UFC Card Change: Hernández Withdraws Due to Injury
An anticipated middleweight clash between Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez and Reinier de Ridder has suffered an unexpected change. Hernandez has withdrawn from the fight scheduled for October 18 due to an unspecified injury.
The news was announced by UFC officials on Monday. De Ridder, with a record of 12-2, will remain on the card and will face Brendan Allen, also a middleweight contender.
The 185-pound fight will be the main event of UFC Fight Night in Vancouver.
Hernandez expressed his apologies to the UFC and De Ridder through a social media post, highlighting his focus on “recovering to come back stronger than ever”.
Post by Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez
The UFC is looking for the next middleweight title challenger, and the original fight between Hernandez and De Ridder may have significantly influenced the current situation. Khamzat Chimaev was crowned champion after defeating Dricus Du Plessis in August.
Currently, the list of potential challengers for Chimaev includes Nassourdine Imavov, Hernandez, and De Ridder, with a remote possibility for former champion Sean Strickland.
De Ridder will make his fifth UFC appearance in less than a year. He is coming off a split decision victory against former champion Robert Whittaker in July. Allen, with four years of experience in the UFC, comes after a decision victory over Marvin Vettori in July at UFC 318.
