Las Vegas. Prior to this battle between two formidable contenders,
let us examine five of the many moments that have intricately
molded Hermansson’s journey:
1. Gold Rush
The defining moment that first cast Hermansson into the spotlight
unfolded on a crisp London evening at
Cage
Warriors 69. “The Joker” stepped inside the cage to face
Norman
Paraisy for the vacant CWFC middleweight championship on Jun.
7, 2014. Patient in the opening moments, he unleashed calculated
flurries, prompting Paraisy’s unsuccessful takedown attempts.
Bloodied but undeterred, Hermansson dominated with precision,
dropping Paraisy and delivering a ground-and-pound assault in the
opening frame of the clash. As the rounds progressed, Hermansson’s
controlled chaos intensified. Paraisy, resilient but compromised,
survived a rear-naked choke attempt and a relentless onslaught. In
the fourth round, Hermansson’s pressure continued, culminating in a
takedown, mount and a barrage of elbows. The climax saw Hermansson
secure the rear-naked choke, forcing Paraisy's tap and clinching
the championship.
2. Master Class
The next defining chapter in Hermansson’s journey unfolded on Aug.
1, 2015 at the iconic York Hall in London. Facing off against
Karlos
Vemola at
Warriors
Fight Series Hermansson etched another defining moment into his
legacy. In a mere 2:08 of the first round, Hermansson showcased his
versatility and submission prowess by executing a flawless armbar
from the bottom. This tactical masterpiece earned him the
prestigious title of the Warrior Fight Series middleweight
champion.
3. Nerves of Steel
Stepping onto the grand stage of the UFC for the first time,
Hermansson faced a formidable test against
Scott
Askham at
UFC Fight Night 93 on Sept. 3, 2016, in Hamburg, Germany. In a
brutal three-round clash, Hermansson’s debut showcased his ability
to grin and bear against top competition in the world’s premier
mixed martial arts organization. While the first round hinted at an
extended feeling-out process, Hermansson shifted the narrative in
the second with a relentless assault. Sharp punching combos backed
Askham against the cage, setting a pace that intensified as the
fight progressed. Despite Hermansson’s heavy right hands, Askham
displayed resilience, even threatening with a late heel hook. As
the final round unfolded, Askham aimed to exploit the submission
game, but Hermansson’s defense proved formidable. Returning to the
feet, Hermansson continued his quest for a knockout, but Askham’s
durability denied him that satisfaction. The unanimous decision
victory, with scores of 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28, marked
Hermansson’s triumphant UFC debut.
4. Fortune Favors the Bold
In a career-defining clash at
UFC Fight Night 150 on April. 27, 2019, Hermansson faced the
revered
Ronaldo
Souza in Sunrise, Florida. Hermansson’s audacious decision to
step in as a replacement just four weeks after an impressive
victory over
David
Branch underscored his determination to break into the elite
ranks of the middleweight division. Facing the former Strikeforce
champion, Hermansson unleashed a striking clinic that left an
indelible mark on his career. Dominating the main event slot, he
secured a one-sided unanimous decision over Souza, with the judges’
scorecards reading 49-46, 48-47 and 48-47. Not only did “The Joker”
amass nearly seven minutes of control time, but his 256 total
strikes landed marked the fourth-highest tally ever recorded in a
middleweight fight. Fortune indeed favored the bold that night, as
Hermansson’s triumph over a respected competitor propelled him into
the upper echelons of the division.
5. Heel Turn
Hermansson faced off against Gastelum in a pivotal middleweight
co-main event clash at
UFC Fight Night 172 on July. 18, 2020. Hermansson aimed to
rebound after a loss and solidify his contender status against then
No. 7-ranked Gastelum. As the bout commenced at the Flash Forum in
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Gastelum pressed forward,
initiating the action. Hermansson responded with precise leg kicks,
setting the stage for a sudden turn of events. Dodging a left hand,
Hermansson sought to take the fight to the ground. In a swift
exchange, Gastelum reversed the position, gaining top control.
However, the tables quickly turned as Hermansson capitalized on the
ground. In a mere 78 seconds, Hermansson displayed his grappling
prowess by isolating Gastelum’s leg and swiftly executing a heel
hook. The quick submission left Gastelum with no choice but to tap
out, marking a decisive victory for Hermansson.