If you hadn't heard of Jack Hermansson before Saturday, you probably know the name now. The Swedish dark horse, who goes by the nickname "The Joker," went from relative unknown to middleweight contender this weekend by defeating Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza in the main event of UFC Fight Night 150.
Steeping in as a late-notice replacement to fight Souza, Hermansson looked every bit as worthy of being in the Octagon as the well-respected Souza. Hermansson outpunched and outlanded Souza through five rounds, landing quick flurries and testing Souza's grappling defense.
Despite not getting the early finish, Hermansson's constant pressure kept Souza on the defensive. There were a few moments in the fight where Souza looked like he was ready to take control of the fight, but each time Hermansson rose to the occasion.
In the end, Hermansson walked out with a unanimous decision victory (49-46, 48-47, 48-47).
Hermansson (20-4) has now won four straight fights, with previous victories over David Branch, Gerard Meerschaert, and Thales Leites. A win over Souza, who defeated former champion CHris Weidman by knockout at UFC 230 last November, should provide a decent boost to Hermansson in the rankings.