Hernandez (7-0, 4KOs in traditional boxing) was already looking at a 13-month layoff in heading into a previously scheduled BKFC event this past March in his Wichita hometown. The hope was to make his debut on this circuit before returning to boxing by year’s end.

Instead, what will likely serve as his lone fight of 2020 will come in a circled four-rope ring known intimately as the “Squared Circle”. It’s not a career move that was long considered by Hernandez, who captured Olympic bronze for the 2016 U.S. Boxing team which competed in Rio and who views Saturday night as a test run.

“I’ve never really thought about joining BKFC,” admits Hernandez, whose entire pro boxing career has taken place in his home state. “They contacted me sand aid they wanted me to be on the show. I’m a fighter and I wanted to fight. I felt like, it’s boxing without gloves and I shouldn’t have any problems. It’s a fast-paced sport. It’s brutal. You pretty much get the job and get out.

“The promoter (David Feldman) told me that that I would never have to box again for what I will make in BKFC. I’ve made a lot more in my boxing fights than here. We will see if he is serious. For now, I do want to get back to my boxing career. It’s what I love to do. After this, I plan to go back to boxing and take over my weight class.”

A return to the ring at this time could prove lucrative for Hernandez, given the level of competition existing within and surrounding the flyweight division.  To date, the 24-year old has been used largely as a hometown attraction, mostly headlining his own shows but also appearing on a November 2018 DAZN undercard which took place in Mulvane, Kansas largely for his benefit. 

With that comes the BKFC series heading to his home state, with fans permitted in attendance for Saturday’s event. Hernandez has served as a massive regional draw since turning pro in 2017, a status to which he’s eager to return sooner rather than later. There is a chance that he will go back and forth between the two worlds, but undoubtedly one day soon with his hands inside a pair of boxing gloves.

“Boxing is in my blood, it wouldn’t be very hard to return and (reestablish) my presence,” insists Hernandez. “I’m well known right now, but I have to stay active somehow. There aren’t many flyweights out here so I’m grateful for this opportunity (on Saturday).

“Still, my name holds a lot of clout in the boxing industry. I just feel like I need that one breakthrough fight to prove myself and become a world champion.”

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox