Luis Hernandez Signs First Ever UFC McDonald’s Deal

Luis Hernandez Makes History as the First UFC Fighter to Sign With McDonald’s

Luis “The Stache” Hernandez keeps making history. Less than a month after winning his UFC debut, the undefeated Miami fighter became the first UFC athlete ever to sign a sponsorship deal with McDonald’s.

Malki Kawa announced the partnership and shared a photo on instagram of Hernandez holding his contract with the caption: “Happy meal, happy deal!!! First ever deal done by McDonald’s and a UFC fighter in the history of combat sports.” Hernandez answered in fitting style, replying with a GIF of Ronald McDonald.

A Deal Built on a Historic Run

The McDonald’s partnership caps one of the fastest starts any UFC newcomer has had. On September 15, 2026, Hernandez earned his UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series. He came back from a difficult first round to submit Hugo Guillon with a rear naked choke at 1:01 of the second round.

Eleven days later, he stepped in on two days notice against veteran Sedriques Dumas at UFC Vegas 121. Fighting up a division at light heavyweight, Hernandez needed only 57 seconds to finish Dumas with a standing guillotine. The win moved him to a perfect 9-0, with every victory coming by stoppage.

That story goes well beyond the cage. Hernandez is an active duty Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Deputy and the first active American law enforcement officer signed to the UFC. His path, his personality, and his finishing ability have made him one of the most marketable new names on the roster.

Still Wearing the Badge

The sponsorship hasn’t changed Hernandez’s commitment to his day job. Speaking with Ariel Helwani, he confirmed he still works full time in law enforcement. He explained that he can train for an hour each day while on duty, and he uses vacation and comp time to fit in more sessions around his shifts.

Hernandez has pointed to former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic as an example. Miocic famously balanced his fight career with work as a firefighter, and Hernandez said it was time for an officer to do the same.

Fast Food and FRM Fighters

Hernandez isn’t the first FRM client to connect with a fast food brand. Derrick Lewis famously landed a Popeyes deal after a memorable remark at UFC 226. Hernandez’s McDonald’s agreement, though, is the first time the brand has signed a UFC fighter.

Sponsorship Representation With First Round Management

Securing brand partnerships that set a fighter apart is a core part of what First Round Management does for its MMA clients. Alongside contract negotiation and fight booking support, FRM’s MMA management team works to connect fighters with major brands so they can earn beyond their fight purse. For Luis Hernandez, that support has turned a remarkable first month in the UFC into a landmark commercial deal. As he builds his career inside the Octagon, FRM will keep helping him grow a brand as distinctive as his story.