Alex Hernandez is about to fight one of the most experienced and beloved fighters in the sport, on the first ever, UFC ESPN broadcast, and does the rising lightweight seem overwhelmed or intimidated? Not in the slightest.

The 26-year-old has been tapped to fight Donald Cerrone at UFC Brooklyn tomorrow, in the featured bout of the ESPN prelims. Hernandez has been booked for the high profile and pivotal opportunity in what his just his third, UFC fight. After Hernandez turned heads throughout MMA by knocking out Beneil Dariush in his Octagon debut, he recorded a decision win over Olivier Aubin-Mercier.

Well, leading up to the contest, the 10-1 fighter has acknowledged how crucial tomorrow’s bout is, and he’s also predicted that he’s going to run through the longtime contender. During Thursday’s pre-fight presser, with Cerrone sitting not far away from him, Hernandez let the verbal shots fly. Here is some of what the lightweight had to say (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“I’m looking through the fighter,” Hernandez said. “I’m looking at the man and think the persona’s a big distraction. I just see myself facing an insecure little lad, swinging on a saddle with a pop-gun and a feather in his hat.”

“You are a jester in the way. You’re an active participant. You’re concerned with entertaining people. I’m on the road to the throne. I’m on my way to kingship.”

“…On your 40th fight, if it took you that long to figure out what your goals are and that you’re meant to be a champion, you’re about 39 too (expletive) late,” Hernandez said. “For me, I know why I’m in this. I know my purpose. I know my mission, and I’m 100 percent committed to one thing.”

Now, it should be noted that Cerrone was quick to tell Hernandez he’s not about the trash talk, and he also claimed the younger fighter didn’t say much when they were backstage (and Hernandez responded by saying Cerrone hadn’t said much either). But, in terms of self-promotion, what matters is what’s relayed to an audience, and it seems clear Hernandez isn’t lost for words when the camera are on. Not only that, the rising star certainly appears to be pretty gifted when it comes to slinging warnings.

So, when you couple that with what Hernandez has showcased inside the cage, the pieces are in place for the Texan fighter to have a massive, 2019 campaign. Provided, of course, he can get by Cerrone, who has halted the rise of plenty of fighters over the years.